Beyond the Books: Gear for the Campus Grind

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Back to school. For many, it means textbooks, late-night study sessions, and maybe a new laptop. But for anyone who’s constantly on the move, whether biking across town or campus, juggling creative projects, or balancing work and play, it’s about gear that works as hard as you do. Below is a collection of gear we’ve been putting to the test over the past few months…solid, reliable pieces that are just as ready for the campus grind as they are for everyday life. If you’re looking for tools that can support both the academic side and the life that happens outside of it, this list delivers.

Chrome Kadet Sling with Camera Insert

We’ve carried this through crowded sidewalks, on day trips, and while hopping between spots in the city. It’s compact but smartly laid out. It fits your daily essentials without turning into a black hole for your stuff. The wide strap stays comfortable even when it’s loaded up, and the build quality feels like it’s ready to take a beating without falling apart. (We’re partial to the Black XRF colorway. As the reflective back panel is a nice touch for late-night strolls or early morning commutes when being seen matters.)

The optional camera insert is a bonus that makes it more than just an everyday sling. Swap your tech and keys for a mirrorless camera and lens, and you’ve got a weekend photo kit without the bulk of a traditional camera bag. Whether you’re walking around town or on a short getaway, it transitions easily. Available from chromeindustries.com and amazon.com.

Delsey Versatile Laptop Backpack

This backpack is built for people who actually use their bags every day. We’ve stuffed it for work trips, carried it on public transit, and dragged it through a couple of rainy days. It swallows a 15-inch laptop with room left for chargers, notebooks, and even a rolled-up jacket. The compartments make it easy to keep track of smaller gear instead of having it sink to the bottom.

Padding is solid but not overdone, so it keeps its shape without becoming a brick. After a lot of real use, it still looks clean…no sagging fabric or blown seams. For someone who needs both durability and organization, it hits the sweet spot. Available from amazon.com.

UltraSlim 70W GaN II Dual USB-C PD Wall Charger

We’ve tested this in coffee shops, coworking spaces, and hotel rooms with only one usable outlet. It’s slim enough to slide into a pocket, yet it can charge your laptop and phone at the same time without sweating. GaN tech keeps it cool even under heavy load, and it doesn’t hog outlet space.

If you’re always on the move, having one charger that replaces two or three is a relief. No tangles of cables, no extra bulk…just a dependable power source wherever you land.  Available from amazon.com.

Status Pro X Earbuds

These have been our go-to for commutes, grocery runs, and long stretches of work. They hit that sweet spot between clarity and comfort. No booming, muddy bass, just clean audio you can listen to for hours. The noise cancellation tones drown street noise and chatter without making you feel cut off from the world, and the multipoint connectivity makes it effortless to hop from your smartphone to your laptop without missing a beat.

Battery life is solid enough that you’re not always chasing a charge, and the fit stays secure without feeling jammed in. Whether you’re zoning in on a podcast or blocking out the buzz of a busy space, they’re reliable. Available from status.co.

Audzee MM-100 Headphones

These are the headphones we reach for when sound actually matters. Editing video? You hear every detail. Gaming? Footsteps and directional cues are pinpoint accurate. Music? You can pick out instruments you never noticed before.

They’re not portable like earbuds, but at a desk, they’re in their element. Sturdy build, comfortable ear pads, and audio that’s both rich and accurate. They’re the kind of gear that makes you want to linger a little longer at your desk. Available from audzee.com and amazon.com.

Cycplus AS2 Pro Tiny E-Pump

Nothing kills a biking commute faster than a flat tire. And the Cycplus AS2 Pro Tiny E-Pump has saved us more than once. Small enough to fit in a palm, USB-C rechargeable, and powerful enough to get a bike tire back to full pressure in minutes. It works for sports gear too, so you’re covered if you show up at the field with a flat ball.

It’s the definition of peace of mind…you might not need it often, but when you do, it’s worth its weight in gold. Available from amazon.com.

Lepro B1 AI Smart Light Bulbs

A dorm room can be a pretty sterile environment. The Lepro B1 AI Smart Light Bulbs are an easy way to change that. We put a few in our rooms and were able to change the color and brightness with our phones. They let you set the mood for studying, relaxing, or even waking up. They performed without a hitch and the AI scheduling means you can set it once and forget it. You can have a bright white light for late-night essays or a warm, soft glow for winding down. They’re a small, simple upgrade that makes a big difference in a space you have to live and work in. Available from lepro.com and amazon.com.

Sun Bum Signature Mineral Face Stick and Lip Balm

Being active means being outside, and being outside means sun. We put the Sun Bum Signature Mineral Face Stick and Lip Balm to the test on sunny bike rides and outdoor activities. The stick goes on easy and doesn’t feel greasy, which is a big plus. It’s a no-fuss way to protect your face, and it actually stays on. The lip balm is just as good, it kept our lips from getting chapped and burned. It’s an essential for any student who spends time outside, and it’s simple enough to throw in any bag. Available from sunbum.com.

Old Trapper Beef Jerky

Old Trapper is one of our standbys. The kind of snack we always have within reach. It’s healthy, genuinely nutritious, and about ten times better than raiding a vending machine for a candy bar. Plus, there’s no sugar crash waiting to ambush you later. We keep it in the car, in a backpack, or tucked in a desk drawer so it’s always there when the hunger pangs hit.

Portable, high in protein, and easy to stash without worry, it’s one of our staples for good reason. The chewy-but-manageable texture and savory, well-balanced flavor make it as enjoyable as it is practical. Available from amazon.com.

Patagonia Provisions Bison Sticks

This isn’t your corner-store jerky. It’s a different animal, literally. We tried the Patagonia Provisions Bison Sticks, and the texture is more like a dense sausage, not that papery, tough stuff. The flavor is rich, savory, and you can tell it’s a quality ingredient. We found it a serious upgrade from standard snacks. It’s a bit more expensive, but for a day when you need real fuel (think long hike on the weekend or a particularly brutal study session) this is a satisfying, protein-packed choice. It’s the kind of snack that makes you feel like you’ve actually eaten something of substance, not just empty calories. Available from patagoniaprovisions.com and rei.com.

Novos Longevity Nutrition Bar

Let’s be real, most nutrition bars taste like cardboard mixed with sugar. The Novos Longevity Nutrition Bar is different. It’s designed to be more than a quick sugar hit; it’s about sustained energy. We grabbed a few for some long work sessions and found they did their job. They kept us from crashing and looking for a bag of chips. The taste is subtle, not overly sweet. It’s the kind of thing you eat because you need to perform, not just for a momentary treat. It’s a serious tool for a serious student who needs to stay sharp and focused for hours at a time. It’s a straightforward, functional piece of gear for your body. Available from novoslabs.com.