north7
Toolbelt · north7

Things I use, things I keep using.

Software, kit, and the contents of the workshop. Listed because I get asked, and because writing it down forces an annual rethink. Updated when something earns or loses a spot.

The right tool for the job is the one you can find when you need it. Everything here has earned its place by being findable. — A truism, attributed to my dad

Last reviewed 27 May 2026. Affiliate-free. I bought every item on this page with my own money. If I stop using something, it leaves the list — there are no archives here. If you want the gory details on any item, hit me up.

01 Daily software

Sat in the dock or the menubar; opened more than once a day.

VS
VS Code
Everything else has become a JetBrains-shaped distraction.
since 2018
kept
WT
Windows Terminal
On Windows. Default profile is PowerShell 7, never Cmd.
since 2020
kept
GH
GitHub CLI
`gh pr create` is one of three commands I muscle-memory daily.
since 2021
kept
OB
Obsidian
A folder of markdown files I never delete. That's the magic.
since 2022
kept
CL
Claude
For the kind of writing where I need a wall to throw things at.
since 2024
kept

02 Travel kit

Bag-or-pocket essentials for hill days and longer trips.

50
Osprey Talon 44
The largest bag that's still hand-luggage. Lived with me 5 years.
since 2020
kept
JK
Arc’teryx Beta LT
No frills, two pockets, full pit zips. Doesn't announce itself.
since 2019
kept
JB
Jetboil Flash
90 seconds to a brew at 1000m. The only stove I trust solo.
since 2018
kept
CP
Anker 737 Power Bank
Doubles as a hand-warmer in February. 24,000 mAh.
since 2024
kept
BO
Petzl Bindi headtorch
35g. Forgot it once and stumbled down off Helvellyn in the dark.
since 2021
kept
WT
Suunto 9 Peak Pro
GPX recording without needing my phone. Two-day battery.
since 2023
kept

03 Workshop

Power tools and hand tools — the stuff that builds the other stuff.

TS
DeWalt DCS7485 table saw
Cordless. Surprising. Bought because the cord on my old one terrified me.
since 2024
kept
RT
Festool OF 1010 router
Plunge action is silk. Probably twice the router I need.
since 2022
kept
CH
Veritas mortise chisels
I waited too long to buy these. The 6mm sees the most use.
since 2023
kept
PL
Stanley No. 5 jack plane (1950s)
Found at a car boot for £18. Tuned up. Better than new.
since 2023
kept
SD
Generic 18V combi drill
It is fine. It does the job. I refuse to replace it.
since 2017
kept

04 Reading & reference

Books I open more than once. Manuals included.

AW
Wainwright — Pictorial Guides
Vol. 1–7. Slowly working through.
since 2019
kept
CK
The Anarchist's Workbench (Schwarz)
Free PDF, free philosophy. Why my bench is what it is.
since 2022
kept
PP
Pragmatic PowerShell (Don Jones)
I re-read the pipeline chapter every six months.
since 2020
kept
Asked often

What's NOT on the list?

Anything I bought and stopped using. The list of those is longer than this one — and unhelpful, because the lessons are usually "I should have bought the smaller version" or "I didn't need this".

Coming soon

On the maybe-pile.

A bandsaw (I keep nearly buying one), a proper film camera, a Garmin inReach for trips off-grid. If any earn a spot, they'll show up here.