The Gear Journal – Page 62 – Every Day Carry Gear & Gadgets

March 3, 2021

Scripto P369 Pencil

Ryan

Paper & Writing

In the world of mechanical pencil manufacturing, the bar for durability was set long ago by a Scripto P369. Lots of pencils are more comfortable to use, have tighter lead tolerances, and just flat out work better. BUT, no one has ever really dethroned the P369 as the most durable.

As we wade through a world of planned obsolescence, we have to deal with the fact that shit like this isn’t profitable to make anymore.

Thankfully, you can still pick one up on eBay for relatively cheap. Just remember, you are going to lose this thing before it breaks…

Get yours here.

March 2, 2021

Mechanical Keyboards

Ryan

Tech

I use mechanical keyboards. In fact, I rely on them so heavily that I even travel with one on occasion. Hell, I even made my daily driver from scratch.

Anyway, I’m often asked what mechanical keyboard you should start with if you have no interest in buying a kit or building your own. It’s a hard question to answer because so much about the mechanical keyboard world is personal preference, but… you have to start somewhere, right?

My first notion is to guide you to the Ducky x Varmilo. Get yours with Cherry MX brown switches – a good, middle of the road switch that is tactile, but not crazy loud or offensive.

This makes sense to me as the Ducky board is known for being very well made, but not crazy expensive. Also, the 65% layout is a good transition from a full-size to something smaller and more compact. If you end up liking the 65%, the transition to a 60% will be that much easier… and, that’s really where the magic really starts to happen.

But what if you just HAVE to have a wireless keyboard? What if you just can’t deal with a 65% layout and have no interest in freeing up desk space and simplifying life? There are options. Keychron makes a number of mechanicals with bluetooth and lots of different layouts. All of them are solid options, but I’d probably recommend the K6.

Once you get a hand on what switches you like and what layout you prefer, you can then go further down the rabbit hole with things like aluminum cases (added weight and mass can really improve the substance and feel), lubed and modified switches, and keycap profiles. Just be careful with how far down this hole you fall – it’s very easy to get $500 wrapped up in a keyboard if you aren’t careful. And frankly, there isn’t a lot of sense in that if all you are after is productivity.

Reddit is a good place to start your journey. Good luck.

March 1, 2021

simplehuman Trashcan

Ryan

Other Gear

I just checked our Amazon order history. My wife bought this thing 10 years ago – almost to the day. She wanted a stainless trash can for the kitchen and just bought the most highly reviewed unit on Amazon.

I remember being annoyed that it cost damn near $150 and required very specific trash bags only sold by simplehuman. A trashcan just doesn’t seem like something that needs that kind of complexity or cost.

I was wrong. In fact, as crazy as it sounds, I would list this trash can as one of the best things we’ve spent money on in the last decade or so. We love it so much, we bought another for recycling. But… Why?

First, its made really well. You know when you go to an antique store and buy something like an old radio and say to yourself, “Man… They don’t make them like they used too.” Well, these things are made like shit used to be made. There is no planned obsolescence here.

Secondly, it’s thoughtful. Initially, I thought the proprietary bag situation was a real bummer… But, here’s the thing – The trash can has a storage area for bags. When you empty your trash, you aren’t left hunting around for a new one… You just grab it from the storage area, line the can, and move on.

Also, the second to last bag in each pack is labeled. So, when you get to that bag, you know to reorder. And since we buy our bags off Amazon Prime anyway, there really isn’t any added complexity. The added cost just goes towards convenience and the comfort in knowing this damned stainless contraption is going to outlast you.

Anyway, this is the trashcan we bought ten years ago.

February 26, 2021

Amazon Smart Sticky Note Printer

Ryan

Paper & Writing, Tech

This is definitely one of those things that Amazon will trot out to the world with promises and glee… only to recoil from later once sales goals aren’t met.

BUT, I absolutely love the idea of this. I’m tempted to buy one just to see if it’s as feasible as it is in my mind.

Details.

February 26, 2021

Alubox Vs. Pelican

Ryan

Bags & Wallets, Other Gear

To be frank, Alubox is out of my pay grade… And despite the fact that I’ve bought a few used Pelican cases in my time, Pelican is as well. Even so, I can’t help but want what I don’t have or even have a use for.

In any regard, I thought this old article over on Expedition Portal was well done. It helps folks rationalize their decision after spending thousands on aluminum boxes.

Details here.

February 25, 2021

Aer Slim Pouch

Ryan

Bags & Wallets

I’ve used and reviewed many products from Aer. They tend to make thoughtful, really well made gear for modern travel. My favorite product of theirs is probably their Dopp kit (on sale right now btw), but their most popular pouch is undoubtedly their tech pouch – every gearhead on YouTube flexes it.

Recently, however, they’ve released a new tech pouch aimed at streamlining your carry. It’s smaller, lighter, and holds less… but just enough to get you and your tech through the day.

And because it’s made by Aer, I’m sure it’s made like a brick shithouse.

Details here.

February 24, 2021

Stretch

Ryan

Clothing

I’ve been a life-long Levi guy. I’ve always just felt most comfortable in jeans and the 501 and 511 have been my go-to since, well… since my mom was buying them for me.

During the pandemic, however, I found myself wearing sweat pants a lot. I had no place to go, so no reason to put on shoes and if you aren’t gonna throw on some Js, why bother with pants?

I guess I just sort of grew into the comfortability as the idea of putting on jeans just hasn’t been appealing to me. Then, a pal recommended I try a pair of Western Rise pants. Essentially, these are “tech pants” with 4-way stretch, a gusseted crotch, and cut similar to my favorite Levis.

I instantly fell in love with the pair I got for Christmas and started experimenting with other cuts and other manufacturers. Here’s a run down:

Western Rise Diversion. These are the first pair I got and they are made from my favorite material. These have a similar weight to your typical jean, but they have a good amount of stretch to them and the gusseted crotch gives you a ton of room. My only complaint? They are just a tad too slim for me. One the flip side though, I think these might be more durable than even denim?
Western Rise Evolution. These have a more relaxed fit (almost identical to the 501) than the Diversion, but they are made of a thinner material. In Austin, I think these are going to be fantastic in the summer time… Stretch is on par with the Diversion and comfort is incredible.
Du/er field pant. I got these on sale from REI and they are amazing… Cut like a traditional VietNam era field pant, but with stretch for days (the most I’ve had). You can’t beat the comfort and they seem to be pretty durable as well? I’d guess the weight is somewhere between the Diversion and the Evolution.

(Editor’s Note: Du/er makes a popular denim with stretch. I’ve yet to try them, but certainly plan too and will report back.)

In any regard, if you are like I was and stuck on obsolete materials just out of habit, give some of these modern tech materials a try. I’m actually really glad I did. I feel like I have a pant more comfortable than my old jeans, just as durable, and made more responsibly.

February 23, 2021

Logitech Customer Service

Ryan

Tech

I’ve long been a user of the Logitech MX Master series of mice. In fact, I’ve had every generation and every variation of the line. I’ve found them to be well made, but more than anything – thoughtfully designed.

Less than a year ago, I bought the MX Master 3. I’ve used it every day and like previous purchases from Logitech, I’ve been very happy with it. However, my unit started showing weird forms of wear on the finish. Last week, it got so bad that I sent an email to Logitech customer support.

After sending them a couple of pictures and answering a few questions, I got an email saying a replacement was on the way. Perfect customer service.

In any case, if you are interested in trying an MX yourself, you can get it here.