Top Everyday Carry Items Every Man Must Have

As a man, there are certain items that you should always have on you, regardless of where you are or what you’re doing. This is commonly referred to as your “everyday carry” or EDC. While your specific EDC will vary depending on your needs and preferences, there are a few essential items that every man should consider carrying.

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What is Everyday Carry (EDC)?

Everyday carry, or “EDC” for short, refers to the items that you carry with you on a daily basis. This could include your wallet, keys, phone, and any other essentials that you need to get through the day. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people expanding their EDC to include items like multi-tools, flashlights, and self-defense tools. This is often seen as a way to be prepared for any situation that might arise. As the world becomes increasingly uncertain, it’s likely that this trend will continue to grow in popularity. In fact, a recent study found that nearly one in five adults in the United States now consider their EDC to be an essential part of their daily routine. With this in mind, it’s safe to say that EDC is here to stay.

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There are a few key items that are considered the staples of any EDC load out. These everyday carry items can help you out in a variety of situations, and they’re all pretty lightweight and easy to pack.

Our Top 10 EDC Items:

Here are some of the top items to always have with you:

• Multitool
• Wallet/Money Clip
• Phone/ Phone Case
• Keys
• Sunglasses
• Knife
• Pen and Paper/Notebook
• Watch
• Flashlight
• Ring (If applicable)

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Our Top 10 EDC Picks List:

As a man, you always want to be prepared for anything life throws your way. That’s why it’s important to have the right gear with you at all times. Here are our picks for essential items every man should carry in their Everyday Carry (EDC) kit.

01 | MULTITOOL.

A multitool is like a Swiss army knife on steroids. It’s perfect for all those little odd jobs that come up throughout the day, from tightening screws to cutting rope. A good multitool should be durable, yet lightweight enough to carry around all day. Our top pick for a multitool is Leatherman for their years of trusted durability.

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02 | WALLET / MONEY CLIP.

An EDC Wallet is not just any wallet. These wallets are designed to be lightweight and durable, with plenty of room for all your essentials. In addition, they often come with features like RFID blocking and water resistance, making them even more versatile. As EDC gear continues to grow in popularity, it’s likely that wallets will become even more popular in the coming years. Our Top Picks are AIRO Collective for their minimal build and KORE Essentials for the simple no fold design and money clip.

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03 | PHONE CASE.

There’s no denying that our phones are an essential part of our everyday lives. They help us keep in touch with loved ones, stay on top of work obligations, and stay connected to the world around us. But as our reliance on phones has grown, so too has the need for better phone protection. Enter the EDC phone case. Designed for the modern adventurer, the phone case is built to withstand the rigors of everyday life. Made from tough, durable materials, it’s equipped to handle everything from accidental drops to full-on hikes and everything in between. Our top pick for phone cases go to NOMAD for their durable leather construction. We also like the Triptech cases for the ability to turn the phone into a stand.

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04 | KEY ORGANIZER.

Any true gearhead knows that when it comes to your everyday carry (EDC), organization is key. That’s where a Key Organizer comes in. This handy tool gives you a place to store all your keys in a well organized manner. This is vital for giving access to keys quickly and easily. Our top pick for a Key Organizer is the Key Smart lineup for the versatility and max key storage.

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05 | SUNGLASSES.

Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement – they’re an essential piece of EDC gear. Not only do they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they can also help you to see in bright conditions and spot potential hazards. As we head into 2022, there’s no excuse not to have a good pair of sunglasses on you at all times. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply spending time outdoors, they’ll help you to enjoy the experience while keeping your eyes safe. So if you don’t already have a pair, make sure to pick some up – you won’t regret it. We like sunglasses offered by RAEN for their light yet durable frame. We also love the price point from Tomahawk Shades for the impressive quality!

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06 | KNIFE.

Whether you’re opening boxes or slicing apples, a good knife is always handy to have around. Make sure to choose a knife that’s comfortable to hold and that can take a beating. A folding knife is preferred when EDC so you can easily carry in a pocket, jacket pocket, or work bag. We like the Sportsman Guide offering of Browning Brand of knives for the wide range of options.

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07 | NOTEBOOK + PEN.

You never know when you’re going to need to jot something down, so it’s always good to have a notebook and pen on hand. Choose a notebook that’s small enough to fit in your pocket, and make sure the pen doesn’t leak! Our top pick for a leather notebook is one by Swanky Badger for the ability to customize it! In terms of a solid EDC Pen, we like the Crafton from Everyman.

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08 | WATCH.

We don’t leave home without a watch. It’s one of the most essential pieces of gear most guys own. Not only does it keep us on schedule, but it also has a number of other features that come in handy on a daily basis. For example, the stopwatch function is great for timing how long a commute takes, and the compass is handy for finding your way around town. Some even use the altimeter when they are hiking to make sure to stay on track. In short, a watch is an indispensable part of anyone’s everyday carry (EDC). And with new models coming out every year, we’re looking forward to upgrading to the latest and greatest in 2022. Our top pick for watches come down to Megalith for the multiple features and big faces along with AVI-8 watches for their nod to aviation.

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09 | FLASHLIGHT.

You never know when you’re going to need a light, so it’s always good to have one handy. Choose a flashlight that’s small and lightweight so you can easily carry it with you everywhere you go. The flashlight is an essential piece of gear, whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or simply trying to find your way around in the dark. Whether you’re looking for an everyday carry flashlight or something more powerful for camping and hiking, you can find one that does it all. We like the lineup of LAPG Tactical Flashlights– with quality tactical flashlights starting at $19.

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10 | RINGS.

For many men, the decision of whether or not to wear a ring is a simple one. Whether you’re looking for a way to add a little personality to your outfit or simply want to make a statement, EDC rings and wedding bands are the perfect choice. And with so many different styles and materials available, there’s sure to be a ring that’s perfect for you.

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Wrap Up

Of course, your EDC isn’t complete without a way to carry all of your gear. A good EDC bag or pouch will help you keep everything organized and within easy reach. The RE Factor Tactical Adrenaline Dump Pouch is a great option for those who need a compact and durable pouch to carry their EDC gear. Desk organizer is also a must have for dumping your EDC items into at the end of the day.

These are just a few of the essential items that every man should consider carrying as part of his everyday carry. By investing in quality gear that meets your specific needs, you can be prepared for just about anything life throws your way.

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Want more EDC/GEAR Finds? Read our 7 Concealed Carry Belts you Must Try in 2022 post!