Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission.Learn more.
Google I/O 2019 is coming — Here’s what we’re bringing
August 13, 2025
We are only a couple of days away fromGoogle I/O 2019, which means that our authors are gearing up for the developer conference. This year, we (David Imel,Eric Zeman, andJustin Duino) will be representingAndroid Authorityin Mountain View.
Now that our bags have been packed, we can share exactly what each of us is bringing to cover Google’s event. You can click on the link on every product if you would like to pick it up for yourself.
David Imel — Everything I need to live
For I/O this year, I’m bringing what I bring with me every day. I have effectively everything I own (minus clothes) in myPeak Design Everyday Backpack 30L, including two laptops, all my camera gear, and myNintendo Switch. The bag was bought two and a half years ago and it still looks brand new.
I store my mic, tech pouch (chargers, etc.), and hard drives in the top section. Mycamera gelsandSurface Bookare stored in the rear compartment of the backpack. Fortunately, the side pouch was designed to fit mytripod legs.
MyPeak Design 10L Slingholds all my camera gear andMateBook X Pro, fits inside my backpack, and creates a modular system that allows me to shake up my everyday carry.
Almost everything I own that aren’t articles of clothing is stored in one of these two bags.
Most of my work gets done on theMicrosoft Surface Book 2because it has incredible battery life, a fantastic keyboard, and a large display. The GTX 1060 gives it a nice amount of power when I need it. TheMateBook X Prois used for press briefings and non-video-editing events.
My camera uses UHS-II SD cards, so I’m using aSanDisk USB-C SD card readerwhen transferring footage to my computer. For storage, I use a500GB Samsung T5 SSDand a4GB WD MyPassport HDD. I’m using aRazer Kabuto mouse padand aMicrosoft Surface Precision Mousefor editing on the go.
My current daily driver is aHUAWEI P30 Profor social media and general phone stuff. I also have an unreleased smartphone in my pocket, but I cannot talk about it just yet.
Camera and other Equipment
I use aFujifilm X-T3for all my video and photo needs, and I love it. I should probably get a zoom lens at some point, but for now, I have four prime lenses: a23mmf/2, a35mmf/2,a 56mmf/1.2, and an80mmf/2.8. I use abattery gripon the camera which gives me two extra batteries.
For my mic, I’m using aSennheiser MKE 600 shotgun mic, and for my tripod, I’m using theReally Right Stuff QC14 legsand a smallManfrotto fluid head. I have athree-stop ND filter, apolarizer, and aglimmer glass filter. I’m also using anAputure AL MX bicolor lightfor when I need to shoot A-roll in darker rooms.
Accessories
I use aXiaomi 10,000mAh battery packto make sure that all of my phone and other electronics keep a charge. I also have aNintendo Switchfor flights and periods of downtime.
Eric Zeman — Just the basics
For this year’s Google I/O, I am only bringing what I need most to cover the developer conference. This means a lot of camera gear, some tech, and a handful of accessories. I will be carrying all of this in my30L Peak Design Everyday Backpack.
In addition to my backpack, I will have thePeak Design Everyday Sling 10Lto help carry all of my gear.
Camera equipment
To make sure everyone at home can experience the wonder of Google’s three-day developer festival, I am bringing mySony A7IIIand every lens that I might need. These lens options include a28mm,35mm,50mm,85mm, and a24mm-70mm.
Instead of bringing a full-sized tripod, I will be packing aJoby GorillaPod 3K. This accessory will let me stabilize my camera and prop it up if I need to capture any video. I also have thePeak Design Clutchattached to the A7III and thePeak Design Slide Lite strapin my backpack.
Electronics
The13-inchApple MacBook Prowill be my primary workhorse during this trip, thanks to the high-res screen.
My list of mobile electronics for I/O consists of aGoogle Pixel 3 XL, aSamsung Galaxy Note 9paired with aCatalyst Impact Protection case, and anApple iPad Pro 11-inchpaired with anOtterBox Symmetry Series 360 Folio Case.
Last but not least, I have a handful of accessories. First, I have theLifeproof LifeActiv Power Pack 20. This rugged battery pack will keep my phones and other electronics changed through each day.
I also will have two pairs of headphones with me. TheJabra Elite 65Tin-ear Bluetooth earbuds are perfect for quick uses as I need them. My over-earFIIL IICON headphonesare fabulous for tuning out the rest of the world so I can focus on writing.
Justin Duino — All of the necessities
I routinely overpack for trips. As this will be my fifth time attending I/O, I have narrowed down the number of items that I’m bringing to the developer conference, but it is probably still more than most people.
Just like David and Eric, I am a Peak Design fan. In addition to myEveryday Backpack 20L, I have an assortment of camera accessories from the company. More on this below.
Camera gear
Let’s kick things off with my photography gear. The star of the show is myNikon D5500 DSLR camerawhich is typically attached to aSigma 18-35mmf1.8 lens. I also haveNIKKOR 55-200mmf/4-5.6G lensin case I need to snap a photo of something far away.
To make sure I do not drop my camera, I will have two straps in my bag. The large neck strap is thePeak Design Slideand the smaller wrist strap is thePeak Design Cuff.
Additionally, I have thePeak Design Capture Camera Clipattached to one of my backpack straps. This allows me to securely mount my DSLR onto the bag while I’m not using it to take photos. Having it on the strap make it much more convenient to grab instead of having to pull it out of my backpack.
I take a lot of photos with myGoogle Pixel 3 XL, which is why I carry an assortment of Moment’s lenses with me. I primarily rely on the58mm Teleand18mm wide-angle, but I will also have the company’s other accessories in my bag include theMacro,Superfish,Anamorphic, and the outdated 60mm Tele lenses. The first two accessories are housed in aMoment lens pouchattached to a backpack strap while the rest are stored securely inside the bag.
There are two tripods in my bag: one for my DSLR and one for my smartphone. For my camera, I have theManfrotto Befree Travel tripodwith a fluid head. I don’t expect that I’ll need it much, but it will be handy for capturing video.
For my smartphone, I have theManfrotto Pixi Mini Tripodpaired with aZaykir universal smartphone adaptor. Together, I have a handheld mount that lets me capture photos and videos in landscape or portrait and a stable way to hostInstagram Live Stories.
Mobile accessories
Instead of filling all of the various pockets in my Peak Design backpack with cables and other accessories, I carry a tech bag. After trying several options, I landed on theBagsmart travel cable organizer. This bag has pockets and inserts for everything I might need on my trip that are split into two sections.
In addition to several types ofAnker cablesfor charging my devices, the case is packed with anAUKEY USB and SD Card adaptor, anAnker PowerCore+ 2100 battery bank,multiple microSD cardsfor my camera, and other small accessories.
Audio and writing equipment
You cannot travel these days without noise canceling headphones. After trying out several pairs of premium over-ear options, I have concluded that theSony WH-1000XM3is the best pick for me. These will primarily be used on the flight to Google I/O, but will also be great to have on-hand in case I need to focus while writing up announcements.
I will also have myfirst-gen AirPodsencased inNomad’s leather rugged case, a set ofGoogle’s USB-C headphones, and a pair of3.5mm wired earbuds. While the AirPods will be useful if I need to listen to something quickly, I do not expect to use the other pairs of headphones. They are a part of my electronics bag and are nice to have if I do ever need them.
And most importantly, my writing gear. Although I’m bringing my2014 Retina MacBook Pro, it will be reserved for photo and video editing. Its battery life is shot, so it will only be used on an as-needed basis.
Instead, I will be using my11-inch iPad Propaired with aLogitech Slim Folio Pro keyboard case. This combination is my go-to when I’m writing at coffee shops as it does not hinder my workflow.
What are you excited to see announced at Google I/O 2019? Do you want to see what equipment our authors at home are using to bring you the news? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
Read next:Google I/O 2019: What to expect
Thank you for being part of our community. Read ourComment Policybefore posting.
