Category: simplicity

I have found simplicity to be a useful lens in life. Simplifying my stuff has provided freedom, remove unnecessary friction, while enabling me to pursue what is important to me, aka what I consider a meaningful life. The following is a complete list of everything I own. This list might look minimalist to the average person living in the SF Bay Area, and luxury for people who live in much of the world. Making this list was inspired by zenhabit’s one bag lifestyle and Tynan’s Gear posts. I also have a list of items shared by our family. Please do not allow your possessions to become the basis of your self-worth, security or well being.

Items in bold are exceptionally great. I happily use items marked with “*” but I would not automatically replace them. If I was a “true minimalist” I would get rid of them. The (year) is when the item became a standard part of my life, /year indicates when I re-purchased.

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Bags

For the last three years I have been living out of my “bags” as we have continued out semi-nomadic life. We plan to be more settled by the end of this year.

• Gossamer Gear Vagabond – my review (2022) a 23L day pack which is light weight, comfortable to carry for extended periods of time, works well for EDC, and is large enough to hold everything I take when traveling. 46x27x15cm (18/10.75/5.75inches) filled with my normal gear is small enough to squish into every “personal item” sizer I have encountered and under the seat in front of me. While access is not as easy as a clamshell style bag, I have no problem retrieving items by feel because my clothing and stuff sack have different textures. Stands up on its bottom makes access on the go easy. I am using the discontinued Trail model. The current Jet model has some nice upgrades. I have a list of other travel and trek packs.
• Decathalon Packable 15L Courier Bag (2023) Used when most of my gear can be left behind. Easier to access on the go than a backpack and no sweaty back. Large enough to hold anything I might need, unstructured so light loads still feels small and can be worn under my slim fitting coat. Carrying >4lbs for an extended time is uncomfortable for my shoulder. The bag has several small holes in the fabric after 1.5 years of everyday use. I expect I will get a few more years use out of it, but find the lack of durability disappointing. I have used other ultralight bags whose fabric showed no wear after similar use. On the other hand, it was only €8.
• S2S Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack (2017) 2.5l stuff sack made from silicon nylon.  Many uses: keep small items together, hold dirty clothing, washing bag, trash bag. 
• Nanobag Sling* (2023) is a 19l bag which weights just 20 grams and compresses to the size of a roll of lifesavers. Shoulder strap has a tendency to narrow under load, which makes it a bit uncomfortable when used for an extended time. Great for when we are buying groceries which don’t fit in whatever other bags we are carrying.

Everyday Carry (EDC)

Apple Based Computing

I am in the Apple eco-system due to the intersection of security, ease of collaboration/sharing, and quality of applications. I have additional details about the technology I use.

• MacBook 12″ from 2017 (2023) This is the last ultra portable made by Apple. It’s 2lb, decent keyboard, and enables me to complete daily tasks with a minimum amount of friction. Can’t run the current version of OSX but security patches are still available. I could use OpenCore Patcher to run current OS, but not willing to risk bricking it right now.
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro (2024) Too big, but can’t find a usable small phone :(. Camera on the 16 pro is quite good, appreciate the action and camera button, and the satellite messaging might be useful. On T-Mobile (2022) which has good international coverage but mediocre coverage in USA compared to Verizon. Purchased the 16Pro when my iPhone 12 mini’s battery couldn’t last more than a few hours.
• Apple AirPod Pros (2021/2023) are nicely integrated with the Apple eco-system and just works. Noise reduction is “ok”, and the “ambient mode” provides situational awareness. The case is part of the “Find My” eco-system.  Downside is battery can’t be swapped when it no longer holds a charge. I have written about other headphones.
• MacBook Pro 14-inch (2006/2022) When I am at home this is the device I use. When I am traveling it is left running in a safe location and I access it remotely via Tailscale. Holds the family’s archives: pictures, videos, ripped CDs, digitized books, and documents. I could change workflows so everything lived in cloud, but current system is working well. I select a configuration with enough storage for 2x my current usage (4tb at the time of purchase) and the maximum memory available which has allowed me to use the same MacBook Pro for >5 years before I feel the need to upgrade.

Other Technology

“Tech Kit” items are stored in a small litesmith zipza pouch (2023) which is the perfect size, mostly waterproof, light, and a different texture than anything else in my bag so easy to find by touch. I am hoping that I will soon only have devices that use USB-C and will be able to do away with the adapters.

• Nomad 65w Slim Charger (2024) hangs down rather than out so doesn’t lever itself out of loose outlets and packs well. 65W to one slot, 45W/20W when using both. Replaced an Anker 523 which is powering devices in our home. My wife loves her tiny 30w Anker Nano. For people who need three outlets, Anker 735 and Minix P1 and P3 are pretty good. If you need more power / more outlets I would think about getting something that has a removal cord rather than plugs directly into the wall like the Baseus 100W … because heavy watt chargers are getting so heavy that it will leverage itself out of the outlet. Snug plug can help prevent this problem.
• Nitecore 10000 Gen2 (2023) power bank with USB-A out C in/out. Lightest and most compact 10k battery I have found. Comfortable in my pocket while charging my phone. Can slowly charge my MacBook or mostly power the MacBook while charging my iPhone. Supports pass through charging so I can charge this battery while my MacBook is plugged into. Has a bug that when you hold the “low power” button too long it puts the battery in standby mode which is only ended when you plug it in to be charged which is fixed in Gen3. Spreadsheet of many power bank options.
• Cables: A 6ft USB-C cable, 2 6″ USB-C cables
• Adaptor tips from USB-C to (Lighting, Garmin), and 2 USB-C to A converter.
• Mogics Adapter MA1 (2023) is the smallest and lightest universal power adaptor I have found. For type E remember to unscrew and extended the type C prongs. Some trouble in UK outlets due to round pins: sparking until I got it set properly. BTW: The best visual display of outlet types I have found.
• Tempo Logging Thermometer (2022) which lets me keep track of the conditions I experience.
• Etymotic HF3 (2013/2023) Great sound isolation. Provides me with around 40db of noise reduction which is better than any consumer grade active noise cancelling headphones I have tried. Carried with FiiO KA11 (2024) USB-C DAC and airplane double jack adaptors. Second foam eartips for when current pair stops sealing.

In Pockets / On my Body

• Flexon Frames (1995/2020) last an average of 8 years. Yearly replace lens… currently using high index progressive lens with Transitions XtrActive Polarized (2023) that go from almost clear and unpolarized to 90% light blockage which is polarized! Eyeglasses are an incredible blessing.
• Garmin 955 Watch (2022) accurately tracks my activities and measures my fitness level. Has decent integration with smartphones and notifies me when I have left my phone behind. I find the data I get from Garmin to be higher quality than most other wrist worn sensors, being close to medical / lab grade when paired with external sensors. Better battery life than the Apple Watch with physical buttons which work with sweaty fingers. The display on the 965 is a significant improvement but I am happy enough with my 955 not to upgrade. There are other good sport watches.
• Hanchor Mica (2023) a tiny wallet / coin purse which holds my IDs, 1 credit card, 1 debit card, a few bills, coins when needed. Using a Chase Sapphire Reserve card for this season of life. Annual fee is ridiculous, but benefits have more than paid for the fee last few years. Really appreciate that the points can be transferred to the frequent flying programs we use, and the access to airport lounges has been a lifesaver.
• Victorinox Swiss Army Rambler (1999/2015) is the smallest, usable tool I have found with a blade, phillips head & flat screwdriver, scissors, bottle opener, and nail file. I am on my 3rd Rambler after losing a couple to TSA in the early 2000s. I have some notes about other knives.
• Swiss+Tech Utili-Key (2002/2023) Replaces my Rambler when flying and none of my companions is using a check-through bag where I can stash my Rambler. The Utili-Key has made it through TSA checkpoints over 160 times without being confiscated, but isn’t as usable as a Rambler pocket knife. On third Utili-Key due to misplacing them.
• Uniball Vision Elite .5mm Pen (2015/2024) Writing feel approaching Pilot V5 and doesn’t leak after plane flights!

In My Bag

Items are carried in whatever bag I am using for the day. I used to carry the charging and power kit listed above, but my phone’s battery lasts long enough that it’s not necessary.

• Zojirushi Double Walled Mug 16oz (2013/2017) can easily be used one handed, locks, pours at the perfect speed, the mouth is wide enough for ice cubes, and insulates better than every other mug I have tested. When air temp is ~80F and the mug is exposed to the sun, 6 small ice cubes in cool water have just finished melting in around 3 hours – water temp is 35F. In 68F conditions ice lasts most of the day. In many countries you you can fill mug with ice (no water) and get through airport security. Once through, add water and you can have icy cold water for your flight. I have a Deep Cherry color mug which is easy to spot. When I want to go extra light weight, I swapped it for either a SmartWater bottle or a 2L Platypus bottle.
• Passport with a Chipolo Card Spot (2023) so I can use Apple’s “Find My” for my passport. Used to cross borders, checking into hotels, getting cell service, etc. Stored in a loksak aloksak which protects it from water, and is large enough for passport + my phone + my wallet if I go swimming.
• NU20 classic (2024) 38 grams. Adequate regulation on medium and low settings. Has a flood, spot, and red light. Used when I need hands free light: making repairs, hiking at night, etc. Lit our kitchen during a power outage by bouncing light off ceiling. Can be locked to prevent accidentally turning on. Four LEDS to indicate battery level. UCB-C for changing and can be powered by an external source making it useful in extreme cold or when needing long runtimes. Replaced an original Nicore NU20 headlamp which I gifted to someone on our travels. There are many other good flashlights.
• 6 Foot Tape Measure (2023) I often need to measure things. Was confiscated by security in UAE because it’s a weapon?! Replace with the same tape measure I used in the past… moderately priced but not the most durable.
• Fold-it-flat Unitensil Spoon/Fork (2015) Often useful when traveling and we purchase food at grocery stores rather than restaurants.
• Totobobo mask (2023) which is almost as effective as N95, and easier to breath through. Mask + replacement filters are more compact that carrying a number of M95 masks. I like the BOTN KT94 and the classic 3M N95. For other good options see Masknerd reviews. N95 properly worn provides significant more protection than cloth or the basic surgical masks.
• Sleep Mask (2022) helps me get longer / better sleep because it stops external light from disturbing me.
• Small first aid kit, not shown here – travels in toiletry kit shown below, moved to daily use at destination.

Clothing

I have notes about selecting clothing for an active life which goes in detail  about how I select clothing for a wide range of activities and conditions. I often engage in wilderness backpacking and exercise daily which typically includes a run. In normal circumstances my clothing dry overnight after being washed and then squeezed with a towel to jumpstart drying. The following items have been acceptable in every circumstance I faced in the last five years.

• Outdoor Research Ferrosi Transit – 2 pair (2023/2024) Acceptable looking in urban settings while providing good mobility. Dries in a few hours and are comfortable in hot weather. I have some concerns about long term durability… noticed some light pilling near my knee after around 120 days of wear but only noticeable when my eye is inches from the fabric. Time between washing required varies between 1 day (muddy trails in hot weather) to 6 days (urban, low activity, cool temperatures). In cool conditions I will swap one pair of Ferrosi with a pair of Outlier Slim Dungarees which are more durable and better looking. Other good pants.
• Patagonia Hydropeak Hybrid Walk Shorts (2023) dry in a couple of hours while hanging, faster when wearing. They are very comfortable, give me good freedom of movement. Not excessively “technical” looking. They can function as a swim suit, but if I am going to be on a beach for multiple weeks I will retrieve my Bluesmith board shorts described in the “beach section” below from as not to offend my wife’s sensibilities.
• Icebreaker Anatomica Briefs – 4 pairs (2014/2021) the most comfortable underwear I have worn. They dry overnight and resist odor. I get around 600 days of wear before the waist band deforms and small holes appear. Only downside is that they bunch up a bit in hot weather when carrying a backpack. In the past I found the synthetic briefs from Ex Offico were pretty good but their quality has dropped. I have heard Uniqo Airism, 32 degree mesh, and Duluth Trading Buck Naked briefs are great, but no personal experience. When going light I bring two pairs: one to wear, one to wash/dry.
• Icebreaker Anatomica Tee-shirt (2014/2021) merino wool with a bit of nylon for durability and a bit of lycra for a body hugging fit. This tee-shirt fits me perfectly, is super comfortable, doesn’t smell after a week+ of wear, dries overnight, and my wife likes how the shirt looks on me. UPF between 15-30? I get around 500 days of wear before an Anatomica Tee looks tired, and 600 days before the first small holes appear. This is my default shirt unless I am want something covering my arms (sun protection or warmth). I think Icebreaker makes the best merino tees, but there are a number of other good options from Smartwool, Outlier, Wool&Prince, and several other companies. While I love merino wool, there are advantages to synthetic technical-tees: absorb less water, dry more quickly, and are more cost effective because they tend to be cheaper and longer lasting.
• Arcteryx Cormac Hoodie (2023) A casual UPF 50 shirt. Slightly textured which I find reasonably comfortable when I am hot and sweaty. When using a crystal deodorant resists odor for 3+ days of normal activities, 2 day of vigorous activity. Provides full sun protection. Resists stains pretty well so spills generally clean with a quick rinse, but after 130 days of use there were stains which won’t come out. Thankfully light stains on the heather mostly blend in. I found this shirt dries in less than 3 hours after being squeezed, rolled in a towel and hung in a cool indoor room with modest ventilation. When hung in bright sunlight it dries in less than 1 hour. Also dries in less than 1.5 hours when I am wearing it in moderate temperatures and humidity. This is my default shirt for “outdoors” / “athletic” activities. The Outdoor Research Echo is a good alternative for many: lighter, cooler feeling, with a slimmer fit, and good anti odor. Unfortunately for me, the Echo’s UPF is 15-20 has resulted in me getting sunburn when I spend all day outdoors in locations which have >10 UV Index. I have notes about other base layers.
• Outlier AMB Merino Wool Button Up Shirt (2019) Very comfortable. Nice looking, resists wrinkles and if I don’t spill food on it can be worn for more than a week without washing. Dries overnight. Good air permeability, surprisingly comfortable in warmer conditions. My default long sleeve shirt when in urban environment. No longer made.
• OR Astroman Button-Up* (2023) UPF 30-50, light weight long sleeve button-up shirt. Jack of all trades, master of none. If I could only have one shirt, this is what I would take. Good sun protection and reasonably comfortable in hot conditions, but not as comfortable as Cormac Hoodie. Reasonably dressy, but the slash pocket, tendency to wrinkle, and lack of fabric structure isn’t as dressy as a good wool, cotton, or linen button-down shirt. Resists odor for 2-4 days at “normal” activity levels, 1-2 when highly active. Dries in a few hours when hung up after washing. Carrying now because my wife doesn’t like me wearing clothing that looks the same every day and sometimes the versatility is useful.
• Xoskin Toe Socks – 2 pairs (2022/2024) prevents blisters forming between my toes when walking or running for extended distances. I have worn one pair 30 days in a row doing ~20 miles of hiking each day without blisters. They weren’t stinky after six days of continuous use (and not washing) while backpacking in sandals, though they are more prone to pick up odor after several hundred miles of use or when encased in shoes. Gets ~700 miles before first hole appear. With darning can often make it to 1100 miles.
• Shammas Elite Maximus (2024) I love the feel of running almost barefoot and the small space they take when packed. The Shammas replace a pair of Luna Venado Sandals which wore out after 1400 miles. I find the Shammas lacing system more comfortable and they have better traction than any Luna I have used, and they have better ground feel than Bedrock sandals… hoping they last as long.
• Inov-8 Trailfly G 270 (2022/2024) Zero drop trail running shoe with a 12mm stack. Great fit for me: just enough room for my toes to splay while gripping my heel perfectly. Used for backpacking or trail running when the terrain is too challenging for my sandals or when I need to wear closed toe shoes. They have been acceptable footwear in snobbish establishments and no one has ever commented about them. I wear in transit and pack my sandals. The graphene infused soles are more durable than typical trail runners. At 1400 miles the uppers still look good and there is still a bit of tread on the highest wear areas of the sole. The V2 of this shoe reinforcements switched from a flat black are a shiny grey which makes them a bit less discreet. I have heard it claimed that Nike Pegasus Trail 4 might be even longer lasting though I am highly skeptical.

Sports / Exercise

• Garmin HRM-Pro (2021) gets higher accuracy during interval training than built in optical sensor on smart watches and works when swimming. Also provides running power which has been somewhat useful. Supports ANT+ and Bluetooth.
• Foam Visor (2023) Keeps sun, rain, and sweat out of my eyes when running or hiking and doesn’t absorb water when worn in the rain. Typically combined with a hood which protects neck and ears.
• Xoskin Compression Shorts (2023/2024) Great for many highly energy activities. Has eliminated chafing on long, hot runs, and of course work fine in less demanding circumstances. Ok as a swim suit. No pockets, but items placed on the leg are held in place by compression. Not durable enough to cycle in without shorts over them. When not subjected to extreme abrasive conditions, first hole appeared after around 600 hours of use, but performance is still good.

Outerwear

The following clothing allows me to be comfortable at all actively levels when the temperature is 25F or warmer, and colder if I am engaged in high aerobic activities like running or cross country skiing.

• Montbell DryPeak Jacket (2022) made from Shakedry. I can actually wear it and not be soaked by sweat when active! I have done zone 2 runs for 2 hours in 48F rain with just 1 gram of water accumulating. Waterproof and doesn’t wet out. Works well as a wind shell. Shakedry is somewhat fragile and is discontinued… hope something equally performant comes out soon. Other options are discussed in my post about rain gear.
• Macpac Nitro Pullover (2021) Made from Polartec Alpha Direct (90gsm). Almost no water absorption and dries super fast. Very air permeable… I can feel air flow at walking speed in still air. Very light insulate without a shell, surprisingly warm under a shell. Great when active in cold conditions. Worn whenever my shirt isn’t warm enough. I am comfortable sitting in 68F wearing the Nitro and a tee-shirt, but when I pull up the hood and layer on a shell I am comfortable down to 40F doing light work (walking 2mph flat terrain), and in colder conditions when more active. Not as fragile as it looks but guessing 1/4 the lifetime of a classic fleece. There are lots of good options for an insulation layer.
• Montbell Plasma 1000 Down Vest* (2021) Incredibly light weight vest which provides moderate insulation for my core. I have the Japanese version which has pockets. With a long sleeve shirt and shell I am adequately comfortable down to around 45F. When combined with a tee-shirt, Macpac Nitro, and a shell allows me to be comfortable while walking down to 30F. Combined with Nitro and Micro Puff keeps me warm enough in any winter conditions I am likely to encounter in the next few years. More acceptable looking over button down shirt / under blazer than my hoodie. Less than perfect for me: cut is a bit too boxy the neck doesn’t seal well.
• Enlightened Gear Visp Rain Mittens (2022) Super minimalist protection for hands. Keeps my hand comfortable from freezing to around 50F when engaged in modest activity.
• Montbell Umbrero Rain Hat (2021/2023) is a 1.8oz folding hat which fully shades my face, ears, and neck. It’s fully waterproof but still provides the best ventilation of any hat I have used. It deforms but usable in <25mph winds. I paint the inside for UV protection. I think it’s silly looking, and periodically have people point and laugh… but I have also received compliments and have had people chase me down to ask where they could purchase one for themselves. The tube inside the brim breaks after 2-3 years of everyday use. There are lots of other good hat options.

Toiletries

• Decathlon Ultralight Toiletry Bag (2024) is the perfect size for my toiletry kit and make it easy for me to find everything quickly. Replaced REI Micro Shower Bag (2017) which made it hard to find what I was looking for. Top section holds first aid kit, middle things for teeth/lips, and the larger bottom section holds everything else.
• First Aid Kit: Band-aids, single use benzoin tincture, compeed blister pads, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic cream, superglue, a couple of safety pins, and a few doses of nyquil and benadryl, small HumanGear GoTubb to store aleve.
• Philips One Toothbrush (2024) Electric toothbrush that is compact, easy to use, comfortable in the hand, and reasonably effective. Use a full size Oral-B I am not flying to my destination. A charging adapter, though picture shows the original charging cable. Why doesn’t the Philips use a standard USB-C socket?!
• Reach (rebranded Listerine Woven / Ultraclean) Floss (1996/2022) is the most effective dental floss I have used. Gentle to the gums while still getting plague and food wedged between teeth out. I believe it has been discontinued but still possible to find stock. My dentist has recommended coco floss as a good replacement though it’s more than twice as expensive.
• Toothpaste and Toothpicks
• 100senses body bar (2019/2024) which takes care of all my cleaning needs without drying out my sensitive skin or making my hair feel like straw. One bar lasts around six months. There are better shaving creams and detergents to wash clothing, but it’s been good enough and simplifies life for me.
• Matador Flatpack Soap Case (2020). The Flatpak lets the soap dry out better than a ziplock bag, but it’s far from magical. In high humidity conditions I have had soap fail to dry after a couple of days. It doesn’t work very well as a case while showering.
• Gillette Mach-3 Handle (2024) and enough blades (1999/2021) for my next trip segment. Use around 11 blades / year. Costco often sells large packs of the blades at a discounted price. The handle I have used since 1999 broke.
• PaRaDa Nail clipper (2014) are large and heavy but effective and the trimmings catcher is brilliant. I have been saying for years that I will replace it with something lighter and more compact but I haven’t done it yet.
• Retractable Bristle Hairbrush (1994) Compact and more effective than a comb for me.
• Daily Medicine – not shown (2024) – Comprehensive preventative medical checkup in TW recommended some medicines to take daily.
• Crystal Deodorant (2023) Simple Potassium Alum crystals. Years ago I ran an experiment and discovered if I showered regularly, no one could tell that I didn’t use deodorant. I suppose I have lower BO than some people. After >10 years I gave this deodorant a try after reading about them on /r/onebag. I notice that my shirts go a day or more longer before they pick up body odor. Carrying a 1.5 oz stick which shows little wear after 2 years of use. It’s best to apply right after a shower since it needs to be wet and works best on clean skin. It’s not an anti-perspirant nor doesn’t cover up existing odor. Rather it produces it environment that is hostile to the odor creating bacteria. Removed from case… rubber band to make it easier to grip.
• A micro fiber cleaning / storage bag for my glasses
• PackTowel Ultralight Body Size – discontinued (2009) Dries in less than 3 hours after I dry myself when hanging indoors, faster in sun, is compact, weights just 3oz. Large enough that I can wrap it around my waist like a small sarong. I found the face size sufficient for me to dry my body, but I am willing to carry a larger towel for the added versatility and ease of use. There are other travel towels.
• I acquire sunscreen wherever I am. I try to select SPF >=50, considered very low risk for health, and reef safe when near the ocean. The sun screens in EU are way better than in the US because the FDA hasn’t approve some of the newer options. Such a shame since they are reportedly are safe, feel better on the skin, and often don’t leave you looking like a ghost. If the trip is short and I don’t have any sun screen from the EU left I will bring a Neutrogena Mineral stick. Around town where I don’t need to worry about form factor or TSA I will pick up whatever is the top rated sun screen that is liked by both consumerlab and ewg.

Putting it Together

Below is a picture of everything ready to be packed. Sandals, hat, and water bottle typically go in the side pockets, but can also be packed in the top of the bag if I need to put my bag in an airline sizer box. The bottom row goes into the bottom of the pack, vertically. On top of my clothing goes toiletry kit and outerwear. Top row is sometimes carried in the Decathlon bag, or sometimes laptop is inserted into my backpack, the Decathlon bag is packed in the backpack, and the other items go into the two zippers pockets of the Vagabond.

Used When I Drive From “Home Base”

Household Items

The following are used whenever they can be easily transported to where we are staying for >2 weeks. If we are flying to a destination, they are stored in our car until we return. We also have a cooler and some kitchen tools and staples we have put aside for when we travel by car.

• Tom Bihn Smart Alec (2022) durable bucket style day pack. Stands up by itself and is easily accessible through the top zippered opening without spilling. In this season of life this pack has two functions. When we are using planes as our transportation it is filled with the items I am not using, and is stored in the trunk of our car. When at home or at destination we drove to, it functions as my office storage. It is also the perfect size to hold two folding chairs and food for a picnic and works well as a grocery bag.
• Oral-B/Braun 6000 Electric toothbrush (2016) and USB powered charger. A recent meta analysis concluded that the rotational approach of Oral-B is likely superior to approach of Sonicare, but both are significantly more effective than manual brushing and the electric toothbrushes like the Quip which relies on a brushing motion. Battery lasts less than a week now. Will need to replace at some point.
• Pulse Flex Wireless Speaker (2017 & 2022) allows us to have synchronized whole house music and plays nicely with other BlueSound products and can be combined into a reasonable quality stereo system. We have the original Flex speaker and the updated Flex 2i. It also supports inputs via USB, Bluetooth, AUX, a number of streaming services like Spotify, and many free sites via URIs. Has a iOS and Android remote control app which works but has a somewhat awkward UI. Controls on the top let you select one of 5 user-defined “channels” without using the remote. I have the optional battery pack so it can be used outdoors. Sound quality is significantly less than KEF LS50 but better than most portable speakers, the speakers on our phones and the built-in speakers on TVs. When using them away from home primarily play lossless music which is stored on a thumb drive plugged into the back of the speaker. For most people I would recommend Sonos: for its lower price point, better streaming options, and slightly more processed sound quality which everyone but audio purists like me prefer. Even cheaper are products from Audio Pro.
• Withering Body WiFi Scale (2014) makes it easy to track weight which is well integrated to Garmin, Fitbit, MyFitnessPal, LoseIt, and numerous other health tracking eco-systems. Body composition numbers not accurate. Having trouble getting it to switch WiFi networks.
• ChiliPad (2019) which cools or warms water which flows through a mattress topper. I need to be significantly colder than Jackie to sleep soundly. When under our bed the heat exchanger not able to hit the cooling target, but it has been fine when sitting out. We tried an eightsleep system which much quieter but not worth the added cost to us. I didn’t find the automatic temperature adjustment of the eight sleep particularly helpful and the sleep tracking wasn’t significantly better than my Garmin watch.

Variety “Travel” Clothing

Extra clothing which is normally stored in our car during this season of nomadic existance, which is useful when we drive to a destination. Most of these items are not as versatile as what I carry with me all the time, but typically superior for specific conditions. When I am not space constrained they get added into my clothing mix.

• Outlier Slim Dungarees – 2 pairs (2014/2019) High-tech nylon pants in the style of jeans. Gives me an almost tailored fit, looks great, good mobility and durability. Thanks to the NanoSphere treatment very stain and water resistant. Dry overnight. They are perfect when it’s <75F and I am inactive, <55F when active. When highly active and >70F the seam that runs along the inner thighs chafes. In hot weather prefer OR Ferrosi Transit pants. Over time the pants stretch out a bit especially around the knees which make them a bit less slim fitting. I get more than 550 days of use before there is any signs of wear: light pilling at the top of the pocket I use the most. I have yet to completely wear out a pair though I have retired a few pairs after a pen leak created a large stain and after I lost weight and needed to switch to a smaller waist. When paired with nice shirt, and blazer have been accepted in situations which called for semi-formal dress. The hiking pants I wore in the past couldn’t do that. I have repeatedly had women say “Where did you get those pants? They look great. I want to buy a pair for my husband.” SD seem pricey but it depends what you compare them to. When considering the cost / day of wear ($0.07/day)… they are 5x the cost of mass market nylon pants which don’t fit me that well, 2x the cost of higher quality nylon pants from companies like Prana and Patagonia, and about the same cost per day as Levi 501 jeans if you retired them when the knees are blown out. Maybe an indulgence, but I don’t think them as a luxury item when I see $1390 nylon shorts from Prada. Current pairs I am wearing were acquired in 2017. They are going to be discontinued. If you want a pair, buy them now.
• Outlier New Way Shorts (discontinued) 2 pairs – (2014/2017) are nice looking shorts which fit me perfectly, are durable, and resist stains. The first place place for wear to show up is the mesh to drain the pockets develop holes. These shorts feel like they were tailored for me. I can’t put into words how “right” they feel each time I put a pair on. The fabric is thick enough to prevent items in my pocket from really standing out. They are pricy but I hadn’t found any shorts that I liked as much. They can function as a swim suit but aren’t ideal for that use because they take 2x times to dry as some of my board shorts and my wife observed “they don’t look like a proper swim suit.” Still wearing the first pair I purchased.
• Minus33 Mid-weight Merino Mock Turtleneck (2023) Purchased for cooler days when I want something bit more casual than button down shirt but dressier than a hoody. Warm enough that I don’t need a sweater when it’s cool, but not overly warm when sitting around indoors. Have been able to wear for more than a week with no noticeable odor retention.
• Patagonia Cool Daily Hoodie (2022) Comfortable hoodie, resists odor for 4 days when somewhat active, provides moderate sun protection which I believe is good enough when I am indoors much of the day or in locations with moderate UV index. Patagonia removed any UPF claims because between their initial testing and production the UPF performance dropped / was inconsistent (from >50 to 17-45, average 34). Use when my Cormac hoody is dirty.
• Second Icebreaker Anatomica Tee-shirt in grey which is typically used for high intensity exercise.
• Darn Tough Socks – 2 pair (2013/2019) are unsurprisingly durable since they come with a lifetime warranty. Icebreaker and the Smartwool PhD line are good alternatives. Worn out and replaced 2 pair of the no show light socks after >4000 miles of use for each pair. None of my light crew have been worn through yet.

Lives in Car

I leave some items in car trunk in case we encounter unexpected conditions. I rarely use these items personally, but have often loaned them out to friends who weren’t prepared for the weather we encountered.

• Gossamer Gear Vagabond Packable (2021) 23L pack which is comfortable to carry and easily packs away in my larger bag. This is by far the most comfortable carrying packable day pack I have ever used. Most packable daypacks feel like a sack with straps designed to fit a non human.
• Tilley LTM6 Hat* (2014) durable hat that provides good sun protection. I prefer the LTM8 which has more ventilation. Replaced a 20 year old canvas Tilley that was lost on a river trip.
• Icebreaker Quattro Hoodie* (2012) is a medium weight merino wool sweatshirt. After several years of near constant use starting to pill and is a bit stained, so has been “retired” to the car.
• ArcTeryx Squamish Wind Shell* (2012) is a 5oz windshirt with an air permeability of ~30 CFM. When combined with a heavy base or light middle layer provide comfort over a huge range of conditions. Comfortable against the skin. Best replacement would likely by the Mountain Hardware Kor.
• Montbell EX Wind Shell (2023) Weights just 56grams and easily fits in my pants pocket. Provides decent wind protection while still being fairly breathable. Used for done in a day activities that have no risk of rain.
• Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody (2020) Keeps me comfortable ~25F lower than I would be without the jacket. Provides just the right insulation for me for winter nights in the SF Bay Area and shoulder season backpacking in the sierras. Combined with down vest or Nitro Hoody it’s just right for winter trips in the sierras. Reasonably light and compressible. Long enough to cover my blazer.
• Keen Clearwater CNX* (2014/2018) are the lightest sandals Keen makes. The toe cap has been effective at protecting my toes. When worn with gray socks they can “pass” for shoes most of the time. Keens ground feel is a bit “dead”.

Backpacking Gear

I have a 3-season packing list which makes use of a number of the items on this list and has several items which are specific for backpacking. I have not taken pictures of any of these items. The “winter gear” is not used “at home” because the Bay Area never gets cold enough to need these items, but they are pulled out when traveling to winter destinations. These are stored in a old Coke crate in the garage.

• Hanchor Tufa (2023) 40L pack which weights 26oz and carries up to 22lb with great comfort, usable up to around 27lb. I found it more comfortable than the HMG SW2400. When the rolltop is fully cinched down qualified as carry on for most airlines. When lightly packed has passed for a personal size item, can scrunch into many personal bag sizers. Beautifully made. Most of the body is 100D PC so highly water resistant without the risk of delimitation.
• Osprey Ultralight Drysack (2021) Used as a liner to protect against rain, can be used to wash clothing on trips if I am sharing a bathroom and can’t soak my clothing in the sink, and as a giant “clothing packing cube”. Sometimes used to separate dirty from clean clothing.
• Gossamer Gear Whisper (2023) Ultralight shelter for one person which weights 9oz. Uses two hiking poles to stay up, and 7 stakes. Has bug netting around the perimeter, and you provide your own floor (I typically use polycro). Provides bug and rain protection for typical 3 seasons use, 2.5 above treeline? Lots of room with easy access and exit.
• Durston X-Pro 2 (2022) Ultralight shelter for two people that weights 20oz. Good performance for 3+ seasons. Used it in moderate snow without problems. Easy to set up provided there is a flat space. Footprint in a bit larger than some 2-person shelters. Large vestibules. Very easy to use.
• NunatukUSA Ghost Quilt (2003). 16oz, comfortable to 30F, have comfortably pushed it down to 15F when wearing my clothing and outerwear. This is the second version of one of the first backpacking quilts commercially made. A bit narrower than more modern quilts with a tiny footbox which I like because it makes it easy to ventilate my feet when I get too hot.
• NEMO Tensor All Season Insulated Pad (2023). 13oz. Warm enough for me to use down to 10F. More comfortable and less noisy than NeoAir pads I used I’m the past. Replaces an Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite which repeatedly develop leaks.
• Trail Designs ULC Caldera, Gramcracker esbits Stove, MLD 850ml Pot. (2009). 4.5oz cooking set which fits inside the pot. Easy, efficient, compact. Couldn’t ask for something better, except the Tri-Ti version which can burn wood as well as esbits and alcohol.
• HydraPak 28mm Water Filter (2023). 2oz, can push more than 1l / minute through it with modest pressure. So little pressure is required that I can actually use it inline between a water bladder and a hydration tube. Attaches to SmartWater and Platypus water containers. Huge improvement over my old filter whose flow requires much more force as it has been clogging. Just remember to give it a good soak if fully dried out before the next trip, otherwise you will have very slow flow for around 60 minutes during the first use.
• Garmin InReach (2020). 3.5oz. Satellite communication device. Can send an SOS and do short 2-way text messages. Take on solo trips when in locations without a lot of human traffic so my family doesn’t worry about me. I have found it works with tree cover and in most canyons, but in these conditions will often take 30-45 minutes to get a message out or receive messages. There were time it did not work in a slot canyon. Much faster when it have a broad view of the sky. Can be using with a smartphone, or the numeric pad on the device.
• Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers (2023) Very light weight polyester pants which provide a good range of motion, are very light, pack up small, UPF 40. Dry in less than 2 hours when hung indoors, less than 1 hour when wearing after being completely soaked in a rain storm. Very breathable and comfort in hot weather. Downside is that the pockets are a bit shallow so items fall out when sitting down.
• Patagonia Cap 3 Tights (2007): added to my legs when facing continuously below freezing conditions.
• Outdoor Research Meteor Mitts (2004): which have a removable 300wt fleece inner mitt which folds back to let you use your fingers and a durable, waterproof shell. Can use the shells without liner when it’s warmer. The magnets on the inner mitt detract from overall comfort. Many people replace the liners. Dries faster than all-in-one handwear.
• Buff PolarBuff (2003) Generally I use the hoods on my garments, but sometimes I want extra insulation for my neck or head.
• Manzella Power Stretch Touch Tip Gloves (2023) Light weight gloves that I can mix/match with shell mittens. Hands have been ok Visp mittens down to 20F.
• Traction Devices* (2020): Gives trail runners and other shoes grip on snow and ice. Picked up when we were facing icy trails in Grand Canyon without footwear with sufficient traction. Don’t remember the brand and it’s not stamped into the chains. When doing a lot of winter trips I would use screw shoes.
• OR Gaiters: (<1988) for keeping snow out of shoes/boots and the lower legs most dry.
• Hostel sleep system: 48″ x 62″ piece of Polartec Alpha Direct 4004, 120gsm (2022) compressible warm blanket which is a $20 piece of bulk fabric, MLD Bag Liner (2023) 3oz 10D nylon sleep sack, in a Sea2Summit 2.5L Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack (2022). For stays in basic hostels and alberques that don’t provide bedding of any sort. Comfortable for sleeping down to 55F. The sack is snug but not too tight, keeping the blanket well positioned when cold. As it warms move blanket to outside of the sack or remove completely. Blanket can be warm like a shawl during particularly cold days. I will likely get a bigger piece of alpha direct, add a head slit so it can be worn as a poncho and get a larger sleep sack if I am regularly staying in the dorm style hostels.

Stored during our travel (2022-2025?)

Bicycling Gear & Clothing

• Specialized S-works 2019 Roubaix (2021) an endurance bike that smooths out the road making it easy to be confident on less than ideal road surfaces with a responsiveness that approaches the Cervelo R-series. A huge improvement from the 2013 version of the Roubaix. Fitted with an Infinity Seat (weird looking but the most comfortable seat I have used), 2 water bottle cages, and a small seat bag which holds a pump, tubolito, bike tool, and 2 tire levers. I have a charger for DI2 which is powered via a micro USB cable gets used every month or so. Otherwise it sits in the garage.
• Cervelo R3* (2013/2015). Replaced with identical bike when my first was stolen. Comfortable enough for an endurance ride, responsive like a race bike, great for climbing. Wore out drive train which has now been mostly replaced… still looking for Rotor chain rings. Now primarily lives on a Kickr for indoor “rides” and is my “spare bike” and if my Roubaix is out of action or an out of town friend wants to go for a ride.
• Felix BC21R Bike Headlamp and Cygolite Hotshot Pro 150 (2019) The BC21R uses a removable 18650 rechargeable battery. I don’t love the Felix but it’s getting the job done and the swappable battery is very handy.
• Power Tap P1 Pedals (2015) because I like objective measures. No longer made. The Garmin Rally pedals use standard Keto cleats, and are lighter.
• Bicycling Shoes (2013) with cleats for PowerTap peddles. No idea the brand.. they were the cheapest shoes I found at a local bike shop. They are near the end of their life, but I haven’t found a shoe that is as well ventilated so I continue to squeeze a few more miles out of them by regluing the seams.
• De Soto Mobius Tri Shorts (2018/2021) Can be used forcycling, running, and swimming. They used to be comfortable for all the activities I engage in when the temperature is above freezing. For many year reduced issues with chafing, dries fairly quickly, and are reasonably comfortable when wet. They have side pockets large enough to hold some nutrition and my phone so I don’t need to use a special cycling jersey. I get around 1000 hours of use from each pair before the elastic no longer provides any compression. Never had a pair develop holes. For many years I loved using these because I never need to think about what to wear for vigorous physical activities…. I just grab a pair of tri-shorts. Recently I have been chafing on my male parts when running in hot conditions so now not used for hot weather running.
• Xenith Delta Shirt (2021/2022) is the most comfortable shirt I have worn when sweating heavily. The shirt maintains air permeability and doesn’t stick when wet. The shirt dries at the perfect rate: faster than wool or cotton, but slower than classic “fast dry” shirts, and feels cool against the skin. I have also found that is it the most odor resistant synthetic shirt I have tried, though not as good as wool. Only UPF 30. Use a ArcTeryx Cormac on longer rides.
• Black Diamond Alpine Start (2021) is a 6oz hoodless ultralight soft-shell which is very air permeable (30-60 CFM depend on who did the measurement… feels like 45cfm to me) and extremely water resistant thanks to the Schoeller NanoSphere treatment. Very comfortable in high wind <60F doing normal activities, bicycling at tempo pace (~220watts / ~18mph) when it’s <55F or doing a zone 2 HR runs when it’s <50F. In a light rain find it easier to manage moisture than a Shakedry shell because the higher air permeability helps me dump heat (reducing the amount I sweat) while resisting the rain. Normally I like a hood, but the lack of a hood is useful when cycling and running with a hat. Windshirts are great!
• Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Barrier WxB Cycling Gloves (2021) Keep hands comfortable on rides when it is cool and maybe wet. Cheap thanks to a clearance sale at sierra.com. Likely better gloves but they are getting the job done.
• Giro Air Attack Shield Helmet (2013/2016) provides protection, good ventilation while having a streamlined aerodynamic profile. Has snap on optical shield. On my second Air Attack helmet due to a crash which broke the helmet but protected my head. If you ride a bicycle, wear a helmet!! I have been able to walk away from at least two accidents thanks to the protection of a helmet. Helmets don’t lead to more injuries due to a false sense of security. These days there are helmets which are more aerodynamic than mine, and also cheaper while providing equivalent protection.
• Wahoo Fitness Kickr (2013) is a trainer for when it’s not convenient to hit the road. Integrated power meter and variable resistance which can be controlled via ANT+ or BlueTooth. Very useful if doing structured training based on power.
• o2Trainer – not shown (2022) Working on improving my breathing. Not used enough to have an opinion.

“Variety” Clothing

While I normally like to wear my “uniform”, I know my wife likes variety in my clothing, and likes when I get “dressed up”. I sometimes call the following my “Jackie clothing”. All of these items can be rolled over their hangers and be stored in a $4 Ikea Frakta Duffel (2022) along with my beach items and stored “replacement” clothing items.

• Toni Richards Hawaiian Shirt (2019) Everyone needs at least one shirt for “Hawaiian shirt day” though some might argue that white and blue with sharks rather than flowers isn’t very Hawaiian. I find the cotton lawn fabric used by Toni Richards to be one of the most comfortable materials when it’s hot and humid. Alas, UPF is quite low.
• White Cotton Button-up Shirt* (2012) Was my default when I want to wear something more formal than a tee-shirt. Appropriate in almost any setting. Shirts which have more sun protection and dry more quickly have replaced it.
• Muji Black/Grey/White Checked Button Up Shirt* (2013) for something that is casual but a bit more dressed up than my tee-shirt or hoody. Gift from Jackie.
• Western Rise Unlimited Button Down* (2022) Blue Merino / Polyester blend button down shirt. My wife tells me it also looks like it was just ironed as it comes out of the my pack. Reported to be UPF 40. Fairly air permeable, resists odor, comfortable in a wide range of conditions. Dries quickly enough to hand wash at night and be ready to be worn the next morning. Can wear 4 days without any odor. It’s a great shirt for “urban” use.
• Wool and Prince 210wt Burgundy Oxford Shirt* (2020) Slim fit, classic oxford cloth look while being 100% wool. Christmas present.
• Banana Republic Purple Merino Wool Sweater (2013) for cool days or when some color is called for. Purple is the color of royalty… so it can function as a Christmas or Easter sweater. Gift from Jackie.
• Grey Cashmere V-neck Sweater* (2019) for fall and winter evenings when I need more warmth than just a shirt and my hoody is too casual. Love cashmere but durability is low, it pills very quickly.
• Boss Blazer* (2014) for dressy events in the fall and winter that don’t require a formal suit. Have found that it doesn’t wrinkle when packed carefully in my backpack while traveling between locations. Christmas present.
• Bluffworks Hopsack Blazer* (2022) Blazer which doesn’t wrinkle, can be washed in a machine, and is light enough to wear in hot weather. If the Bluffworks Telex model existed when purchasing a travel blazer, I would have purchased it rather than the Hopsack.
• Boss Wool Suit (2012) slim/european cut in super 140 wool. Fits me perfectly though not bespoken. First suit that I wear rather than the suit wearing me. Light enough that it’s usable in the summer. I use it for weddings, funerals, and special nights out on the town. I won’t naturally choose to wear a suit, but sometimes it’s appropriate.
• Alpaca Blend Socks* (2021) are soft, warm, and cushioning with non slip “dots” on the bottom.
• Vivobarefoot Gobi II (2017/2022) are comfort, zero-drop, minimalist ankle boots which look good with casual clothing or dressed up in a suit. I have used them around town, hiking in the backcountry and even run in them. Sending my original pair to be resoled after walking more than 1500 miles. With an occasional brush and polishing the uppers still look good after repeatedly soaked in rain storms, covered in mud, etc. Unlike shoes with breathable nylon uppers, keeps sand and dust away from my feet and socks. They are generally not needed given current dressing standards, I can typically get away with trail runners.
• Softstar Zen Moccasin* (2021) Comfortable slippers for cold days.
• Ultrafino Santa Fe Hat* – not shown (2021) is “Panama” straw hat. Alas, this hat’s weave is so tight that the ventilation is minimal, and the brim isn’t large enough to consistently shade my face and neck. The function of this hat isn’t as high as I expected, but I have held on to it because it’s a great looking hat that I will sometimes wear to a party when the UV index isn’t too high (like early evening).

Beach / Water Clothing and Gear

When we spend extended time near a tropical beach these get pulled out.

• Bluesmith Spartan Board Shorts* (2016) For days that I am living in swimming suit, going in an out of the water. These shorts dry very quickly. Could use my other shorts if I was trying to minimize more.
• Patagonia R0 Longsleeve Shirt* (2022) UPF 50 shirt for water activities. Tight fitting, dries quickly. Jackie approved. Picture has my retired Bluesmith shirt rather than white R0.
• Matador Pocket Blanket* (2019) to sit on when at the beach.
• Matador Droplet Wet Bag* (2019) which holds items on the way to the beach, and wet items on the way home.
• Yeesam Prescription Snorkeling Mask (2019) which lets me actually see underwater life when snorkeling rather than just blurs and flashes of color!
• Akona 2mm Neoprene Socks – not shown (2019) Prevent my toes from getting ripped up when using flippers. Sometimes used with sandals if I am constantly going in and out of water or with my cycling shoes if doing an extended ride is cold rain.
• TYR Corrective Optical Performance Goggles not shown (2012) so that I can actually see when I am swimming in pools.

Sentimental Items

There are a several items I have kept as a specific way to honor people I love or past experiences.

Box which I store these things, my spare glasses, some old documents, etc.

• Various buttons collected over the years related to projects or movements that were important to me.
• Libby’s pins (<2000) of a nativity scene, a mother and child. Originally worn by Libby on special occasions, they became daily decorations on the hats she wore during chemotherapy. They remind me of Libby’s courage and the two things most important to Libby, family and Jesus.
• Gumby (2011) which was given as a reminder that when life is difficult, we need to be flexible.
• Dad’s (<1980) tie tacks and Alox Swiss Army Knife which remind me of his love of the outdoors and his care for his students.
• Knit Cap with 23andme logo (2016)
• CatBus Plushy (2018) given to me by Jackie. It reminds me of the gentle film My Neighbor Totoro. I wanted a real CatBus, but no one can find one for me 🙂
• Computer Wizard’s Tee Shirt (1977) from high school group club… still fits. Not shown: 23andme Tee-Shirt (2016) Hashicorp Cycling Jersey (2021)
• Grandpa’s Yamaka (<1980)

Stored – Replacement Clothing

These items will be pulled out when my current clothing wears out. Most of these items were purchased on close-out, on sale, lightly used. A few were purchased at full price when I realized an item was “perfect” for me, and there was a risk that I won’t be able to repurchase due to the model being discontinued or changed by the manufacturer. A few of the items were used for time, and then I decided to drop the number of items I have in a weekly rotation so they were sent to storage. It’s useful to have have an unused items purchased at the same time as one which is in “heavy rotation” to see how much wear and tear accumulates over time.

• 1 pair of outlier slim dungarees (2019)
• 2 outlier new way shorts (2014-8)
• 2 western rise evolution pants (2022)
• 2 icebreaker tee shirts (2018-2021)
• 1 arcteryx cormac shirts (2023)
• 3 pairs of icebreaker briefs (2019-2021)
• 6 pairs of darn tough socks (2015-2019)
• 2 pairs xoskin socks (2022)
• GoreWear R7 trail running jacket (2020/2022)
• 1 Montebell Peak Dry Jacket (2023)
• Macpac Nitro hoodie (2022)
• 2 delta tee-shirts (2022).

Stored – Possibly Retire

• Tom Bihn Passport Pouch (2022) Small pouch which is large enough to hold my passport, phone and everything that might be in my pockets when passing through security checkpoints. In high crime cities I wear it under my shirt. Haven’t needed it.
• Entchin Fanny Pack (2020) Inexpensive fanny pack which is a good size for half day activities. Can hold a headlamp, mini first-aid/emergency kit, water bottle, a protein bar, and small volume jacket. Use rather than daypack so my back is ventilated. The bucket has broken three times and is being held together by tape. Looked at a bunch of much more expensive fanny packs, but not work as well. Closest was the REI Trail 5 but when I put my water bottle in a holster it gets in the way of my arms as they swing.
• Gossamer Gear Gorilla (2012) An older version of the Gorilla which I used when doing multi-night backcountry trips or urban travel when I am carrying more weight / volume than appropriate for the Vagabond. Its weights just 28oz, comfortable carries up to 25lbs for tens of miles in a day, has survived thousands of miles, and works as a carry-on bag. My size L is actually 23″ long, but has been able to fit in airline sizers and overhead luggage bottom in first if not overpacked and placed at an angle. Sidenote: The first generations of the Gorilla carried pretty well, the current generation connects the frame directly into the hip belt which has been stiffened compared to the first generation improving it’s carry characteristics. Likely being replaced by Hanchor Tufa which is more carry-on friendly and as comfortable to carry up to 22lb which is the most I typically have.
• REI Swiftline Running Shorts Shorts* (2022) are very light shorts which dry quickly and pack down into a tiny space. Useful for running, working out in the gym, and as sleep wear. They can be used for swimming in a pinch. Over the years I have purchased these sorts of minimalist shorts, used them a bit, ultimately sold them because they weren’t being used, only to re-acquire a pair. I now know to store these away until the next time I think they would be a good idea.
• Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Hoody (2009) for cool/cold weather outdoor activities. Without wind protection the grid weave lets air flow through speeding the release of heat. With a shell it provides some insulation. Comfort down to 30F when running without a shell, below that with a shell. When walking around town keeps me comfortable down to 45F when combined with a wind shirt with hoods up. I am reasonably comfortable engage in high energy activities when it’s 65F by fully opening the zipper and pushing the sleeves up to my elbows. Dries amazingly quickly and feels more comfortable than any other shirt I have used when it’s wet in cool conditions. Mine was actually called Capilene 4 because it pre-dates the renaming to “thermal weight”. Likely retire because light base + macpac alpha direct hoody is more versatile and has better performance.
• Castelli Light Arm Sleeves* (2021) and Leg Sleeves* (2022) UPF 50 sun protection I combined with short sleeve shirt and shorts to avoid hassle of sunscreen. When in direct sunlight, limbs actually feel a bit cooler than when uncovered. Using the Arcteryx Cormac hoody so don’t need arm sleeves.
• CoolNet UV Buff* (2022) Protects my neck and ears from sun and also functions as a headband to keep sweat out of my eyes. A set of magnets made to “pin” race bib to a shirt keeps the buff from riding up and exposing my neck. Often using the Arcteryx Cormac hoody so don’t need any more.
• HiFiMan RE800 Silver IEM (2022) Light weight, good quality sound which doesn’t completely cut me off from my environment. Used when I want to listen to music without disturbing family. Great deal at $90.
• Apple iPad Air 4 + Smart Keyboard Folio + Magic Keyboard for iPad (2021) Purchased as a second monitor (via Sidecar) for MacBook for when I am working away from home. I have found the iPad also works well for consuming media. The Folio keyboard is compact making it compact for onebag travel, but the keyboard feel is mediocre and not stable enough to use on the lap. I tried to do most of my “personal” computing on the iPad with a Magic Keyboard to see if a iPad could replace a laptop: it was a failure. There is too much friction integrating information from several windows and often the app experience on the iPad fell short when compared to the experience on a real laptop or Chromebook. This is my third iPad since they were first introduced. While each was useful for a particular task, I have yet to find it a compelling device for general use. A portable UCB-C powered screen is more effective for me as a second screen. I have mostly abandoned using the iPad. Jackie tried and gave up on “live on it”. Lives in garage for when exercising using Kickr and is taken to meetings when I want to take notes and a laptop would be too intrusive.

Retired

• Carots Shoes* (2017) are formal looking zero drop shoes. These are the only minimalist shoes I have found that looks like traditional dress shoes (heels and and tapered toe). They are sufficiently comfortable for an evening, but I won’t want to walk or stand for an extended period of time. My Gobi II are formal enough for any events I am likely to attend in the future.
• Luna Oso Flaco Sandals (2022) I can walk 25 miles / day for a week on hard surfaces and my feet are still feel good. Has decent ground feel and pack very compactly. Good traction on trails. The wings are must more convenient that the “traditional” lacing. They irritate the side of my foot when I run without socks (fine for walking). Bedrock Sandals are very similar. I find Shammas sandals more comfortable. Worn out.
•  Tommy John’s Air Briefs (2022) are really wedgy-proof and dry very quickly except for the waist band. Lost in a washing machine.
• Radsome EarStudio ES100 (2018) bluetooth/DAC/headphone amplifier allows me to use wired headphones with devices missing a headphone jack. Can also function as a USB DAC. The ES100 is tiny, with decent sound quality (though Chord Mojo is better) and can even drive Sennheiser HD800 to reasonable sound levels. Not in situations that require a BlueTooth receiver or improved sound quality over the earphone jack.
• AWS AC-650 Digital Pocket Scale (2012) a small scale which makes it easy to weight food on the go.
• Kindle Oasis (2019) Lets me carry the majority of my library and every book can be displayed with large print for my aging eyes. Love being able to quickly search for notes / highlighted passages. I miss physical books and I know knowledge retention is better when reading paper books, but the convenience of the ebooks outweighs this for me. The Oasis ergonomics allows reading with a single hand and I like the warm backlight in the evening. I have been tempted by e-paper Android tablet such as those made by Boox which are a more versatile devices.
• Rudy Project Ketyum Frames with Transitions DriveWear manufactured by Sports Optical* (2021) provides excellent protection for my eyes while cycling and any other daytime activity. Ketyum is one of the few wrap around frames that can handle a prescription as strong as mine. The lens are thick but not too heavy. Transition lens work well during daylight but are a bit too strong at dusk.
• Trailbum Gnu Rain Cape (2023) Ultralight 3.5oz rain protection. Nice because it protects me and my pack. I wrote up a description of using this poncho combined with a piece of polartec alpha direct as a poncho liner. My wife “stole” it.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

Matthew 6:19-21