⚡ 01MAR2026: The Bag One
On device iMessage analysis, a new astronaut pen, fun with e-readers, and a whole bunch of really nice compact camera and EDC bags.
Happy Sunday everyone!
This week, I've been spending way too much time staring at the news in despair, learning about the OKLCH color model, making cool map posters with TerraInk, playing around with a new minimalist bookmarking app (it's pretty but not for me), and thinking about brushing off some of my old LucasArts games thanks to the DREAMM emulator.
Note that some of the links in this issue of the Hiro Report are affiliate links and may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you.
On to the good stuff:
• 📰 Current RSS Reader - This peaceful RSS reader has been making the rounds the last week or two since it launched, and I've got it high on my list to try out. In short, rather than filling an inbox with articles from your feeds that you have to work your way through, Current acts more like a river, where things pass through your inbox over time. You can give different feeds different amounts of time they stay in your inbox before they're erased and float away— so in-depth blog posts from your favorite author stick around longer than perhaps breaking news might. The developer, Terry Godier, wrote an epic essay explaining the rationale behind the app.
• 🔍 Mimoto Message Analysis - This is a really clever privacy-first tool for analyzing your iMessage chat history. It uses on-device AI to give you insights on your communication style, the individuals you talk with the most, the state of various relationships, along with things like which emojis you use the most. It seems almost like a Spotify Wrapped but for your own iMessages, with all processing done locally and nothing sent to the cloud. I haven't gotten to run it yet. I'm not sure if I want to know (and am also wary of trusting any third-party software with my message history), but I like seeing developers leveraging local AI more for fun things like this.
• 🖊️ Artemis II Astronaut Pen - Being a pen nerd and space nerd means I really had no choice but to grab one of these limited edition Fisher Astronaut Pens made to commemorate the upcoming (sadly delayed) Artemis II launch. It's made out of blue titanium nitride, giving it a unique sheen. Naturally, like all the astronaut pens carried by NASA astronauts going back to Apollo 7, it features the pressurized Fisher PR4 cartridge that lets you write underwater, upside down, or in zero gravity.
• 📖 Kobo Libra Colour - I've been wanting to switch from Amazon to Kobo for a while and finally pulled the trigger this week. I had been holding off because I was worried they'd be dropping some amazing new upgrade this year, but after doing some research, any upgrade they may release this year will likely be a minor refresh. This thing is great fun, super sharp display, love having physical page turn buttons, and while the color display is by no means the most vivid in the world, it is nice to have.
• 👝 Gura Gear Kiboko City Sling 6L - I'd never heard of this brand before, but I got this bag this week to carry around my camera and some spare gear for daily outings and have been super impressed with it. It's got a super light, abrasion- and weather-resistant X-Pac fabric exterior, a removable padded camera insert, tons of interior and exterior pockets with built-in organization for things like pens, AirPods, memory cards, wallets, and more. It also has a hidden RFID-blocking passport pocket. The shoulder sling also features a really unique dynamic leveling system so that the bag stays level as you move about, making it easier to safely get precious gear in and out of the bag.
Bonus Bag List
Normally, this is where I'd end the issue, but while researching bag options, I put out a request for suggestions for small camera-capable sling bags on Threads and got a ton of great recommendations from folks in the replies, so I thought I'd capture them here in case anyone else is looking for something similar. Most of the bags should work with small mirrorless camera set-ups like the Leica Q3, Fuji X100VI, etc.
WWII-inspired design meets modern lightweight tech in what multiple photographers call the best sling for compact cameras like the Leica Q. @keith.wee vouches for several Wotancraft bags, and @mralvinleung says the Pilot 3.5L is "hands down the best" after comparing it to multiple competitors, praising its perfect balance of protection and packability. Personally, I love the look of the Mini Rider v2— it's the one I came closest to ordering prior to discovering the Gura Gear bag.
The budget champion that punches way above its weight class. @redboy owns seven other slings but uses this one daily, fitting a Q2, GRII, and accessories with room to spare. "Impossible to beat at its price" and doesn't scream "expensive camera inside."
Heritage British craftsmanship with a 5-year warranty. @35mmrex has traveled around the world three times with this bag, noting it "doesn't yell 'Look, I have a camera in here, rob me!'" Made in England with three-layer waterproof fabric and real leather.
The unstructured cousin to the Pilot—stays slim when you're traveling light. @shawnhickman loves that it doesn't bulk up when empty, perfect for minimalist carry with just a small mirrorless camera.
Peak Design Everyday Sling 3L/6L
The classic choice that needs no introduction. @leicazgl's straightforward recommendation speaks to its reliable reputation—available in two sizes to match different carry styles.
Urban-tough messenger bag style in sling form. @0lcan noted there's both a standard Kadet and Kadet Mini, giving you options for your camera setup.
@sidewandering's stealth pick: "Super cheap, doesn't look like a camera would be in there." Perfect if you want to fly under the radar.
@mel_mls534 recommended this unique drawstring-style camera bag—their drone accessories are well-known, but their camera bags are gaining a lot of traction among photographers, and I'm seeing them more and more in my feed.
@shawnpbruce backed this one with photos showing a well-organized layout.
@petehalvorsen's eBay find—canvas bags that don't scream "camera" and can even fit a Leica M with lens alongside the Q. The bags look nice, but their website seems down, so they may be out of business?
I looked hard at Aer during this search; I like the clean, minimal design for tech-focused carry. @atmasphere keeps this in rotation alongside the Clever Supply Sidekick Pro 2L when he wants more space without the camera cube.
I also considered getting one of Clever Supply's bags; they have a great classic styling and are loved by a lot of photographers I admire. This bag got mixed reviews in my replies: @atmasphere likes it, but @mralvinleung found it "too small with the cube, still tight without cube" and disliked the strap integration.
That's it for this week! May you be happy, healthy, and at peace.