The Ismono Podcast

Watch the video version here.Welcome to a new podcast episode where I dive into my Top 5 Favorite Bags of 2025! This list focuses exclusively on the bags I actively used this year, highlighting unique features, build quality, and why they earned a permanent spot in my rotation.The list includes unexpected usage (a rolling case as a mobile editing station and a travel backpack as a gym bag), a deep dive into the ergonomics of my favorite sling, and a nostalgic shout-out to a classic bookbag design.00:00 Preview0:17 - Introduction & Why a Podcast for Bag Reviews1:56 - #1: Bellroy Rolling Case (The Mobile Editing Workstation)3:31 - The Challenge: Carrying a Dual-Screen Setup & Peripherals4:26 - Why the Bellroy Rolling Case is perfect: No Sweat Commute5:03 - Key Feature: Integrated Hooked Packing Cubes (Gear Protection)6:27 - The Downside: No Dedicated Laptop Slot (Paired with the Black Ember Forge)7:48 - Multipurpose Use: Carry-on Luggage for Camera Gear8:46 - #2: Nayosmart U5 Backpack (The Surprise Budget-Friendly Favorite)9:36 - Why the Material Works: Easy to Wipe Off & Unique Feel11:15 - Key Feature: Mystery Ranch Trifold Style Opening (Fast Access)12:15 - Comfort & Flexibility: Why I was Surprised I Loved It14:26 - #3: Able Carry Core Sling14:56 - Initial Hesitations: The Front Pocket & Permanent Shoulder Padding16:15 - The Game-Changer: Four Attachment Points & 360-Degree Hooks18:29 - Real-World Use: Quick Access with the Front Temporary Storage Slot19:45 - Small Nitpick: Confusing Zipper Pulls on Dual Compartments22:22 - #4: Evergoods CB22 (Classic Book Bag) (Nostalgia & Build Quality)23:23 - The Iconic Design I Always Wanted (Eastpak/Jansport Vibe)24:29 - Evergoods Quality: Build to Last & Clamshell Opening25:23 - Downside: The Unprotected Front Pocket (Pickpocket Risk)26:56 - #5: Pakt Aero Carry-On Backpack (My Dedicated Gym Bag)28:29 - Key Feature: Suitcase Style Opening (Perfect for Locker Rooms)29:33 - Great Organization & Build Quality (Fits Two Water Bottles)30:34 - Major Downside: Laptop Slot Squished Between Halves32:12 - The Risk: Pressure Points on Your Laptop Screen (Chargers/Hard Items)33:33 - Conclusion & Favorite EDC Item (Anbernic RG35XX Plus)

Watch the video version hereWelcome to a new essay-style episode for Season 2! Today, we dive deep into the philosophy of Everyday Carry (EDC) and introduce a new concept: EDC Optimization.Everyone has an everyday carry—your phone, wallet, and keys are the non-negotiables. But for enthusiasts, EDC is about so much more. I discuss whether carrying extra items (like a camera, gaming device, or multi-tool) is bogging you down, or if it's providing essential creature comforts and a much-needed security blanket.I also cover practical steps on how to evaluate your EDC loadout, choose high-value gear (like a quality Leatherman vs. a dollar-store tool), and stress the importance of understanding local laws regarding items like knives.My Personal EDC Loadout: I reveal the gear I'm currently carrying, including my favorite mechanical watch (Steinhart Ocean 500), my preferred multi-tool (the Gerber Dime), and why a power bank and flashlight are essential.▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 Intro00:16 Welcome to the Essay Style Podcast (Season 2)00:46 Question: Is Your Everyday Carry Making Your Life Worse?01:16 Defining EDC: Beyond Phone, Wallet, Keys02:41 Expanding the Loadout: Multi-Tools, Headphones, and Watches03:36 Why EDC is Special: It's Highly Individualized05:04 The Struggle: Carrying a Gaming Device (Anbernic RG35XX Plus) & Camera (DJI Pocket 3)06:33 Psychological Benefits: The Security Blanket Argument07:27 A Real-Life Example: My Multi-Tool Saved Me in a Hotel Room08:24 Why a Dedicated Camera is Better Than Your Phone10:14 Experience Over Convenience: Dedicated Items vs. Phone Distractions12:13 How to Start: Organizing and Deciding Your EDC Items14:57 Sling Bag vs. Backpack: The Loadout Limit15:53 Value Proposition: Balancing Cheap vs. High-Quality Gear17:10 Evaluating Your EDC: Fun & Utility Check-ins18:53 IMPORTANT: Abide by Your Local EDC Laws (German Knife Laws)20:46 The Hobby: Introducing EDC Optimization21:54 My Current EDC Loadout: Phone, Watch, Wallet23:03 My Sling Bag Contents: Camera, Gaming, and Power24:00 My Multi-Tool & Flashlight: The Gerber Dime and Wuben X2 Pro25:05 Support the Podcast! (Affiliate Links Below)

Watch the video version here Back with Ron Kwok! Why Having Two Kids Changed My EDC & YouTube Welcome back to the podcast! 🎉 For the first episode after a six-month hiatus, I'm thrilled to welcome back the incredible Ron Kwok from Live with Purpose! Since our last chat in March 2023, Ron’s life and content creation journey have seen some big changes—including becoming a dad of two! In this episode, Ron opens up about his recent content sprint, experimenting with new video formats (like his viral interview-style EDC video), and the evolution of his gear setup. We deep dive into what it really means to have a practical Everyday Carry for Dads when your hands are full 🍼. Spoiler: Say goodbye to the knife! ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 00:00 Intro 0:15 - The Podcast is BACK! (And I'm rusty) 1:12 - Ron Kwok Update: Family Life, Content Sprint, and the 5 AM Grind 2:58 - Ron's New Netflix-Style Interview EDC Video 5:01 - Ron’s Camera Gear: Why the Sony a7C is Still the Workhorse 7:00 - Filming at Home: The Challenge of Work/Life Balance for Creators 7:45 - What is Ron's Current EDC? (The Dad Edition) 9:40 - The EDC Essential: Why Ron Rocks a Sling Bag (Front-Slung) 11:04 - The No-Knife Rule & Why He Carries a Leatherman PS Style 11:33 - Why Ron Switched to a Fountain Pen (Big Idea Designs) 14:59 - Power Banks, Tech, and Preparedness for Day Trips 18:31 - The Daddy Diaper Bag Dilemma: Ron's Solution 19:23 - Ron’s Day Pack: The Able Carry Daybreaker 20:35 - Organization Secret: Using Color-Coded Pouches (No Cavemen Here!) 23:37 - X-PAC vs. Ripstop: Do You Need Expensive Materials? 25:35 - Ron's System for Unpacking Every Bag to Stay Organized

The podcast is coming back Check the video version here   If you want to check out my Youtube videos or my Instagram you can find me here. YOUTUBE main channel YOUTUBE 2nd channel INSTAGRAM   And if you like early access to the podcasts + their video versions or you want to support my content, check out my Patreon  

Tha analytics got to me. I am doing an hiatus. Check the video version here   If you want to check out my Youtube videos or my Instagram you can find me here. YOUTUBE main channel YOUTUBE 2nd channel INSTAGRAM   And if you like early access to the podcasts + their video versions or you want to support my content, check out my Patreon