My Favorite Tech Gear for Remote Work & Travel

[@JessieS]

Quick FYI on that travel router you can configure VPN on it so that when you hit up a public place or hotel, you connect via your router instead.

[@joshfenn]

For sure! Wanted to hit on the security aspects but ended up cutting for time. So many good use cases for something like this

[@MarcosMoreira-k6x]

Great rundown, mate, thanks for sharing!

[@MarieVaugn]

Thanks for the recommendations! Easy and secure wifi on the go is definitely a must for remote work in my experience. I travel through a lot of rural areas without wifi as I live in my RV, but I have been able to get good connection using a HomeFi hotspot.

[@joshfenn]

I’ll have to check that one out! Would be great to have something for longer car camping trips.

[@MarieVaugn]

@@joshfenn For sure, let me know if you have any questions about it and I can do my best to answer :)

[@greggchristensen8524]

I just checked the TSA site and all it says is it must be in your carry on bag. They refer you to the FAA web site and it states carry on lithium batteries must be under 160 watt hours. The Aohi starship is 145 watt hours. But you may run into a TSA officer that really wants to steal items as some do steal items

[@joshfenn]

It says you can carry 101-160wh with special permission, but under 100wh is okay without any additional clearance. Seems like they don’t police this much and you’d probably get away with it but always good to know the risk beforehand so you don’t risk losing an expensive battery

[@ryanellison4884]

A lot of countries now only let you bring 30,000mah charge banks or lower

[@anthonycatello]

​@@ryanellison4884 Some don't let anything over 10,000 mAh fly

[@Dat376]

The travel router also lets you bring a firestick/appltv for your hotel tv. And not worry about it being blocked.

[@joshfenn]

For sure! Just gotta make sure you can get to the hdmi ports, I’ve been burned with that in the past too haha.

[@JOhnDoe-pi9jj]

It has AdGuard preinstalled!!! VPN , parent control and much more

[@hollyhockNYC]

Not fancy and fun tech but if I'm working remotely I always make sure I have a portable surge protector in my bag. Don't need my laptop getting zapped. :)

[@joshfenn]

Better safe than sorry! I used to always carry one but haven’t as often since most of my power bricks handle some of it, but might be worth checking into some options to test

[@hollyhockNYC]

@@joshfenn I had my laptop once get zapped by a power surge. Took out my modem card! Based on that comment that tells you how long ago that was. lol But I've been cautious ever since!

[@guystokes454]

​@hollyhockNYC that's the first thing that's on my mind when I'm packing!

[@HT__00]

That CL travel backpack doesn’t seem to have a strap for a luggage handle so you only have to roll around your wheel luggage and not have to carry something heavy. As well the laptop compartment of other bags have protective foam at the bottom of the bag so that if you put your laptop in your bag while its on the floor it doesn’t cause a great impact on the laptop. The CL bag is an ok bag but here there certainly better with some having 360 degree foam protection.

[@tdolan500]

The travel router is such a great shout. I can think of so many ways it could be used while travelling.

[@joshfenn]

For sure! I missed so many good talking points in the video, could have easily been a standalone to cover everything. Security is a huge plus on top of the general convenience.

[@marl0nbrand01]

For those not in the know.. many older 2015-2018 era Android phones have nifty built in WiFi repeater and extender modes baked into the OS w/local LAN option for setting up a portable personal network and pass free WiFi internet through. Great way to carry a router disguised as an older phone. It’s a feature that was deprecated on later Android versions, not sure why but it may have been reintroduced on the most recent Android offerings.

[@buckleyjs]

The GL-AXT1800 is an awesome tool. So glad to see it listed here. Highly recommend it.

[@sorjai.]

9:07 since the Macs can't take the full speed advantage of the USB 3.2 gen 2x2 drives, it's best to get the Sandisk G40 TB3 drive instead if you really want the fast performance on your Mac.

[@joshfenn]

I’ll have to check it out, thanks for the rec! Thunderbolt drives seem so uncommon I had mostly lost hope in finding any

[@frp1276]

If you dont need the capacity of those monster banks look into the Baseus blade. The form factor can't be beat for a backpack. Theyre around 75Wh for the larger version and will dump 100w into a single device.

[@joshfenn]

Just saw this recently and it looked really great! I’ll have to try and get my hands on one soon

[@jimkirkwood1488]

I am old school, before Bluetooth peripherals became much more present. But I carry a Sabrent 4-Port USB Hub, USB 3.0 I have had for years. Also, I started carrying a usb reader adapter so I can read ssd and micro ssd card storage. It has come in handy. It just looks like a usb stick.

[@joshfenn]

Been really happy with my Sabrent hard drive bay as well, glad to hear the other gear is good too

[@jimkirkwood1488]

I use one in my office desktop. Currently using a mini pc....I don't have the need of video editing so a little lighter is fine.... Even though I have a wireless keyboard and mouse I find the number of available easy access usb ports light. so I run one of those Sabrent hubs and have no issues. It is a usb3 hub. BTW..Your desk set up inspired me to sent mine up as well. Clean and simple is the way.@@joshfenn

[@philipjdry1234]

air tag and tile. or samsung tag and tile. the fact their network of phones and tags are the biggest is a nice add

[@joshfenn]

For sure! I keep air tags in all of my travel bags and one in my edc bag. No brainer to keep track of it in case you lose it or it gets stolen

[@TakaIguchi]

LOVE the able carry 13 as my daily carry. It actually holds quite a bit but is not bulky.

[@joshfenn]

Great pack! Definitely has been a favorite for me too

[@khloeabrown]

I love your content. Thank you so much for posting such great videos!

[@joshfenn]

So glad to hear it, thanks so much for the support!

[@user-lj8nm3pw1n]

Josh New to your Channel but I definitely enjoyed.Thanks so much for sharing. 💯✌️

[@joshfenn]

Thanks so much for the support!

[@AtlasPainkiller]

I've been digging the Chipolo trackers, since I got my Orbit Key x Chipolo tracker. Best option for us outside of the Apple Yard.

[@joshfenn]

I’ve seen these around before, glad to hear they’re working well!

[@tacoma_jon]

Another great video Josh. Appreciate the info. Been a subscriber since your BFM days….

[@joshfenn]

Thanks so much for the support and for sticking around through all the changes over the years! Feels like a lifetime ago when I first started on YT

[@tsuihintree]

Loving the hoodie

[@joshfenn]

Thanks! Been really happy with it, love the looser cut. It’s from HB’s new Trumbull line, I’ve got a link in the video description if you’re interested

[@StageManagerKieran]

I've got the Evergoods CPL backpack and LOVE it. One of my favorite purchases of last year!

[@joshfenn]

Such a nice bag! After so many years of reviews it’s tough for things to stand out and the cpl has been so great.

[@Reno_T]

I've almost purchased the CPL several times but each time the lack of a side water bottle pocket stops me. Didn't that bother you?

[@joshfenn]

The lack of external bottle pocket is probably the one flaw for me, I’ve been using it through the winter just for quick (non-travel) outings, it’ll probably become more of a pain point for spring and summer

[@jasonjohnston5256]

It was great to run across this video! Thanks much for the reviews!

[@joshfenn]

So glad to hear it, thanks for the support!

[@dariopuche847]

Always great stuff in your videos. Thank you

[@joshfenn]

Happy to share, thanks so much for the support!

[@a.raghavan9934]

I’m not sold on the cables - magtame seems a little gimmicky and a little too bulky for what we get, the in-charge is a little too pricey and the USB-A adapter easily comes off, not sure about the advantages of knowing power in cable, won’t it consume some power as well. I own a couple of in-charge and used them on a trip. My recommendation is get some adapters or different cables as you can charge multiple devices. Now iPhones are USB-c so might not need too many different adapters. I like the travel router idea, might try it on a trip. Bags are a very personal thing so each one should try their own. No comment it.

[@joshfenn]

Appreciate all of the insights here! Everyone’s needs and preferences are going to be different, always good to hear different perspectives for everyone. Those little adapters are a great solution for power cables too - I use them pretty often at home and will throw them in my tech pouch as a backup sometimes.

[@vanquestgear]

Really great review! The MOFT laptop sleeve and phone mount are really innovative and WAYYY COOL! The less extra stuff you carry that does the same job, the better! -Alex@Vanquest

[@joshfenn]

Totally agree! Some really fun and clever designs, build quality has been consistently great with MOFT too

[@RavioliRacecar]

Kurtis!

[@joshfenn]

proud resident of Kurtistown

[@mrDavo111]

How often are you travelling? I travel for work and batteries just get annoying. I charge off my laptop when i have to (it can charge when off)

[@joshfenn]

Not a ton the past few years, I’ve been way more focused on outdoor backpacking and camping. Away from home usually around 30+ nights a year, I always love having a good battery with me. These are designed more to charge bigger items like your laptop, really convenient when you’re unsure of the power situation at your location.

[@freedomvan2970]

The story on the zenith made me chuckle. Great vid!

[@joshfenn]

Thanks!

[@adrianrousseau4281]

awesome video, would have nether thought to get magnetic cables. Why isn't every cord like that!

[@joshfenn]

Right?! Such a simple and great idea, was really happy to come across them.

[@errydm]

There's also a CPL16 from Evergoods.

[@joshfenn]

That’d be a great pick too, really impressed with the quality from my bag and pouches from evergoods

[@duronmedia]

Most airlines are 160wh limits. I travel with a 160wh battery all the time!

[@joshfenn]

It doesn’t seem to be enforced well/often, but TSA allows 101-160wh batteries with special permission beforehand. Under 100wh is fine without any extra steps or clearance. Probably fine with a larger battery but always good to know the rules beforehand in case they confiscate you expensive gear. www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/lithium-batteries-more-100-watt-hours

[@Arctic3929]

Hi Josh, great video I see you’ve upgraded your MacBook and the black colour looks great! There’s this bag brand that looks interesting it’s called Sympl I don’t know if you’ve heard of them but they might be a brand to check out. There’s also an another bag brand called Grams(28), more on the expensive side, but I’ve seen a lot of KZbinrs rave about them so might be also a brand to check out.

[@joshfenn]

Both of those have been on my list to check out for a while! Should probably get around to them sometime soon, been enjoying these in the meantime though

[@briandrumgold642]

Wow, haven't seen you in a while bud!! Great video and hope all is well on the west coast 😊

[@joshfenn]

Great to hear from you, it’s been a while since I’ve seen your name pop up! Bummed to hear the algorithm is working against me, I’ve been more consistent with uploading every week for the past year than I have in a long time. Been a bit hectic but all is good here! Hope you’re doing well too.

[@F3PIZZA]

Hey, dude! 👋 😊 I’m curious about the speeds of your cables and how you’ve faired with editing video from your external drive. I’m on a journey learning about USB stuff so I don’t get ripped off again lol. That magtame company makes a 20gbps cable but I don’t have an external drive yet so not sure if I’ll need to go thunderbolt. Cheers!

[@joshfenn]

My external just runs usb 3.2 so I’ve been okay with skipping a thunderbolt cable for it. It’s been plenty fast for my workflow but might be worth waiting until you decide on a drive first, external thunderbolt drives are pretty rare but great from what I hear

[@jhk88rph]

Josh, how in the world did you teach your cat to use FaceTime? Ha Ha Great video as always! Those charging cables are great - mine look like a birds nest - truly a mess. This would keep everything neat and organized like I want

[@joshfenn]

He’s very advanced, I didn’t even know he had a phone! Haha, my wife helped me get that one set up, I’m just glad he cooperated long enough. The magtame cables have been so nice for keeping things tidy, I wish every cable I owned worked that way.

[@andrewsandoz6655]

Those MOFT items are really cool!

[@joshfenn]

I thought so too! The tripod is still my #1 favorite from them but was really happy to pick out some other stuff to test.

[@jimkirkwood1488]

Hey....using that Moft attachment....I saw that Boot review video playing! :) Good video Josh.

[@joshfenn]

Haha gotta sneak some teasers in where I can, I know a lot of folks missed the video last week. Thanks for the support on this one!

[@jimkirkwood1488]

I chuckled knowing the boots you chose. @@joshfenn

[@youknowwithMartyKauffman]

That definitely is some great stuff

[@joshfenn]

Thanks! Had a lot of fun getting the list together

[@jujz0rz]

Good list. No to the travel router. That's what a hotspot is for.

[@joshfenn]

This is meant to pair with something like a hotspot for the added security/customization/versatility, but if your setup is working for you that’s great!

[@dean-fx]

I really want to like the mounts that go on the mac to use your phone, I just worry about the strain it puts on the laptop hinges no? I mean we used to talk about not using cases because of what it does to the hinges; a phone is much heavier. Any thoughts?

[@joshfenn]

It hasn’t seemed to be an issue in my case so far with a couple of months of testing, but I understand the concern. I can’t remember the exact angle, but they do recommend to avoid a wide open angle when using the stand. In practice, the natural angles for me didn’t seem to be an issue. Could be an improvement with the hinges on the newer laptops, or just a non-issue with the limited ideal angle? It feels sturdy though without much ‘pull’ or anything on the display from what I can tell.

[@trowawayacc]

The router looks nice but its a bit large to carry around.

[@joshfenn]

Been trying one from tp link recently that’s quite a bit smaller, I think the model is ax-1500? Might be worth checking out

[@OfficialKeithInTexas]

This video is solid!

[@joshfenn]

Thanks!

[@lillywhite4021]

wow! this is great thanks so much!

[@joshfenn]

Happy to share, thanks for the support!

[@doctorbah]

Where’d you get that industrial looking Edison-bulb lamp?!

[@joshfenn]

Found it on Etsy a while back! Last I checked it wasn’t available anymore though

[@notl33t]

I've really enjoyed MOFT-'s laptop stand (Z invisible sit stand) -it worked well with what I had in 2020. What do you think about Logitech Casa or things like it that are theoretically designed with electronics for remote workability?

[@joshfenn]

I haven’t tried the casa specifically but just recently got the Z stand and was really impressed with it! Due to the weight I decided to go with the carry case stand for this video, but if you’re okay with the heavier weight from the z stand it would be really nice to use. Since I’ve had a standing desk at home for so many years I haven’t looked into this category much but I’ll have to keep this in mind as I plan for future videos.

[@notl33t]

@@joshfenn Yeah, the Zstand could use a redesign! I think laptops are getting lighter and with the addition of extra screens that can easily interface with them, we likely don't need an extremely strong base anymore.

[@liameneuk]

Isn't x-pac meant for sail? if so, why need dwr coating?

[@joshfenn]

I thought the same thing actually, I’m not sure but it may be an error in the bag description, they have a few other fabrics available too so it might just be for those. I don’t think I’ve seen dwr on xpac before since it doesn’t absorb water by default

[@kwiknikk]

OHh I really like that backpack! Please don't be expensive, please don't be expensive...ohh damn :(

[@joshfenn]

Been a while since I’ve done a budget bag roundup, I’ll check around and do some brainstorming for the future!

[@robertbolen4151]

Helpful

[@joshfenn]

Glad to hear it!

[@MrTanakritu]

Good Content indeed. I have seen many video about gadget but most of them are not really actually useful unlike yours. 👍

[@joshfenn]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks so much for the support!

[@xcrustx3253]

love your channel but i gotta know what hoodie is that?????

[@joshfenn]

Thanks! Actually put links in the description for my outfit if you want to check it out, it’s from Huckberry/Trumbull. I get asked in most videos so figured it’d be good to start adding them in from now on

[@itswillcurran]

I see you looking up trails in AZ ;)

[@joshfenn]

Hoping to make it out soon! Had a trip to the superstitions planned for last month but had to cancel after my cat was sick earlier in the year. Still have my flight credit, might be holding off until winter again but researching options right now

[@AshwinRamesh]

👍

[@sandyv4623]

you got to mention price so i dont have to dig in internet and decide from ur video itself (as of the day you punch price)

[@joshfenn]

I go back and forth on this personally, since the prices of everything seem to change so often I hesitate to put it in the video aside from budget specific video topics. Noted though for the future!

[@andytn95]

Sir, I like the cut of your jib!

[@joshfenn]

I would like to buy one million dollars worth of paper products from you 💰

[@hoot7588]

3:47 I can't deal with that unsightly bulge on such an otherwise smart laptop case!

[@joshfenn]

I totally get what you mean, but it’s the only way to keep it slim and not take up space when not in use. I’d prefer it to be less bulky since I don’t really need the extra pocket, always trade offs with the design. I’ve been kind of using it as a just in case type of pocket since I usually have a bag for my laptop anyway.

[@Jalte7]

Did April fools happen again already?

[@budget_nomad]

Good idea for a video but the kit, isn’t anything too great… Check this space, I’ll make a video on that…

[@joshfenn]

Any travel tech you’d recommend as an alternative? Always on the hunt for new and interesting things to cover.

[@ScottQuiles]

The Samsung T9 is a very bad choice, it is not even fully capable with samsungs own newer tablets, and phones, its a joke. forget about any apple device. I would recommend any of the older generation samsung portable drive over the T9. peace.

[@joshfenn]

I’ve used the T5, T7, and T9 for a total of 6 or 7 years and haven’t had any issues with any of them. What trouble did you have with it?

[@lifeofsui3864]

I’m not paying $40 for a cable….im out lol

[@joshfenn]

Haha no worries

[@valthonisprime]

Later 👋

[@MegaMijit]

dislike for apple user

[@aidanvasquez995]

"Want to work"?