My Laptop Bag, Tiny Experiments & A Tip for New Dads

Plus, what's in my shopping cart right now...

Brock McGoff Issue #5

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Happy Wednesday! I’m writing this at 30,000 feet over Kentucky, on my way home from celebrating my baby sister’s 30th birthday in Virginia.

It was one of those epic weekends, which are few and far between these days.

We had an awesome time!

Also, I’m tired.

Also, flying alone is a luxury I totally took for granted before having kids.

Also, this 👇🏼

✨ Recent Pickup

I’ve carried the same bag nearly every day for the past 6 years: the original Aer Tech Sling (video review here).

Recently, Aer offered to let me test drive the new version of this bag (v3).

It differs from the original in a few ways:

• 1 compartment instead of 2
• Reversible shoulder strap
• Less internal organization
• Plush handle

It’s a great bag, but honestly, I’d be happy with either version.

You could find a gently used v1 or v2 for under $80, which is a good deal.

Either way, I really like this crossbody, sling format for a laptop and airplane bag.

It makes more sense than a backpack or duffel, at least in my opinion.

What bag do you carry every day? Hit ‘reply’ and let me know so I can check it out!

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💭 Food for Thought

"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd

Or, as Tyler Durden would say, "I don't want to die without any scars".

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🛒 In My Cart

Here’s a list of things I’m considering buying:

• ​Mido Multifort TV 35mm - These are already selling at 30% below MSRP…just wait until the holidays 😏
• ​Everlane Selvedge Straight Fit Jeans - I haven’t had a pair of lighter wash slim-straight jeans I really loved in years; could these be the ones??
• ​Origin No Gi Shorts - I love a high quality pair of grappling shorts; these will be my next pair

What are you eyeing these days? Hit ‘reply’ and let me know!

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📚 Good Reads

Here are some reads/listens I enjoyed recently:

• ​Tiny Experiments - an impactful but kinda lighthearted self-help book about testing small changes to improve your life
• ​Acquired: Rolex - this is a looooong (and really fun) podcast episode about the history and strategy of Rolex that totally changed my perception of the brand
• ​A Guide to Camp Collar Shirts - a practical guide to the best hot weather top when you need something nicer than a tee

What did I miss? Hit ‘reply’ and let me know!

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👨‍🍼 Dad Hack

Instead of asking your spouse if you should pick anything up on the way home, just assume you need the following:

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Milk
• Pacifiers

Sure, you might end up with some extra supplies, but you don’t want to run out of these things in the middle of the night.

Sometimes, more is more.

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🤳🏼 Who I’m Following
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​@analog_objects​ I follow a few interior design type accounts, and this is one of my favorites. In a sea of beige, boho chic, monochromatic living spaces, CF’s apartment is decorated with tasteful splashes of color. This kind of content makesn me want to care more about my own living and work spaces. There’s just something about a warm, inviting, functional room, and this account is chock full of them.​

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In Case You Missed It 👀

Here are my most recent videos:

• ​A New Strap for the Seiko SKX013​
• ​12 More Home Upgrades That Improve Everyday Life​
• ​EDC Summer 2025: Practical Updates​
• ​5 Sketchy Marketing Tactics Brands Use to Manipulate You​
• ​10 Things You Can Buy to SAVE Money​

Got any video ideas for me? Hit ‘reply’ and share them!

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🍟 Snacks

Here are some bite-sized nuggets for your enjoyment:

• ​If Blink-182 wrote ‘Real World’ by Matchbox Twenty​
• ​When guys brag about their EDC items​
• ​Concerning AI 🤖

Got any internet gems for me this week? Don’t hold out, send me a link!.

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Did You Know? Engineer, Lonnie Johnson, invented the Super Soaker in 1989 and sold the design to juggernaut toy maker, Hasbro. Super Soakers racked up over $1 billion in sales with 200 million blasters sold—and in 2013, Johnson scored a cool $73 million from Hasbro in unpaid royalties.

In my humble opinion, the original Super Soaker 50 was the perfect combination of firepower and portability.

Until next time,

Brock

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