121 Best EDC Gear Essentials – Be prepared for what life throws your way.
Story by:
Kyle Boureston
Tell you what, guys… nothing says “prepared” like a man with the right EDC gear.
EDC (everyday carry) is more than just about your wallet and keys. It’s a lifestyle. An art form. A vehicle of self-expression.
The right EDC carry items can help you stand out from the pack of dudes that just don’t care – don’t be like those guys! You want to be prepared for what life throws your way. This could be anything from opening a beer to lighting a campfire, fixing a bicycle to dabbing spilled wine. You could also get a kit to help you explore your list of hobbies. Make sure to check out our collection of hobbies for men for some inspiration.
We get it…
What works for me may not work for you. What may be too pedestrian for me may be avant-garde for you. Take a scroll through our list of EDC items. You’re bound to find items that work for your lifestyle.
Contents
19 Best EDC Gear Essentials
The best way to figure out your EDC is to determine what you need – and then weigh your options. This is where our guide to the best EDC gear comes into play. We have some tasteful, practical pieces that are bound to pique your interest.
1. Gerber Dime Multi-Tool
Take your EDC to the next level with this stainless-steel multi-tool.
2. RovyVon 550 Lumens CREE XP-G3 S5 LED Super Bright Outdoor EDC Mini Keychain
For when you need a little more light to navigate in the dark.
4. Victorinox Swiss Army Nail Clip 580 Swiss Army Knife
This Swiss Army nail clip is a great addition to any toiletry kit.
5. Streamlight 66118 Stylus Pro LED PenLight with Holster
Say goodbye to awkwardly stabbing the door when you forget to leave the porch light on.
6. Streamlight MicroStream Ultra-compact Aluminum body
A small-sized flashlight that fits in your palm and produces a powerful beam of light.
7. Hanks Stitch Gunner Belts
A solid gun belt that will withstand abuse without breaking the bank.
8. LEATHERMAN – Surge Heavy Duty Multitool
You never know when you’ll need a screwdriver, a glass-breaker, or even a bottle opener.
9. Reebow Gear Tactical Molle EDC Utility Pouch Gadget Belt Waist Bag with Cell Phone Holster Holder
A great EDC waist bag that will fit all of your stuff and then some.
11. REEBOW GEAR Tactical Admin Pouch EDC Molle Military Bag Organizer
No more rummaging in the recesses for that lost multitool or pen.
12. Maxpedition E.D.C. Pocket Organizer
A great way to prevent pocket clutter without dumping your favorite EDC tools.
13. FREE SOLDIER Men’s Tactical Boots
Perfect for when you need both comfort and military-grade performance.
14. GRULLIN Tactical MOLLE
A light-weight, yet rigid EDC belt for the serious outdoors-man.
15. Folding Grappling Hook
The outdoors won’t be the same with this multi-functional gravity hook. It does everything.
16. JINAGER Survival Kit
For the man who’s always prepared for what life throws at them.
17. TG Plasma Lighter
The outdoorsman will need to produce a large flame at a moments notice.
18. Survical MultiTool Card
A set of tools that will instantly move from scenario to scenario.
19. Jumbo Bail Out Bag
A rugged, versatile, lightweight bug out bag with a high level of mobility
16 Best EDC Knives
Simple, sturdy, and versatile…
Best EDC knives are arguably a man’s best companion.
And now, you’re thinking… the knife has outlived its usefulness. Not by a long shot. But I’ll admit that it can feel archaic sitting next to your smartphone.
Even then, what are you going to open your mail and packages with? Certainly not a butter knife…
An investment in a pocket-sized folding knife will pay off for years to come. It’s amazing how you suddenly find yourself using it all the time after you’ve bought one. We aver that you should never leave home without one.
So, which knife should you go with?
And the answer is… it depends. Different people require different things from the tools they carry. We’ll help you narrow down your options with our collection of the best EDC knives available right now. You’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy.
20. Benchmade – Mini Griptilian 556 EDC Manual Open Folding Knife
A versatile knife that exemplifies simplicity and function.
21. Gerber GDC Money Clip w/ Built-in Fixed Blade
A discreet and portable fixed blade that can be seamlessly integrated into any daily task.
22. Victorinox 43323 VN43323 Fixed Blade
A simple but sophisticated way to keep your EDC knife sharp.
23. Western Active Honey Badger Pocket Knife Flipper
A combat knife, tactical knife, camping knife, hunting knife, and an army knife – all in one package.
24. CRKT M16-03S EDC Folding Pocket Knife
The perfect knife for rapid deployment and unshakeable safety.
25. Benchmade – 940 EDC Manual Open Folding Knife
A slim and stylish blade with a supremely durable anodized aluminum handle.
26. Spyderco Tenacious Plain Edge Folding Knife
A tough and tireless knife that’s made out of steel.
27. ANVIL BLADESMITHS – BULLSHARK G-10 8CR13 Knife w/Glass Breaker and Seatbelt Paracord Cutter
Sharp and durable!
28. VORTEK Heavy Duty Folding Pocket Knife
When you need a knife with a superior grip.
29. Kershaw Barricade (8650) Multifunction Rescue Pocket Knife
A budget-friendly, reliable foldable knife that’s perfect for one-handed blade deployment.
30. NEBA Keychain Knife Module
A mini utility knife that’s designed to go wherever you go.
32. Canku C03 Pocket Knife D2 Steel Blades
A pint-seized knife that can be worn on the neck.
34. Commando Stag Folding Pocket Knife
A handy, little folding pocket knife that packs a punch.
15 Best EDC Gear Flashlights
Whether you’re experiencing a power cut, working outdoors, or going camping, you’ll need a good EDC flashlight.
So, how do you go about choosing the best EDC flashlight?
It’s simple. You should get one that’s resilient, efficient, adjustable, compact, and with a good battery life. Nothing will be able to hide from the swath of luminosity you cast upon it. We have a collection of flashlights you might want to check out.
You’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy.
37. Streamlight 66608 250 Lumen Microstream
A flashlight that’s all about performance.
38. Olight I3T EOS 180 Lumens Dual-Output Slim EDC Flashlight
An incredibly convenient tail switch flashlight.
39. LUMINTOP TOOL AA 2.0 EDC Flashlight
Excellent choice as a backup at home or a necessity outdoors.
40. ThruNite Ti3 Mini Flashlight
When you need a flashlight for your glovebox, drawer, or tent.
41. WUBEN 1200 Lumens LED Flashlight USB Rechargeable
A waterproof flashlight designed for the harshest conditions.
42. BYB F18 LED Tactical Flashlight
A rechargeable flashlight that’s compact and comfortable to grip.
43. Mini Flashlight Keychain with Micro USB Rechargeable Tiny Flashlight
It’s as tiny as it gets.
45. Flashlight, NICRON N7 600 Lumens Tactical Flashlight
Light up an entire room in a snap.
46. Olight S1R Baton II
A durable, ultra-bright flashlight with the perfect grip and feel.
49. NEBO Slim 500 Lumen LED Rechargeable Pocket Light
When you need convenient hands-free lighting.
50. WISSBLUE X2 Military Grade Tactical Flashlight
Military-grade! That’s all we have to say.
15 Best EDC Gear Bags
Need something to stash all your EDC gear? Gotchu…
An EDC bag is just what the doctor ordered. The bag is meant to make it easier to carry all your “necessities”. Today, thank goodness, we have tons of options compared to the 90’s style fanny packs.
We have a collection of EDC bags that are stylish and timeless.
51. Orca Tactical MOLLE Horizontal Admin Pouch Utility EDC Tool Bag
There’s so much more to love about it.
53. Nicgid Sling Bag Chest Shoulder Backpack Fanny Pack Crossbody Bags
The perfect EDC bag for when you’re on a budget.
55. Qcute Tactical Bag
Fashionable, compact, and comfortable. What more could you ask for?
56. Leaper Retro Messenger Bag Canvas Shoulder Backpack Travel Rucksack Sling Bag
A timeless, retro bag for the timeless man.
57. Tactical Molle EDC Pouch Compact 1000D Multipurpose Utility Gadget Belt Waist Bag with Cell Phone Holster Holder
For the man who’s always on the move.
58. SHANGRI-LA Tactical Assault Gear Sling Pack Range Bag Hiking Fanny Pack
An EDC bag for outdoors enthusiasts.
59. 5.11Tactical RUSH12 Military Backpack, Molle Bag Rucksack Pack, 24 Liter Small, Style 56892
A military backpack to conquer the great outdoors.
60. LefRight Multipurpose Tactical Nylon Molle Utility IFAK Pouch Waist Bag
Love hiking? You’ll love this multi-purpose waist pack.
61. ArcEnCiel Men Outdoor Tactical Bag
Keep your EDC gear organized with this outdoor tactical bag.
62. WATERFLY Sling Bag
Strap this across your back and chest before you take on the world.
63. Gearrific Cross Body Tactical Sling Bag
This all-purpose, durable outdoor tactical bag is worth every penny.
64. Oakley Men’s Extractor Sling Pack 2.0
An EDC bag for the active athlete who needs to mobilize quickly.
65. Lifewit 17″ Men’s Military Laptop Messenger Bag
The perfect home for your survival kit.
15 Best EDC Gear Wallets
The modern-day EDC wallets is a huge departure from the wallets of yore. It doesn’t waste an inch of space – beyond holding your cards and cash. You want a wallet with the right combination of flair and function. After all, a wallet is a statement piece – an accessory that speaks to your character and style. Once you see these EDC wallets, you won’t be able to live without them.
66. FIDELO Minimalist Wallet for Men – Slim Credit Card Holder
For the man who lives by the less is more mantra.
67. Carbon Fiber Money Clip Wallet
This handcrafted top-grain leather wallet comfortably carries all your cards and cash.
69. TRAVANDO Money Clip Wallet”RIO”
A stylish, super-slim wallet to accentuate your style.
70. Minimalist Slim Bifold Front Pocket Wallet with Money Clip for men, Effective RFID Blocking & Smart Design
A rugged and durable wallet for the man who pushes himself to the limit.
71. Flipside Wallets New RFID Blocking Flipside 4 Wallet
You’ll never have to worry about a bloated back pocket.
74. Tactical Titanium EDC Minimalist Slim Wallet
Don’t carry more than you need.
75. Radix One Slim Wallet – Minimalist Ultralight Polycarbonate Money Clip
A wallet that’s resistant to just about anything.
77. Dango D01 Dapper EDC Wallet
Looking for a minimalist wallet with compact function? This is it!
78. Savage Spartan Tactical Wallet
This wallet in three words… Durable. Slim. Modern.
79. OneTigris Tactical ID Card Holder
Badge holder, pen holder, and wallet in one convenient package.
10 Best EDC gear Pens
Fun fact! Good old-fashioned writing is not going out of style.
You may rely more on your gadgets these days, but you probably still write more than you realize. Yep… an EDC pen is an invaluable tool for the modern man.
So, how do you pick the best pen for your EDC gear?
You want a pen that goes everywhere with you, doesn’t snap, bend, or get covered in germs from other people touching and chewing on it. Your options range from sleek and modern to rugged and tactical. See if our collection has anything that fits the bill.
82. Fisher Space NonReflective Military Cap-O-Matic Space Pen
Zero gravity has got nothing on this mean little pen.
83. ATECH Multifunction Pen 7 in 1 Tech Tool Pen
When you need more in a pen than just ink.
84. Rite in the Rain All-Weather Durable Clicker Pen – Black Ink (No. 93K)
It will write through anything…
85. CyberDyer Portable Keychain Pen
This portable keychain pen is multipurpose and doesn’t look too intimidating.
86. CRKT Williams Tactical Pen: Low Profile
For when you just have to make a statement.
87. Valtcan Impel Titanium Bolt Pen
A beautiful and reliable pen for the discerning man.
88. SMOOTHERPRO Solid Brass Bolt Action Pen
Your Johnny Hancock never looked so good.
89. ispandy Multi Tool Pen
It gets you out of danger just as well as it writes.
15 EDC Gear Belts
Know what’s boring – a normal belt!
Yeah, we get it. It holds up your pants. But if that’s all you’re getting, then you’re punching way below your weight. As an EDCer, you want to find utility and quality in every piece of gear you pick.
An EDC belt shouldn’t be limited to just pieces of metal and leather. They should come with better construction and materials, and plenty of room for extra features.
We have rounded up some EDC belts that are not only functional but downright stylish.
91. Applied Gear 1.5″ Cobra EDC Belt
Comfortable yet rigid enough to be the foundation for your EDC gear.
92. Elite CO Shooters Belt with Cobra Buckle, 1.5″
When you need a buckle without an equal.
93. CQR Tactical Belt (Pack of 1, 2) Assurance Nylon Webbing EDC Duty 1.5 Inches Belt
The only Tactical belt you’ll ever need.
94. Relentless Tactical The Ultimate Concealed Carry CCW Gun Belt
A handmade concealed carry belt that won’t bend or sag.
95. WYuZe 2 Pack Nylon Belt Outdoor Military Web Belt 1.5″ Men Tactical Webbing Belt
The toughest gun belt you’ll ever see.
96. The Ultimate Steel Core Gun Belt | Concealed Carry CCW Leather Gun Belt
A belt that can withstand up to 500kg without damage. Fancy that?
97. Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Professional Heavy Duty Competition Belt
If you love shooting, you’ll adore this heavy-duty competition belt.
98. YAHILL Security Tactical Belt Combat Gear Adjustable Heavy Duty Police Military Equipment
A belt designed for law enforcement.
99. Fairwin Tactical Belt Heavy Duty
Will look good with jeans and tactical pants.
101. Cobra Quick Release Buckle Men’s Tactical Belt –2 PLY 1.5″
Nylon Heavy Duty BeltIt’s not just belting up, it’s an experience.
103. Nexbelt Gun Belts Titan Tan Cut
Perfect belt for the conceal and carry dude.
104. Fairwin Tactical Rigger Belt
Looking for the perfect gift for an EDCer? You can’t go wrong with this belt.
105. MOZETO Tactical Belt with Quick-Release
A highly durable gun belt with a sturdy buckle to match.
7 Best EDC Fixed Blades
A folding knife is all good.
But here’s the thing…
Nothing comes close to an EDC fixed blade when you want a knife that cannot fail you. The thing with fixed blade knives is that they don’t have any moving parts that can break. Also, complicated opening mechanisms won’t get in your way when you’re in a rush. In some states, it’s the only legal option you have. Check out our collection of fixed blades to see what they deserve a place in your own carry.
106. Cold Steel Super Edge
Looks can be deceiving. This little workhorse will tear through anything.
107. MTech USA MT-20-35 Series Fixed Blade Knife
A tasteful, well-constructed hunting knife.
108. Outdoor Edge Razor Series Replacement Blades
A set of replacement blades for the Outdoor Edge knife.
109. Morakniv Eldris Fixed-Blade Pocket-Sized Knife with Sandvik Stainless Steel Blade
An award-winning pocket-sized fixed blade.
110. KA-BAR 1477CB, TDI Law Enforcement Clip
A law-enforcement blade for close-quarter encounters.
112. Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Tanto Knife
The perfect little knife for concealed carry.
Best 9 EDC Gear Kits
The Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared” should be every man’s mantra. You can achieve a lot if you leave your house with a wallet and a smile, but what happens when life throws a curveball? It’s such moments that make us wish we were better prepared.
I know what you’re thinking…
You can’t possibly be prepared for every eventuality. But here’s the thing… you can carry the tools you need to tackle most problems.
So, what’s my point?
The right EDC kit will supply you with more than enough tools to tackle most situations. Pretty neat, huh? We have a selection of EDC gear kits that can get you out of a minor bind.
113. Stealth Angel Compact 8-in-1 Survival Kit
This kit will stand you in good stead in any emergency situation.
114. bayite 1/2 Inch X 6 Inch Large Ferro Rods Ferrocerium Rod Drilled Survival Fire Starter
When you just have to start a fire instantly.
116. EMDMAK Survival Kit Outdoor Emergency Gear Kit
You can’t leave this kit behind when going hiking.
117. BOOSTEADY Pack of 10 Tactical Gear Clip Molle Web Dominators for Outdoor Hydration
Tie down any loose hiking items with the Tactical Web Dominator.
118. Paracord Bracelet Survival Gear
A load of tools tucked into a single bracelet.
120. The Escape Evade Pathfinder: Military & Tactical Strap
Never get lost again.
121. Survival Multifunctional Shovel
Everything you need for an amazing camping trip.
How To Pick The Best EDC gear?
Ready to pull the trigger and assemble an EDC kit for yourself? Congratulations! We love men who are prepared.
So, what items go into your EDC gear?
Other than your keys, phone, and wallet, it can be pretty much anything you can imagine. You might want to stick to basics or carry purpose-made gear to solve specific problems. We have some tips to help you make an objective assessment of your needs.
1. Assess the Threats and Challenges You’re Likely to face
Tailor your gear to your specific needs. You can do this by looking at the threats you’re likely to face as you go about your day. Are you likely to get mugged? Will you be walking in the dark? Do you need to open boxes frequently? Now make a list of items based on this assessment.
2. Scrutinize What You Already Carry
Go over the items that you already carry with you. Assess each item to determine whether you can remove it or upgrade it to better address the challenges you listed.
3. Identify What You Can Add to Your Kit
Are all the challenges in your list addressed? If not, this is the time to determine what you need to address those challenges.
4. Determine How You’re Going to carry Your Gear
Do you need an EDC bag to carry your gear around? Make sure you choose one that makes it easier to organize your stuff so that it’s easy to find.
5. Review Your Gear Periodically
Don’t rest on your laurels. Your needs keep changing with time. Periodically evaluate what you’re carrying to find out if it’s still relevant to your needs.
More Awesome Idea Buying Guide Posts
Our collection of EDC gear can make for the perfect gift for a man. But we have more where that came from.
- Here’s a handy list of beer gifts for any occasion.
- If he loves wine, then you can check out these wine-of-the-month clubs.
- For the outdoorsman, our collection of gas grills will work a treat.
In Conclusion
Now you know what to include in EDC gear. In case you’re still not sure, go through your list of hobbies and find out what tools could help. Make sure to go through our collection of hobbies for men. You might just pick up a new hobby and a few tools to add to your everyday carry.
Comments 0
No Readers' Pick yet.