No doubt we all have to carry things in life. Our burdens, our debts, our backpacks and our weight. Of course you, like myself, probably have two handfuls of things you need to carry daily. Don’t get in the gutter now. From the pockets to the bags to the bigger bags we all seem to have a lot to carry. Call it a sign of the times but we all seem to be coming up with more interesting, often strange, ways of keep it all together. Then there are those who don’t care, for those you can exit page right.
While everyone has their version, it seems everyone can agree on these 4 points:
- It shouldn’t break…ever. Though it will.
- Function over form, materials over visuals.
- Needs to be easy to have, carry and use.
- As flexible as possible, expandable anything.
This includes myself. How everyone will reach the nirvana of these 4 is up to them. Personally I don’t think anyone in this community will ever be satisfied and that’s fine with them. Again, this is about an ever-long building of a lifestyle. If there was one set of things that worked for everyone it would not be what it is. Maybe that is why it’s so popular and exciting in different ways to each person.
Most Resistance reflection: Dialing in the items you use daily is about so much more than convenience, it’s about expressing your personality while hitting that convenience/usefulness apex.
Everyday carry is pretty hot these days. Like REALLY hot. Lately it seems like popular Youtubers and celebrity guests alike are showing the contents of their pockets. Once I started thinking it was hard to track when this became a thing. As I like to understand just how long I’ve been unconsciously buying into things, a Trends search turned up some interesting information.
Google Trends View Here
Here we see that the term “Everyday Carry” spikes every December. This is almost certainly due to holiday shopping of all sorts. Small carry-able items can be found cheap and semi-interesting as gifts for parties or family. Thank the big AMZ for that one.
Google Trends View Here
We also see the term EDC go up in a very similar trend but also in a much higher rate.
Basically I just want the things to do what they advertise and make it through a task.
So we can see people are really looking for the best stuff to put in their pockets or keep something out of their pockets and on a loop. Now let’s finally take a look at my EDC for Q1 2020.
On Body
Space Pen
I can’t remember when exactly I got this and another pen in a set but I’ve never been without one since. The design is clever and the construction is rock solid. Of course the ability to write upside down and underwater doesen’t hurt either.
Chapstick
With the proliferation of controlled environments this is a must. Winter or summer you’ll constantly be assailed by wind, dry air and dehydration. Try out multiple brands, like anything you put on your body it’s going to vary.
Knife
Ancient warriors thought tools had souls. The knife is the central carrier of this mythos. A blade is a must-not-fail carry item and this Benchmade passes all my tests. For years I’ve subpar and cheap knives that I seldom used due to not being able to trust. Save yourself the time and money and buy something good.
Flashlight
I’ve impressed friends and strangers alike by simply having this little puppy handy. It takes up almost no room and can really save a headache down the line. Plus it’s a great companion for the knife or pen.
Wallet
Wallets are funny things. They come in so many shapes and sizes they become like bags, there is no ‘perfect’. I made this one. However I carried a Raven for the last 3 years. Whatever you choose please don’t stuff it with papers.
Sunglasses
I don’t lie to myself about this. They are overpriced most of the time. They get lost easily and crushed without issue. I don’t care, I like sunglasses. Spend $50 or $250 just rock them with confidence.
- Ray Ban Clubmaster (The best without a doubt)
Hat
Currently I’m rocking 3 hats on a regular basis. This Pendlton hat, a Stetson Austral and a Filson Mackinaw Wool Hat. Summer hats will be discussed on Q2!
Earbuds
This area is something I won’t play on. Just get something good. Airpods aren’t great but you won’t be dissapointed. If you move a lot or are clumsy get the Beats X. Buy cheap and you will get cheap. Go ahead…just try.
Charge Cable
A cable with multiple connections will change your travel life. Nothing easier than switching from your phone to your reader without switching cables. This particular cable is super tough. I might even have an earlier version than the current. It’s been used in dirt, cold, snow and heat. Honestly though there are other cables that would be just as useful and you could get a few for less than the Nomad.
Quickpack
Ipod
I can’t remember when exactly I got this and another pen in a set but I’ve never been without one since.
You know where to get this…
Koozie
Do you drink? Like anything? Soda? You probably need a koozie. This might be a midwest thing but I don’t know anyone who does not travel with a koozie. Is that weird? Also that one above is a Yeti one that I believe is not available anymore. So buy them while they are available!
Notebook
For us constant list-makers. I enjoy taking notes, making lists and having things in order. I don’t draw in this one.
Keys
Do I need to explain this one? This is a modded Filson leather key fob. Just get something you will love to see every day, that worked for me.
Sketchpad
This is where the sketches go. The odd random drawing or idea for a product. I’ve heard a lot of creatives talk about keeping all your ideas in one place so they are find-able and not diluted by notes. This seems to work really well!
- Moleskine Blank Cahier (A Timeless Classic)
- Field Artist Hardbound (Classy!)
Adapters
For those of us making things on the go these are a must. Nothing easier than popping your SD card into this and editing on iPad. Even better you can quick plug into a HDMI cable and play a movie at those family gatherings. I did that one.
Do you have any of these carry items? What are you essentials? Let Us know in the comments.
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