9 Everyday carry items I never go out without!

The control centre for everything. On event days, the iPhone 16 Pro handles show schedules, comms with the team, quick-reference pulls mid-show, and documentation—photos and 4K video that are genuinely useful for post-event reviews. The camera system on the Pro is legitimately good enough that I reach for it over a dedicated camera more often than not. The titanium build feels premium without being precious.

For a sound engineer to wear earbuds daily might seem contradictory — I spend my professional life with over-ear monitoring. But AirPods Pro 2 is a different tool. The transparency mode is genuinely useful during setup walks, and the ANC is good enough for travel and transit. The conversation awareness feature alone makes it practical in a way most earbuds aren’t. They pair instantly, they’re comfortable for hours, and they fit the workflow.

The Series 10 46mm is the thinnest Apple Watch yet, and it shows — you stop noticing it’s there, which is the whole point. I use it primarily for time management on event days when pulling out a phone is impractical, quick glance notifications, and heart rate checks during long physical load-ins. The sleep tracking has also quietly become part of my routine. It’s a tool first, accessory second.

A live sound engineer without a multi-tool is working with one hand behind their back. The Wave Plus has covered me in more situations than I can count — stripped screws, cable management, broken racks, improvised solutions at zero notice. The black oxide finish is more than just aesthetic; it doesn’t catch light under stage lighting rigs and holds up to the abuse of a gig bag far better than bare stainless steel. The pliers, knife, and file alone justify their weight.

Outdoor load-ins, festival stages, post-show walkouts in afternoon heat — sun protection is non-negotiable, and finding one that doesn’t break out acne-prone skin took a while. Photostable’s acne formulation is matte-finish, non-comedogenic, and lightweight enough that it doesn’t feel like wearing anything. SPF 55+ with PA+++ gives solid UVA coverage. It’s become the last step in my morning routine every single day, no exceptions.

This one is non-negotiable and close to my heart. Hearing loss among live sound engineers is an occupational hazard that doesn’t announce itself until it’s too late. Alpine MusicSafe uses acoustic filters specifically designed for music — they attenuate evenly across frequencies so you can still hear the mix clearly, just at a safer level. These go in my ears any time I’m not actively behind a console, and SPL is elevated. Your hearing doesn’t grow back. Protect it.

I moved away from bulky wallets years ago. This handmade card holder from Indian Leather Craft holds exactly what I need — a few cards and some cash — without the bulk or the back-pocket strain. The leather is full-grain and ages beautifully; mine has developed a patina that a mass-produced wallet never would. There’s also something to be said for supporting Indian craft. It’s a considered, lasting object in a world of disposable ones.

Notes, stage plots, channel lists, setlists scribbled in the dark at front-of-house — a reliable pen is still a fundamental tool. The Parker Classic is well-weighted, writes immediately without a cap click or warm-up, and has an indestructible stainless steel finish. It’s elegant without being fussy, which is exactly the right combination for something that lives in a work bag. Analogue tools still matter.