In My Pack, On My Desk: Tools That Keep Me Present Outside

Whether I’m perched on slickrock sketching sunrise or scribbling notes with cold hands after an alpine swim, I rely on a handful of simple tools to help me stay present and curious. Some are bought, some are found, and some are made. All of them deepen my outdoor experiences in quiet, meaningful ways.

Here’s what I keep close—on my desk, in my pack, and often covered in trail dust or watercolor smudges.

Field Notes and Creative Tools

Moleskine Classic Pocket Notebook

This slim, hardbound notebook is my go-to for field notes, trail sketches, and wayward thoughts. It fits neatly into a hipbelt or chest pocket and has just enough structure to write comfortably on a lap or rock. The creamy paper works beautifully with pencil or pen, and the elastic band keeps the pages protected from grit and weather.

Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliner Pens

Archival, waterproof, and surprisingly trail-worthy, these pens are my favorite for both writing and sketching. The fine tip glides smoothly across paper, and once dry, the ink resists smudging, even with a little trail dust or morning mist. I usually carry a 01 or 03 for writing, and a bolder 05 or 08 for sketch outlines.

Old Magazines and Road Trip Guides

Free at libraries, thrift shops, or rest stop racks, old magazines and visitor guides become unexpected treasure troves for creative play. I keep a small stash for cabin stays and car camping trips, cutting up words and images to make collage prayer flags. It’s a quiet, tactile way to reflect on a journey, stitch together visual poems, or set intentions. Later, I laminate them and hang them in strings—a kind of portable altar made from roadside ephemera and afternoon light.

Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Pocket Set

Small enough to tuck into a side pocket, but mighty in pigment and versatility. This compact set includes vibrant, professional-quality colors that layer beautifully on trail-wrinkled paper. The built-in mixing trays and travel brush make it easy to paint on a stump, a boulder, or the tailgate of a truck. For me, this kit feels like carrying a little bit of home into wild places. Each sketch is a way of remembering not just what I saw, but how it felt.

The Trail Kit: Small Items, Big Use

16 oz “Baby” Nalgene

This tough little bottle goes everywhere with me. It’s perfect for a mid-trail electrolyte mix, a morning coffee, or a bedtime hot water bottle tucked into my sleeping bag. Small enough for a jacket pocket but sturdy enough for camp chores, it’s one of my most-used pieces of gear.

Outdoor Research ActiveIce Sun Gloves

Cool, breathable, and UPF-rated, these gloves are a backcountry blessing. I wear them for river trips, long desert hikes, and sunny bike rides. The grippy palms make them excellent for paddling or scrambling, and they help prevent both sunburn and blisters. Lightweight and fast-drying, they’re easy to love.

Gorilla Tape and Silk Thread

My minimalist fix kit. I wrap Gorilla Tape around a pencil stub and keep a threaded needle on a bobbin. It has patched puffies, drybags, tent screens, and more. Small, smart, and satisfying to use.

Voile Straps

Simple, strong, and endlessly useful. These stretchy, durable straps secure paddles, drybags, sleeping pads, and even busted boots. They grip without slipping, don’t freeze in cold weather, and pack easily into a bike bag or pocket.

Hydrapak Seeker Water Reservoir (2L)

Collapsible, lightweight, and compatible with water filters. It tucks easily into a pack and holds enough water for dry stretches or base camp chores. Tough enough for canyon country and easy to stash once empty.

Cut-Up Closed Cell Foam Pad

Found gear at its finest. I cut squares from old foam sleeping pads to make lightweight sit pads—ideal for lunch breaks on rocks or journaling in camp. Check thrift stores or ask friends for scraps. Not pretty, but durable, free, and surprisingly luxurious.

Why These Tools Matter

These aren’t just things. They’re invitations.
To slow down.
To notice what’s under your boots.
To repair instead of replace.
To draw, even if you think you “can’t draw.”
To carry less and care more.

Each tool has earned its place. Some cost a few dollars. Some cost nothing but time and attention. But all of them support what I value most when I’m outdoors: connection, creativity, and presence.

What’s in your kit: bought, found, or made? I’d love to hear the tools that help you feel more grounded, joyful, and attentive in wild places.