While I'm not a big EDC person, I can't deny that there are things that I have on me so frequently it's weird if they're missing. Naturally, I don't have every one of these items at all times, but I do typically have all of these things on a given workday.

In no particular order...

Coffee Mug

This little Hario mug is just about perfect for my morning Americanos. It also fits a V60 quite nicely. Sadly, it's just barely too small for use with an AeroPress. It's small, seals perfectly, is very sturdy, and never bumps open, making it perfect to throw in the bag when necessary.

Traveler's Notebook

My right hand. My extended thoughts. My to-do lists. I love this thing more than I should. I've used dozens of notebooks, but something about customizing and carrying this thing brings me joy in a way no other notebook could.

Mine is relatively simple compared to many. There are three lined notebooks: one for daily everything (including where this blog post started), one for work, and one for Japanese practice. There is a kraft folder for whatever comes up (handy for plane tickets), and a zipper pouch with some odds and ends. I recently added a two-pen pouch thing to store my Pilot ballpoint and LAMY fountain pens.

Pocket Knife

Sadly, I recently lost the trusty Spyderco I had for years. But I replaced it with something that just might be better: a North Arm Knives Skaha II. I've only had it for a week, but so far, so good. Great build quality, tough steel, Canadian-made.

Multitool

A Leatherman Squirt II. Just a little guy, but comes in handy so frequently.

Laptop

Lenovo ThinkPad (I forget the model) for work.

Kobo

My first-gen e-reader from when they were owned by Canadian company Indigo. It's got a few war wounds, but still works just fine. It's currently wrapped in a Japanese tenugui that I got at an impore store in Edmonton and have used for many things (including as a hand towel while travelling in Japan).

Wallet

Handmade by a British ex-pat in my hometown. It's virtually invincible, and coloured with ox blood - which is a little unsettling, but I like it anyway.

Hand Sani

Just reusing a generic bottle. Filled with locally-made gel sanitizer.

Earplugs

Loops Switch - the one with different settings. Handy for noisy rooms, concerts, movie theatres, obnoxious people...

Earphones

Aftershokz Treks Air bone conduction. I use them whenever I'm cycling or walking and listening to podcasts or music but still want to hear the world around me. Sound quality leaves a lot to be desired, frankly (these do rest outside the ears), but they serve their purpose well enough.

Sunglasses

They have a guitar headstock on the arms and are therefore inherently cool.

Lunch Kit

U-Konserve bag made from recycled plastic bottles. Typically holds my bento box, plus an apple or whatever snacks.

Phones

• Samsung S20FE (mine)
• iPhone 14 (work)

The Bag

All of the above fits into this great leather briefcase bag that was custom made to my specifications by the same guy who made the wallet. :)