What’s in my bag: for Samuel, less is more

Samuel Buchmann

6/11/2024

Translation: Megan Cornish

In this series, editors show you what they pack in their bags when they leave the house – whether for business or pleasure. Samuel only takes the bare essentials.

I used to stuff my rucksack full of equipment. I usually didn’t even need half of it and was annoyed by how heavy it was. Nowadays, I only take the bare essentials. The header photo shows all of my equipment – usually some of it stays at home. On working days, I sometimes take the camera, while I take the laptop on holiday.

Everyday photo backpack

The Peak Design Everyday Totepack is discreet, comfortable and robust. From the outside, it doesn’t look like a classic camera bag – and that’s exactly why I like it. Nevertheless, the Totepack can hold a medium-sized camera, a large extra lens and spare lenses or things like a jacket. The back compartment can hold up to a 16-inch laptop.

The rucksack can be opened on the sides as well as the top. This means I can quickly grab everything I need. Because I’ve divided the interior into three compartments, I can take things out without the rest sliding around or bumping into each other. The only disadvantage of the padded compartments is that I can’t use it for bulky items.

A MacBook for everything

My M1 Max MacBook Pro has been a faithful companion for four years. I often work on the go, so I appreciate its 16-inch screen and long battery life. A smaller laptop is no longer an option for me. And although there are now newer models, I see no reason to upgrade.

Apart from the MacBook, I only take a mouse and an external SSD with me – and a USB-A dongle. I hardly ever need the latter anymore. But if I left it at home, I know full well I’d have to connect some old device via USB-A.

One lens for everything

Photography nerds often suffer from gear acquisition syndrome (GAS), the urge to buy more and more equipment. I used to always have at least two lenses with me. Usually more. You might find yourself in a situation where you need something specific. Luckily, I’ve now got over this fear – my Sony Alpha 7RV with a standard zoom is perfectly fine in 95 per cent of cases.

Both with a cable and without

I listen to music and podcasts with Apple’s second generation AirPods. They don’t have active noise cancelling (ANC), but they sit comfortably in my ears for long periods of time – unlike earbuds with silicone pads. If fourth-generation AirPods with ANC work for me, they’d probably be the perfect middle ground.

In my opinion, there’s one thing wireless headphones aren't good for: making phone calls. No matter what software tricks the manufacturers try to use, microphones on your ears are just too far from your mouth. I don’t want to have to repeat myself all the time, so I still use wired EarPods for long conversations.

Using technology to combat clumsiness

I’ve lost a key exactly three times in my life: the first, only and last time. Since I found out what a hassle it is, I’ve been attaching my keys to an AirTag. Of course, I’ve not lost anything since then. But the few francs and a new button battery every two years are worth the peace of mind to me.

Any Swiss citizen worth their salt always carries a pocket knife. Many years ago I briefly got very into EDC and bought a pointlessly expensive model. The Spyderco Sage is perfectly made and pretty. Obviously, it also cuts well – although in my case, it’s mostly just tape on packages. And the back can be used as a flat-blade screwdriver in an emergency.

Check out the rest of the «What’s in my bag» series:

Samuel Buchmann

Senior Editor

Samuel.Buchmann@digitecgalaxus.ch

My fingerprint often changes so drastically that my MacBook doesn't recognise it anymore. The reason? If I'm not clinging to a monitor or camera, I'm probably clinging to a rockface by the tips of my fingers.

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