I try to be a minimalist, so I tend to keep my bag pretty lean — only taking with me what I need on a regular basis.

Bag

Timbuk2 Commute 2.0 Laptop Messenger Bag: I’ve had this bag since early 2010. It was given to me when I joined Ning, and their old logo is embroidered on the outside. I’ve tried numerous backpacks (including a Wegner Maxxum backpack), but I love how accessible messenger bags are.

Basics

Apple MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010): Speaking of Ning, they introduced me to my first MacBook Pro. When they laid me off and took it back, Apple had just refreshed their MacBook Pro line, so I went out and bought one. I paid a little extra for the high-res (1680 x 1080) anti-glare display. She’s running a bit slower these days, and the battery is starting to lose it’s charge more quickly. I may need to replace it in the next year or so, but I’m a little bummed that Apple stopped producing the high-res anti-glare displays in favor of the new Retina displays.

Apple iPhone 5: I picked white (because it would match the rest of my Apple gear), 32GB (because 16GB is not nearly enough for photos, videos, and music), and Verizon (because AT&T’s coverage and customer service sucks). I keep it stashed in a BookBook).

Kindle Paperwhite: The Kindle Paperwhite is the best Kindle that Amazon.com has ever made. The device is very light, the screen has great contrast, and the touch-screen is much more responsive than the previous Kindle Touch. The built-in light is something you will truly appreciate once you use it in a few different lighting settings.

Accessories

Digital Accessories

Skullcandy 50/50 Earbuds with Mic: These are the best earbuds you will find in this price range. They feature a “clicker” and mic that work with the iPhone.

Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter: All of the A/V rooms at Amazon.com are only equipped with VGA and DVI inputs, so this is a necessity if I want to project anything.

Apple Lightning to USB cable: Just in case I run out of juice…

Analog Accessories

Oakley Men’s Antix Sunglasses: I actually have two identical pairs of these (funny story for another time), but I only keep one pair in the bag.

Moleskine Classic Pocket Ruled Notebook: Once I hit the office, I usually take this little guy out and put it in my pocket for when I need to jot down quick notes in a meeting. I don’t like taking my laptop to every meeting.

Moleskine Classic Extra Large Soft Cover Ruled Notebook: I use this larger notepad exclusively for taking notes at BSF.

Zebra Tele-Scopic Ball Point Pen: This pen pairs really well with the pocket-size Moleskine, especially if you strap it in.

Pilot G-Tec-C Gel Rolling Ball Pen, Ultra Fine Point: I have tried all sorts of ballpoint pens, and these are the best I have found for the price.

Medicated Chapstick: I debated whether or not to include this, but I’m probably not the only person with perpetually dry lips. The medicated variant seems to help the most.

Feel free to use the links above to purchase something, and a small kickback will be sent my way.