The EDC Items We Can’t Live Without

It’d be easy to call the wake-up-commute-work-commute cycle mundane, but it wouldn’t be true. Even during the longest of weeks, there are moments of beauty to be found, however brief, within the action of a single day. No matter how trivial our choices may seem, how we move through a day is in itself a form of self-expression, and the items that facilitate the process become more than things, they’re integral. Here, Gear Patrol staff members share the everyday carry essentials that have done exactly that.

Brenden Clarke, Producer

“When it comes to my daily use items, I’m an all-in-or-fold kind of guy. If I like something, I’ll use it until I can’t anymore — and then I’ll buy another one. I’m a fan of simplicity, ease and reliability. My Porter coin pouch is fantastic — large enough to fit the essential cards and some cash yet small enough to stay concealed and light in my pocket. The Bic Cristal — to this day, it’s my stalwart go-to, an absolute joy to write with — no smearing, vibrant color and what seems like a never-ending ink cartridge. Oh, and they cost less than a dollar. Playing Cards? Yeah, I know. Are they necessary every day? Yes. There are a plethora of things you can do with some cards, and these Copags are quality.”

Airpods by Apple $159
Coin Case by Porter Yoshida
Cristal Xtra Smooth Pens by BIC $7 (10-pack)
Spearmint Gum by Trident $8 (12 packs)
Finley Esq. Sunglasses by Oliver Peoples $395
Transit Issue Keychain by Apolis $28
Playing Cards by Copag $16 (2 decks)

Nick Caruso, Coordinating Producer

“I strongly dislike carrying things. If it doesn’t fit in my pocket, I’m not sold — the Kindle is a stretch, but barely meets my criteria. I’m also a creature of habit, so I don’t change my EDC very often. It’s all got to be durable and functional — and, hey, if I can easily open a beer bottle like the slick SOB I am, all the better.”

Note Sleeve Wallet by Bellroy $85+
Titanium Key Ring by Grovemade $80
Kindle Paperwhite by Amazon $130
Data Traveler USB Drive by Kingston Digital $5
Vault iPhone Case by Caseology $15

Will Price, Assistant Editor

“I’m frequently lost, and not one who handles it very well, hence a book to choose where I should eat and drink in my newly-adopted neighborhood — a book that is literally about the value of getting a bit lost. I also carry my grandfather’s silver St. Christopher pendant, who is literally the saint of making sure people don’t get too lost. You could even say my Bitter Southerner membership card is a sign of my directional ineptitude, and I wouldn’t argue — what is someone who went to school in a Southeast Georgia town that prides itself on gnats and its extraordinary level of sadness doing in Brooklyn? On top of losing my bearings regularly, I enjoy compact carry where I can get it — hence the very clever keyring and the best coffee mug money can buy.”

Key Organiser by OrbitKey $40
St. Christopher Medal by All Patron Saints $89
On Trails by Robert Moor $10
Brooklyn Mom & Pop by Jon Hammer and Karen McBurnie $6
The Bitter Southernor Membership by The Bitter Southernor $5+
Ember Travel Mug by Ember $135

John Zientek, Associate Editor

“I really don’t like carrying things on my person. For years growing up, I toted a guitar with me for rehearsals, lessons and practice. In the evenings I’d load amps and pedal boards into my car. I’d have bags full of cables, replacement batteries and extra sets of strings. I’ve had to stress about taking priceless instruments on buses, planes and taxis. So now, I keep my EDC dead simple: phone, wallet, keys and maybe a pair of sunglasses and a cap.”

Wallet by Yuketen Learn More
Fish Skeleton Key Fob $8 (6-pack)
iPhone 6S Plus by Apple Discontinued
M21 by Silver Lining Opticians $290
Travel Cap by Battenwear $44

AJ Powell, Project Manager, Gear Patrol Studios

“My approach to EDC can be described in three words: simple, stylish and functional. There are stories behind each of my essentials as well. For example, the Böle Card Case I carry was given to me by Jan Sandlund, the third-generation leather craftsman at Böle Tannery, when I visited him in Sweden two years ago. My EDC lives mostly in my pockets, so keeping things slim is crucial — only the necessities and nothing more.”

Pixel 2 by Google Discontinued
Card Case by Böle ~$111
SRP779 by Seiko $297
Key Lanyard by Tanner Goods $55
The Shorty by Quiet Carry $68

Tanner Bowden, Staff Writer

“I shoot for minimalism in most aspects of life, and that includes the essentials that I carry with me on a daily basis. A water bottle, pen and notebook are perhaps the closest items that border on unnecessary, but I know that the day I leave one at home is the day that I’ll need it most. The rest of my favorite items are aimed at practicality: a knife that’ll go unnoticed on my keychain, a hat to help manage my extra-long locks, a key that gives me access to a bike anywhere in New York. Oh, and I recently slimmed down my wallet, and I’m never looking back.”

20oz Wide Mouth Bottle by Miir $30
Fineliner Pen by Pilot $5 (2-pack)
Pocket Notebook by Moleskine $11
Elko Pocket Knife by The James Brand $60
Donner Hat by Coal $21
Annual Membership Key by Citi Bike $169
Slim Sleeve Wallet by Bellroy $79

Tucker Bowe, Staff Writer

“Aside from the obvious MacBook Pro, iPhone and the bag that I carry with me every day, there are few other trinkets that have become pretty precious to me. Lip balm is a priority, obviously. Same with sunglasses. Then comes my little compact camera, because I’m still pretentious enough to think I can take significantly better photos with it. And I also usually carry two sets of truly wireless earbuds. There are my AirPods (because I love them), and then there’s another pair because I don’t want sweat to ruin my AirPods.”

Justin Classic by Ray-Ban $128
RX100 III Compact Digital Camera by Sony $598
Key Chain by DSPTCH $26
AirPods by Apple $159
Encore 20K by Supreme x Mophie ~$223
WF-SP700N Wireless Earbuds by Sony $178
Medicated Lip Balm by Blistex $10 (6-pack)

Hunter D. Kelley, Associate Designer

“My EDC ethos is simple yet purposeful; I only bring the most essential items I need to get through the day. By having a light load, I’m less likely to lose something, and I know where my stuff is at all times. As far as color choice goes, I’ve aimed to keep my items black, or subdued, so that they go with any outfit I want to wear. Keeping things low-key also results in a less-flashy carry, which is nice to have in a busy city like New York.”

PO3129S Typewriter Edition by Persol Discontinued
Aluminum Wallet by Ridge Wallet $75
ZOLO Liberty Wireless Earbuds by Anker $99
Keytron by SOG $19
Signature Lite Pocket Knife by Victorinox $33
Khaki Quartz ref. 9239 by Hamilton Learn More
iPhone 6s by Apple Discontinued

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