10 Things I Cannot Live Without
I first came across this video from Trevor Noah in December 2019. I thought it was a really cool video and I thought to put together my own list of ten essential items that I can’t live without. I noted this at the time and wrote down my ten in a journal. Fast forward to May 25, I stumble across the video again on my YouTube feed and rewatch it, and then on the spot write down the ten things I can’t live without. Not much has changed, but there are some small differences towards the tail end.
Here are my top 10 essentials for everyday usage:
Laptop. My laptop of choice is the MacBook Pro. This is my central hub, I download photos from my camera, do all my primary work, better keyboard and screen real estate to do actual work, and I can process transactions from it.
Smart Phone and Tablet. As you can probably guess from my laptop, I use an iPhone and an iPad. The phone is my main communication and on-the-move reference material. The tablet is for reading, watching videos, creating sketches and schematics, and drafting ideas. It can be a decent laptop replacement for writing and being on the move, but it still does not replace my laptop. I do not like to work on my mobile devices, but they still have work-related stuff on them just for reference and mobile access
Smart Watch. And my watch of choice is the Garmin Descent Mk2i. This smartwatch and dive computer has replaced my Apple Watch giving me access to my data on any device with a browser, and an internet connection, and can go 14 days before needing to be recharged! I believe this is the best smartwatch for people living (or as in my case aspiring to live) active lifestyles.
Headphones. I now have the Bose over-ear noise-canceling headphones and the Air Pods Pro. Probably when the Bose ones die, I may try for the Air Pods Max just because everything Apple just works really well. I am tempted to stay with Bose because they were my first and brand loyalty and all.
Camera. I shoot with a Canon 5D Mk III. It’s ancient technology but I got it because I wanted it and it has done me well thus far! Sure it’s due for an upgrade but for now, it gets the job done. On all of my trips I have learned, always take the camera because you never know when something cool will come along!
Backpack. I recently acquired the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L. My reasoning for this purchase was to act as a middle ground between my Oakley Kitchen Sink, which is great for computer and daily essentials, and my Tenba camera bag, which is great for camera stuff but with zero essentials. It is a new purchase so let’s see how it goes.
Prescription glasses. Because I’m quite blind without them. Well not actually, my current prescription is just -1/-1 which isn’t terrible but I’d still prefer not to leave home without them, even if I don’t wear them all the time. I have a pair for the day, a pair for the evening, and soon a pair for being on the water. Absolutely essential when driving!
Slim Wallet. I am using the Ridge Wallet w/ Money Clip. I initially had the cash strap on but found that I needed better access to my cash. Living in Barbados where transactions have not gone digital, I find this to be an essential item.
Minimalist key fob. I am using the Orbitkey Key Fob w/ Multitool. The Orbitkey Key Fob is an absolute minimalist key fob that keeps the keys secure and not dangly and also prevents them from scratching other stuff. The scratching bit isn’t as important since my keys have their own dedicated pocket but just the minimalist look and feel of it is sublime! The multitool attached is a leatherman. Having a tool that can pry stuff or open bottles is always useful!
Water Bottle. I am using a 750 mL Water Bottle by Tree Tribe. This is the best water bottle I’ve ever owned. Keeps my drink cool even when left in the hot sun and it’s the perfect volume that encourages me to keep drinking and keep refilling! I found that especially when I travel I don’t drink enough water and this bottle has been absolutely perfect for keeping me hydrated. Plus for every bottle purchased they plant a tree! So they claim, I hope they do!
Some noteworthy items for travel:
Electric Toothbrush. When I saw Trevor Noah’s video and an electric toothbrush was one of his essentials, it reminded me of a time years ago a friend was talking about it. Not too long ago I had the opportunity to get one, and it has been a proven game changer to my dental hygene game!
Peak Design Packing Cubes. I can’t even begin to explain what an amazing game changer this has been for my travels! In fact, I won’t. Just go watch this video on YouTube.
Good items that I should probably also incorporate into mine!
Daniel Ricciardo’s Personal Journal! Journaling is a very important tool that I do utilize, but not enough. My journal of choice is not a physical journal with handwritten notes, I use a tool called Day One where I have access to it on any device (with an internet connection)
Trevor Noah’s Portable Humidifier. As a person who has sinus issues on occasion, this could be a valuable addition to my collection.
Here are some of the references that inspired this post: