Skip to main content

EVERYDAY CARRY BLOG

Mar 30
Love0

I Finally Built the Perfect Altoids Tool Kit

By Tools, Video

Video Overview

Taylor Martin over at Best Damn EDC has done it — he’s finally cracked the code on the ultimate Altoids tin tool kit. In this video, Taylor walks us through every single item packed into his perfectly curated Altoids survival/utility tin, breaking it down compartment by compartment. It’s a masterclass in micro-EDC organization, and Taylor’s attention to detail and deep gear knowledge shine through as always. Big thanks to Taylor for putting this together — it’s one of those videos you’ll come back to more than once.

Items & Gear

Top Compartment:

Bottom Right Compartment:

Bottom Left Compartment:

Lid & Outside:

Editor’s Insight

Taylor Martin has been building toward this for years, and this Altoids kit represents the kind of iterative refinement that separates serious EDC practitioners from casual gear collectors. The concept is simple — an Altoids tin you probably have sitting in a drawer right now — but the execution here is anything but.

What makes this build remarkable is the intentionality behind each pick. Taylor doesn’t throw things in because they’re popular or because a brand sent them over. Every item earns its inch of real estate. The compartment-by-compartment breakdown reveals a layered system: cutting tools, writing instruments, lock picks, fasteners, and fire-starting capability all coexist in a footprint smaller than your phone.

A few standouts deserve mention. The Knipex Cobra XS is arguably the most capable tool in the tin — full plier functionality in a package most people wouldn’t believe could deliver it. Pairing it with the 711L Mini Ratchet and 4mm micro bits means you’ve got real mechanical utility without the bulk. The Knafs pieces (Lander 5 and Sancho Pry Bar) are predictably excellent — Knafs has earned their reputation in this space.

The lock picking set is an interesting choice that speaks to Taylor’s practical, real-world mindset. Whether you’re a hobbyist or just someone who locks themselves out occasionally, having that capability in a tin you already carry is genuinely useful. Same goes for the Tuff Possum brand — not a name that gets talked about enough.

Gorilla tape wrapped on the outside of the lid is the kind of move that separates field-tested kits from shelf queens. It’s ugly, it’s practical, and it’s exactly right. You’ll always need tape. You’ll never remember to bring tape. Problem solved.

The 3D Printed Forever Pencil is a nice nod to the maker community and a callback to Taylor’s earlier content — a little Easter egg for long-time subscribers. It’s the kind of personal touch that makes Best Damn EDC worth watching week after week.

Big thank you to Taylor for documenting this build so thoroughly. If you’re looking for a starting point for your own Altoids kit — or just want to see what “done right” looks like — this video is the reference.

Closing Remarks

The Altoids tin has been an EDC staple for decades, and Taylor Martin just raised the bar on what’s possible with one. Whether you copy this kit exactly or use it as a framework for your own build, the core lesson is clear: constraints force creativity, and the best gear is the gear you actually have with you. Hat tip to Taylor and the Best Damn EDC crew for continuing to set the standard. Go give the video a watch — and then raid your junk drawer for that tin you’ve been meaning to do something with.

Mar 28
Love0

The Ultimate Digital Nomad Packing List V5 | 90 Minimalist Carry On Travel Essentials

By Gadgets, Tech, Travel, Video

Video Overview

A huge thanks to the team over at Pack Hacker for putting together this incredibly thorough update to their digital nomad packing list. In version 5 of their ultimate carry-on guide, they walk through 90+ carefully tested items across five categories — bags and organizers, productivity and tech, miscellaneous, clothing and accessories, and toiletries and personal care. Pack Hacker has built a reputation for real-world testing, and this video is a masterclass in minimalist one-bag travel. Whether you’re about to book your first remote work trip or you’re a seasoned nomad fine-tuning your kit, this breakdown is worth your full attention.

Items & Gear

Editor’s Insight

Pack Hacker has been refining this digital nomad packing list for years, and version 5 shows just how far the discipline of one-bag travel has come. What stands out most about this update is the sheer intentionality behind every single item. Nothing made the list by accident. Each product earns its spot by doing more than one job, holding up to real-world use, or solving a specific problem that trips up most travelers.

Let’s start with the bags. The Aer Travel Pack 4 anchors the whole system, and it’s easy to see why. The independent pocket capacity on this version is a meaningful upgrade — you can actually fill a side pocket with a hat and gloves without compressing anything else. Pair it with the Bellroy Venture Ready Sling for day carry, and you’ve got a complete travel system that fits in the overhead bin and handles everything from airport transits to city day trips.

The tech section is where this list really earns its keep for digital nomads. Pack Hacker has gone all-in on USB-C standardization, which simplifies everything. The Anker Prime 150W GaN charger handles the heavy lifting at your home base, while the NITECORE NB Plus battery bank — one of the slimmest 10,000mAh options available — keeps you topped off on the go. The Roost V3 Plus laptop stand is a non-negotiable for anyone clocking long hours at a laptop. Bad ergonomics will wreck your productivity faster than slow Wi-Fi. Add the Apple Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, and you’ve got a full desk setup that packs down to almost nothing.

The clothing approach is equally smart. The list leans heavily on Merino wool — from Wool & Prince, Outlier, and Unbound Merino — because it’s breathable, odor-resistant, and doesn’t need washing every day. That’s huge when you’re living out of one bag. The capsule wardrobe philosophy means you’re never stuck with something that only works in one context. Pack once, wear everywhere.

What really sets this version apart is the attention to the small stuff. AirTags on both bags, the EPICKA Tagie Slim Finder Card in the wallet, and the Rolling Square inCharge XS backup cable are the kinds of additions that seem minor until the moment they save your trip. Pack Hacker clearly learned these lessons on the road, and it shows. This isn’t a theoretical packing list — it’s a battle-tested system built by people who live out of a backpack.

Closing Remarks

Big thanks to Pack Hacker for putting the time into version 5 of this list — it’s clear they don’t just research this stuff, they actually live it. If you want to go deeper on any of the items featured here, check out their full packing list at packhacker.com and their YouTube channel for individual gear reviews. Whether you’re planning your first remote work trip or upgrading your existing kit, this list is one of the best starting points out there. Shop the full gear list above and start building your carry-on setup today.

Mar 21
Love0

The EDC Tier List Nobody Asked For (But Everyone Needs)

By Gadgets, Tools, Travel, Video

Video Overview

A huge thank you to EXCESSORIZE ME. for putting together this one-of-a-kind breakdown. This video introduces “The Vault” — a personal three-tier curation system for EDC gear: Carry Rank (daily essentials), Carry Collectible (high-quality backups), and Holy Grail (ultimate favorites). In this episode, the focus is on Carry Rank picks across five core EDC categories. If you are a self-described pocket hoarder, this tier list was made for you.

Items & Gear

Editor’s Insight

Big props to EXCESSORIZE ME. for building a framework that actually makes sense for the anti-minimalist crowd. Most EDC content falls into two camps: ultra-minimal “one knife, one light” purists, or chaotic pile-everything-in-your-pockets maximalists. The Vault system sits smartly in between — it gives structure to the madness without stripping away personality.

The standout here is the Wuben E8. Titanium body, yellow IPG finish, UV light for scorpion detection (yes, really), and a compact form factor that slips into any pocket. It earns the top flashlight slot easily. The UV function alone is a conversation starter and a genuine utility win.

The Knafs O.C.T. is an interesting knife pick — 1.9 inches of 14C28N steel with a button lock and thumb stud. It is a true EDC-sized blade, comfortable for everyday tasks without drawing attention. Knafs has been putting out solid, thoughtful designs and this one reflects that.

For fidgets, the Lautie Shuffle takes the crown. Stainless steel, serialized, smooth glide — this is the kind of piece that converts people to the high-end fidget world. Just watch out for counterfeits; buy from reputable sources only.

The Backfire Lighter is pure fun. A toy car that rolls, doubles as a lighter, and shoots a green flame. It has zero practical justification and every fun one. The Gear Aid HeroClip rounds things out as a cult classic carry tool — rated for 15 lbs, clips to anything, and earns its “everyday” in EDC. And the Lucky Cat Collective Hard Cologne is a clever bonus: magnetic refills, fidgety metal shell, and a scent worth carrying. The Nami model in particular hits both form and function.

The Vault system introduced here is one we will be watching. The Holy Grail tier teased for future videos has real potential — it is the kind of content that separates serious EDC channels from the noise.

Closing Remarks

Thanks again to EXCESSORIZE ME. for this fresh take on EDC curation. The Vault framework is genuinely useful for anyone who carries more than three things and wants a mental model to justify it. Drop a comment letting us know what would make your own Carry Rank — we’d love to hear it. Stay curious, carry intentionally, and as always: gear up.

Mar 15
Love0

I Made The Perfect EDC Organizer for My Small Tools

By DIY, Gadgets, Tools, Video

Video Overview

A big thanks to Han’s MODS for this incredibly detailed build video. Han takes us through a full overhaul of what he calls his “tier 3” EDC — the small, specialized tools that don’t fit neatly in a pocket but are too useful to leave at home. Instead of settling for a bulky pouch with no organization, he engineered a custom 3D-printed modular rack inspired by Earthling EDC’s Pocket Rack design. Housed inside a clean Frost River Canvas Belt Pouch, the result is one of the most thoughtful EDC organizer builds we’ve seen. If you carry small tools daily, this one’s worth your full attention.

Items & Gear

Editor’s Insight

A big shoutout again to Han’s MODS for putting in the work on this build — the level of thought here is rare, and the video is a masterclass in iterative EDC design.

Most EDC content focuses on what you carry. This video focuses on how you carry it — and that shift in framing is what makes it so valuable. Han organizes his carry into tiers: the core daily items in his pockets, and then a “tier 3” pouch for the small, specialized tools that don’t fit anywhere else but still matter. Nail clipper, tweezers, charging cables, a compact power bank — things you reach for weekly if not daily.

The problem with most organizer pouches is they treat all items the same. Everything just floats around until you need it, and then you’re fishing through a jumbled mess. Han’s solution is elegant: a custom 3D-printed rack system inspired by Earthling EDC’s Pocket Rack and ROM Turo designs. The rack uses elastic bands threaded through brass rods on a carbon fiber top layer, holding each item securely in its own lane. A magnetic modular panel on the back handles flat items separately. The whole assembly drops neatly into the Frost River Canvas Belt Pouch, which clips cleanly to a belt loop.

What stands out most is the attention to failure modes. Han doesn’t just build something that works — he builds something that fixes what his old setup got wrong. His previous multitool had a design flaw that made the blade hard to access under pressure. His old nail clipper was too bulky. The pouch itself was a cheap fake that didn’t hold its shape. Each new piece addresses a real-world problem he identified through daily use.

The TSA-friendliness angle is worth calling out. The NexTool Mini Sailor Lite Multitool he switched to has no blade at all. For frequent travelers, that’s not a compromise — it’s a feature. You get pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, a SIM tool, and even a glow insert without the headache of having a blade flagged at security. The rest of the carry follows the same logic: every item is intentional, sized right, and placed to be found fast.

The 3D-printed rack is the real star, though it does require access to a printer and some willingness to iterate on the design. Han references Earthling EDC’s Pocket Rack community for people who want similar results without the DIY component. Even if you never print a single layer of filament, the organizational principles here translate directly to any pouch setup: group by function, secure by format, and build for repeatability.

For anyone who’s ever emptied out a pouch looking for a specific cable or tool — this video is the answer to that frustration. Han’s build isn’t just organized. It’s optimized.

Closing Remarks

If your small tools are living in a pile somewhere, Han’s MODS just handed you the blueprint to fix that. The combination of a purpose-built modular rack and a clean canvas pouch turns a chaotic tier 3 carry into a polished system. The individual items — the NexTool multitool, the inCharge cable, the MOFT power bank — are all solid picks on their own. Together, they form a carry that’s ready for anything from a scooter repair to a cross-country flight. Check out all the gear above and see what fits your own EDC build.

Mar 13
Love0

This Kit is a Must Have for My Job (2026 Chest Rig Update)

By Gadgets, Tactical, Tools, Video

Video Overview

Big thanks to Sam Wilp for this detailed look at his 2026 flight medic chest rig. Sam is a critical care flight paramedic in Colorado with six years of flight experience, and in this video he walks through every item in his Hill People Gear SAR Kit Bag — from tourniquet holders and decompression needles to IV kits and surgical airway tools. It’s a rare, unfiltered look at the everyday carry of a working flight medic, packed with real-world insight. If you’re in prehospital or critical care, this one is worth the full watch. Thanks for sharing, Sam — great content.

Items & Gear

Editor’s Insight

Six years into a flight career is when things get interesting. Early on, you’re still figuring out what you need. By year two or three you have opinions. By year six, you have a system — and Sam Wilp’s 2026 chest rig update is exactly that: a refined, field-tested loadout built around real calls.

The anchor of the whole setup is the Hill People Gear SAR Kit Bag in gray, sized to match Sam’s uniform and organized with purpose. Nothing in here is frivolous. Every item either duplicates something harder to reach in the helicopter, or fills a gap in what’s accessible under pressure. That’s the philosophy Sam keeps returning to: if you need it in flight, you need to be able to get it fast.

The Surefire Sidewinder on the front is a good example. Sam could dig a headlamp out of his pocket for pre-flight walkarounds — but those walkarounds happen every night, often with a flight helmet already on. Having a multi-mode light (white, red, blue, IR) right on the bag cuts that friction entirely. Small optimization, real-world impact.

The medical setup is where things get serious. Sam carries a well-organized syringe system, with Flatline holders being evaluated for a v2 update after feedback he gave directly to the company — a neat look at how working medics actually influence gear development. His IV kit is self-contained: 18g, 20g catheter, J-loop, and a flush, all in one pouch. The reason is simple: the first-out bag in the helicopter has everything, but it’s in the back and your partner is usually using it when things get busy.

The front pocket is the highest-stakes real estate on the rig. That’s where Sam keeps his finger thoracostomy and surgical cricothyrotomy supplies — decompression needle, scalpel, curved kellies, chest seal, and a North American Rescue airway tube. These aren’t daily tools, but when you need them you need them immediately. Sam pared down the full NAR kit to just what his protocol requires, cutting the noise so the signal is always accessible.

The back pocket is dedicated to flushes — and he’s right, you can never have enough on a helicopter. The Velcro strip inside keeps them organized and pull-ready. A 20cc syringe sits up top for rocuronium dosing during RSI. It’s the kind of detail you only know from doing rapid sequence intubation on a moving aircraft at altitude.

A consistent thread through the whole video is Sam’s advice: stick with your gear. The efficiency you gain from muscle memory — knowing exactly where the tourniquet is without looking, knowing which pocket holds the airways — is worth more than any new product. Chest rigs like this aren’t just EDC. They’re cognitive offloading under pressure.

Big thanks to Sam Wilp for sharing his real-world loadout. If you’re building a flight medic kit or any kind of critical care rig, this video is as close to a practical template as you’ll find.

Closing Remarks

Sam Wilp’s 2026 chest rig is the result of six years of refinement on real calls. It’s organized, purposeful, and built around the reality of critical care in tight spaces. Whether you’re a flight medic building your own rig, an EMT looking to upgrade your kit, or just curious how professionals carry their gear, there’s a lot to take away here. Check out Sam’s channel for more detailed gear and medical breakdowns. What’s the most critical item in your own work kit? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear how other professionals approach their everyday carry.

I Finally Built the Perfect Altoids Tool KitToolsVideo
March 30, 2026

I Finally Built the Perfect Altoids Tool Kit

Video Overview Taylor Martin over at Best Damn EDC has done it — he's finally cracked the code on the ultimate Altoids tin tool kit. In this video, Taylor walks…
Eva
Love0
The Ultimate Digital Nomad Packing List V5 | 90 Minimalist Carry On Travel EssentialsGadgetsTechTravelVideo
March 28, 2026

The Ultimate Digital Nomad Packing List V5 | 90 Minimalist Carry On Travel Essentials

Video Overview A huge thanks to the team over at Pack Hacker for putting together this incredibly thorough update to their digital nomad packing list. In version 5 of their…
Eva
Love0
The EDC Tier List Nobody Asked For (But Everyone Needs)GadgetsToolsTravelVideo
March 21, 2026

The EDC Tier List Nobody Asked For (But Everyone Needs)

Video Overview A huge thank you to EXCESSORIZE ME. for putting together this one-of-a-kind breakdown. This video introduces "The Vault" — a personal three-tier curation system for EDC gear: Carry…
Eva
Love0
I Made The Perfect EDC Organizer for My Small ToolsDIYGadgetsToolsVideo
March 15, 2026

I Made The Perfect EDC Organizer for My Small Tools

Video Overview A big thanks to Han's MODS for this incredibly detailed build video. Han takes us through a full overhaul of what he calls his "tier 3" EDC —…
EDC Blog
Love0

Everyday Carry Blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 

#EDCBlog

EDC BLOG

Close Menu

EDC Blog

About EDC Blog

The Castle
Unit 345
2500 Castle Dr
Manhattan, NY