What to consider Usage
You don’t need to have a bag full of EDC items ready right away—after all, you’re not trying to stock a third-grade first aid kit or moonshine like Bear Grylls. Instead, think of times when you had to borrow a tool or when you didn’t have quick access to a useful item you needed. Take a look at where you usually carry your most used tools and gadgets – pockets, key rings, etc. – and consider what you could add to your arsenal to make your everyday life easier. Many brands make carabiner-style key rings with added features like a bottle opener or flashlight, and many pocket knives have some kind of extra tool that fits in their holster.
Size
The whole point of EDC essentials is to make your life easier, so you don’t want any items where the cumbersome nature of carrying them ends up outweighing the convenience they provide. Regardless of their use, you should be able to carry any EDC item without being uncomfortable; the items we have listed have a maximum length of 5.5 inches, so If the EDC item you’re looking at includes a knife, check your local and state laws before purchasing to make sure it’s legal to carry the included blade.
Materials and style
Something that is meant to be worn daily needs to be durable to withstand this frequency of use. Many EDC manufacturers are well aware of this and use the most durable materials and wear-resistant finishes to make their staples, such as anodized aluminum, stainless steel, and brass. And while the materials and design of most EDC essentials prioritize functionality, the styling of many of these tools is minimalistic, so you won’t look like you went straight from the office to the campsite.
How we chose
To bring you the best EDC essentials on the market, we thought about what EDC tools we use to make our lives easier every day and which are most recommended by DIY and outdoor experts. We then checked both expert reviews and customer ratings to ensure that the items we selected lived up to their promises in terms of form and function. We’re sure you’ll find something handy below to start or upgrade your EDC basics.
1. BEST OVERALL
- JAMES BRAND
- Mehlville
Melhville is a modernized carabiner/bottle opener designed with minimalism and functionality in mind; it’s carved from a single block of aluminum, making it super strong yet light, and the stainless steel carabiner latch is smooth-running. The anodized finish makes the Mehlville water and corrosion resistant, so it will last you for years.
Reviewers love the look and functionality of this tool and say it can easily hold the rest of your EDC on a belt loop. You can also clip it to your bag or backpack when you travel to keep your essentials close at hand.
Key specifications
- Length: 3 inches
- Color: Black, Brass, Silver
- Materials: Stainless steel, anodized aluminum
- Multipurpose: Yes
2. THE BEST MULTITOOL
- LEATHER
- Free K2 EDC Knife
The Free K2 is a user-friendly knife that packs eight essential tools into a lightweight aluminum body: The blade comes in both straight and serrated, and each individual tool locks Each tool opens with the click of a button, so you can do tasks with one hand and not be stuck trying to open and close what you need.
Customers love the ruggedness and comfort of the K2 and say the design makes getting tasks done quickly and comfortably. Reviewers insist it’s a “fantastic EDC for everyone” because of its function, looks, and portability.
Key specifications
- Length (blade/closed): 3.3 inches/4.5 inches
- Materials: Stainless steel. Colors: Grey, silver, evergreen, dark blue
- Multipurpose: Yes
3. THE BEST KNIFE FOR MINIMALISTS
- JAMES BRAND
- Elka
The Elko more than lives up to its description of “minimum form, maximum utility” with a compact yet sufficient blade at one end and a multi-tool at the other. It can be used as a number of different EDC essentials: a crowbar, a flathead screwdriver and a bottle opener. A sliding joint lock keeps the blade secure during use, and the stainless steel construction increases durability.
Customers love the look and practicality of the Elko, saying it “lived up to expectations” with a “substantial blade and pry/screwdriver head.” You can throw it on your keychain for easy access and it won’t take up much space, but beware: It’s so compact you might forget it’s on your keychain—but TSA won’t—so be sure to keep it at home. while traveling.
Key specifications
- Length (blade/closed): 4.3 inches/2.6 inches
- Materials: Stainless steel, anodized aluminum
- Colors: Black, Cyan, Titanium, OD Green, Basic Grey
- Multipurpose: Yes
4. THE BEST PEN FOR TRAVEL
- FISHER SPACE PEN
- 400 Series Bullet Pen
A pen that has literally been to the moon and back is sure to serve you well as your everyday writing utensil – the Fisher Space Pen 400 was used by NASA during the Apollo 7 mission in 1968 and has remained popular ever since.
The compressed ink cartridge allows you to write upside down, under water and through grease; its construction is heavy without being heavy for typing comfort, and the pocket clip makes it easy to store.
Customers love how smoothly the pen writes and that it doesn’t require an initial shake or scribble to make it work. For TV fans, this was also the model that Jerry Seinfeld would use on set. And will you find a pen with better support than space and Seinfeld? Unlikely.
Key specifications
- Length: 3.75 inches
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Color: Gold lacquered brass
- Multipurpose: No
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