The Ismono Podcast

Watch the video version hereIn this episode of the isMono podcast, we sit down with Zak from Vision Swell to explore the intersection of wellness, intentionality, and the gear we carry. Zak shares his transformative journey of "The Purge"—selling off a massive collection of 80s and 90s pop culture memorabilia to embrace a more focused, minimalist lifestyle. We also discuss his inspiring career pivot at age 40, moving from digital advertising to social work, and how that shift changed his perspective on the products he reviews.On the gear side, we dive into Zak's "Personal Item Only" travel philosophy, his defense of the trackball mouse for workstation ergonomics, and the "Sling Slut" culture within the carry community. We compare the aesthetic of "dad bags" like Pacsafe to the heritage feel of Double Oak and the technical precision of Able Carry. Zak explains why he prefers bags in the 20L–28L range and how he balances modular vs. integrated organization.The second half of the show is a deep dive into retro gaming. We discuss the technical differences between FPGA and emulation (Analog Super Nt), the rise of handhelds like the Anbernic RG35XX, and the "lost art" of physical manuals and strategy guides. Whether you’re interested in the psychology of decluttering or looking for the perfect minimalist setup for both travel and gaming, this conversation offers a refreshing and grounded perspective.🔥 Timestamps0:00 – Intro: Zak from Vision Swell1:40 – Career Pivot: From Digital Ads to Social Work4:41 – The Purge: Selling the 80s & 90s Toy Collection7:10 – Personal Item Only: 20L Travel Philosophy9:47 – EDC Essentials & The Need for Quick Access10:50 – Workstation Wellness: The Trackball Mouse Defense13:50 – Modular vs. Integrated Bag Organization16:03 – The "Sling Slut" Debate & Satchel History19:15 – Sling Safety: US vs. European Perspectives22:58 – Pacsafe Review: Security vs. "Dad Bag" Aesthetics26:28 – Current Favorites: Able Carry & Double Oak Heritage30:43 – Retro Gaming: FPGA Tech & Analog Super Nt32:53 – Handheld Gaming: Anbernic RG35XX vs. Steam Deck34:26 – SNES vs. Genesis: The Aladdin & TMNT Debate36:02 – Digital Games vs. Physical Media Nostalgia41:53 – The Era of Strategy Guides & Nintendo Power45:18 – Why Super Nintendo is the Greatest Console Era49:32 – Beginner Guide: Why You Should Start Retro Gaming55:27 – Outro: Where to Find Zak (Vision Swell)

Watch the video version hereIn this episode of the Ismono podcast, we sit down with Alex from the popular YouTube channel Outen The Lights to dive deep into the world of minimalist travel. Known for his unique, cinematic storytelling and refreshing "vibe," Alex shares why he prioritizes style and comfort over everything else when choosing his gear. We discuss the philosophy of "one bag travel," the importance of a capsule wardrobe, and how simplifying your carry can turn a stressful flight into a seamless experience.Whether you're a seasoned "one-bagger" or just looking to lighten your load for your next vacation, Alex provides practical, real-world advice on everything from choosing the right fabrics like Merino wool to the underrated benefits of chunky zippers. We also touch on the current state of the bag industry, the rise of the "1.5 bag carry," and why some of the most popular brands might be losing their unique edge.Stick around as we explore Alex's favorite gear from brands like Pioneer, Aer, and Bellroy, and hear a surprising story about his unexpected connection to the Harry Potter universe via a role alongside Alan Rickman. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more deep dives into the gear and lifestyle of your favorite creators!0:00 Intro: Alex from Outen The Lights3:19 Harry Potter Quiz & Alan Rickman Story5:32 The Core of One Bag Travel5:57 Capsule Wardrobes & Sink Laundry11:17 The 1.5 Bag Carry Explained13:55 Choosing Your Bag: Style vs. Comfort16:07 Fabrics, Haptics, and Topology Gear18:44 Personal Style & Color Schemes (Bordeaux & Blue)20:15 The Problem with Industry "Copycats"21:39 Handling Internet Comments & Generic Bags24:01 Most Memorable Bags: Pioneer Duration Pack26:12 The Best Accessory of the Year: Bellroy Pod29:45 Why "Vibe" and "Soul" Matter in Gear34:20 Future of Outen The Lights: Production Quality41:10 The Reality of Modern Camera Gear (Fuji & Sony)46:55 Quickfire Round: Coffee, Vinyl, and Gaming50:12 Final Wrap-up: Where to find Alex

Watch the video version here.Bo welcomes back John from UnPack'D to discuss how his popular YouTube channel has grown, the evolution of his content creation, and how his perspective on gear has shifted after reviewing dozens of bags. John shares the two most memorable bags he's tested (the unique Embarro and the leather Grams28), including a deep dive into the practicalities of caring for leather in extreme weather. The conversation then explores John's philosophy of reviewing, which focuses on understanding the designer's intent, and how that has forced him to constantly change his own EDC loadout. He also reveals the shocking weight of his daily carry (over 23 pounds!) for his 2-mile walking commute and offers his thoughts on the rise of budget brands like Tomtoc and the latest gear he is excited to test. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 00:00 Intro 0:30 - Welcome Back John from UnPack'D: Channel Growth & Going from Phone to Camera 3:38 - The Reality of Filming Outdoors (DJI Pocket 3) 4:40 - Memorable Bags of the Year: Grams28 and Embarro 8:28 - The Dilemma of Leather in Bag Carry and Weather Resistance 12:09 - The Amazing Look of the X-Pac Rover Collection 14:30 - How Reviewing Bags Changed John's Perspective 17:52 - Finding the Designer's Intent in Every Bag 20:07 - Why John Changes His Packing Style for Every Review 22:55 - John's Daily Loadout: The 23-Pound Commute 26:26 - EDC on Days Off: The Perfect Dog Owner's Sling Bag 28:55 - What's Next for Review: Grams28 and King Kong Core 30:25 - Is the King Kong Core Backpack a Bag Nerd's Gym Bag? 36:18 - Thoughts on Tom Bihn and the Tomtoc "Disruptor" 52:20 - GORUCK's Future Focus: Rucking vs. Stealth Carry

I sit down with Wolf from the YouTube channel @Nitpacker to discuss the elusive search for the perfect bag, the life of a gear reviewer, and real-world carry systems. Wolf is known for his "nitpicky" reviews and reveals the single backpack that sparked his obsession, how he uses a Bellroy 10L Camera Sling as an ingenious Dad Bag for his two young children (ages 3 and 1), and his ultimate multi-bag system for traveling internationally with a family.From why he reviews bags to his red-eye flight hacks, this episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in EDC, travel gear, or simplifying family travel.0:34 - Intro: A New Voice in Bag Reviews (Wolf from Knit Packer) 1:48 - Wolf's Background: Why He's "Nitpicky" 2:27 - How Wolf's Professional-Looking Videos are Made 3:58 - Why Bags? How a Revolving Door of Hobbies Led to Gear Review 6:06 - The First Bag That Started the Obsession: Why the Patagonia Refugio 28L Failed 7:56 - Daily Carry and Loadout Philosophy 10:52 - The Bellroy 10L Camera Sling: The Ultimate Dad Bag Hack 14:40 - Wolf's Multi-Month Family Travel Packing System (Carry-on vs. Checked Luggage) 18:11 - Why Traveling with Kids Requires SO Many Bags 21:29 - Travel Tips: Red-Eye Flights, Screen Time, and the Flyaway Bed 26:25 - Wolf's Minimalist EDC Wallet 29:17 - The Problem with Over-Engineered Dop Kits (and Peak Design) 31:31 - The Christopher Ward Watch Dilemma & The Watch That Finally Clicked (Tudor Ranger) 32:54 - Wolf’s EDC Watch: The Tudor Ranger

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

Talking to one of the newer bag reviewers. This is Kevin from Pack & Roam. 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

Talking to one of the newer bag reviewers. This is John from Unpackd. 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

Talking to Odie Matthews on why he came back to the bag world and what he has done during his 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

I'm biased. Are reviewers bieased? 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

Talking to Nightshift EDC about what's in her bag as a medical professional and more 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

Talking to Orlaigh from @gearbywomen and her female perspective to the bag enthusiast space 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

Talking to Life Behind Bars @lbbjkt Co-Founder Aldo and Designer Deus. 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

I believe 2025 will be the year of the totebags Check the video version here Some of the totebags mentioned Alpaka Metro Totebag* https://geni.us/Alpaka_Metrotote Bellroy Tokyo Wonder Tote* https://geni.us/Bellroy-Tokyo-Wonder Bellroy Tokyo Totebag* https://geni.us/Bellroy_TokyoTote Groundtruth RIKR Tote* https://geni.us/Groundtruth_RIKRTote Life Behind Bars Transition Tote https://geni.us/LBB_Transition 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

These are my favorite bags, my favorite Everydaycarry and my favorite tech items of 2024 Check the video version here Samsung Fold5* https://geni.us/Samsung-Fold5 Bellroy Lite Travel Bag* https://geni.us/Bellroy-LiteTravelPack Pioneer Carry Panda Pack* https://geni.us/Pioneer-PandaPack Wuben X2 Pro Flashlight* https://geni.us/Wuben_X2pro Alpaka Flight Sling* https://geni.us/Alpaka_FlightSling Gaming Device* https://geni.us/GamingDevice 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

In the last episode with Alex we had some technical difficulties to record the whole conversation. This time I was able to record the whole conversation about his minimalist packing style, retro gaming and more. 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

I talk to Klint of The Perfect Bag about his incredible bag collection, his packing and travel style and more. 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