The Ismono Podcast

Bo Ismono aka Youknowthebo

Filmeditor, Content Creator and Bag Reviewer Bo Ismono does a friendly conversation with his guest about bags, EDC, Content Creation or sometimes just life.You can find my Youtube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/youknowthebo

  1. JAN 5

    23-Pound Commute: EDC, Leather Care, Bag Reviewer's Philosophy THE ISMONO PODCAST with @UnPackD ​

    Watch the video version here. Bo welcomes back John from UnPack'D to discuss how his popular YouTube channel has grown, the evolution of his content creation, and how his perspective on gear has shifted after reviewing dozens of bags. John shares the two most memorable bags he's tested (the unique Embarro and the leather Grams28), including a deep dive into the practicalities of caring for leather in extreme weather. The conversation then explores John's philosophy of reviewing, which focuses on understanding the designer's intent, and how that has forced him to constantly change his own EDC loadout. He also reveals the shocking weight of his daily carry (over 23 pounds!) for his 2-mile walking commute and offers his thoughts on the rise of budget brands like Tomtoc and the latest gear he is excited to test. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 00:00 Intro 0:30 - Welcome Back John from UnPack'D: Channel Growth & Going from Phone to Camera 3:38 - The Reality of Filming Outdoors (DJI Pocket 3) 4:40 - Memorable Bags of the Year: Grams28 and Embarro 8:28 - The Dilemma of Leather in Bag Carry and Weather Resistance 12:09 - The Amazing Look of the X-Pac Rover Collection 14:30 - How Reviewing Bags Changed John's Perspective 17:52 - Finding the Designer's Intent in Every Bag 20:07 - Why John Changes His Packing Style for Every Review 22:55 - John's Daily Loadout: The 23-Pound Commute 26:26 - EDC on Days Off: The Perfect Dog Owner's Sling Bag 28:55 - What's Next for Review: Grams28 and King Kong Core 30:25 - Is the King Kong Core Backpack a Bag Nerd's Gym Bag? 36:18 - Thoughts on Tom Bihn and the Tomtoc "Disruptor" 52:20 - GORUCK's Future Focus: Rucking vs. Stealth Carry

    1h 6m

  2. 12/19/2025

    Bellroy Camera Sling as a Diaper Bag? THE ISMONO PODCAST with @Nitpacker

    I sit down with Wolf from the YouTube channel @Nitpacker to discuss the elusive search for the perfect bag, the life of a gear reviewer, and real-world carry systems. Wolf is known for his "nitpicky" reviews and reveals the single backpack that sparked his obsession, how he uses a Bellroy 10L Camera Sling as an ingenious Dad Bag for his two young children (ages 3 and 1), and his ultimate multi-bag system for traveling internationally with a family. From why he reviews bags to his red-eye flight hacks, this episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in EDC, travel gear, or simplifying family travel. 0:34 - Intro: A New Voice in Bag Reviews (Wolf from Knit Packer) 1:48 - Wolf's Background: Why He's "Nitpicky" 2:27 - How Wolf's Professional-Looking Videos are Made 3:58 - Why Bags? How a Revolving Door of Hobbies Led to Gear Review 6:06 - The First Bag That Started the Obsession: Why the Patagonia Refugio 28L Failed 7:56 - Daily Carry and Loadout Philosophy 10:52 - The Bellroy 10L Camera Sling: The Ultimate Dad Bag Hack 14:40 - Wolf's Multi-Month Family Travel Packing System (Carry-on vs. Checked Luggage) 18:11 - Why Traveling with Kids Requires SO Many Bags 21:29 - Travel Tips: Red-Eye Flights, Screen Time, and the Flyaway Bed 26:25 - Wolf's Minimalist EDC Wallet 29:17 - The Problem with Over-Engineered Dop Kits (and Peak Design) 31:31 - The Christopher Ward Watch Dilemma & The Watch That Finally Clicked (Tudor Ranger) 32:54 - Wolf’s EDC Watch: The Tudor Ranger

    1h 2m

  3. 12/09/2025

    My Top 5 Bags of 2025. THE ISMONO PODCAST

    Watch the video version here. Welcome to a new podcast episode where I dive into my Top 5 Favorite Bags of 2025! This list focuses exclusively on the bags I actively used this year, highlighting unique features, build quality, and why they earned a permanent spot in my rotation. The list includes unexpected usage (a rolling case as a mobile editing station and a travel backpack as a gym bag), a deep dive into the ergonomics of my favorite sling, and a nostalgic shout-out to a classic bookbag design. 00:00 Preview 0:17 - Introduction & Why a Podcast for Bag Reviews 1:56 - #1: Bellroy Rolling Case (The Mobile Editing Workstation) 3:31 - The Challenge: Carrying a Dual-Screen Setup & Peripherals 4:26 - Why the Bellroy Rolling Case is perfect: No Sweat Commute 5:03 - Key Feature: Integrated Hooked Packing Cubes (Gear Protection) 6:27 - The Downside: No Dedicated Laptop Slot (Paired with the Black Ember Forge) 7:48 - Multipurpose Use: Carry-on Luggage for Camera Gear 8:46 - #2: Nayosmart U5 Backpack (The Surprise Budget-Friendly Favorite) 9:36 - Why the Material Works: Easy to Wipe Off & Unique Feel 11:15 - Key Feature: Mystery Ranch Trifold Style Opening (Fast Access) 12:15 - Comfort & Flexibility: Why I was Surprised I Loved It 14:26 - #3: Able Carry Core Sling 14:56 - Initial Hesitations: The Front Pocket & Permanent Shoulder Padding 16:15 - The Game-Changer: Four Attachment Points & 360-Degree Hooks 18:29 - Real-World Use: Quick Access with the Front Temporary Storage Slot 19:45 - Small Nitpick: Confusing Zipper Pulls on Dual Compartments 22:22 - #4: Evergoods CB22 (Classic Book Bag) (Nostalgia & Build Quality) 23:23 - The Iconic Design I Always Wanted (Eastpak/Jansport Vibe) 24:29 - Evergoods Quality: Build to Last & Clamshell Opening 25:23 - Downside: The Unprotected Front Pocket (Pickpocket Risk) 26:56 - #5: Pakt Aero Carry-On Backpack (My Dedicated Gym Bag) 28:29 - Key Feature: Suitcase Style Opening (Perfect for Locker Rooms) 29:33 - Great Organization & Build Quality (Fits Two Water Bottles) 30:34 - Major Downside: Laptop Slot Squished Between Halves 32:12 - The Risk: Pressure Points on Your Laptop Screen (Chargers/Hard Items) 33:33 - Conclusion & Favorite EDC Item (Anbernic RG35XX Plus)

    35 min

  4. 11/21/2025

    Why EVERYDAY CARRY Matters: EDC Optimization. THE ISMONO PODCAST

    Watch the video version here Welcome to a new essay-style episode for Season 2! Today, we dive deep into the philosophy of Everyday Carry (EDC) and introduce a new concept: EDC Optimization. Everyone has an everyday carry—your phone, wallet, and keys are the non-negotiables. But for enthusiasts, EDC is about so much more. I discuss whether carrying extra items (like a camera, gaming device, or multi-tool) is bogging you down, or if it's providing essential creature comforts and a much-needed security blanket. I also cover practical steps on how to evaluate your EDC loadout, choose high-value gear (like a quality Leatherman vs. a dollar-store tool), and stress the importance of understanding local laws regarding items like knives. My Personal EDC Loadout: I reveal the gear I'm currently carrying, including my favorite mechanical watch (Steinhart Ocean 500), my preferred multi-tool (the Gerber Dime), and why a power bank and flashlight are essential. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 00:00 Intro 00:16 Welcome to the Essay Style Podcast (Season 2) 00:46 Question: Is Your Everyday Carry Making Your Life Worse? 01:16 Defining EDC: Beyond Phone, Wallet, Keys 02:41 Expanding the Loadout: Multi-Tools, Headphones, and Watches 03:36 Why EDC is Special: It's Highly Individualized 05:04 The Struggle: Carrying a Gaming Device (Anbernic RG35XX Plus) & Camera (DJI Pocket 3) 06:33 Psychological Benefits: The Security Blanket Argument 07:27 A Real-Life Example: My Multi-Tool Saved Me in a Hotel Room 08:24 Why a Dedicated Camera is Better Than Your Phone 10:14 Experience Over Convenience: Dedicated Items vs. Phone Distractions 12:13 How to Start: Organizing and Deciding Your EDC Items 14:57 Sling Bag vs. Backpack: The Loadout Limit 15:53 Value Proposition: Balancing Cheap vs. High-Quality Gear 17:10 Evaluating Your EDC: Fun & Utility Check-ins 18:53 IMPORTANT: Abide by Your Local EDC Laws (German Knife Laws) 20:46 The Hobby: Introducing EDC Optimization 21:54 My Current EDC Loadout: Phone, Watch, Wallet 23:03 My Sling Bag Contents: Camera, Gaming, and Power 24:00 My Multi-Tool & Flashlight: The Gerber Dime and Wuben X2 Pro 25:05 Support the Podcast! (Affiliate Links Below)

    27 min

  5. 11/02/2025

    Why Having Two Kids Changed My EDC & YouTube THE ISMONO PODCAST with @RonKwok ​

    Watch the video version here Back with Ron Kwok! Why Having Two Kids Changed My EDC & YouTube Welcome back to the podcast! 🎉 For the first episode after a six-month hiatus, I'm thrilled to welcome back the incredible Ron Kwok from Live with Purpose! Since our last chat in March 2023, Ron’s life and content creation journey have seen some big changes—including becoming a dad of two! In this episode, Ron opens up about his recent content sprint, experimenting with new video formats (like his viral interview-style EDC video), and the evolution of his gear setup. We deep dive into what it really means to have a practical Everyday Carry for Dads when your hands are full 🍼. Spoiler: Say goodbye to the knife! ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 00:00 Intro 0:15 - The Podcast is BACK! (And I'm rusty) 1:12 - Ron Kwok Update: Family Life, Content Sprint, and the 5 AM Grind 2:58 - Ron's New Netflix-Style Interview EDC Video 5:01 - Ron’s Camera Gear: Why the Sony a7C is Still the Workhorse 7:00 - Filming at Home: The Challenge of Work/Life Balance for Creators 7:45 - What is Ron's Current EDC? (The Dad Edition) 9:40 - The EDC Essential: Why Ron Rocks a Sling Bag (Front-Slung) 11:04 - The No-Knife Rule & Why He Carries a Leatherman PS Style 11:33 - Why Ron Switched to a Fountain Pen (Big Idea Designs) 14:59 - Power Banks, Tech, and Preparedness for Day Trips 18:31 - The Daddy Diaper Bag Dilemma: Ron's Solution 19:23 - Ron’s Day Pack: The Able Carry Daybreaker 20:35 - Organization Secret: Using Color-Coded Pouches (No Cavemen Here!) 23:37 - X-PAC vs. Ripstop: Do You Need Expensive Materials? 25:35 - Ron's System for Unpacking Every Bag to Stay Organized

    48 min

  6. 10/21/2025

    The Ismono Podcast is coming back

    The podcast is coming back Check the video version here   If you want to check out my Youtube videos or my Instagram you can find me here. YOUTUBE main channel YOUTUBE 2nd channel INSTAGRAM   And if you like early access to the podcasts + their video versions or you want to support my content, check out my Patreon

    12 min

  7. 05/21/2025

    I quit

    Tha analytics got to me. I am doing an hiatus. Check the video version here   If you want to check out my Youtube videos or my Instagram you can find me here. YOUTUBE main channel YOUTUBE 2nd channel INSTAGRAM   And if you like early access to the podcasts + their video versions or you want to support my content, check out my Patreon

    13 min

  8. 05/07/2025

    Favorite Bags and what's inside an engineer'sbag? Talking to @Pack_roam ​

    Talking to one of the newer bag reviewers. This is Kevin from Pack & Roam. Check the video version here   If you want to check out my Youtube videos or my Instagram you can find me here. YOUTUBE main channel YOUTUBE 2nd channel INSTAGRAM   And if you like early access to the podcasts + their video versions or you want to support my content, check out my Patreon

    49 min
See All (71)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Filmeditor, Content Creator and Bag Reviewer Bo Ismono does a friendly conversation with his guest about bags, EDC, Content Creation or sometimes just life.You can find my Youtube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/youknowthebo

Information

  • Creator
    Bo Ismono aka Youknowthebo
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Bo Ismono aka Youknowthebo
  • Show Website
    The Ismono Podcast