PCA 2023: What’s in My Bag — Charlie Minato

It’s always interesting to think that this post is conceived before the trade show starts, though it gets published after the trade show has ended. As with some of our other writers, I am also using most of the same things, but have also tried to trim down what I’m using to cover the show. This is a list of the things that I am bringing with me as I traverse the trade show.

Here’s what is in my bag. I’ve noted new items with italics:

• Tom Bihn Shadow Guide 33 — I haven’t contemplated switching from my Tom Bihn backpack. I like the fact that it has one big pocket, one smaller pocket I can access without much effort, and then a laptop pack.
• Trade Show Badge — These are a lot larger than before.
• Think Tank Cable Management 10 V 2.0 — A lot of what is typically stored inside here (dongles, Anker Lightning charging cables, etc.) is on my desk at the booth, but I still try to keep some essential backups.
• Sony A7RIV + Sony 16-35 ƒ/2.8 — I shot one picture with a Tamron 35-150 ƒ/2-2.8 Di III VXD. Personally, I think that lens needs a longer name.
• Sennheiser AVX — It isn’t cheap, but these Sennheiser mics work well and don’t require a ton of technical knowledge to keep going. Outside of accidentally adjusting the mic gain or draining the battery, these are incredible workhorses.
• Peak Design Tripod — Patrick Lagreid has decided to embrace the monopod, so I’m the only one using a tripod this year. It’s compact enough to fit into the laptop pocket of my backpack and tall enough to record Terence Reilly.
• Moleskine Reporter Notebook — Last year I wrote, “I’ve almost run out of pages in here.” There are actually still some pages left.
• Leuchtturm Medium Hardcover Lined Red — This has not been used once.
• Big Idea Design Dual Side Click Pen — I really want one of the Dessert Warrior models, but for now, the black version of this pen works. I’ve used this for most of my writing on the trade show floor.
• Pilot Envelope Address Writing Gel Ink Pen — THESE PENS ARE BACK. My beloved Pilot pens have returned from the dead, now known as the Pilot Tough Wash Fabric Pen. I use the 1mm size.
• Blazer PB-207 — This is the lighter I use every day. While I don’t smoke many cigars here, it holds a ton of fuel and always works.
• Davidoff Double Blade Cutter — I like this cutter so much, I’ve purchased a backup. The trick is finding the leather case.
• Chaves CHUB Flipper — This small body holds a utility blade. I don’t use the knife all that often, but when I need a sharp blade, it’s there.
• Apple Airpods Pro — As much as I love the Sonys, I find making phone calls from the Airpods easier.
• Business Cards
• Bottled Water — I was doing a great job of staying hydrated and then Day 3 happened.
• Anker Battery — I normally carry around two of them, but one of them is in my hotel room.
• Gum