We are only a couple of days away from Google I/O 2019, which means that our authors are gearing up for the developer conference. This year, we (David Imel, Eric Zeman, and Justin Duino) will be representing Android Authority in Mountain View.
Now that our bags have been packed, we can share exactly what each of us is bringing to cover Google’s event. You can click on the link on every product if you would like to pick it up for yourself.
David Imel — Everything I need to live
For I/O this year, I’m bringing what I bring with me every day. I have effectively everything I own (minus clothes) in my Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L, including two laptops, all my camera gear, and my Nintendo Switch. The bag was bought two and a half years ago and it still looks brand new.
I store my mic, tech pouch (chargers, etc.), and hard drives in the top section. My camera gels and Surface Book are stored in the rear compartment of the backpack. Fortunately, the side pouch was designed to fit my tripod legs.
My Peak Design 10L Sling holds all my camera gear and MateBook X Pro, fits inside my backpack, and creates a modular system that allows me to shake up my everyday carry.
Almost everything I own that aren’t articles of clothing is stored in one of these two bags.
Computing
Most of my work gets done on the Microsoft Surface Book 2 because it has incredible battery life, a fantastic keyboard, and a large display. The GTX 1060 gives it a nice amount of power when I need it. The MateBook X Pro is used for press briefings and non-video-editing events.
My camera uses UHS-II SD cards, so I’m using a Sandisk USB-C SD card reader when transferring footage to my computer. For storage, I use a 500GB Samsung T5 SSD and a 4GB WD MyPassport HDD. I’m using a Razer Kabuto mouse pad and a Microsoft Surface Precision Mouse for editing on the go.
My current daily driver is a Huawei P30 Pro for social media and general phone stuff. I also have an unreleased smartphone in my pocket, but I cannot talk about it just yet.
Camera and other Equipment
I use a Fujifilm X-T3 for all my video and photo needs, and I love it. I should probably get a zoom lens at some point, but for now, I have four prime lenses: a 23mm f/2, a 35mm f/2, a 56mm f/1.2, and an 80mm f/2.8. I use a battery grip on the camera which gives me two extra batteries.
For my mic, I’m using a Sennheiser MKE 600 shotgun mic, and for my tripod, I’m using the Really Right Stuff QC14 legs and a small Manfrotto fluid head. I have a three-stop ND filter, a polarizer, and a glimmer glass filter. I’m also using an Aputure AL MX bicolor light for when I need to shoot A-roll in darker rooms.
Accessories
I use a Xiaomi 10,000mAh battery pack to make sure that all of my phone and other electronics keep a charge. I also have a Nintendo Switch for flights and periods of downtime.
Eric Zeman — Just the basics
For this year’s Google I/O, I am only bringing what I need most to cover the developer conference. This means a lot of camera gear, some tech, and a handful of accessories. I will be carrying all of this in my 30L Peak Design Everyday Backpack.
In addition to my backpack, I will have the Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L to help carry all of my gear.
Camera equipment
To make sure everyone at home can experience the wonder of Google’s three-day developer festival, I am bringing my Sony A7III and every lens that I might need. These lens options include a 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and a 24mm-70mm.
Instead of bringing a full-sized tripod, I will be packing a Joby GorillaPod 3K. This accessory will let me stabilize my camera and prop it up if I need to capture any video. I also have the Peak Design Clutch attached to the A7III and the Peak Design Slide Lite strap in my backpack.
Electronics
The 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro will be my primary workhorse during this trip, thanks to the high-res screen.
My list of mobile electronics for I/O consists of a Google Pixel 3 XL, a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 paired with a Catalyst Impact Protection case, and an Apple iPad Pro 11-inch paired with an OtterBox Symmetry Series 360 Folio Case.
Accessories
Last but not least, I have a handful of accessories. First, I have the Lifeproof LifeActiv Power Pack 20. This rugged battery pack will keep my phones and other electronics changed through each day.
I also will have two pairs of headphones with me. The Jabra Elite 65T in-ear Bluetooth earbuds are perfect for quick uses as I need them. My over-ear FIIL IICON headphones are fabulous for tuning out the rest of the world so I can focus on writing.
Justin Duino — All of the necessities
I routinely overpack for trips. As this will be my fifth time attending I/O, I have narrowed down the number of items that I’m bringing to the developer conference, but it is probably still more than most people.
Just like David and Eric, I am a Peak Design fan. In addition to my Everyday Backpack 20L, I have an assortment of camera accessories from the company. More on this below.
Camera gear
Let’s kick things off with my photography gear. The star of the show is my Nikon D5500 DSLR camera which is typically attached to a Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 lens. I also have NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G lens in case I need to snap a photo of something far away.
To make sure I do not drop my camera, I will have two straps in my bag. The large neck strap is the Peak Design Slide and the smaller wrist strap is the Peak Design Cuff.
Additionally, I have the Peak Design Capture Camera Clip attached to one of my backpack straps. This allows me to securely mount my DSLR onto the bag while I’m not using it to take photos. Having it on the strap make it much more convenient to grab instead of having to pull it out of my backpack.
I take a lot of photos with my Google Pixel 3 XL, which is why I carry an assortment of Moment’s lenses with me. I primarily rely on the 58mm Tele and 18mm wide-angle, but I will also have the company’s other accessories in my bag include the Macro, Superfish, Anamorphic, and the outdated 60mm Tele lenses. The first two accessories are housed in a Moment lens pouch attached to a backpack strap while the rest are stored securely inside the bag.
There are two tripods in my bag: one for my DSLR and one for my smartphone. For my camera, I have the Manfrotto Befree Travel tripod with a fluid head. I don’t expect that I’ll need it much, but it will be handy for capturing video.
For my smartphone, I have the Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod paired with a Zaykir universal smartphone adaptor. Together, I have a handheld mount that lets me capture photos and videos in landscape or portrait and a stable way to host Instagram Live Stories.
Mobile accessories
Instead of filling all of the various pockets in my Peak Design backpack with cables and other accessories, I carry a tech bag. After trying several options, I landed on the Bagsmart travel cable organizer. This bag has pockets and inserts for everything I might need on my trip that are split into two sections.
In addition to several types of Anker cables for charging my devices, the case is packed with an Aukey USB and SD Card adaptor, an Anker PowerCore+ 2100 battery bank, multiple microSD cards for my camera, and other small accessories.
Audio and writing equipment
You cannot travel these days without noise canceling headphones. After trying out several pairs of premium over-ear options, I have concluded that the Sony WH-1000XM3 is the best pick for me. These will primarily be used on the flight to Google I/O, but will also be great to have on-hand in case I need to focus while writing up announcements.
I will also have my first-gen AirPods encased in Nomad’s leather rugged case, a set of Google’s USB-C headphones, and a pair of 3.5mm wired earbuds. While the AirPods will be useful if I need to listen to something quickly, I do not expect to use the other pairs of headphones. They are a part of my electronics bag and are nice to have if I do ever need them.
And most importantly, my writing gear. Although I’m bringing my 2014 Retina MacBook Pro, it will be reserved for photo and video editing. Its battery life is shot, so it will only be used on an as-needed basis.
Instead, I will be using my 11-inch iPad Pro paired with a Logitech Slim Folio Pro keyboard case. This combination is my go-to when I’m writing at coffee shops as it does not hinder my workflow.
What are you excited to see announced at Google I/O 2019? Do you want to see what equipment our authors at home are using to bring you the news? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
Read next: Google I/O 2019: What to expect