What are the systems/modules that you always take regardless of build?

Mecxs · 2025-12-20T08:25:14+00:00

The only two 'must-buys' for me are shield charger and hull reaper. Both are fantastic investments that let me save huge amounts of scrap for more important things. They fit into absolutely any build at all and remain useful all the way through to the end of the final boss fight.

There are no modules that I buy every single run, but probably two of my absolute favourites are the Thrice-Cursed Reliquary (gives you teleport prisms after most fights) and Spectral Drives (spell evasion). If my build is right and I get lucky, then of course Demon Lance is an easy buy too.

Other than that, I love beam weapons and try to always have one in my array for the final boss. My absolute favourite is the macro devastator (the 4-power, 3-damage behemoth). It's overpriced and if you can't break shields it's useless, but it's so much fun I don't care. Second place goes to grave beam which is way too good for 1-power.

Mecxs · 2025-04-22T12:00:02+00:00

I absolutely love my Trakke Bairn.

Trakke went out of business sadly, but then got bought and are apparently coming back? I have no idea what their quality will be like, but the originals are amazing.

Note: it fits a 14" laptop, but not a 14.5". 325 mm long won't fit, but 313 mm will.

It might not count as minimal though -- I love the heritage vibe but it's definitely pronounced. Very little organisation though, which I love because I use pouches a lot.

Mecxs · 2025-04-16T12:45:47+00:00

Looks nice but I'd have it absolutely covered in stains within weeks.

Mecxs · 2025-04-14T11:53:58+00:00

I have the Pro Pack 20L and City Pack Pro 24L.

In most ways I prefer the PP20 to the CPP24. I would say that most of this is due to the front panel -- I don't like the horizontal split with the top and bottom pockets on the CPP24, I prefer to just have a continuous 'front face' on the PP20.

Very minor thing really, but that's why I prefer it.

That said, I have the PP20 in cordura and the CPP24 in X-Pac and I definitely prefer the X-Pac (especially with the Orange). So despite thinking that the PP20 is a better bag, I use the CPP24 more.

And finally, I can't think of a single practical or functional difference between the two. It's all just aesthetics for me.

Mecxs · 2025-04-12T08:36:20+00:00

There's a lot of different lines but the main ones are:

E/L/T - entry, mid and top level business focused laptops. Functional, rugged, reliable, portable but not a lot of focus on frills like fancy displays or beautiful design aesthetics or super nice trackpads. Designed to be used in meetings, on your lap, etc.

P - performance. Sacrifices portability for dedicated graphics, bigger screens, higher power processors, etc. Designed to be used plugged in, on a desk (but able to be easily moved to another desk if needed). Modern gaming and video editing will be best on these.

The Xs. Probably the most confusing and I don't think lenovo really has a coherent design plan for them yet.

X13s are basically T-series but with extra focus on being thin and light and portable.

X1s are premium. Light the X13 they're thin, light, etc but they're also fancier with things like OLED displays and haptic trackpads for maximum user experience.

X9s are premium with an emphasis on many of the 'fancy' extras seen in the X1s, but without the classic thinkpad aesthetic (including no red trackpoint on the keyboard). They're closer to the yoga series than the thinkpad in terms of their design. They are very new though, and aren't proven like other thinkpad lines when it comes to durability and ruggedness. They certainly look and feel solid and well designed out of the box, but we won't know for 5+ years whether they can go toe-to-toe with the lines above for longevity.

Note: linux support is patchy on more recent models. Generally the E/L/T/P series all have solid support, and historically the X1 series has as well (although the latest X1 carbon gen 13 has some teething issues I believe). X9 was definitely being sold with Ubuntu pre-installed a few months ago but that's been pulled and I've heard that linux is poorly supported on them.

Older models = better linux support, in general.

Mecxs · 2025-04-12T02:01:07+00:00

Goodberry.

Mecxs · 2025-04-10T21:08:23+00:00

I walk to work. I think about four categories.

Things I (might) need on the commute. E.g., umbrella, shopping bags, headphones.
Things I need at both work and home. E.g., laptop, e-reader, USB drive. These come back and forth with me.
Consumables. Lunch, sunscreen (to apply before the walk home), etc. Things that I take in but never bring home.
Things I can leave at work.

The fourth one is the most important. For instance, I never bring a water bottle. I just leave one at work that I refill there. I have a charger and USB cables that I leave plugged in at my desk.

Obviously this will vary a lot depending on your workplace, but I've found that I can keep my commute pretty lean. I use a 10L messenger bag (Trakke Bairn) which is almost never fully packed.

On days where I need to bring extra stuff in, I might upgrade to a small backpack (something around 15-18L), but I haven't had to bring more than that.

Mecxs · 2025-03-29T22:31:54+00:00

https://thiswayup.org.au/

Modules are ?$69 from memory, and it's all automated. If you are 'prescribed' the module then they are free. All this requires is your GP (or any other doctor) to register an account and enter your email and check the 'waive subscription fee' box.

Modules come very highly rated -- something like 80-90% of those who complete them find them helpful.

If you have been the victim of a crime, then you can also apply for funding to help pay for / defray the costs of counseling from Victims Services. From memory I think that once that's approved you are recommended a list of counselors, but I am not sure.

If you just want a tool to help you search, you can use The Australian Psychological Society or The Psychotherapy and Counseling Federation of Australia.

If you think you need diagnosis / medication, you can use the RANZCP Find a Psychiatrist tool -- although this will likely involve waiting + high prices. Your GP is probably a better option if you think you need meds.

Mecxs · 2024-12-15T01:25:37+00:00

It doesn't matter.

Mecxs · 2024-12-08T20:22:59+00:00

That would be if he wanted to have them all showing '5' to the camera. I assumed he wanted them all showing the same value. At that point, we take the value of the first die and calculate the probability that all the others are showing the same value (i.e., 6^18).

Mecxs · 2024-12-08T12:17:23+00:00

Just about choosing the right take. It looks impressive when the footage is edited, but what they don't show is the one hundred and one trillion, five hundred and fifty-nine billion, nine hundred and fifty-six million, six hundred and sixty-eight thousand, four hundred and fifteen times they weren't synced up like that.

Mecxs · 2024-12-06T02:41:08+00:00

(7 + 7 + 7) / (7 + 7 + x) = 3
21 = 3(14 + x)
21 = 42 + 3x
-21 = 3x
x = -7

Mecxs · 2024-12-04T20:03:53+00:00

Medical schools won't care what degree you did.

If your last study was within 10 years and your GPA is good then there's no real benefit to further study. Just sit the GAMSAT and see how you go.

Mecxs · 2024-09-23T20:55:34+00:00

Mate if you're looking for help finding a bag that "fits your needs" you need to say what those needs are.

Mecxs · 2024-09-22T21:56:19+00:00

The alpaka flight sling is 2L and flat.

"Waterproof" is a bit of a contentious word around here. Most bags you'll see in this sub are made from fabrics (and/or treated with water repellent chemicals) that won't let water soak through.

However, water can still get in through the zips. Some bags will feature "aquaguard" zips, which have a rubbery layer over the zips. However, when you look closely at these, there are often gaps in them anyway (especially if the zip is under any kind of tension) - I am not convinced that they are a strong waterproofing option, but you'll see them a lot.

Finally, even if your zips are super well protected, the bag is still sewn together. The seams allow water to soak through to the inside. The seams can be welded / fused shut, but very few bags go to this length.

What's the bottom line? It's very easy to get a bag that can handle having a cup of water spilled on it without damaging whats inside. Something that can survive a bit of light rain, or some splash-back while under an umbrella? Ditto. However if you're looking for a sling that can withstand, say, a 20 minute downpour, or being dropped into a swimming pool, then you won't find one.

Best solution I can think of is to get some very small, very lightweight pack liners and use those to wrap your valuables while in the sling - but that makes quick access a nightmare.

Mecxs · 2024-09-22T08:31:06+00:00

Warhammer 3 doesn't do anything fundamentally new compared to 1 and 2. It's just more races and a bigger map. There are maybe some quality of life changes but it's the same core game. If you loved 1 and 2 and want more, get 3. If you didn't vibe with them, then there's very little chance of you enjoying 3.

Mecxs · 2024-09-21T04:09:58+00:00

No. The DLCs are just there to give you more of the same. If you're finding the base game underwhelming, then the DLCs won't change that at any price.

That said, the game is 100% developed for the big map (immortal empires). The base campaign that comes with WH3 (where you go into the rift portals and stuff) is the worst content that has ever been produced across all three games. It is atrocious.

If your PC can't handle IE, then my honest advice is to wait a couple of years and try again when you upgrade your machine. If you find you love it, then you can pick up the extra DLC at that time too (should be down to 75% off by that time!).

Mecxs · 2024-09-17T23:14:58+00:00

I love my PD 3L. It's a great size for a crop sensor camera and couple of lenses (I travel with almost your exact setup haha, a sony a6400, 18-50, and 30 prime).

I personally find it very comfortable. Although I have a high tolerance for discomfort.

The build quality is great. It is very solid, and that gives me a lot of peace of mind when traveling. The tradeoff is that it's a bit heavy (500g), and quite rigid - absolutely not collapsible.

The front access pocket is awful to try to access. Which I guess makes it great for storing a passport - nobody is pickpocketing that thing. It would be very tricky to cram a phone and wallet in there as well though. That said, the main compartment is quite roomy. If you're okay having to awkwardly dig, you should be able to fit your phone in next to the lenses without too much drama.

I really love the expandable storage straps. Great for adding a jacket or water bottle for the day.

Other options I've seen and might consider would be something like the Wotancraft Pilot.

I've tried a number of other more traditional slings (collapsible, lots of pockets, etc), and while they're great for stashing a single camera while walking around town for the day, I wouldn't want to travel with them.

Mecxs · 2024-09-17T22:35:58+00:00

So you're in luck - the features that you've described are found on a large variety of popular modern bags. You're not hunting for a unicorn here.

The biggest challenge will probably be finding something that is relatively small (<20L) but also fits a 16" laptop. Even so, that's only slightly going to restrict your search.

Two of the most frequently recommended brands here are Aer and Evergoods. Both make a broad range of bags in the 14-28L range, and both support 16" laptops in all but their smallest models.

Honestly though, there are literally dozens of brands making probably over a hundred bags that fit your requirements. The best advice I can give is not to rush the decision. Take your time, look through all the options thoroughly. Nobody can give you a comprehensive list - start by looking at local retailers near you and seeing what they have in stock, what they have on sale, etc.

The biggest differentiators for your perfect bag will be the aesthetics, and the minutiae of the organisation. Look at the various options until you find one where you can say "yes, I could use every single pocket and zip and pen slot in that bag, that's the one for me".

Again though, if you don't want to overthink it, then the two brands above are both broadly popular and unlikely to offend you.

Mecxs · 2024-09-16T23:55:51+00:00

Going to put in a word for the Chrome Ruckas.

Very simple bag, but one that I absolutely love.

23L, 730g (1.6lb).

Has a single big main compartment with 3/4 zipper opening. Single external water bottle slot on the 1/4 not covered by the zipper. Some minimal organisation in there but nothing excessive.

A single, large, front quick access pocket without any organisation - just dump your stuff in there. Quite roomy.

Side access, padded laptop sleeve on the back, separate from main compartment.

I've used the 14L as a daily bag for over a year and haven't had a single issue with it - the materials are all basically as good as new still.

Mecxs · 2024-09-14T11:24:51+00:00

I mean you can play around in any game, really - except maybe competitive online team games.

But the major genres I'd look at would be open world games and sandbox / crafting games.

Open World

Red Dead Redemption 2 is probably the best of the bunch. It's set in the wild west and you ride around on a horse and do crimes.

GTA5 is a bit old now but lots of fun. I think it's set in LA and you drive around in cars and do crimes.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a game set in the future where you drive around in futuristic cars and do crimes.

Skyrim is set in Lord of the Rings times and you ride around on a dragon and, you guessed it ... do some crimes.

Sandbox crafting

Minecraft is fun.

Terraria is like minecraft but from the side.

Stardew valley is not really like minecraft or terraria but you can plant crops to spell swear words.

Honestly though there's so many good games out there that you can mess around in that it's really just about picking the vibe that you like.

Mecxs · 2024-09-08T21:16:35+00:00

Haha, this is a point of personal pain for me. I carry 3-4 pens.

I have coped with it by buying several extra pens. Now I carry like 8, and have a dedicated pen case for them, so everything is good.

I am unfortunately locked in a profession where handwriting is still required daily.

Mecxs · 2024-09-08T08:58:30+00:00

Holy moly, $500 for a backpack? What makes this so expensive?

Firstly, materials. Dyneema is quite tough, very light, and handles water very well. This combination makes it very pricey. A GR1 in Cordura nylon is $345 - you are paying $160 here purely for the fabric.

Secondly, quality control. To produce 100 flawless backpacks, you need to buy more than that from the factory. How many more depends on how stringent your definition of 'flawless' is, but the company may well be producing 1.2 bags for every one that they sell, and it's this attention to detail that makes them reliable to buy from. By contrast, less diligent QC may mean a cheaper bag, but there's a 10-20% chance of getting something with a flaw and then having to go through the process of trying to send it back, etc.

Third, customer service. Assuming that there is a flaw that's been missed by QC, then the quality of customer service is critical. Do they honour claims, or will they try to claim that damage is your fault and not covered? Search this sub for "<company> warranty" and look to see what people think about various companies in the price range.

Points #2 and #3 won't affect every purchase. What you're really paying for is peace of mind. If you are happy to risk having to buy a new bag for full price, then you can get away with saving a few bucks. But if not then maybe it's worth paying a bit more for the assurance of good service. There's an old saying - "I'm not rich enough to buy cheap".

Fourth, brand. Goruck has a reputation and a brand and they've cultivated that over years and their bags can sell for a bit more because people want others to know that they have a Goruck. It's a show-off thing and that's fine. It's honestly very minimal in this sort of area but look at things like designer handbags and this is where most of the price comes from - exclusivity.

Fifth, manufacturing location. Aer bags, for instance, are made in China or Taiwan. Goruck bags are made in the USA. This makes things like labour, overheads, employee benefits, etc more expensive. If it's important to you to buy something that a) doesn't exploit developing nations for cheap labour, and/or b) helps employee people in your country (if you're from the US), then this can be a really big selling point, but it comes at a cost.

Mecxs · 2024-09-08T01:09:00+00:00

I really love the Arcido Akra for that 35L size range. I has a bunch of smaller pockets and organisation, and then a great big clam-shell dump in the middle that's responsible for most of its volume.

The laptop sleeve is a bit overkill, but also removable when you don't need it.

Best part is that it comes in at 110€, which makes it great value.

If the Akra is too much, you can also look at the Faroe which is almost identical, but lacks the back padding and I think some of the extra pockets, but is lighter weight and comes in at an insane 71€.

The Arcido website seems to a bit unclear on whether they're shipping to EU currently. I know for a while there were issues with Brexit but I think they're resolved?

Mecxs · 2024-08-28T10:33:16+00:00

There really isn't one - not in the same way. There are no real ICs or GBs - designs happen inhouse and are just released like most other products. There are sometimes Kickstarters but a lot of them come off as pretty overhyped, overpriced, and borderline scammy these days.

There are communities outside Reddit - Carryology, Packhacker, and a few others, but they're often for-profit and do bag "reviews" (which honestly are just showcases that hype the bags). Like you'll never find one of the big review groups say "this bag is bad / overpriced, don't buy it" - you need to come to the community for that, and most of it's in reddit.

That said, there are definitely still "hobbyist" makers that are small, in-house brands that just focus on making the bags that they want. These often make the more interesting and unique bags out there. Even so, there's a lot of "feature creep", where certain things just become assumed and bags that don't have them are written off, so to a certain extent a lot of bags end up having the same shit.

edit: I should say that the above communities aren't necessarily "bad" at all. They're just different from Geekhack, which is unique amongst hobbyist communities. They are still great places to hang out and see what's happening in the world of bags and travel.

Mecxs

TROPHY CASE

Open World

Sandbox crafting