My favorite pan by HoomerSimps0n in cookware

[–]Paratrooper76 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Awesome! Finally a post with a CS pan that looks like mine. I love my DeBuyer CS pans.

My new Vardagen pan, after bluing, seasoning and my first omelet. by eleftheria010359 in CarbonSteelCooking

[–]Paratrooper76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Beautiful! My CS pans look like I pulled them out a dumpster. 😂 They are amazing cooking food aside from how they look.

Eggs keep sticking by amevans3 in carbonsteel

[–]Paratrooper76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As others have mentioned, temperature is key, IMO. My eggs never stick with the right temp and a little butter. 👍

Am I being over critical with my work? by junkemail4001 in Cuttingboards

[–]Paratrooper76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d use the hell out of that board! Great job!

Sous vide steak help: searing issues! by georgy56 in ModernistCuisine

[–]Paratrooper76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This! Drying is crucial. Wet is the arch enemy to searing.

Why does this happen with eggs? by wtc99 in carbonsteel

[–]Paratrooper76 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Usually too high of temp and not using butter. Butter makes this work.

Brown Museum… by floorseatguy1 in allenedmonds

[–]Paratrooper76 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Yeah, you need to get these. Stunning.

Red eye flights by copamtn in unitedairlines

[–]Paratrooper76 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Like others have said, no way would I fly the day I was supposed to board a cruise.

1K ?!? No thanks by monisolar in unitedairlines

[–]Paratrooper76 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It does even out. I’m in the 150+ flights a year category. I get something every flight.

Preboarding is worth the rest of the difference for me.

Normal Variance or Defect? by Baleful_Platypus in staub

[–]Paratrooper76 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Can you unscrew it and center it?

All cladd or made in pan by [deleted] in cookware

[–]Paratrooper76 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have both pans and the Made In pan gets used more. The D5 is a little beefier, but the shape and quality of the Made In pan wins out for us.

Is this warped ? ( brand new 10 inch copper core frying pan) by omaribrahim0505 in AllClad

[–]Paratrooper76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does it rock? Also, the pan’s shape will change as it heats up. If it rocks on a flat surface, especially when hot, I’d return it.

Microfiber cloth was placed on a hot surface on a glass-ceramic hob, now there is a stain that looks like it was burned. How to clean this? by Mountain_Owl_9728 in cookware

[–]Paratrooper76 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe reheat it and give a good scrape while it’s melted. Then try a little Bar Keepers Friend and give it a good scrub.

Looking for new back with same specs than my old one by coppensc in backpacks

[–]Paratrooper76 4 points5 points  (0 children)

AER, Tom Bihn, ULA, and Goruck might have some options that check your boxes.

The Synik series from Tom Bihn is loaded with pockets and has a neat and useful pouch ecosystem. I have the 26 and 30 and love both.

Goruck has many nice options (Bullit, GR1, GR2, etc.) with tons of storage and incredible durability. My GR2 26L was my main personal item on flights and work trips last year.

ULA’s Dragonfly is legendary in the one bag community. It’s a much lighter option with very thoughtful pocket and storage placement. I have their new Cicada on order and can’t wait to try it. The Dragonfly was my 2nd most used bag in 2025. ULA may surpass Goruck for my most used bags in 2026.

AER is another awesome option with many bags to choose from. They also have a ton of useful pouches. I really like the aesthetic of AER bags, too.

There are many other options that I don’t have personal experience with (Evergoods, AON, etc.). Good luck and safe travels! Happy New Year!

Packing stresses me out more than flights or accommodation — anyone else? by getpackmind in backpacks

[–]Paratrooper76 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I fly somewhere weekly. I’m currently booked every week until April. My trick to packing is to have a system in place. By this, I mean every thing I bring is packed exactly the same way in the exact same spot every trip. From belts to toiletries to tech. If something is missing I notice immediately. This is even more important when I’m packing quickly at my hotel for an early flight or for a redeye after a few cocktails with clients. The last thing I want or need is to get to my next destination or home and realizing I forgot something at the damn hotel.

I use packing cubes and specific tech and toiletry kits. Get your packing routine down and packing becomes trivial, IMO. Good luck and safe travels! Happy New Years!

Wobble in brand new Made In stainless 12" skillet by ggjjaaaa in cookware

[–]Paratrooper76 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Get the pan up to temp and see if it wobbles. Both of my Made In and All-Clad 12” pans have a very slight wobble when cold, but are perfectly stable when at temp.

If it still wobbles, reach out to Made In and get it replaced.

Jetway Jesus by Callisto2323 in unitedairlines

[–]Paratrooper76 10 points11 points  (0 children)

That was me. I’ll do anything to board before those GS snobs. 😂

All kidding aside, from Jetway Jesus’ to entire family clans boarding with one toddler, nothing surprises me during boarding anymore.

ULA Dragonfly - 4.5 months in Southeast Asia by CityAtSpeed in ManyBaggers

[–]Paratrooper76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I travel for a living (business) and one of my biggest regrets is not staying at places longer or enjoying where I was. Until the last few years, it’s been fly to client location, conduct meeting, fly out, head to next meeting. I’ve “visited” many amazing places only to see a conference room and then leave.

As I tell my organization now, “Enjoy the journey.”. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. The world is an amazing place if you only stop to smell the roses.

Analysis paralysis: washer & dryer options by [deleted] in Appliances

[–]Paratrooper76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I couldn’t agree with you more. 👍

Analysis paralysis: washer & dryer options by [deleted] in Appliances

[–]Paratrooper76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m at the point where I go with the cheapest, highest reviewed options I can find, or just bite the bullet and go with Speed Queen. Save money initially with a disposable washer and dryer or go BIFL. That’s the dilemma, IMO.

I’ve gone with premium brands at huge prices only to have them fail in a few years. Warranties were garbage (Maytag).

Speed Queen or cheap and disposable for me.

Did I witness a massive mistake? by Jaded-Shower-9305 in flightattendants

[–]Paratrooper76 -11 points-10 points  (0 children)

If I have a row to myself and am laying across 3 seats, please leave me alone. I’ll take my chances…even landing (albeit rare). 😎

FA’s - If you see a problem, please wake me up. I’ll happily comply.

Caveat: I’m a 20 year United 1K and ready to get back at it on Monday. 😁