If you spend enough time working in IT support, you start to realize something very quickly. The moment you leave a tool at home is the moment you will absolutely need it. After a few tough lessons early in my career, I decided to build a reliable backpack setup that goes everywhere with me. Whether I am supporting a nonprofit office, stopping by a community tech clinic, or helping a neighbor rescue a slow laptop, this backpack has saved me more times than I can count.
Today I want to open it up and share what is inside. If you are starting out in IT, or if you simply want to be better prepared for the everyday surprises of tech work, this list will give you a solid place to start.
Cables and Adapters Are Your Lifeline
The items I reach for most often are the simplest ones. Cables and adapters solve more problems than people realize. I always keep a short USB C to USB A cable, a USB C to Lightning cable, and a micro USB cable. Even though many devices now use USB C, older equipment still shows up everywhere, especially in smaller offices and community spaces.
I also carry a handful of small adapters. HDMI to VGA, USB C to HDMI, and even an old DisplayPort converter have all saved meetings from turning into disasters. The goal is not to carry everything, but to carry the most likely tools for connecting mismatched devices.
A Small, Reliable Toolkit
A compact screwdriver set with interchangeable bits is essential. Laptops, docks, and network equipment all have different screws, and you never know which one you will encounter. I also keep a spudger for opening plastic casings without damaging them, a pair of tweezers for removing debris from ports, and a tiny flashlight for seeing inside server racks or dim corners under desks.
These tools take up very little space, but they make it possible to handle almost any quick physical repair or inspection on the spot.
Portable Power Solutions
Nothing creates panic faster than a dead device during a critical moment. To avoid that situation, I keep a small power bank that can charge a laptop in a pinch and a few wall chargers with multiple USB ports. A compact power strip with surge protection is also handy for cramped offices and conference rooms where outlets are scarce.
People appreciate it when you can bring power to a situation rather than hunt for it, and it makes you look far more prepared than you feel.
A Spare Mouse and Keyboard
It surprises new technicians how often basic peripherals fail or go missing. A cheap wireless mouse and a small wired keyboard can turn an impossible login situation into a quick fix. I prefer wired for the keyboard because it avoids pairing issues. These items seem simple, but they have solved more ticket backups than any fancy tool I own.
Network Essentials
Since networking issues come up constantly, I keep a few key items ready. A short Ethernet cable lets me bypass questionable WiFi when troubleshooting or testing connectivity. I also carry a tiny USB Ethernet adapter that converts laptops with no Ethernet ports into wired-capable machines.
Another tool I rely on is a basic network cable tester. It is not expensive, and it quickly reveals whether a cable is dead or if a drop is inactive. This alone avoids guessing games and speeds up diagnosis.
Flash Drives With Useful Tools
Flash drives may seem old fashioned, but they remain incredibly useful in IT support. I store a couple of them in labeled pouches. One has installers for key utilities like malware scanners, hardware diagnostics, and a few small programs I use often. The other drive holds bootable images, including a system recovery tool and a clean operating system installer.
Being able to rebuild a machine or back up files without hunting for downloads is a lifesaver when time is tight or the internet connection is unstable.
Notebooks and Documentation Materials
Even in a digital world, nothing beats a pocket notebook for jotting down quick notes during troubleshooting. I use mine to record system details, error messages, and steps I have taken. Later, I transfer these details into formal documentation or ticket notes.
A small folder with printed checklists and network maps also helps in environments with inconsistent documentation. Good notes save you time, help you stay organized, and guide you when you return to an issue days later.
Cleaning Supplies For Quick Fixes
A can of compressed air, a microfiber cloth, and a small pack of alcohol wipes go a long way. Dust and grime can cause ports to misbehave, keyboards to stick, and screens to look terrible. A little cleaning can solve technical issues and make users feel cared for. It also shows professionalism and attention to detail.
A Positive Attitude and Patience
This might not go in the backpack, but it is always with me. Users remember how you make them feel far more than they remember what tools you used. Staying calm, being patient, and speaking clearly matter just as much as having the right equipment.
In many cases, your attitude is the tool that makes everything else work.
Build Your Starter Pack One Piece at a Time
My backpack did not come together in one day. Over the years I learned which items I reach for most and which ones usually sit untouched. You will discover your own must have tools as you gain experience. The goal is not to carry everything. It is to carry the things that make you effective, fast, and confident when a problem shows up.
When you walk into a room with the right tools and the right mindset, you will be ready for anything your IT support job throws your way.