Travel & Tools
This is one of the most important investments you will make as a road warrior. After durability, size and weight, the rest is really a matter of personal preference. There are lots of options available like this one from Tumi. While many would say they are simply the best (and I don’t disagree) you can also find other very good less expensive options. Musts for me include wheels, expandable compartment, lots of open space without too much obstruction from the roller bars and something with a bit of style.
For more reviews check out Consumersearch or Consumer Reports.
The Jawbone is my favorite hands-free device. The quality is simply great. You’ll also be efficient and safe if you call your better half, friend, or even mom on those commutes Mondays and Thursdays.
Notebook/PortfolioA good quality portfolio or notebook is a must, and the Circa series from Levenger is a great option. Though it’s a tad on the pricey side, it’s extremely professional and offers a lot of flexibility with a 3-ring binder meets journal design. You can move pages around and even add hand-outs or important reference material (like client org charts) with the special hole punch.
If you plan to work on the plane or train, it’s worthwhile to invest in a privacy screen for your laptop. There are lots of options out there like this one from 3M that will keep you from being the example case of the consultant that didn’t protect confidential data.
As you get into your groove, you’ll want to add to your toolkit. Check out this article for 20 must-haves!
