Climate Change, Yoga Sweat, Some Cool Bags.

Winter doesn't exist anymore. People think it does and complain, but it's nothing like it used to be. Back in the day, winter in New York City or Boston was brutal—a five-month ordeal of freezing temperatures. Stepping outside felt like a punishment. There were no unexpectedly warm days in January or February; we didn't even ask if it would be a cold week. The answer was always the same: "Yes, it's still February."

Anyway, I've digressed before even starting. Due to climate change, I strive to keep my consumption of unnecessary items to a minimum. Many of my friends label me as a minimalist, while my mom believes I take it to an extreme, forsaking material possessions. Neither of these notions applies to me. I have numerous desires in life, some material, but mostly intangible achievements that are more challenging to attain than a simple purchase.

Anyway, I should have just started by saying I'm very deliberate about what I buy. This applies to everything I physically consume, especially non-perishable material possessions. As a result, every purchase I make is meticulously thought out, sometimes to a fault. It takes me three to six months of research to select the perfect backpack. I've been deliberating over which camera to buy for seven months; given my work, it's akin to deciding on a vehicle purchase. Anyway, items that I use regularly or swear by have earned their place in my life through careful consideration. If I've purchased something, I've read numerous reviews and compared options online.

I love to sweat; it's a significant part of my life. I do hot yoga every day, and during a single class, I can sweat upwards of 8-9+ pounds on average. I know it sounds extreme—it's more than a gallon—but it happens every day. In fact, it's become one of those annoying things I find myself talking about often. So, I've made a rule for myself: if there's a fact or story I keep repeating, I shouldn't just keep telling it but rather turn it into content. This not only harnesses the energy I continuously loop through my life but also transforms it into a tangible product. Instead of repeating the same six sentences to my captive audience post-class in the yoga locker room, I can simply direct them to subscribe to my blog! That'll be more welcomed. "Hey, you had a great practice... Here's a link on how I deal with my sweating disorder and what bag I should buy." Also, what good is a life experience if it's not being potentially commodified into content?

Anyway, sweating and dealing with wet clothes became a major issue for me after yoga class. My towel would be absolutely soaked in sweat, even after wringing it out; it was heavy. I used to carry an unbelievably iconic beast of a backpack, the Chrome Ivan, which had a waterproof compartment ideal for keeping drinks cold. Surely, that capability would translate well to transporting soaking wet clothes. So, I lugged that behemoth daily to and from class. It was gigantic and often hindered me in social situations post-class. After seven years of this impractical solution and an unbelievable amount of wear and tear, I've finally integrated a more practical solution into my life.

I've purchased an incredible dry bag from a company called SeaLine. This bag, meant for boating activities, is typically found aboard boats carrying fishers or scuba divers protecting equipment from getting wet. However, I use it to transport my dirty yoga clothes and towels. This 5-liter bag can handle clothes from two classes and two towels. I roll it up, snap it shut, and confidently place it in a non-waterproof container. As my larger backpack began to wear out, I often found myself stopped by people on the subway, pointing to a huge wet spot on the disgustingly dirty floor. "Oh," I would respond without embarrassment, "That's just my sweat." Then, I would walk away, leaving them bewildered.

Anyway, I'm including photos of the bag that enabled me to blend in more convincingly among normal folk. Now, I can toss it into a smaller, more casual backpack designed for everyday activities, confident that it will keep my belongings dry. It comes in different sizes and colors. Below, I'll include some photos and a link for you to check it out. I gain nothing if you purchase this. I simply want people to have high-quality products in their lives and to consume only what they need—nothing low quality and nothing that doesn't substantially add to their lives. Be intentional about what you buy, make sure it brings you joy and do so sustainably!

Here is the bag unrolled.

This is how small the bag gets before it has anything inside of it. This is the size it is when transporting it to class.

Here is a view from a dream team. They rarely travel together anymore as the little guy does the trick. However the Ivan is a veteran player and about to retire in the hall of fame.