I used to be a hauler back in my 20s, but with time and back pain I have moved to more compact, lighter versions of what I need. Which is usually:
a 23L Decathlon backpack I bought to also use as a one bag for holidays
Bellroy tech kit for all the cables, earphones, portable chargers, work ID cards etc
Work laptop & charging cable
Personal ipad for notes etc
Cardigan & clean work shirt
Wallet (a compact wallet + coin I found from Burberry)
metal water bottle (it gets heavy but I like it better than the collapsible one I have for travel)
hygiene kit (mini toothbrush, mini mouthwash, tinted sunscreen, lip balm, hair tie, extra pair of disposable contract lenses)
phone
The decathlon has a lot of compartments and I use that instead where I can. And I like using the sternum strap and thick padded backpack straps to lessen the weight. It still looks professional and less backpacker. If there is an emergency, my client's office is near a mall where I can easily buy replacements (from sewing kits to cables). I get my lunch from the nearby supermarket too.
Alas in a separate bag I will have to start bringing a portable monitor for work. Technically it should be able to fit in the bag but I'm concerned about the weight.
I used to be a hauler back in my 20s, but with time and back pain I have moved to more compact, lighter versions of what I need. Which is usually:
The decathlon has a lot of compartments and I use that instead where I can. And I like using the sternum strap and thick padded backpack straps to lessen the weight. It still looks professional and less backpacker. If there is an emergency, my client's office is near a mall where I can easily buy replacements (from sewing kits to cables). I get my lunch from the nearby supermarket too.
Alas in a separate bag I will have to start bringing a portable monitor for work. Technically it should be able to fit in the bag but I'm concerned about the weight.