My Ultra-Portable Tech Setup For 🚂, 🚌, and ✈️
what's in my backpack (travel edition)
I travel. A lot.
I’m also a busy guy.
Combined, this only means one thing: I use my iPad while I’m roaming. A lot.
Here’s what my “setup” looks like:
My Backpack 🎒
I’m using the Herschel Pop Quiz backpack ($95).
I love it.
It’s comfortable, durable, and water-resistant (I think).
It also has a few physical features that are cool:
It has a small pocket I use to carry my AirPods (I think it’s meant for sunglasses)
It has a side pocket I use to carry a deck of cards (I think it’s meant for umbrellas)
It fits way more things than you initially think (maybe because of the design?)
If you hate carrying heavy things, don’t worry. The only time my shoulders ever feel sore is if it’s stuffed to the brim.
If you’re looking for a new backpack, get this one and don’t look back.
iPad Pro 👨💻
The iPad I use is the 2020 12.9” iPad Pro. It’s a demon of an iPad, though it is slowly showing its age.
I also use a Magic Keyboard and an Apple Pencil.
Combined, these are the tools for my success.
If I’m typing, I place the iPad in the Magic Keyboard like normal.
If I’m writing, I take the iPad out of the Magic Keyboard. Then, I close the Magic Keyboard and put the iPad on top (protecting it from abrasive surfaces).
MacBook 💻
I also use a Mac. Specifically, a 15” MacBook Air.
I used to be iPad-only. But now, half my screen time is spent coding cool things.
I need a Mac for that. Hopefully, however, the iPad gets there one day.
AirPods 🎧
I’m currently using the second-gen AirPods Pros.
In my opinion, they’re the perfect “travel” headphones—small, sleek, and noise-cancelling.
At times, I wish the noise-cancelling was better. Especially when I’m on transit buses.
Oh well. It’s better than nothing.
Portable Charger 🔋
I use this power bank from Amazon.
This thing is a tank.
It’s heavy, but the weight is worth it. The capacity is insane and I’m never worried about running out of battery.
Dual Drive 2️⃣
I’ll be taking this dual drive in case I need to transfer files.
I’ve only used it two or three times, but it’s nice to have something that can work with both USB-C and USB-A.
To be honest, it’s not that useful. But I bought it, it’s tiny, and it weighs nothing. And that point, I might as well just take it with me.
Charging Stuff ⚡️
Thanks to my huge power bank, I don’t bring a ton of charger stuff.
All I bring is my MacBook power brick, a lightning cable, and a USB-C cable.
I don’t even bring my MagSafe cable—it’s nice but unnecessary if I’m already bringing a USB-C cable.
Brita Water Bottle 🌊
This is a water bottle with a built-in filter. Nothing else to it.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for reading this post. My bad for not posting last week—I had a big midterm to study for.
Thanks for reading!
Adi
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