IPCPR 2015: What’s In My Bag — Patrick Lagreid Edition

This year the four members of halfwheel are giving you a peak inside the bags that we carry around to cover the show.

So here’s what’s in my bag:

MacBook Pro: pretty self explanatory, but this is where I do all my writing of the articles and a bit of photo and video editing. I got this last November after being a lifelong PC person, and while I’m certainly not a die-hard Mac convert, I certainly enjoy it. I also carry an ethernet cord because you never know when the wi-fi might be unreliable and you can just plug in.

Canon EOS 60D: another relatively new addition to my bag, I used to shoot with a Canon Rebel T2i but we did a bit of swapping around the office and I got this one. The battery charger is also pictured, though the hope is that I don’t have to use this during the show. I also carry an extra Transcend 32GB SDHC

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD lens: while I usually use a 60 mm Tamron lens for reviews, this has become my go-to for trade shows since you never know when you might need a little more zoom or the benefit of a wider angle. I’m not a big fan of swapping lenses while shooting, so this generally does the trick for me in this kind of environment.

MagicFiber wipes: to keep the lenses, camera and computer screen all clean.

BlackRapid RS-7 camera strap: for years I went with the standard strap that came with my camera, but when I was at Altadis’ farm in Connecticut last year, I found I wanted something different and got turned onto this one by the Arizona Diamondbacks’ team photographer. It lets the camera hang down by my side yet I can get it into position quickly and easily.

Røde Stereo VideoMic: as you know, we’re adding some video this year. I haven’t used this device prior to the show, so we’ll let the videos be the judge.

Anker battery packs: it’s amazing how quickly a phone battery dies on the show floor. These little guys hold several charges and can quickly charge up any phone or USB powered device.

Anker six-port USB charger: it’s a power strip for USB devices, including cell phones, the Anker battery packs, speakers, etc. It’s also a great thing to have with you in airports when outlets are at a premium.

3-way power adapter: same thing as the USB charger; just for AC plugs. It’s amazing how you can open up a power outlet in an airport terminal by offering to share it.

LABC Apple Lightning Cable: I picked this up a few weeks ago when my Apple-made cord started splitting near the Lightning connector. It has a braided covering that seems to be a bit more durable. I also carry a car adapter because you never know when that may be where the next charge is coming from.

XIKAR MTX cigar scissors: my go-to cutter.

Jetline Single Torch lighter: a personal favorite of mine, though we tend to swap these around among the staff so it may also be the dual flame on occasion.

BIC lighters: the ol’ standby, and they never get confiscated by TSA. Not the best in the world, but they do the trick.

Goody’s headache powder, orange flavor: here’s a little fact about me, I can’t swallow a pill to save my life. Never have been able to. Thankfully the fine folks at Goody’s and a handful of other companies make this product and other chewable headache medicines.

Reporter’s notebook: a standard in the business. I actually hate the design of the cover and would prefer a blank one, but this gets the job done.

Pens: always several because one will inevitably run out.

Shure SE215 earbuds: these are never too far away, either to listen to interviews I’ve recorded or some music while I work or am on a plane.

Smartwater: Gotta stay hydrated while walking a few miles around the tradeshow floor, plus I like the shape of the bottle as it fits pretty nicely in all of my bags, plus I think it tastes pretty decent.

Nivea SPF15 lip balm: living in Phoenix, I use sunscreen all the time, and the lips are no exception.

Business cards: I love the ones we use, as they are made out of actual wood, and in my case, maple, which is also what a lot of baseball bats are made of. As you may know, I’m sort of into baseball.