Apple Events always take place in June and September, and sometimes March and October as well. They're typically in Cupertino but have recently also taken place in Chicago and New York City. Whenever and wherever they are, I have to be ready to report on everything Apple announces and go hands-on with the new hotness — so I can bring it all back to you right here and on my YouTube channel, Vector. To do that, though, I need gear. I need tech. I need… so much stuff. And, I need to pack it all up to take it with me. So, what's in my go-to go-bag this time?
Note: A ton of this stuff will likely be on sale over the holidays, so keep it locked to our Cyber Monday Deals so you can be on top of all the best prices, all the time.
Pack it up
Kevin Michaluk recommended the Knox to me, and I love almost everything about it. It's stylish and small but holds a ton of gear. It's no longer available, but the Shephard Backpack is the next closest style.
Carry-On companion
I travel light and try to stick to carry-on. A lot of suitcase recommendations I've gotten have been too big for the airlines I fly. Travelpro has been perfect. I just wish it didn't have the front section so I could have full depth in the main compartment.
Camera keeper
Instead of taking a big camera bag and my big cameras with me — I'm trying out the Peak right now, and I'm still using the GH-5 to shoot all this — I'm going to keep things ultralight and ultra-mobile.
Work machine
I'd been using a 13-inch MacBook Pro for years, but since I've been editing the VECTOR YouTube show, 15-inches... and now 16-inches makes everything just so much faster and better. I may go back since this is a lot of laptop to carry, but it's just so fast...
Productivity extra
Since the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is so lightweight, it's easy to make the decision to pack the largest iPad Pro of them all. With the extra video editing that I do now, a big screen is a must-have.
Slim typing
I know my colleagues have been wooed by Logitech, but I already have a MacBook Pro with me, so this is more about sleekness than clickity-clack-ness for me.
Sketch fest
It's great for sketching on iPad Pro on the go. Maybe I'll diagram more this year? Also bringing with me: Apple Pen. I picked this up at the Infinite Loop Apple Store. Sadly, customs forms still require ink.
Pocket computer
It's the closest thing yet to a hand computer. I can run almost everything from this. And, thanks to the amazing camera system, I can film all the b-roll I need to as well.
Juice for days
iPhone 11 already has a battery that can go a whole day, but when bad airport connectivity and bad roaming reception just chew away at it, the Smart Battery Case lets it chew right back. Form? Ugly. Function? Unbeliveable.
Notify me
It has my plane tickets, my credit cards, my coffee cards, my appointments, my messages, schedule, pretty much everything tiny but essential, and all instantly available without even having to reach for my phone. And now, always-on.
Listening in
They're just so light and convenient. I use for everything from listening to podcasts or watching YouTube on the go-to editing in Final Cut when I'm at an event or a coffee shop. And with active noise cancelation, they're better than ever for travel.
In-flight entertainment
With Twelve South's AirFly, I can hack my AirPods into the regular headphone jack output on Airplanes, just in case, it's showing something more interesting than what I'm watching or listening to on my iPad, iPhone, or MacBook Pro.
Extra large juice
Tons of juice, and both USB-A and USB-C so I can charge everything. Because nothing shreds battery life like roaming.
More storage
When I'm traveling, I need speed when backing up and offloading video. The X5 gets hot, and the design is all shades of awkward, but the convenience is absolutely worth it.
Tripod treat
The Manfrotto PIXI Tripod Kit is a great tiny tripod that lets me quickly, easily set up shots on the go - especially when I need to be in them.
Pocket cam
I don't think the capture quality is as good as the iPhone XS, but it has a lot of features that make it really compelling none-the-less especially if I want to do any vlogging while I'm out there.
For the Vector YouTube show
Panasonic Lumix GH5 ($1998 at Amazon)
I recently moved to a Canon C200 cinema camera. But this is still my light rig.
Panasonic Lumix G LEICA DG SUMMILUX LENS, 15MM, F1.7 ASPH ($598 at Amazon)
The lens I use for vlogging on the go.
Olympus M Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm ($799 at Amazon)
The lens I shoot the show on every day, and the lens I'll be shooting the event with.
Sound Devices MixPre-3 ($650 at Amazon)
Because you can record onto it directly with an SD card and simplicity always wins.
Heil Sound PR 40 Mic ($450 at Amazon)
For getting high-quality sound, even when surrounded by too much background noise.
You can follow my travels @reneritchie on Twitter or @reneritchie on Instagram. You can also see everything I'm currently using — for travel, at home, and in the office — at Kit.com.
