Gearhead Reviews
Bag and Baggage
The “bag and baggage” quote, just that snippet, made me think. Amazon, lovely algorithm there, my little friend, recommended a brand of baggage because I was looking at canvas backpacks, and assorted baggage. In a weather–proof world, I’m at a point where I spend very little time in inclement conditons. Last time I walked in the rain, I was 100 meters from cover — got soaked — but the phone was in a water–resistant case, in my pocket, so it was all good. No leaks, no problems. AC caused a chill, but that was quickly remedied. I will spend very little time out–of–doors, in the rain.
That’s why I like the warmth and subtle, nuanced weathering of the canvas bags. Mostly water-resistant, if not totally weather–proof.
Bag and Baggage
So as the “Bag and Baggage” material scrolled by, I clicked, which further feeds that buying machine’s ideas, but the more I “investigated,” the more I realized that all the pockets, the stash compartments, the clip–on loops, fasteners, and assorted straps, webbing, and so forth?
Witzman Men’s Retro Canvas Duffel Travel Rucksack Backpack 22inch Brown
I rarely use those accessories for more than one trip. I can — I have — I will — gear–head out at times. I can do this with the best. So far, it’s about a quarter of a century, hopping on — and off — planes, trains, and automobiles.
Bag and Baggage
What works best? It’s simple, a simple solution for a complex problem. A canvas shoulder bag, I think they are now called “messenger style,” but my original influence was a mail bag, the over–the–shoulder mailman bag. A simple shoulder-bag without lots of attachments, straps, handles, wheels, clip points, and so forth; no, not a lot of extraneous crap.
Inside? Laptop and tablet or maybe just a tablet. Cords, cables, chargers, maybe a power brick, perhaps an extension cord, power converters, everything needed tied up in one or two zipper bags. Then, pens, pencils, notebooks, in other little bags, and finally? That small box of OTC meds, prescriptions, and nostrums. Long years on the road have taught me, “Don’t leave home without it.”
I have to take a short break from this entry as I check to make sure I refilled the “pink pills” in that OTC box. Something as simple as aspirin or Pepto can keep a pleasurable excursion fun.
Bag and Baggage
The term, “bag and baggage,” is credited to Shakespeare, with my first search coming up with Touchstone in As You Like It, “Come, shepherd, let us make an honorable retreat, though not with bag and baggage, yet with scrip and scrippage.” (III.ii.96)
Digging just a modicum deeper, not much more than scratching the surface, looks like that term joined the language from a military expression, and that’s where Shakespeare first heard it, then used it.
Edward III was — best guess — co–authored with Shakespeare and Kyd. Unclaimed, it has a some strong anti-Scots sentiments, which would be a problem as a Scottish King James ascended the throne in nascent Jacobean England. The play might’ve been left out for political reasons, as much as anything. If I recall, it was first published anonymously in 1596, from an early version, putting it all before Shakespeare’s Henry VI trilogy. While not officially recognized as part of the canon, it fits well enough to my ear.
The term appears to be a military phrase that Shakespeare co-opted.
Bag and Baggage
This started with an online referral based on viewing habits. I went a little sideways because I was just listening to those plays again, and Mercury is Retrograde as I write this. I’m allowed. Where I was originally headed? It was about gear–head gear and keeping it simple. I’ve looked, bought, owned, and fondled most of the cool luggage. To this day, I still own, and use, although much less frequently, nice — very beat–up — Halliburton brand aircraft aluminum suitcases. Only used once, no, twice this year, so far.
What I have to remember, for my style? Simplicity serves best. As tempting as more, better, cooler luggage looks? What I use, and have used, well, over the years? That seems to work best. Simple, durable, without too many accessories. Simple canvas shoulder bag. Sizes kind of depends. Unloading at the coast, think this was just last winter, I had the large canvas bag so stuffed, books, clothes, laptop, tablets, and so forth? As I bent down, the bag, pulled me over backwards. Quite amusing. Guess you had to be there to appreciate the humor.
Simple is really best.
No need to overthink this, is there?
Bag and Baggage
In life, or, as a someone who used to travel — a lot — for work and fun, we all have baggage. It’s a matter of having that baggage be manageable. That’s all. Right?
Simple is really best.
No need to overthink this, right?