What is in your tech 'go bag'?

17 replies

kanga9999

Member since 09 Apr 2017

Total posts 63

I have been traveling quite a bit of late and have finally started to get more systematic about how and what to pack - still pack too much however :-(

What does everyone else pack?

My current tech kit includes:
Laptop, iPad mini, iTouch (exclusively for music and podcasts) iPhone (yes, I'm been drinking that apple kool-aid).
My waterproof Fugoo WiFi/Bluetooth speaker (great for checking in with ABC Radio app via the iPad while in the hotel or Airbnb shower each morning, or playing music from my library via Bluetooth) - love this thing! I use the Fugoo constantly at home now too.
Also, noise cancelling headphones for the flight and noise cancelling earbuds for walking around.
A 4 x USB charger with adapters for the countries that I am visiting, adapter plugs for the MacBook Air and a world travel adapter with multi pins for the socket and also accepts multi plugs into it. Plus all the cables required to keep these things juiced.

Lastly my Braun rechargeable toothbrush (not really tech I guess) - though this proving annoying as it is not easily rechargeable in countries with 100v current (I'm thinking of US and Japan trips). I don't want to carry around a step up transformer for weight and space reasons, and the plug issues as well, so I will have to investigate 100-240v toothbrushes I suspect.

I would love to reduce this list somewhat for obvious reasons (to create more space for the too many books I always buy).

The iTouch may go as I have finally (kicking and screaming) just got the smart phone, which will deal with the podcast addiction. And much as I love my over-ear headphones, they are crap to doze off with mid flight, the BOSE in-ear earbud version is great for noise cancelling and much easier to sleep in - so the headphones may go too. Any other suggestions for streamlining all this stuff? Is there an all singing, all dancing THING out there that that would at least reduce the amount of multiples of adapters when on a longer multi country trip? I have a Japan, Canada, UK and Europe trip and could use some help :-)

Thanks.

dp

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 16 Jan 2015

Total posts 24

If you are drinking the apple cool aid, you should check out the OneAdaptr twist - it is the universal plug adaptor with 4 usb's and also takes the macbook charger. Removes the need for anything else. Saves carting a whole heap of stuff with you.

wdeguara

Etihad - Etihad Guest

Member since 06 Apr 2012

Total posts 96

If traveling for work I also take my Plantronics Voyager Focus UC headset. It's Skype for Business certified with extended range Bluetooth that I use for my phone calls at work and when mobile. On the plane I pair it with my iPad to watch movies or listen to music. The sound quality and noise cancellation is very good. One headset catering quite nicely for both work and pleasure. 

kanga9999

Member since 09 Apr 2017

Total posts 63


Last editedby kanga9999 at Apr 23, 2017, 03:35 PM.

henrus

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 23 Oct 2013

Total posts 765

In my backpack I carry my Phone (it's a Sony), Micro USB cable, Bose earphones, spare pair of apple earphones and the different country plugs + charger that came with my bose speaker.

I also use the Etihad business class amenity kit bag to carry...


iPhone 3GS and a 30 pin to RCA cable. (This comes in handy if I'd rather watch something on youtube/ABC iVew on the TV).

A TP-Link 3020 modem with power cable and small ethernet cable. (You never know if your going to be stuck in a place with poor wifi or no wifi so the device can act as a wifi range extender or a wifi router [if the hotel only has ethernet])

On short trips, I don't bother with a laptop but otherwise, my macbook air and charger comes along as well.

The spare pair of headphones and Micro USB charger now stay in the backpack at all times after I broke a pair of headphones mid trip and forgot a Micro USB cable (luckily they sell them everywhere).

Clancy

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 31 Jan 2016

Total posts 79

Short trip: hot desk if possible and phone. For a few days laptop or iPad to do approvals, phones and chargers. Greater than a week and multiple flights I add in Bose headphones (cordless). No need to be over connected and travel light. Actually, I've lied...throw in the Nikon D800 and lens etc, there goes the travel light concept...but great 'snaps'.

dravid74

Member since 13 May 2016

Total posts 1

For toothbrush look at the sonic chic... the Urban is smaller but powered by battery, whilst the Deluxe is stronger, a bit bigger, and powered by USB. Both great for travel

akronflyer

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 29 Jul 2014

Total posts 145

Apart from  my iPhone I carry  Anker Powerbank
Its brilliant
I can charge my iPhone up to 5 times

ErinB

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

Member since 30 May 2016

Total posts 18

I take my Belkin Surgeplus International Travel Surge with me both domestically and internationally. Its not the lightest but I've found it to be very useful - especially when abroad. The only issue I've had is that most of the powerpoints in the Gold Kris lounge are to close to the ground for it to plug it in, I haven't found it to be an issue elsewhere though. 

It means I can charge my phone, power pack, headphones and tablet / laptop at the same time - also useful at conferences abroad as people are happy for me to take up one of the powerpoints if they can use the USB outlets on the board.

Dredgy

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 02 Apr 2017

Total posts 181

I take an iPad and my Harman Kardon NC headphones. The headphones come with a nice carry case that is tiny, can strap an iPad to the outside of it and fit passport, charger etc. Fits neatly into the seat back pocket. I don't usually take any other luggage. Sometimes a laptop bag with a change of clothes.


I have to shoot and edit video on my next big trip, and trying to figure out how to get 3 cameras, a tripod, plus something to edit it on, into carry-on.

Last editedby Dredgy at May 04, 2017, 04:31 PM.

akronflyer

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 29 Jul 2014

Total posts 145

Belkin International surge protector with its excellent array of plugs, IPhone and
Anker Astro E7 26800mAh 

DiveTravel

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

Member since 19 Feb 2016

Total posts 15

I have to shoot and edit video on my next big trip, and trying to figure out how to get 3 cameras, a tripod, plus something to edit it on, into carry-on.

Last edited by Dredgy at May 04, 2017, 04.31 PM.


I would love to hear more about your setup Dredgy! - I usually shoot and edit on trips too. What kind of cameras/lens are you needing to pack? I use a Pac-Safe bag that holds my list below.
When traveling, in terms of tech I usually bring for carry-on ONLY:
- Laptop 15" + charger
- NC wireless earbuds (+ charging cable)
- In-ear monitor earbuds (for backup and IFE)
- Portable battery pack (so the phone/earbuds can charge while moving around the terminal)
- Phone for music (+ cable)
- x4 point Powerboard (usually goes to check-in)
- Universal Travel adapter (just plug in the powerboard and you're good to go)
- SLR Camera (+ extra battery so the charger can go to check-in)
- Drone (a compact one + controller + charger) - or swapped out for another lens
and due to certain activities at various destinations I may also pack:
- Gopro
- Dive computer
Generally I don't find myself charging too many items as the phone and earphones can last an average flight. Having said that, while in the air, the phone is usually plugged into the USB and Laptop is plugged in too.

The only reason why I would pack chargers is if finding a replacement would be difficult, should the airlines lose the check-in.
Kanga, I think you could lose the speaker, unless you really really really enjoy the music that much and cant stand to use the speaker mode on the laptop or phone!
For sure, lose the iTouch!
Possibly lose the iPad (As you can do stuff on the laptop) - or if not, lose the laptop instead!! (Probably just bring the MBAir since it has much more functionality, and is quite small/light)
NC headphones take up a fair bit of space - at least with the earbuds there is a higher chance of sleeping!

Last editedby DiveTravel at May 07, 2017, 07:07 PM.

Dredgy

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 02 Apr 2017

Total posts 181

I have to shoot and edit video on my next big trip, and trying to figure out how to get 3 cameras, a tripod, plus something to edit it on, into carry-on.

Last edited by Dredgy at May 04, 2017, 04.31 PM.

I would love to hear more about your setup Dredgy! - I usually shoot and edit on trips too. What kind of cameras/lens are you needing to pack? I use a Pac-Safe bag that holds my list below

I'm not sure. My main camera is a Blackmagic URSA, which requires big lenses, heavy duty tripod and is extremely noticeable as well as insanely heavy. I'll be visiting countries with iffy press freedom - Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Mauritania are the main ones I'm concerned about so I can't bring anything that looks too professional, so I'm thinking of eschewing even something DSLR sized and going full camcorder. Sony does a small, 4K one that looks decent but I've yet to test it. It has a manual focus/iris ring though, but still a step down from the CN-E 30-300 I'm used to :P


The project calls for 2.5K distribution, so that's an additional difficulty. I'll also have a GoPro Hero 5 Black and a DJI Mavic drone, as well as a wireless lav mic.

The problem with this project is its more of an informal travelogue for the web, so gear has to be able to be set up and packed down quickly and discreetly, which necessitates compactness over quality. I've been flying the DJI Mavic Pro all week now, and I'm having trouble adjusting to things such as moire, artifacting, or ungradeable footage that I'm just not used to on my pro equipment. Am getting the hang of it though.

Main equipment problem I'm having at the moment is a tripod/monopod that is compact and has a video head. Benro's Air looks pretty good, and I have some of their bigger stuff, so I will likely pick up one of those to play with. I would really, really prefer to keep everything in hand luggage so nothing gets lost. 

Last editedby Dredgy at May 07, 2017, 07:27 PM.

DiveTravel

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

Member since 19 Feb 2016

Total posts 15


Main equipment problem I'm having at the moment is a tripod/monopod that is compact and has a video head. Benro's Air looks pretty good, and I have some of their bigger stuff, so I will likely pick up one of those to play with. I would really, really prefer to keep everything in hand luggage so nothing gets lost. 
Last edited by Dredgy at May 07, 2017, 07.27 PM.


Is there a need to have the tripod/monopod as carry on?

Can you use a DSLR that shoots 2.5k/4k?

tricky stuff!

Dredgy

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 02 Apr 2017

Total posts 181


Main equipment problem I'm having at the moment is a tripod/monopod that is compact and has a video head. Benro's Air looks pretty good, and I have some of their bigger stuff, so I will likely pick up one of those to play with. I would really, really prefer to keep everything in hand luggage so nothing gets lost. 
Last edited by Dredgy at May 07, 2017, 07.27 PM.


Is there a need to have the tripod/monopod as carry on?

Can you use a DSLR that shoots 2.5k/4k?

tricky stuff!

I could use a DSLR, but then that's sill got the problems of multiple lenses. I have a Micro Studio Camera 4K, but it involves an external monitor, so I'm going to try and get the most of a consumer grade camcorder I think.

Tripod would really, really, be preferred carry-on as I'll have tight connections in countries with high rates of airport cime, on airlines that no one's heard of. I'll figure it out in the next month or two!

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