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

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 Totepack interior can be divided with Velcro pads.
The Totepack interior can be divided with Velcro pads.
Source: David Lee

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.

The large MacBook Pro is relatively heavy, but it gives me enough performance and screen space.
The large MacBook Pro is relatively heavy, but it gives me enough performance and screen space.
Source: David Lee

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 terms of voice quality, the Apple EarPods (now the USB-C version) are still far superior to the wireless AirPods.
In terms of voice quality, the Apple EarPods (now the USB-C version) are still far superior to the wireless AirPods.
Source: David Lee

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.

The 7.6-centimetre blade of the Spyderco Sage is made of CPM-S30V steel. It’s extremely hard, so it stays sharp for a long time. However, resharpening it is more complex than with softer alloys.
The 7.6-centimetre blade of the Spyderco Sage is made of CPM-S30V steel. It’s extremely hard, so it stays sharp for a long time. However, resharpening it is more complex than with softer alloys.
Source: David Lee

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:

  • Background information

    What’s in my bag: an overview

    by Florian Bodoky

Header image: David Lee

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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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