What’s in my Everyday Carry (EDC)? 2025 Edition

So to begin with let’s have a chat about my EDC. I wouldn’t say I carry every single one of these things every single day, but they all make regular appearances depending on what I’m up to. Business meetings, a day out with family, a quick run to the shop, what I have on me changes based on the situation. And let’s be real, nobody’s EDC is set in stone. It evolves, things get swapped out, and sometimes you realize you don’t actually need to carry that thing you thought was essential.

Your EDC is all about what you carry with you on a daily basis.

Backpacks and Bags

First up, arguably the most important part of any EDC - the bag itself. After all, you need something to carry all your carefully chosen gear, right? For me, it’s a mix of three, each serving a different purpose.

My go-to rucksack is for the longer hauls, day trips, work-related outings, or anything where I need to carry more than just the essentials. It’s comfortable, spacious, and doesn’t scream tourist when I’m out and about. Then there’s my satchel (or sling bag, depending on how fancy you want to sound). This one is purely for those laid-back, wandering-around-a-new-city kind of days. It’s small enough to stay out of the way but big enough to hold my camera, a water bottle, and whatever small bits I need on hand.

And finally, my duffle, reserved for short trips away when a full suitcase is overkill but stuffing everything into a backpack just won’t cut it. Each has its place, and together they cover pretty much any situation life throws at me.

Everlane Modern Snap Backpack

This one has some serious history with me. I picked up the Everlane Modern Snap Backpack back in 2016 with one of my first paychecks, and honestly, I’ve thought about retiring it more than once. But at this point, nostalgia has won. It’s been my go-to travel bag for nearly a decade, making it impossible to part with - and I’m perfectly fine with that.

Even though Everlane has since discontinued it (which is a shame), this backpack is still an absolute workhorse. The water-resistant cotton twill gives it that rugged, durable feel, while the leather accents add a nice premium touch. Functionally, it keeps things simple - two side pockets for my water bottle and umbrella, plus a smaller front zip pouch that’s great for grabbing things on the go. I’ve always been a fan of the drawstring closure, which adds to the classic, laid-back aesthetic.

If I had one gripe, it’s the lack of internal organization. It’s just one big space, meaning everything inside gets jumbled around, knocking into each other as I walk. But at the end of the day, I love this bag, and it’s sticking around. If you’re looking for something similar, the ReNew Transit Backpack seems to be Everlane’s closest alternative - but it’s just not quite the same.

Check Price

---

Bellroy Venture Sling

When I don’t need the full capacity of my Everlane backpack—like on a city break or just a casual day out - the Bellroy Venture Sling is my go-to. I’ve been a fan of Bellroy for almost a decade now, ever since I started reviewing EDC gear. They kicked things off in the men’s wallet space, and I’ve had the chance to review plenty of their wallets here on this website including my personal faviourite Bellroy Note Sleeve. But over the years, they’ve expanded their lineup, and their bags are just as thoughtfully designed.

The Venture Sling is a prime example. Available in 6L or 9L, it’s the perfect balance of compact and spacious. It features a wide, adjustable shoulder strap that makes all-day wear comfortable, none of that awkward digging into your shoulder. The front zip pocket is where I usually stash my sunglasses for quick access. And the build quality? Solid. Water-resistant zippers, Baida Nylon fabric, and strong quick-release buckles all make this an easy top pick in my EDC lineup. For travel, city exploring, or just those days when I don’t need to carry a load of stuff, this bag hits the sweet spot.

Check Price

---

A £4.00 duffle that is the best quality i’ve come across in over a decade. A pretty cool find.

The No-Name Leather Duffle Bag

Finally, we’ve got my mystery leather duffle bag - the one I reach for when I’m heading on a short-haul flight or a quick getaway. This one’s got a bit of a story because I picked it up from a thrift shop for just £4.00. Absolute steal, considering it’s full-grain leather and beautifully finished. You just don’t find deals like that anymore.

That being said, it’s not perfect. The zipper has a bit of rust, and the inner lining is coming apart, but those are just minor projects on my to-do list. Structurally, it’s solid, and I love how classic duffle bags always seem to have a Mary Poppins effect you can just keep stuffing things inside, and somehow, it always has room for more.

I don’t know the exact brand, but based on the craftsmanship and style, I’d guess it’s from the ’70s or ’80s. Regardless, it’s aged beautifully, and I have no plans of replacing it anytime soon. As I can’t find the exact brand for this one, below is a link to a simular one that i used maybe 4 years ago that i still swear by when i need a little more space on a longer trip.

Check Price

---

Ekster Wallet

As a wallet review site i was hesitant to include a wallet in this list as, on the main, i’m always changing wallets testing and reviewing new ones. But i thought, what the hell, I do have personal faviourites and if i ever go on holiday I prefer to take a wallet i know i love for convienance. In this case its the famed Ekster Wallet previously known as the Parliment Wallet.

So what makes the Ekster Wallet so good and one of my faviourite go-to wallets? Well it just does it all and does it in a way that streamlines your carry expertience in a minimalist sized little package. Ekster also ultise the now very popular ‘pop-up’ mechism that allows you to easily store and access your cards at a push of a button. Simply place your cards inside the metal mechism, push the button, and your credit/debit cards immedayly pop or cascade out for easily pickings of the card you want.

Aside from that cool feature, the Ekster Wallet is also well made with fantastic materials and a whole range of fun, and attractive color offerings. Combind that with addtional card slots, and cash strap for your banknotes and you really have an easy to use, slim and durable wallet. Ekster also prides itself on being very sustinable and ethical as a company being a member of B-Corp and giving back. At a price tag of $99, its not a cheap wallet but wait for one of Ekster’s many holiday discounts and you could get up to 50% off any wallet in the Ekster range.

Check Price

---

My Tech Everyday Carry

Some things are just staples in everyday carry, and in our tech-driven world, there are certain items that pretty much everyone has on them at all times. Let’s be real, tech probably makes up the majority of most people’s EDC. Your smartphone is practically glued to your hand, and depending on your lifestyle, a laptop, tablet, or headphones might not be far behind. Here’s what makes up my Tech EDC the gear I carry regularly, whether for work, travel, or just day-to-day convenience.

Now defunct but the Phone (2), which has the same design, comes in at: $699

Nothing (1) Smartphone

I have to admit, when Nothing first hit the scene, I was hooked. Their design aesthetic, especially the clear plastic casing, immediately appealed to me. I’ve always had a thing for transparent tech, ever since I got my hands on a clear purple Game Boy Color as a kid. There’s just something about seeing the inner workings of a device that makes it feel more personal, more real.

After a decade of owning Pixel phones, the Nothing Phone (1) was a big shift for me, but one I don’t regret at all. It’s well-built, runs on great custom firmware, and has a solid community behind it. The Glyph Interface is a fun and unique touch, and the overall experience has been refreshingly different from the usual smartphone options. It’s a device that doesn’t just work well it feels exciting to use. And in a world where most phones look and feel the same, that’s a rare thing.

The Nothing 1 is no longer sold but the 2 a series + the 3 coming soon, i’m very tempted to upgrade. Shame the 3a is one of the weirdest looking smartphones on the market.

Check Price

---

Nothing (R) Headphones

Sticking with the Nothing theme, these were actually my first introduction to the brand before I even got the phone. Are they the best wireless earbuds out there? Not really. But did I buy them because they look incredible? Absolutely.

The transparent design is what sold me, Nothing just nails that futuristic, stripped-back aesthetic. Functionally, they do the job just fine. I’m not the type to obsess over audiophile-level sound quality, especially since I don’t listen to music all that often when I’m out and about. For casual use podcasts, calls, and the occasional playlist, they work perfectly. In the end, they’re a mix of style and practicality, and that’s exactly what I wanted from them.

Check Price

---

Sharge Starship Seer (Power Bank)

My obsession with clear tech continues, and this Sharge Starship Seer power bank fits right into that aesthetic. But it’s not just about looks, this thing is actually a solid power bank with a few extra features that make it stand out.

For starters, it’s not just a battery pack; it also functions as a clock and alarm with a fun digital display that shows the remaining battery percentage and real-time power draw. That extra bit of functionality makes it way more interesting than your standard, boring black brick. The USB-C and standard USB ports cover all my charging needs, and the size is just right -compact enough to carry but big enough to hold a decent charge.

The design? Absolutely on point. The clear and yellow futuristic look feels straight out of a sci-fi movie, and it’s just a cool piece of tech to have on hand. Plus, at $30 price, it’s an absolute steal for what you’re getting. I actually did a full review of the Starship Seer, which you can check out here. If you’re into transparent gadgets or just want a power bank with personality, this one’s a winner.

Check Price

---

Ricoh GR III Camera

I first got into photography back in 2016 with my first DSLR, a Nikon D3300. That was the camera that started it all, but nearly a decade later, I wanted something more portable. After plenty of research (and some trial and error), I landed on the Ricoh GR III.

At first glance, people always mistake it for some early 2000s compact digital camera, which, to be fair, it does resemble. But don’t let the looks fool you - this is one of the most powerful compact cameras on the market. The image quality is stunning, and the 28mm fixed lens (18.3mm f/2.8) is incredibly versatile. Sure, it lacks a zoom (something I definitely miss from my DSLR days), but I’ve learned to work around that limitation.

Not everything is perfect, though. My GR III suffers from the infamous scroll wheel issue, which can be beyond frustrating. But even with that annoyance, I can’t deny how good this camera is. It’s small, discreet, and punches well above its weight class - but at a premium price tag. If you’re looking for a pocketable powerhouse and don’t mind the quirks, this is it.

Other cameras I use include when i feel like going for some traditional 35mm film include the Olympus mju-1 and the Canon AE-1 Program. Both of these cameras i’ve had for over a decade and they’re very special to me.

Check Price

---

Miyoo Mini Game Console

Portable gaming has never been better, and thanks to emulation (and maybe some questionable workarounds), we’ve got handhelds like the Miyoo Mini - the kind of device I could only dream of as a kid. The Miyoo Mini is one of the most popular emulation handhelds out there, and what originally caught my attention was its design - it nails that classic Game Boy aesthetic while packing in way more power than those chunky cartridges ever allowed.

The best part? It plays everything. From old-school NES, SNES, and GBA titles to PS1 classics, it’s a nostalgia machine in the palm of your hand. The screen is crisp, the controls feel great, and the pocket-friendly size makes it ridiculously easy to take anywhere. Plus, with custom firmware like OnionOS, you can tweak it to perfection. Simply put, this thing is a dream for retro gaming, no more digging through old consoles and cartridges, just pick it up and play.

Check Price

---

Tile Tracker

Whether it’s on my keys, in my backpack, or tucked away in a travel bag, I’ve got a few Tile trackers keeping tabs on my gear - just in case of loss or theft. Tile has been one of the big names in the Bluetooth tracking game for years, alongside Apple’s AirTag and Chipolo.

If I’m being honest? The Tile network isn’t great. It works well enough, but compared to Apple’s Find My network, it just doesn’t have the same reach or reliability. And while Android recently introduced its own tracking network, the rollout has been… let’s just say rocky at best.

That being said, Tile has done the job for me over the past few years, and until something significantly better comes along for non-Apple users, it’s what I’m sticking with. But if a stronger alternative hits the market? I’ll be jumping ship without hesitation.

Check Price

---

Kindle Paperwhite

I wouldn’t call myself a big reader, but my Kindle Paperwhite is still an essential part of my EDC. It’s my go-to boredom killer - perfect for those waiting-around moments when I’m stuck somewhere with nothing else to do. Between this and my Miyoo Mini, I can either game or read, depending on the mood.

I’m not even sure which generation of Paperwhite this is, it’s at least four years old at this point, but it still does the job. The compact size, the built-in backlight, and the sheer convenience of carrying thousands of books in one device make it hard to justify lugging around a physical book.

Don’t get me wrong, I still love the feel of a real book, but when it comes to streamlining my EDC, the Kindle wins. Less bulk, more options, it’s the ultimate minimalist reading companion.

Check Price

---

Tecsun PL-360 Radio

Bit of an odd EDC item, I know—but shortwave radio is one of my longtime hobbies, and for the past five years, the Tecsun PL-360 has been my trusty companion on countless outings. Whether I’m walking through the city, relaxing on a beach, or just exploring a new place, flipping through local FM stations never gets old.

Shortwave radio is a dying art, but that’s exactly why I love it. There’s something thrilling about stumbling across mysterious broadcasts in languages I don’t understand, or picking up a station from the other side of the world just by tweaking a dial. It’s like a little time capsule of analog communication in an age where everything is instant and digital.

The PL-360 is compact, though a bit on the taller side, but its portability, reputation, and affordability made it an easy choice when I first got into shortwave. That said, it’s seen better days, and I’m definitely looking to swap it out for something even smaller soon. But until then, this little radio keeps me connected to a world most people don’t even realize exists.

Check Wallet Price

---

Wearables (EDC)

People love to throw jewellery and watches into their everyday carry lineup, and honestly, I’m all for it. Fashion accessories aren’t just about looking good, they’re a way of expressing personality. Sure, they might not sit in your pocket like a wallet or keys, but they’re still an important part of the EDC experience. Here’s what I wear on a regular basis.

Gast Sengo (Black) Sunglasses

I’m a bit of a sunglasses nut, which probably isn’t surprising considering I run Just My Glasses - a site where I go full detective mode identifying eyewear from movies and celebrities, along with a directory of independent eyewear brands. Naturally, I’ve got a lot of options to choose from.

Right now, I’m rocking a pair of Gast Segno. Gast is a relatively unknown Italian brand, but their quality is leagues ahead of most big designer names while still being fairly affordable. They’ve got that understated, classic look but with premium craftsmanship that actually holds up over time.

When it comes to sunglasses, I always recommend going independent. You get far better quality, unique designs, and you’re not supporting the monopoly that is Luxottica, which in my opinion has been a stain on the eyewear industry for far too long. If you care about getting the best for your money, skip the big brands and go indie, it’s a game-changer.

Check Price

---

Tag Heuer Carrera Twin-Time Automatic

My pride and joy, and my first real designer watch. This watch means a lot to me, not just because of its craftsmanship but because it was a gift from my father for my 30th birthday. From the moment I unboxed it, I fell in love with its beautiful blue dial, and honestly, it’s barely left my wrist in the two years since.

That said, I did have one major issue with it last year. I took it into a swimming pool once, and that turned out to be a huge mistake. The watch immediately fogged up, meaning water somehow got inside. This wasn’t just a minor inconvenience - it damaged the automatic movement, something I confirmed when I checked it on my timegrapher.

Thankfully, Tag Heuer’s warranty covered the repair, and I got it fixed for free. But what really annoyed me was how Tag implied the fault could have been mine, suggesting I left the crown out. That’s absolute nonsense, and they know it. While I understand they need to protect themselves from user error, questioning a customer’s handling of a watch at this price point is just bad form.

In the end, they admitted fault and fixed it, and the whole process was quick and smooth. But the experience left me paranoid. This watch is rated for 100m water resistance, yet I wouldn’t even dare to take it into a shower now. That’s just ridiculous for a high-end brand. Despite that, this watch holds a sentimental place in my collection, and I still love Tag Heuer - just with a little more skepticism.

Check Price

---

Other Everyday Carry items

In this final section, i’ll been compiling everything else that I carry with me on a daily. Again, some of these things i simply forget or leave them in my car on the daily, or I simpy only carry with myself when i’m in a certain mood.

Balios Retractable Umbrella

Living in England, carrying an umbrella is basically a survival tactic. Whether it’s on me or at least stashed in my car, it’s a must-have. I ended up with this no-name umbrella from Amazon, which, let’s be honest, is probably just a random Alibaba import rebranded as Balios.

That being said, it does the job. The automatic extension button is a nice touch, just press, and it pops open instantly. Nothing revolutionary, but it makes life easier when the rain starts coming down out of nowhere. It’s got a decent build, a stylish look, and at £26.99, I can’t really complain. Not much else to say - it’s an umbrella. It keeps me dry. That’s all I need from it.

Check Price

---

Minola Binoculars

Another random but useful addition to my niche EDC lineup. I picked up this vintage pair of Minola binoculars for a cruise back in 2024, and they’ve stuck with me ever since. What I wanted most was portability - I didn’t need some massive bird-watching setup, just something compact and easy to carry.

Compared to the classic circular-style binoculars, these are much sleeker and do a great job for what I need. I don’t carry them every day, but if I’m going on holiday, heading to the beach, or (hopefully) going on another cruise, they’re coming with me. A solid little piece of gear that I never regret bringing along.

Check Price

---

Wingback Mechanical Pen

Wingback is one of those brands that doesn’t miss. I first came across them through their minimalist full-grain leather wallets, but over time, they’ve expanded into a whole range of EDC essentials - pens, backpacks, and more. The Wingback Mechanical Pen is an absolute beauty. Made from solid steel with a knurled grip, it feels like a proper luxury writing instrument. There’s something incredibly satisfying about using a well-made pen, and this one delivers in both design and function.

That said, it’s ridiculously heavy. The few times I’ve lent it to someone, their first reaction is always “Damn, this thing is heavy.” But for me, that weight gives it a certain presence - it feels like a tool that’s meant to last a lifetime. A bit overkill for everyday writing? Maybe. But I love using it.

Check Price

---

Spinetic Spinners X Spinner

I feel old knowing I was around for the fidget spinner craze of 2016. It really was a simpler time - just fidget spinners and Pokémon Go, no doomscrolling, no endless chaos.

Like most people, I got swept up in the hype, but instead of grabbing cheap plastic junk, I went down the rabbit hole of high-quality spinners. That’s how I found the Spinetic Spinners X Spinner. Made entirely from stainless steel with a steel R188 bearing, this thing is built to last. I wouldn’t call myself a fidget toy expert, but I’ve had this since 2017, and after seven years of regular use, it still spins just as smoothly as the day I got it. Fidget spinners may have come and gone, but this one stuck around, and I’m glad it did.

Check Price

---

My Keys

I almost forgot to mention my keys, which is basically a crime considering this is the everyday carry item. They’re with me 100% of the time, no exceptions. Honestly, my keys deserve their own article - I’ve got so many keychains, trinkets, and little add-ons that they’ve basically become their own EDC setup. But I’ll save that deep dive for another day and write about what’s on my keychain in a different article.

Aside from the obvious car keys, house keys, and various others, I’ve got a few EDC tools attached, including a tiny multi-tool for small fixes, a cache storage device (mainly used for pills), and a mini telescopic pen for quick notes. It’s a practical yet overstuffed setup, but every piece has earned its place over time.

---