Everyday Carry Bag – Andy Chen

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Recently, Julie suggested we follow up on what WE carry on an everyday basis.  She’s set the standard, so here’s what I carry!

First you’ll notice my bag of choice is the latest version of the Tom Bihn Ristretto Bag for iPad that I reviewed in January 2013.  Durable, practical, good looking!

Although the Ristretto has a nicely padded iPad pouch, I also carry my iPad in a woolen sleeve by Nedrelow.  Made in USA and wonderfully wooly.

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On the Tom Bihn lanyard (clipped inside the Ristretto) I have a Swiss Army Knife and tweezers from CountyComm.  These metal tweezers clip into the holder that slides on the keychain, so they don’t slip out.

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Next up is a Plantronics Voyager Legend Bluetooth headset.  So far it’s the best performing headset I’ve had to date.  Next to that is a pair of small trauma shears.

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A Tom Bihn mesh ballistic pouch slips neatly inside the Ristretto bag.  (I added the orange zipper pull).  Inside you’ll find:

  • A folding brush
  • Plastic baggie of adhesive bandages
  • Small plastic box of various pills (headaches, allergies),
  • PayPal Here credit card reader that allows credit card payments on my iOS device
  • Two eyedrop bottles
  • 10W iPad charger
  • USB Lightning cable
  • Apple 30-pin to Lightning adapter

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From left to right:

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A closer look at that little screwdriver.  Comes with two bits with two ends each, all reversible.  I chose the orange one so I don’t lose it as easily.  Now that I’ve said that, it’s probably lost forever.

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Then there’s the little Waterfield Wallet:

  • Alcohol wipes
  • Cards
  • Old iPod Touch.

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Like Julie, the contents of my bag evolve over time.  If it changes significantly, I’ll be sure to follow up.

4 thoughts on “Everyday Carry Bag – Andy Chen”




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  2. I’ll have to write up something like this for mine. Mine is based more towards an IT “fireman”. I usually have to come in AFTER all hells broke loose and put everything back together.

  3. @Julie thank you for this link. i’ve made a mistake, sorry. i need a lunchBOX =)

    here in russia we have a little different scheme of taking lunch. we do not take cold or hot products from home. because almost every office has a refrigerator and microwave. so all we need is lunchbox where we can transport and warm up lunch.

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