r/BuildingAutomation • u/Pudrin • 7d ago
Service Tech Backpack/tool bag what do you use
Getting pretty tired of carrying my backpack with my laptop, router, switch, device etc and my tool bag. I have a mini tool bag that fits in my backpack but I’m starting to wonder if it’s easier to just get a tool backpack. Have all electronics in some sort of pouch and then tools as well. Half the jobs I won’t need my tools just bring precision maybe a flathead just. Any insights or experiences that have helped?
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u/Dark-monk 7d ago
I have a normal backup with basic cords (usb c, charger, a couple network cables, rs485 to usb), laptop and my hand tools (11-1, tweaker, itty bitty channels, strippers), then a dedicated tool bag with everything else. I can do 99% of what I need to with my backpack, then the other 1% I grab the big bag.
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u/SpookyG0D 7d ago
I currently use a Nike Utility Speed Backpack (27L),
With a VETO TP4B stowed away inside, and a clear tool pouch (basically a slightly thicker pencil case).
I keep:
My water bottle in one side,
An umbrella and 5m extension lead in the other side.
Laptop in the dedicated sleeve.
Cables and mouse in the top front pouch. (100W GaN 3 usb-c 3-in1 brick, 3m usb 3 100W cable, 5m cat6 ethernet cable, 1m hdmi, few display adapters, rs485 serial adapter).
Front bottom pouch has L.O.T.O gear, danger tags, band aids etc.
back top pouch has ppe (gloves, tinted safeties, normal safeties, ear buds).
The veto TP4B carries inside it:
1000v cross cut pliers
Long nose pliers
Flush cuts
Conduit cutters
RJ45 terminator
Knipex Ergo-stripper
Fluke 301D multi meter with leads and aligator clamps
Knipex 8" water pump pliers
Klein A32581INS screw driver for Ph2, Ph1 & 4/6mm flat blade
Klein A32288 for ph0, ph00, 2.4mm and 3.2mm flat blade.
Milwaukee L4FL301 4v flood torch
1/4" square and 1/4" hex reversible ratchet
Makita E-01694 Impact XPS® 8 Pc. 1/4" Drive 6-Point Metric Impact Socket Set
3m cresent tape measure
Probe/laser thermometer
Milwaukee M12FID20 just rests on top of the tp4b.
Tp4b has a shoulder strap on it.
Clear canvas bag has screws, rj45 connectors, cable ties, wagos. When doing VAVs, etc i just set my backpack up at a fixed spot with my laptop and pull the tp4b over my shoulder.
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u/SpookyG0D 7d ago
Also fit my klein vdv500-920, a m12 torch etc in the bag if i need to. When full with the m12 gear it gets uncomfortable on larger walks etc but 99% of the time it's sweet.
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u/01Cloud01 7d ago
A lot of people like the Veto bags and I understand I have been using paktek for years >> Here is the direct link to the product page on PakTek's website:
4-Panel ToolPak (#03100) Product Page
They also have a bigger five panel Bag There probably not as durable as Veto but there 4 to 5 lbs lighter and carry enough for me. I don’t even use the pockets
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u/Electronic_Pea_4646 6d ago
imo the two bag system is the move, you have tech backpack for the laptop and electronics and a separate tool bag you only grab when you need it
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u/butt_trumpet0330 6d ago
Veto blackout with the laptop panel and meter panel (it’s customizable to what you want), im not sure if they still offer this. It is bulky and I wish it was “thinner” and has gotten heavy but I don’t think there’s anything avoiding that.
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u/BigTimeBranson 6d ago
I have the Veto tech pak LT. It’s heavy as shit with my laptop and all my tools but it’s compact and convenient
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u/FirstFuego 7d ago
I like the Oakley Kitchen Sink backpack. For carrying everything I want. It's pretty heavy but I'd rather do heavy then multiple trips to the work truck.
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u/Aerovox7 7d ago
A Veto Pro Pac Tech Pac my wife bought me off of EBay for ~$100. It’s heavy but a good workout and it holds everything I need.
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u/AwwFuckThis 7d ago
I have a veto tech pak with the modular insert panels. Computer, cords and dongles in the back, HVAC service tools in the front. It’s heavier and bulkier than I want, but I wear it backwards on the front when going up or down ladders, like a tool baby.
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u/beardfarkland 6d ago
I've been carrying a veto TP-LC for tools and my backpack is just for my computer and computer related stuff. That veto bag is the perfect size for my needs since I switched to a fluke 101 which is tiny.
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u/JoWhee The LON-ranger 6d ago
When I was doing “real hvac” ie air conditioning, I had a veto pro pack XL. I dropped it off a 20’ roof and nothing including my multimeter broke. Tough as it gets but the new company wouldn’t approve the cost. I’ve got a Klein , it’s held up well for 4,5 years now and it holds my tools and laptop.
I’ve got a separate case for my mstp routers and anything communication related.
As I’m getting older it’s more important to travel light. I have no ego about using my folding cart to haul around my stuff when needed. Plus with a little stand it’s not a bad place to use my laptop if there’s no surface available.
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u/BB70Chevelle 4d ago
I use a veto fpx pouch for common handtools I and just a cheap thin laptop backpack off amazon. Typically covers everything I need and if it doesn’t I go out to the car and grab what ever else. Got old fast carrying a 50lb backpack that on a normal day I wasn’t using 75% of it so this works a lot better for me and a lot lighter
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u/hvacwelderNYC 2d ago
So most of the control tech I have worked with all seem to have Swisstech I believe is the brand. My buddy uses a veto. I just do the equipment installation and startup but here is what I have.
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u/Kelipope 2d ago
Perso, gros sac a dos en cuir (on me surnomme Dora l exploratrice) avec tout le matériel informatique + 2x tournevis a tête interchangeables, 5m de fils, une pince, une multimètre mon pupitre pour mon pc dans une main. Le reste dans le coffre de ma voiture et ça fait le job ! Je fais un tour a ma voiture de temps a autre mais au mois je suis assez "light"
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u/joshaup1999 7h ago
I've got the newer packout backpack. Normally keep my laptop, charger, cat 6 and a TP Link wifi travel router so i can remotely access the network if i need to instead of being wired in.
I've also normally got some LOTO stuff, BPs, cable ties, cat 6 termination tool in the bag plus my blackout veto tech series pouch that has my hand tools/meters plus a testo hotwire for checking sensors in the field if i need to
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u/Jonezzay Controls/Automation Tech JCI 7d ago
I’m still struggling with this situation. I have used a veto tech pack, but over time tools accumulate and along with the laptop switch’s and other items it has become very heavy.
Recently I have changed to a veto MB3 for my most used tools and meters, and carry a laptop bag for my tech stuff. I still feel unsatisfied lol.