GEAR ROUNDUP: What's in my Backpack 2025?
- Christopher Roche
- Feb 3
- 10 min read
As a creator, I’m constantly on the move.
One day, I’m posted up in a coffee shop, deep in a writing session. The next, I’m heading to the climbing gym or setting off on a weekend trip. No two days look the same, and that means my everyday carry has to keep up.
The right bag isn’t just about storage—it’s about efficiency, reliability, and adaptability. Every item I carry serves a purpose, whether it’s helping me write, stay organized, or fuel up between adventures. Some of these things you’ve seen me mention before, and some are new additions for the year ahead.
But together, this setup is what keeps me ready for anything as I head into 2025.
The Backpack: The Aer City Pack Pro X-Pac
To carry it all, I’ve opted for the Aer City Pack Pro in the rugged X-Pac fabric—a blend of function and style that perfectly matches my needs as a writer and traveler. At 24L, it strikes the ideal balance between compact and spacious, with enough room for all of my essentials without feeling bulky.
What I’ve loved so far about this bag is its durability and structure. The X-Pac fabric is lightweight but incredibly tough, making it ready for anything I throw at it—whether it’s a quick coffee shop run, a packed day of writing, or a weekend road trip. One of its standout features?
It stands upright on its own, which is surprisingly useful when you’re constantly pulling things in and out.
Inside, the thoughtful organization is a dream. Multiple compartments make it easy to keep my gear in order—journals, books, tech, and all the little odds and ends I carry. The laptop sleeve is padded and secure, perfect for protecting my most important tool when I’m on the move.
While I haven’t used it extensively yet, the City Pack Pro already feels like a reliable companion. It’s designed to handle anything—from urban commutes to rugged adventures—and it’s clear this bag was built to last. If first impressions count for anything, this might just be the perfect backpack for my 2025 plans.
Why I Chose It
I needed a bag that could take a beating while still looking sleek enough for any setting—and the Aer City Pack Pro delivers. Whether I’m in a café, trekking through the city, or heading to a meeting, it transitions seamlessly. Plus, the X-Pac fabric gives me peace of mind knowing it can handle both the elements and daily wear and tear.
Room to Grow
As I continue to put it through its paces, I’ll share more about how it performs on longer trips and heavier-duty days. It’s already proving itself as a functional, durable, and stylish choice for anyone who needs a reliable everyday carry solution.
As I refine my carry setup over the year, I’ll update how the City Pack Pro holds up on heavier travel days. But for now, let’s talk about how I keep it all organized.
Pouches: Organization Meets Practicality
Carrying around a mess of dongles, cords, and cables can be a nightmare, but the Peak Design Tech Pouch makes it effortless to stay organized. Its creative origami-style compartments keep everything neatly in place, from chargers to adapters, so I’m never digging through a tangle of wires. Whether I’m working on the go or charging devices during travel, this pouch has become an essential part of my daily carry—compact, efficient, and a total lifesaver.
On the more practical side of things, I carry the XPAC® Diplomat 3 EDC Pouch XL - Vacuum Packed, which functions as my in-bag tool kit. This pouch holds all the essentials for fixing, tinkering, or just handling life’s little surprises. Here’s what’s inside:
Big Idea Designs Pry Bar: For anything that needs prying, scraping, or opening.
Leatherman Wave: A multi-tool powerhouse that covers almost any quick-fix scenario.
Lighter: Because you never know when you’ll need a spark.
Bandana: A jack-of-all-trades accessory for cleaning, tying, or even just wiping off sweat.
Sharpie: You’d be surprised how often a bold, reliable marker comes in handy.
Flashlight: For low-light moments, whether it’s finding something in my bag or navigating a dark trail.
Extra Pen: Because one is never enough.
These two pouches keep my bag streamlined and ready for anything. The Tech Pouch ensures my digital life stays untangled, while the EDC Pouch has all the tools I need to tackle everyday challenges. Together, they’re the perfect one-two punch for staying prepared and organized wherever I go.
Journals and Notebooks
As a writer, I’m guilty of carrying way too many notebooks and journals. But can you ever really have too many tools for creativity and self-reflection? Each notebook I carry serves a purpose, and together, they’re like a portable toolkit for ideas, plans, and stories.
The Pocket Notebook: My Everyday Essential
Nestled in my jacket pocket is my trusty Field Notes notebook, securely housed in a Hitch and Timber County Fold. This little combo is with me everywhere—it’s where I jot down fleeting ideas, sketches, to-do lists, and anything else that pops into my head. I’m a huge advocate for carrying a pocket notebook (you can read more about that story here), and I truly believe it’s one of the most underrated tools for anyone who likes to capture their thoughts on the go.
The Rustico Refillable Expedition Leather Journal: An Adventure Companion
This journal holds a special place in my heart—and my backpack. Inspired by the iconic Grail Diary from Indiana Jones, my Rustico Refillable Leather Travel Journal is my go-to when I’m traveling. Whether I’m documenting a new destination, sketching an idea, or simply reflecting on the day, this journal adds a touch of adventure to everything I write. Sadly, Rustico is no longer in business, but I plan to use this journal until it falls apart—or until I leave it behind in an ancient temple somewhere (hopefully not cursed).
The Mind Journal Balance Planner: Productivity Meets Mindfulness
A new addition this year, the Mind Journal Balance Planner has been a game-changer. Journaling regularly has always been a challenge for me, but this planner has made it easier—and even enjoyable—to stick with the habit. It’s designed to help you outline your goals and break them into achievable plans, blending productivity with mindfulness. I’ve already seen remarkable results, and it’s a story I plan to dive into in a future “Embracing Analog” article. For now, it’s safe to say this planner has earned a permanent spot in my bag for 2025.
The Mnemosyne Spiral Notebook: Where Longhand Writing Comes Alive
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than writing by hand. For those moments when typing feels like a chore, I turn to my Mnemosyne Spiral Notebook. Its large size gives me plenty of room to let my thoughts flow freely, whether working on an article or brainstorming ideas. I like to start with stream-of-consciousness writing—just letting the ideas spill onto the page—before organizing them into something cohesive. There’s something satisfying about seeing your thoughts unfold on paper before they ever touch a keyboard.
Why I Carry So Many Notebooks
Each notebook serves a unique purpose, but together, they help me stay organized, productive, and inspired. Whether capturing ideas in the moment, planning big goals, or simply taking the time to reflect, these tools are an extension of how I think and create.
What’s in your notebook lineup? Let me know what you’re carrying and how you use it—I’m always looking for inspiration to add to my toolkit.
Books: Reads That Keep Me Moving
I love to read. Admittedly, I probably don’t read as much as I’d like to, but I’m working on it. Books are like portable adventures or masterclasses you can take anywhere, and that’s why I usually carry two with me at all times—one fiction and one non-fiction.
Right now, my picks are pretty light, but they pack a punch.
First up is Flint by Louis L’Amour. I’ve always been a fan of Westerns, a trait I picked up from my dad. L’Amour is the undisputed king of the genre. His storytelling is vivid, his characters are larger than life, and his landscapes are practically alive with detail. Flint is no exception—every page feels like a dusty trek through untamed canyons with danger lurking around the corner. If you’re a fan of cowboys, adventure, or the rugged romance of the Wild West, L’Amour is essential reading.
On the non-fiction side, I’ve been diving into Alex Green’s Stone Roses, part of the 33 1/3 series. These books are short, focused biographies of iconic albums, and they’re an absolute treat for music lovers. Green’s take on The Stone Roses album is a fantastic deep dive into the music, the band, and the cultural moment they captured. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the record or just someone who loves learning about music history, I can’t recommend this series enough. They’re engaging, quick reads that hit the sweet spot for anyone curious about the stories behind their favorite albums.
Books are more than just a way to pass the time—they’re companions, teachers, and doors to other worlds.
What books are in your bag right now? I’d love to hear what’s keeping you turning pages.
Playing Cards: My Constant Companion
A deck of playing cards has been a staple of my everyday carry since college. Back then, it was almost a daily ritual—grabbing a deck and diving into a quick game between classes or at the coffee shop. To this day, I always have a deck of cards on me. Whether it’s tucked in my pocket or stashed in my bag (or sometimes both), I’m always ready to play.
A deck of cards is more than just a pastime—it’s the ultimate travel companion. Cards can turn idle moments into something memorable, whether it’s a quick game of Palace during a lunch break, a drawn-out round of Casino on a lazy afternoon, or an impromptu poker night with friends.
And when you’re on the road, cards are a universal icebreaker—a way to connect with new people, share a laugh, and pass the time.
Some of my favorite games include:
Cambio:
A fast-paced and strategic card game where players aim to have the lowest score by swapping, drawing, and discarding cards. With hidden cards and plenty of surprises, Cambio is simple to learn but keeps everyone on their toes.
Casino:
A classic card game of skill and strategy where players capture cards from a central pile to score points. Combining tactics and a little luck, Casino is perfect for those who enjoy a blend of competition and collaboration.
Palace:
A fun and unpredictable card game where players race to get rid of all their cards by playing higher-ranked cards or using special abilities. Easy to pick up, Palace offers plenty of room for strategy and the occasional sneaky play.
For those curious, I’ve linked the rules to each game so you can learn them too. Play them well, and maybe I’ll see you across the table one day.
Tech: The Tools that Power My Work
When I’m on the move, I need gear that keeps up with me—whether I’m writing in a café, working from the airport, or heading to a climbing session. These are the essentials I rely on for getting things done.
The Workhorse: My MacBook Pro (2019)
It's not the latest model, but my 2019 MacBook Pro is still the backbone of my workflow. It’s been through years of travel, countless writing sessions, and more coffee shop visits than I can count. While I’ll probably upgrade at some point, this machine still handles everything I need—from drafting articles and editing photos to contributing to The Modern Xplorer.
Capturing the Moment: Camp Snap Camera
Photography is a big part of my creative process, but I don’t always want to carry my full camera setup. That’s where the Camp Snap Camera comes in. It’s lightweight, fun, and perfect for capturing moments on the go without overcomplicating things.
Soundtrack for the Adventure: Apple AirPods Pro
Music helps me focus, whether I’m deep in writing mode or navigating a busy airport. My Apple AirPods Pro are always in my bag or my pocket, ready for podcasts, playlists, audiobooks, or noise-canceling silence when I need to tune out the world. They’re especially great when I’m working anywhere that isn’t home—having that instant quiet zone makes all the difference.
Water and Snacks: Staying Energized on the Go
The Water Bottle: Owala
Yes, I know Owala water bottles are everywhere. But honestly? They’re popular for a reason. This thing is convenient, leak-proof, and easy to drink from on the move. I’ve carried a lot of different bottles over the years, but for everyday carry, this one has earned its place.
Snacks: Simple, Reliable Fuel
I keep my snacks straightforward but effective—high in protein, easy to carry, and good for keeping my energy up when I’m in the zone:
Chomps beef sticks – A clean, protein-packed snack for when I need something quick.
Walnut Creek cheese sticks – A little taste of home from Ohio. Simple, portable, and solid fuel.
Garuka granola bars – Found these at my climbing gym in Pittsburgh, and I’ve been hooked ever since. They’re not too sweet and provide lasting energy.
Tea for the Road: Mango Tea Bags
Sometimes, I just need a good cup of tea. That’s why I always keep a few mango tea bags in my bag—perfect for a quiet moment in a café or a warm drink during long writing sessions. It’s a small addition, but one that makes a difference.
Gear List and Links:
For those interested in checking out the gear mentioned, here’s a list of everything in my backpack:
Aer City Pack Pro X-Pac - [Link]
Peak Design Tech Pouch - [Link]
XPAC Diplomat 3 EDC Pouch XL - [Link]
Big Idea Designs Pry Bar - [Link]
Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool - [Link]
Field Notes Notebook & Hitch and Timber Cover - [Link]
Rustico Leather Travel Journal
Mind Journal Balance Planner - [Link]
Mnemosyne Spiral Notebook - [Link]
Theory 11 Contraband Playing Cards - [Link]
MacBook Pro (2019)
Camp Snap Camera - [Link]
Apple AirPods Pro - [Link]
Owala Water Bottle - [Link]
Chomps Beef Sticks - [Link]
Garuka Granola Bars - [Link]
Final Thoughts:
Everything in my bag serves a purpose. Whether it’s the tools that power my work, the gear that keeps me organized, or the fuel that keeps me moving, this setup is what I rely on for wherever 2025 takes me.
What’s in your everyday carry? What gear, snacks, or tech do you swear by?
Drop a comment below—I’m always looking for new recommendations to add to my lineup.
My everyday carry is my Full Focus Planner. Helps me organize my thoughts, my day and my goals...check it out!