What’s In My Bag: Travel Edition (UPDATE)

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a What’s In My Bag: Travel Edition and since I am traveling again today (this time, to the BWI Pen Show) and AGAIN next week to Chicago, I thought I’d revise and update the previous while providing a little more info.

Technically, the pocket was designed for a laptop since its padded but it works great for books, ereaders and other relatively flat items you might want quick access to.

First, the new Berkeley backpack from The North Face was overall a pretty good option. It was lightweight with good padded straps. It is a little light on organization and the water bottle pockets, while elastic, were not the best. It was not crazy expensive and I was specifically looking for a smaller bag. Was it too small? Or do I overpack? That is the tough call.

I appreciate that the Berkeley backpack has an exterior pocket for my laptop (or in my case, to keep my journals and books) but its not large enough to hold my MacBook Pro 16″. For my trip to Baltimore, I am not taking my laptop so I am filling it with books instead and they are easy to access while tucked under the seat in front of me on my flight.

Inside, there are two mesh pockets. I store my pill case in one slot and a hankie and miscellany in the other.

I’ve started using more stamps in my planner/journal so I am packing a small assortment of letters, ink pads and a clear block for clear stamps hidden in my small Hobonichi drawer pouch (I purchased mine through Dromgoole’s).

I am, of course, packing my most minimal journaling supplies: My planner/journal (see recent planner posts for details), small Galen Leather 3-pen case with my daily use pens, my “dump book” (soon to be available for purchase on the shop) and my Hobonichi drawer pouch filled with gel pens and markers, glue stick, clear stamps and some page markers.

And for this trip, I think I may just pack the books I’m currently reading — on my Kobo is Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson right now) and a library book Piranesi by Susanna Clarke for my local book club.

I am also packing my iPod, cables and chargers, and as many snacks as I can fit into the remaining space.

Not sure I’ll be taking my knitting project this time. Its an early flight and its getting a little cumbersome to carry. Everything else is still in the bag plus the items shown in the other photos above.

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