The Best EDC (Everyday Carry) Gear

By Staff Writers  |  Updated May 17, 2023

The Best EDC (Everyday Carry) Gear
 

Everyday Carry is about solving problems & fixing issues on-the-fly. It’s about small, versatile tools and implements that help you work smarter not harder. Lucky for us, having the tool to do the trick in our pocket, or clipped to the keychain, is easier than ever. It’s actually choosing your EDC arsenal that’s tough. That’s where WERD comes in. We unpacked a ton of clever, pocketable products to create this list of The Best EDC.


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Compact and convenient: These little tools are sized just right to clip onto your key ring, clip onto your belt, or sit in your pocket, ready to be used at a moment’s notice and always within reach.
  • Designed for functionality: Each item serves a specific purpose—cracking a beer, cutting open boxes, stripping wires, pulling nails, lighting up the night, and more—but many feature add-ons that provide multiple functions in one.
  • Durability matters: They’re usually built tough, using cutting-edge materials like machined titanium or aerospace-grade aluminum or carbon fiber or even just durable high-grade stainless steel. Convenience is the most important feature, but durability comes in a close second.

Equipped with the right pocket knife or carefully chosen multi-tool kept always at the ready, we can pry, slice, tighten, wrench or repair many of the challenges that daily life throws in our path. And it seems that for every little need or niche, there’s a titanium tool or EDC implement purpose-built for the task at hand.

What is the best EDC gear you can buy today?

From walletsfolding knives and weatherproof torches, to classic multi-tools, small flashlights and pocket pouches for tiny cargo, we created this list as your go-to guide to the year’s most essential EDC.



This Survival Belt Simplifies the Art of Everyday Carry

This Survival Belt


 

No matter what the urban jungle or the great outdoors has to throw at you, you can be ready to face it in style with SlideBelts’ Survival Belt. It may look like a glossy leather belt, but it’s much, much tougher, made with a synthetic material reinforced by internal webbing that gives it a tensile strength of nearly 1500 PSI.

It’s also waterproof, stain-resistant, impermeable, protected from UV rays, abrasion-resistant, stretch-resistant, and tough enough to bend and flex even in sub-zero winter temperatures. It’ll also withstand up to 214 F before it begins to soften.

The real winner, though, is the buckle. Not only does it feature a handy dual-lever design that works with the continuous belt notches to provide the most customized fit possible, but it also has an integrated LED flashlight, ferrocerium fire striker, bottle opener, and a titanium nitride-coated AUS-8 cutting blade that’s suitable for both survival and self-defense situations. With the Survival Belt, you’ll be ready for anything.




Nitecore’s EDC 27 Flashlight Ditches the Cylindrical Standard

Nitecore EDC 27 Flashlight


 

This little flashlight is the addition your EDC gear loadout has been missing. The built-in clip makes it easy to secure to your belt, pouch, or backpack, keeping it always within easy reach. Rather than the classic round shape, the EDC 27’s body is rectangular, roughly the same dimensions as your favorite pocket knife.

Don’t let its small size fool you into thinking it’s not powerful. When switched onto high, it can generate up to 3,000 lumens and cast a beam 200 meters.

The integrated battery pack has a truly impressive run-time of 37 hours and is easily charged using the provided USB cable. It’s even impact- and water-resistant, built for use in pretty much any emergency, tactical, survival, or outdoors situation. You’ll never have to worry about the titanium-coated stainless steel body getting scratched, scuffed, dented, or rusted.




The WESN Allman Solves the Dilemma of: Which Knife Should I Bring?

WESN Allman


 

Give your EDC gear a major upgrade with the WESN Allman. This folding pocket knife is crafted to be the ideal harmony between form and function. Its size is small enough to fit in any pocket but with a blade sufficiently large for your daily tasks, whether at home, out camping, in the field, or on a job site.

It’s lightweight but the CPM S35VN steel is tough enough to withstand anything you could throw at it. You’ll love how nicely it fits in your hand and the excellent balance, making it easy to wield.

Thanks to the G10 scales, it’ll stay firmly gripped even if your hands are wet, slippery, or you’re wearing work gloves. The pocket clip will keep it within easy reach as you carry it, but it’s also got a lanyard hole so you can wear it around your neck or strap it to your work belt.




The Palmer is a Classic Utility Knife with a Killer Design

The Palmer Utility Knife


 

Here’s a beautifully designed and ultra-portable box cutter. The Palmer is designed to fit comfortably into even small pockets, or you can attach it to your key ring or a lanyard for more convenient carry.

It nestles in the palm of your hand for easier wielding and allows you to extend/retract the blade quickly using just your thumb. The anodized aluminum handle is insanely tough, capable of shrugging off water damage and scuffs.

When the time comes to swap out the blade, you’ll find it’s a no-hassle, tool-free job that takes just a few seconds thanks to the Palmer’s patent-pending mechanism. Best of all, you can swap out the blade for the standard utility blades you can find in any hardware store, so you can travel with the Palmer in your pocket (sans blade) and replace the blade at your destination. Now that’s everyday carry convenience and comfort you can love.




Save Your Fingers with the 2nd Generation Keyring from Orbitkey

Orbitkey Key Ring


$16.90
 




Screwpop’s Magnetic Toolkey is a 15-in-1 Multi-tool

Screwpop Magnetic Toolkey


 




The Slyde King Flashlight Slides Open to Reveal an LED Work Light

Slyde King Flashlight


 

This LED flashlight is designed to make your life easier, safer, and more convenient. Not only is it a flashlight, but it can be pulled open and transformed into a work light perfect for use on any DIY task or job site. The magnetized base lets you work hands-free, and you’ll find the battery life is good enough (2-12 hours for the flashlight, 4-24 hours for the work light) to keep up with whatever job you’re doing without needing frequent re-charging. However, when the time comes to charge, the USB-C port cuts down on how long it takes for the built-in battery to be tanked up and ready for work.

The flashlight generates up to 2,000 lumens, and the work light up to 500 lumens. The light comes with four modes, a 4X twist zoom (to let you switch from floodlight to spotlight), a battery level indicator, and a rubberized grip that keeps it securely in your hands even if you’re working in wet or muddy conditions. Add to that IP67 waterproof rating and a body made from aircraft grade aluminum, and you’ve got a truly functional, durable flashlight you’ll use for years to come.




Organize Your EDC with the VIPERADE VE6 Utility Pouch

VIPERADE VE6 Utility Pouch


 

Whether you’re on the job site or on vacation, you’ll be glad you had this pocket organizer on you. Wear it around your neck (courtesy of the lanyard), clip it to your belt, or keep it in your backpack—however you wear it, it’ll ensure you’ve got everything well-organized and within easy reach.

The pouch features 3 slot pockets for various tools: knives, pens, screwdrivers, bottle openers, or anything else you need to carry. There’s also an extra-large pocket sized just right for your passport, travel documents, or your work notebook. Built from tough 500-denier polyester, it’s both wear- and scratch-resistant, and reinforced with nylon stitching and an abrasion-resistant fleece lining that will keep both the pouch and your EDC gear protected.




DAKA Pouches Keep the Small Stuff Organized

Magpul Daka Pouch


$15-27
 




True Utility Titanium Locking Pocket Multi-Tool

True Utility Titanium Locking Pocket Multi-Tool


 




Gerber Dibs is a Pocketable Fixed-Blade Knife

Gerber Dibs Pocketable Fixed-Blade Knife


 




Protect Your Gen 3 AirPods with the Twelve South AirSnap

Twelve South AirSnap Gen 3


 




Benchmade’s 317-1 Weekender is Tailored for Quick Escapes

Benchmade Weekender Slip Joint Knife


 




The WUBEN G2 is a Bright Little EDC Keychain Light

WUBEN G2 EDC Keychain Light


 




Gerber Savvy is an EDC Superstar

Gerber Savvy


 




Dango Carabiner and Shackle Makes Organizing Your Pockets a Breeze

Dango Carabiner and Shackle


 




Be Prepared for Anything and Everything with the VSSL Essentials Collection

VSSL Essentials Kits


$65-80
 




Clean Carry: Bellroy Key Case

Bellroy Key Case


 

Offering sleek, bundled storage for 3-5, Bellroy’s Key Case features a unique flipper mechanism that ejects keys one-handed while keeping them secure on a detachable cord loop for a car key or fob. The exterior is smooth, eco-tanned leather finish & the hardware is stainless steel. Choose from 5 colors.




By the Numbers: Acebeam Rider RX 650 Lumens Flashlight

Acebeam Rider RX 650 Lumens Flashlight


 

The numbers tell you all you need to know about this little badass. The Acebeam Rider RX is a compact & waterproof EDC flashlight that delivers 650 lumens of bright-white light that it can throw into a 300-foot beam. It’s got 5 power modes. 2-way clip. Max run-time: up to 7 days. Weight: 82 grams.




Still Our Favorite Classic Carry: Gerber Shard Keychain Tool

Gerber Shard Keychain Tool


 

Lightweight & airline-safe, Gerber’s Shard keychain tool is a proven EDC classic. It also happens to be the one tiny tool we go to most often. With a durable titanium nitride coating & sized perfectly for your pocket, it offers small & medium flat drivers, a Philips head driver, wire stripper, pry bar, bottle opener, & lanyard hole. It weighs about half an ounce.




Bag Not Forgotten: The Droplet Stuff Sack from Matador

Droplet Water-Resistant Stuff Sack


 

The Droplet stuff stack is big enough for a few items from the market; a wet swimsuit, or to handle all the junk packed in your pockets. But when you’re not using it, the water-resistant sack stuffs into a convenient silicone keychain case. And that way, it stays handy.




Waterproof Protection: Evergreen EDC Dry Box Case

Evergreen Waterproof Dry Box


 

With its travel-safe, Mil-spec & Made in the USA design, Evergreen’s 56 waterproof dry box case features a secure, keyed locking latch closure and IP67 submersion-proof protection for your small valuables and electronics. It floats with up to 3-pounds inside, with space for a firearm, camera, passports, keys, wallets, phone, GoPro, medical supplies & more. Choose from 7 colors.




Gerber’s Prybrid Utility is a Sharp, Pocketable Multi-tool

Gerber Gear Prybrid Utility


 

Blending the best of a replaceable utility blade knife and a compact multi-tool, Gerber’s Prybrid Utility is a pocket and keychain-friendly EDC implement offering 8 different tools, including wire strippers, bottle opener, Standard Utility blade, and more.




Keep Small Stuff Safe in This Watertight EDC Capsule

Dango Capsule Mini


 

Dango’s Capsule Mini is an ideal EDC storage solution that will keep those small essentials close at hand. CNC-machined from 6061 aluminum this slender, watertight, & food-grade screw-top tube is the perfect vessel for tiny items you need to keep protected. It’s 2.5 long & .25” in diameter and features a lanyard loop or keyring loop on the lid. Available in stain silver or black.




The FishFace is an EDC Multi-Tool with Bite

FishFace 18-in-1 Pocket Multi-Tool


 

The FishFace from True Utility is an 18-in-1 EDC multi-tool no larger than the other keys on your keychain but it puts in overtime. It features Phillips and flat screwdrivers, wrenches, hex drive, pry bar, file, nail tool, bottle opener, box opener and cutter. Made of stainless steel with a black titanium coating, it’s built for daily duty & with its sprung ’biner clip, stays right by your side.




Park Your Phone Anywhere with the Spigen Kickstand

Spigen U100 Universal Phone Kickstand


 

Designed to work with any & every phone, the Spigen U100 Universal kickstand is a versatile, minimalist cell phone stand. For hands-free viewing, reading, gaming, & creating content, this simple & streamlined adhesive stand keeps your phone upright when you need it & flips up out of the way when you don’t. Choose black, silver, or rose gold.




WESN Goods Makes Titanium EDC Even Better

WESN Microblade


$75-110
 

The Microblade 2.0 marks yet another solid entry into the EDC category from Detroit’s WESN Goods. It keeps the titanium construction that made it so popular but has been nicely upgraded with a high carbon, high chromium D2 tool-grade steel blade for even better hardness, toughness, and abrasion resistance. The locking blade is 1.5” long and the knife is 3.75” overall when open.




The Titanium Nitecore NSH10 is a Featherweight EDC Clip

Nitecore NSH10 Titanium Multi-Tool Keychain Carabiner


 

Nitecore’s NSH10 is one badass ’biner. Technically, it’s a Multi-use Snap Hook but whatever you call it, this is one solid clip for your EDC essentials. Machined from TC4 titanium alloy, it features secure 45º elastic spring gates and a sandblasted, anti-corrosion finish. Bonus functions include bottle opener, hanging hook, and flat head screwdriver.




The James Brand Introduces The Duval, EDC for the Modern Gentleman

The James Brand Duval


 

The James Brand knows how to keep things simple. And by simple, we mean elegant. And that’s precisely why the product they make sells out. That’s sure to be the case with their latest drop, The Duval, a slim, functional frame-locking front-flipper with a 2.6” S35v stainless blade. They’re calling it the Modern Gentleman’s Knife. No argument here. It’s available with rosewood, Green Micarta, or titanium scales as well as optional Damascus steel blade variant.




The Q4 Multi-Tool from SOG is an EDC Workhorse

SOG Baton Q4


 

The Q4 multi-tool from tactical blade brand SOG is an upgraded version of their popular Q3—this model is expandable and adaptable. For tools it’s got Phillips #1, #2, #3 flathead: #3, #5, #7,  Star-drive: T6, T8, T10, T20 Hex 1.5 mm, & 2 mm. There’s also a straight blade, bottle & can openers, file, pliers and wire cutter.




Check Out This Awesome EDC Adjustable Wrench

Big Idea Design Ti EDC Wrench


 

Made of solid, Grade 5 Titanium, the Ti EDC Wrench is a pocket-friendly adjustable tool optimized for everyday carry & versatile utility. It works with both standard (SAE) & metric bolts in 25 different sizes. It features a low-profile design and full grip handle.




EDC Tools & Compact Storage: The Bitvault

Lever Gear BitVault


 

Lever Gear’s Bitvault gives you compact storage & tools in a tough, versatile EDC package. In addition to carrying small gear, the BitVault holds a range of hex nuts & works as a screwdriver. Made of durable metal alloy and it clips on to your keychain.




The LD15R from Fenix is a Compact & Powerful EDC Flashlight

Fenix LD15R Flashlight


 

At 500-lumens, the LD15R is a powerful little EDC light. It’s got a right-angle design with dual light sources: white and red lights. Powered by one 16340 rechargeable Li-ion battery, it is also compatible with a cold-resistant CR123A battery. It’s got 4 levels of output in white & 3 levels in red. There’s also a Micro USB port for charging, a battery level indicator, two-way body clip and a magnetic tail.





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