Being well prepared makes me feel š
I have often wondered if I over prepare - if I have a tendency to carry too many things with me ājust in caseā. I aspire to minimalism, but I definitely fail to achieve it in practice. Indeed, itās not rare for me to go on holiday and pack several items of clothes for situations which do not materialise, or simply to realise that Iāve been carrying some item in my backpack every day for several months while never using it.
Well, today I was very happy to have a random item in my backpack that had been sitting there unused for god-knows how long.
European Tilderinos are likely also looking forward to the imminent near-total solar eclipse. Iāve been really looking forward to it, and my partner and I had made plans to rendezvous at a park in our city after to work view it. But as I go to leave work, I realise: (minor) disaster! I am an optically-impaired person (I need glasses), but since I did not put on my contact lenses this morning, I will have to wear my eclipse-goggles over my spectacles! What a fool I will appear to everyone else at the park!
ā¦and then I remembered: I almost always make sure to have a spare pair of contact lenses in my most-used bags (I wear dailies, so itās cheap to set a small handful of pairs aside for this purpose) such that if I have a contact lens emergency while Iām out, I can safely remove the problematic pair and replace them with a fresh pair. Of course I also usually carry around my glasses if Iām wearing my lenses, but this isnāt always practical, or it may be important for me to be able to resume wearing lenses (if I am to playing sports, for example).
Now you might wonder why this fact slipped my mind initially, that would be because Iāve been wearing contact lenses for well over a decade, and in the last five or so years I donāt think Iāve had a single incident. But I remain hopefully that a past version of myself may still have been practicing over-preparednessā¦
So, I go a-rummaging in my backpack and, lo and behold, I do indeed have a set of emergency contacts! Now I will be able to stare directly at the sun mildly more conveniently! Thanks, past me!
(Perhaps you can tell that this situation made my extremely happy, hence why I felt the need to share.)
Have a lovely solar eclipse day (to all who celebrate)!
Hello fellow too-many-things carrier! I also wear dailies and keep spares in my vicinity. I also carry, just, so much stuff. I even have a tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, scissors, pry bar, tape measure, pocket-sized pinning kit) that's all TSA-safe that I take with me on vacations, just in case I need to rekey someone's locks in another state. Insane? Possibly.
On my last vacation, my dear tiny nephew asked, "Why do you have a purse?" when he saw my sling bag, and I explained that I carry tools so I can help people. Then, when I was at the park with him and the rest of the family hundreds of miles from home and saw that some of the playground equipment had loose screws, I just whipped out my pliers and fixed it. He asked, "Why do you just have pliers with you?" And I reminded him that it lets me help, and told him that I like to leave things better than I found them. I like to think that he took something from that, but who knows. I, however, definitely got something in the deal: sweet, sweet justification.
It's a great feeling.
Fellow impromptu playground equipment tightener here! I generally don't carry a satchel, but my multitool is like a second limb. I'd say I use it approximately one in three times that I'm out.
Saved a children's party by being able to cut some rope in a park. Reattached a fallen roadsign. Swapped some batteries for a random kid. Miles of walking saved by always having screwdrivers, pliers, and a knife in my pocket.
It is a shame that between Columbine and 9-11 pocket tool carrying has kinda died. It sucks losing a tool to a security checkpoint.
I still carry a knife with me on the daily, and yeah it's pretty soul crushing to have to throw away a knife at TSA. I think I've only had to throw one away, the other times I reached the airport, realized I still had my knife and mailed it back. Was mailing it back more than what the knife was worth? Yes, but it's the principle of the matter!
Do you have a multi tool your recommend? I did some multi tool research a while ago while looking at putting together a work light gear/tool bag, but couldn't find a multitool that didn't feel like it'd be less useful than just carrying the individual tools separately in the bag (screwdriver, knife, pliers, etc). Curious if there's some functionality in a multitool I've overlooked though.
Have you considered switching to a box cutter?
I did many years ago now and I vastly prefer it over the knife. No need to sharpen or degum/clean the blade, because I can swap it at any time. The few times I've forgotten I had it on me, it's either not been a problem because the blade is small enough and if it is a problem, it's easy enough to remove and throw in the garbage, keeping the rest of the tool.
I've bought this multiple times now and been carrying it for years., it's compact, lightweight and durable. Much better then the usual chunky ones you find at the hardware store.
It's not a bad idea, though I'm always bothered by the waste that comes with a box cutter for cases that don't necessarily benefit from the disposable blade. I don't mind that my EDC knives get dull over time since I don't usually need a razor edge.
That said, that little box cutter looks like a great tool! Definitely something I'm going to look at picking up even if it doesn't become an EDC for me.
Sadly, mail-it-home-before-we-confiscate-it kiosks are not available at every airport (screw you, JFK), and no matter what it is or what the rules say, ultimately you're at the mercy of the agent who looks at your luggage.
My approach has been to assume that no blade more threatening than a pair of collapsible nail scissors is going to make it through a checkpoint, and that any tool I bring I have to be willing to lose. (Seriously, I was once menaced with the confiscation of a multi-tip screwdriver.) In practice, this means two things: first, I carry around a variety of keychain and carabiner multitools. They are cheap and provide basic functions. Yes, they are uniformly not great, but I figure a crap tool is still better than no tool. (Also, I'll never not be able to open a beer bottle.) Second, I'm experimenting with a modular multitool that allows you to swap out implements as you see fit. A given loadout can contain nothing more threatening than a can opener, I pack them all separately in clear packaging so it's abundantly obvious what they are, and if an implement gets confiscated, well, fine, I'll live with the beard comb implement instead during my vacation.
My home air port does have the mail kiosk (though outrageously expensive to mail a knife all the same), so I've been fortunate to be able to mail a sentimental knife back. Another time the airport was slow and I found a sentamental shop worker who sold me some stamps and cardboard to make a package that I could toss in the nearby mail slot. Pure luck that time.
Is the modular multitool you're talking about a product, or something custom you're developing? Sounds cool!
Unfortunately, no, it's just a product I bought (although I do wish I had that sort of mechanical skill).
The modular multitool idea's been tried multiple times by different companies (just do a search for 'modular multitool' and you'll see what I mean). The one I happened to go with is the Roxon Flex Companion, and the basic idea is you have a permanent screwdriver bit holder on one side, and five slots for implements on the other side to fill up however you wish.
Implements can be short or long, and can take up between one and four slots. (Examples: the double-sided file is a single-slot long, the can opener is a single-slot short, the pliers are a two-slot long, blades are one-slot short or long depending on preference, the 1/4" screwdriver bit holder is four-slot short, and the ferrocerium rod is a two-slot short (but I bought that one just for laughs, I'm definitely a seasoned indoorsman).) You can get a one-handed-deploy blade if that's your jam (I decided I didn't want to explain that one to cops and got a long blade without the thumbswitch), and all the implements have a locking mechanism so they stay in/out as appropriate.
All in all it has fewer features in the same size package then my Victorinox CyberTool, but the flipside is if I don't want the fish scaler that day (or ever, indoorsman etc.) I can swap in something more useful like a wire stripper. (You can also pick your loadout at purchase time, it's not like you have to buy implements you don't want.)
I ended up deciding I liked the Flex Companion and also bought the full-size Flex, which is basically your Leatherman-style-pliers-with-implements-in-the-handles thing, and that takes two longs and eight shorts, but it's a bit heavy to carry around on a daily basis.
As I said, the above are just what worked for me and I encourage you to see what other manufacturers are doing; everyone has their own neat little trick.
Thanks for sharing! I'll look into these!
The Gerber Dime for keychains.
I have an older configuration of the 600 series for my daily driver, which is much more useful, I'll snap a pic when I have more time.
It's kinda like the bladeless model, but with a blade instead of the one can opener, and the can opener on the other side.
Oh that's neat, I can definitely see the case for a multitool when it's so compact like that as a "you have something when you're not carrying a pack with tools." That's going on my Christmas list for sure.
This is inspiring. I can totally imagine you going about your day and just even once in a while tightening a screw here and a loose bolt there. I really like this idea of doing simple fixes that otherwise would cause bigger failures down the line. I love this!
Guerrilla maintaince better than no maintenance.
This would be a YouTube channel I would subscribe to. And I donāt even have a YouTube account. Love this idea of someone prowling the streets looking for things to fix.
Well do I have a treat for you
Thatās a great story! Hopefully you can inspire your nephew to take a similarly can-do and selfless attitude. Imagine how great it would be if even a small fraction of people had the will and capacity to fix just one or two broken objects they come across in their daily lives, even very occasionally. āIt is harder to create than to destroyā etc.
When I was a kid, I used to carry a fanny pack that was full of all kinds of useful things. I think it started because I liked to wear sweat pants and then didn't have good pockets. We used to call it my pouch. I wore it for many years. I was an unusual kid. But I loved being prepared.
These days I carry a backpack for work, and I whenever I lack something, I try to add it to the load out. It's become pretty fine-tuned over the years.
I hope you enjoyed the eclipse! We traveled into the totality for the 2023 eclipse, and it was one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. I see why people become eclipse chasers.
Your pouch sounds awesome! Iāve known a few people over the years who would carry around all many of curious multi-tool gadgets, though Iāve never taken to it myself (I wish I lived an interesting enough life to randomly need a screwdriver or the like). Except of course I have a multi-tool in my bikeās saddlebag (along with a tire patch kit, naturally).
I havenāt been fortunate enough to witness a solar eclipse before, this was great! It was near-total for me (about 95%) - I was surprised that it still wasnāt that dark even at the peak! (But in hindsight I suppose it makes some sense, 5% of the sunās light is still a lot.) I hope Iāll see a full on total eclipse one day, but the next time it will happen here in the UK is apparently around 2080, so while I expect Iāll live to see it I hope I can witness one elsewhere sooner!
I have been in the 98% for one and the totality for another and it was a big difference. The next one has six minutes in the totality, which is crazy long (the one I saw was less than three). I would love to travel to Spain for that one, but we will see what happens.
Same but I hated the way it felt around my waist so I wore it like a single strap backpack
Since I carry a backpack to work, I always have some light raincoat and rain pants for the unpredictable weather; it has saved me so many times, especially because I bike to work most of the time.
Or when I forget a jacket, it provides a plan B to never get wet or cold.
Oh yeah, I do this too! I have an incredibly tiny packable raincoat I keep in my work backpack. It wonāt keep my dry if it comes tipping down, but saves me in a pinch!
Same, though I've gotten much better about it. I've enjoyed organzing better so I don't end up carrying more than I need/duplicates. Also, finding lighter, smaller versions of the things I like to pack has helped. Like my super lightweight umbrella that barely weighs anything, and a smaller cardholder over a traditional bigger wallet.
Funny enough, I tend to pack very light when I fly, and can usually get away with just a carry on.
Yes absolutely organisation is critical. Thatās one reason Iām still using a really old and tired backpack, because I love its interior layout and pockets (and itās tough, so although it looks a bit worn itās still totally robust).
Do you have a particular umbrella or is it just a random small one? I find the smaller they are, the less robust they are. My main umbrella on the go is a Blunt Metro which Iāve found to be really durable and perform well in windy conditions, which is at least in part because it has one fewer hinge in each arm compared to most umbrellasā¦ of course that means folded it isnāt as small as they can get.
I only just discovered that the same company recently launched a new smaller umbrella design, I may have to investigateā¦ but if you have a recommendation for a solid, tiny umbrella I would be very curious!
I also use a small cardholder in place of a wallet, but usually I just donāt even carry a wallet at all most of the time.
My umbrella is the Muji 2-way folding umbrella. I just weighed mine in at ~200 g, and it goes quite small and thin, but has a funny partially manual folding mechanism (you have to manually 'snap' each arm in half to put it in its smallest configuration).
Admittedly, it's probably not the most durable for high-wind weather but for me it's perfect when there's a chance of rain and I want some form of rain protection. I'm not sure if the brand you linked is available in Canada, but it does look very good!
So Iām not at all like this. When traveling for instance, I prefer packing my bag an hour before I leave. Packing early and being prepared makes me anxious. I rather end up forgetting stuff than have that feeling. I just buy whatever I forget, although itās rare I actually forget anything. Mostly medication I forget and thatās always fun to fix in a country where I donāt speak the language (it really is always a fun little adventure!)
What I do always carry is nail clippers. I started to carry them around when I was playing bass in high school and it stuck. Now Iām the guy with the clippers on his keyring. Itās remarkable how often people need to use them. Iāve worn out multiple and am due for a replacement right now, they really get good mileage with me.
Damn, this is absolutely me. My wife detests it because she's a chronic over preparer. I'm way better at winging it in just about everythjng rather than meticulously preparing, which usually ends up just stressing me out. Does this ever become a problem with you and significant others (if you have one?)
Yes! Exactly the same as you describe. She gets stressed from my lack of prepping, I get stressed from her planning and packing. But I think weāve come to a good middle ground: weāve both become owner of separate parts of packing. For example, Iāll pack electronics and anything pet related, sheāll pack toiletries and makes the kids pack their bags. We let the other do their thing the way they see fit and donāt worry about it. It feels like weāre a good team.
Lol, yeah, exact same situation here. We always sort of compromise and end up packing the day before, instead of a week before as she'd like, or an hour before we leave like I'd like.
Iām curious: do you also enjoy crisis situations? I really enjoy a good software production issue or the car breaking down. I love problem solving.
Yes, 1000%. I don't enjoy it when there are a million little crises, but when something catestrophic happens at work, I feel the most in my element. At basically every job I've ever had, I've eventually become the "crisis guy", either formally or informally. Long term planningwise, I'm shit, but when everyone's hair is on fire, I'm good.
It's funny because you're the second person I've encountered who also feels more anxious packing early instead of right before they need to leave. Do you also tend to end up running about 5 minutes late because it feels better to try to arrive to things right on time rather than early (but then as a result end up a little late instead)?
I donāt, I prefer to be 5 minutes early or exactly on time. Actually, being late really stresses me out. My SO, who prefers to pack all luggage a week in advance, is the one who is consistently late. So I donāt think the two things correlate, or we are the odd ones out.
Some people give me shit for bringing a foldable umbrella everywhere in the summer.
Look who's laughing now that we have heatwave after heatwave in France and I have what essentially is a portable shade?