Backpacks

I have been looking into backpacks. Not because I know much about it — I do not. But that is usually the best place to start.

I read through a bunch of notes, found some things worth passing along, plus a few product recommendations, and figured I would share what stood out.

Here is what I found.

Things to Know

• → The paper towel trick actually works
• → Self-heating lunch boxes actually work. Just don’t expect them to cook.
• → Bamboo lids aren’t airtight—don’t trust them with soup
• → Skip the buckles. Get the lunch box a toddler can actually open.
• → The paper towel trick is the real secret

Stuff to Buy

• ↗ Oxo Good Grips Kitchen Shears — You will use these more than any knife.
• ↗ Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch — The gold standard charcoal grill.
• ↗ ThermoPro TP20 Digital Meat Thermometer — Remote reading so you don’t have to stand next to the fire.

Archived from the Work Notes Daily Edition — 2026-08-08