Packing Light: The Gear That Goes Everywhere With Us
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The best gear is gear you actually use — every day, in every context, without thinking about whether it's appropriate. We're obsessed with items that move seamlessly between the trail, the gym, the office, and the weekend. Here's what's always in our bag.
The Exaliss Principle
Before the list: the underlying philosophy here is that great gear should do its job without demanding attention. You shouldn't think about your water bottle — it should just work. Cold when you want cold. Open when you need it open. Secure enough that you trust it in your bag next to your laptop.
Every item below passes a simple test: would you take it on a hike, to the gym, and to a meeting in the same day without swapping it out?
Our Everyday Carry List
1 Insulated Water Bottle (22 oz)
Non-negotiable. Cold water throughout a full day without ice. One-hand flip-top so you're never fumbling. The 22 oz format is the sweet spot: substantial enough to last most of the day, compact enough to fit in any bag side pocket. If you're going long — hiking all day or traveling — bundle two.
2 Lightweight Running Pack (5–10L)
A minimal hydration vest or daypack that holds the essentials without bulk. Look for side pockets that accommodate a 22 oz bottle, a phone pocket with easy access, and a breathable back panel. Osprey, Salomon, and Nathan all make excellent options in this category.
3 Merino Wool Base Layer
Merino is the rare fabric that works at the gym, on the trail, and in a business-casual setting. It regulates temperature in both warm and cold conditions, resists odour for multiple wears, and looks clean enough for a coffee meeting. Icebreaker and Smartwool are the standards.
4 Packable Wind Jacket
A jacket that compresses into its own pocket and weighs under 200g. Wear it over a tee on a cold morning run, layer under a heavier shell on a hike, or throw it on between gym and dinner. Patagonia's Houdini and Arc'teryx's Squamish are perennial favourites.
5 Minimalist Trail Shoe
A shoe that's comfortable enough for all-day wear, grippy enough for an impromptu trail, and presentable enough for a casual office setting. Hoka, Salomon, and On Running all produce versatile crossover options. Prioritize a wide toe box for long days.
6 Headlamp (small, rechargeable)
You won't need it 95% of the time. You'll be very grateful for it the other 5%. A compact USB-rechargeable headlamp takes up almost no space. Black Diamond's Spot 400-R or Petzl's Actik Core are reliable picks that weigh under 100g.
Enough to charge a phone 2–3 times. Keep it in your bag always — it converts a long flight, a dead-battery hike, or a remote campsite from an inconvenience into a non-issue. Anker's PowerCore series is compact, reliable, and reasonably priced.
A single tube of Nuun or SaltStick tablets fits in any bag and costs almost nothing per serving. Drop one in your water bottle when you're sweating hard or traveling. The difference in how you feel at hour 6 of a hard day is noticeable. Most people are chronically under-electrolited, not just under-hydrated.
The Gear Philosophy in One Sentence
Buy fewer things, but buy the right things — items that are durable, versatile, and designed for real use rather than for the shelf. The compounding value of gear that works comes from trusting it enough to reach for it every single day.