USB-C power supply minimized. Bought a power bank. Small repair kit created. Upgrade for the cash card system. 7 times lighter backpack?

November 12, 2024.

I found a USB-C charger in mom's drawer that has an output of 20 watts as opposed to the USB-C charger I use, which has 30 watts. The 20-watt power supply is 50% lighter and also more compact, but charges the iPhone about 10 minutes slower. I accept that. In return, the backpack is a little lighter and has a little more space. Upgrade to the more compact and lighter power supply (pictured in white). 38 grams instead of 68 grams.

Speaking of more space: I found a 28 liter backpack on Amazon that folds up and weighs ONLY 100 grams! The roll-top backpack I currently use holds 31 liters but weighs 7 times as much, 720 grams. Out of curiosity, I ordered this cheap 15 euro backpack to test it out. If the quality is good, I'll switch to this ultra-light backpack.

I have also ordered a compact 10000 mAh power bank. I can use this to charge the smartphone to 100% several times. And a fire steel only two millimeters thick, which will replace the 1 cm thick fire steel.

I also created a repair survival kit for the backpack with a needle, black thread, tape and three paper clips (I didn't even have it at home before). In an emergency, I could also use dental floss as thread for sewing. I've had to sew up the backpack before - a thread with a needle is very useful. And they weigh almost nothing when you take them with you. I also used the needle on September 15, 2024 to open the skin on the sole of the foot to get out a splinter of wood.

The paper clip has many uses:

• We can use it to build a compass.
• We can use them to seal bags.
• We can use them as slotted screwdrivers.
• We can use it to attach a bandage if there is no tape.
• We can make a small pair of tweezers from it.
• We can make a lock-picking tool out of it.
• And so on. There are no limits to creativity.

Another update is the storage of the cards. I carried the health insurance card and driver's license in the backpack. I found a clear plastic card holder at mom's house. I will store rarely used cards there - however, this cover will not end up in the backpack again, but in the leg pocket of the pants. I have defined this space in the pants for all five cards. That way I always have all the important documents to hand. The most frequently used card (transport ticket) and the bank card are outside the card holder so that I don't have to take them out all the time. I also keep emergency cash in the card holder in case I can't pay by card for whatever reason. This happened to me once before on July 12, 2024. Rarely used cards are in the sleeve with emergency cash. The regularly used cards are outside the sleeve.

I am grateful today:

• For developing a new card organization system.
• For discovering an 7x lighter backpack.
• For discovering a more compact power supply unit for charging the smartphone and plasma lighter.
• For the fact that I can now repair clothes, backpacks and other fabric with thread and needle whenever I'm out and about.
• Grandma Galya - despite her initial skepticism - is now integrating minimalism into her life herself.

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