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EVERYDAY CARRY BLOG

Sep 20
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I Bought Every Gadget From Japan… These Are The 10 I Don’t Regret

By Gadgets, Video

Video Overview

Big thanks to EXCESSORIZE ME. for hunting Japanese everyday carry, tech, and stationery so you do not have to guess what is worth the import hassle. In this roundup they buy a pile of Japan-made and Japan-exclusive gear, then keep only ten pieces they still like after real pocket time. Expect gachapon desk toys, a Bape lighter case, a fold-out Shupatto bag, a classic Higonokami blade, Pokemon Sarasa pens, a mini North Face jacket keychain, an hmny key wallet, Plotter notebooks, an AS2OV day pack, and stretch Japanese selvedge denim — plus a Looki L1 wearable camera as the featured gadget. Watch the full video, then use the gear list below to jump straight to each product.

Items & Gear List

Editor’s Insight

EXCESSORIZE ME. frames this as a value filter, not a souvenir dump. That matters. Japan is full of cute objects that look great on a shelf and die in a real bag. Another shoutout to the channel for scoring most of this list under $100 and still ending on premium denim and notebooks when the quality jump is obvious. If you want Japan flavor in your EDC without flying to Tokyo, this is a clean shortlist.

Start cheap and fun with the sitting Gundam gachapons. For about $15 you get solid plastic, accurate RX-78 vibes, and that oversized-head charm Japan does better than anyone. Stock is thin outside Japan, so treat listings as scarce desk candy, not a bulk buy. The Bape BIC lighter case is pure hypebeast branding on a 50-cent tool. Real leather wrap, camo prints, about $16 for the case, and it fits standard BIC inserts when the fuel runs out. If you do not care about streetwear logos, skip it. If you do, it turns a 7-Eleven lighter into a pocket flex.

The Looki L1 is the sponsor piece and the only true “smart” gadget here. It is a tiny AI wearable camera that auto-grabs short moments, builds daily photo and comic summaries, and can spit out a simple vlog with music. Battery claims land near twelve hours, LEDs make recording obvious to people around you, and on-device AI can answer basic questions about what it sees. It will not beat a real camera, and yes, you may look a little odd wearing it. For new parents or anyone who forgets to pull out a phone, it solves the “best camera is the one you actually carry” problem at roughly $249.

Shupatto is the most useful bag trick in the video. Pull the handles and the origami fold explodes into a duffel-size tote with a long nylon strap, reinforced stitching, and a single-button closure. Roll it straight, snap it shut, and it still fits a back pocket. About $25 is not cheap for a packable bag, but the size-to-packed ratio is why it scores so high. Next is the Higonokami — a classic Japanese friction folder with a brass handle and simple one-joint design. No lock, handmade edges, light in the pocket, and strong souvenir energy. It is not the safest or most modern EDC blade, but it is unmistakably Japan-made. Prefer a tracked retailer listing over random market copies.

Stationery nerds get the Zebra Sarasa Grand Pokemon collab. Charizard, Venusaur, and Mewtwo barrels with Japanese names, raised prints, spring clips, and color-matched ink. Smooth gel write feel, about double the price of a normal Sarasa Grand on gray-market listings near $30. Cool factor is high; daily-driver value depends on whether you care about the print. The North Face mini mountain jacket keychain is Japan-exclusive pocket theater: full zip, hood, unbuckling arms, and keys hiding inside like a tiny collectible for outdoor brands. Function is secondary to charm, and that is fine.

The hmny casual key pack is the sleeper organization win. Full leather wrap with a built-in key organizer, card slots, a half zip, and a rear quick pocket so keys and cards leave the house as one object. Real leather with rolled edges, water-resistant enough for daily carry, slim with about five cards and two keys. Watch the interior screws so cards do not scratch. If you hate juggling a separate keychain and wallet, this is the list item that changes your pocket layout.

Plotter notebooks sit at the premium end for a reason. Liscio and Publau leather covers, metal spines, modular ring inserts, card holders, pen loops, and folder pages mean you can run the mini as a wallet-notebook hybrid. Near $200 is a lot unless you already write every day. The modular system is the product: carry thin on errands, thick on planning days, archive pages when done. AS2OV’s EPIC Series day pack is the bag closer — Japanese brand, sealed zippers, waterproof fabric, dump pocket, bladder or laptop sleeve, hidden bottle pocket that folds flat, and phone-size shoulder pockets. About $150 for a lightweight daypack with real craft details. It will not stand rigid when empty, but loaded comfort and pocket count beat many same-price bags.

Flint and Tinder’s Japanese stretch selvedge denim finishes the list. Huckberry lists midweight 12.5 oz Japanese selvedge with 2% stretch, dark wash, straight cut, five-pocket layout, and roughly $178. Not a Japanese brand, but Japanese denim fabric with USA finishing. If you want jeans you can squat in without giving up selvedge character, this is the practical “expensive but fair” pick.

Tradeoffs to keep honest: several hits are Japan-exclusive and live on eBay or import shops, so stock and authenticity vary. The Higonokami has no lock — treat it as a traditional friction folder, not a hard-use work knife. Pokemon Sarasa pens are collectible pricing. Looki is a lifestyle camera with privacy optics you should respect in shared spaces. Plotter and AS2OV cost real money; buy them only if leather notebooks or a premium daypack are already on your shortlist. Skip pure logo toys if you only want tools. Buy the pieces that fix a pocket problem you already have.

Closing Remarks

This Japan gadget haul is a strong mix of fun desk pieces and real carry upgrades. Watch the full EXCESSORIZE ME. video for the hands-on scores, fold demos, and side-by-side context still photos miss. Then grab the links above for the items that match your bag, desk, or denim rotation. Drop a comment with which piece you would import first, and tell the creator if you want an episode two. Thanks for reading, and thanks again to EXCESSORIZE ME. for the field work.

 

Sep 20
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FINALLY! The Olight Oclip 2 Is Here (Is It Better Than Milwaukee?)

By Gadgets

Video Overview

Big thanks to Project Pine Hills for going hands-on with Olight’s newest release, the Oclip 2 Ultra, and putting it head-to-head against the Milwaukee Clip Light. In FINALLY! The Olight Oclip 2 Is Here (Is It Better Than Milwaukee?), the channel breaks down the new 360-degree rotating clip, the angling head, the secondary base magnet, and the dedicated charging dock that triples run time. The full video is above. Below is a clean gear list with direct buy links so you can dig in after watching.

Items & Gear List

Editor’s Insight

Another shoutout to Project Pine Hills for a review that actually matters to trade work, not just pocket-dump aesthetics. The Oclip line has quietly become its own category of EDC light: a hands-free clip-mount flashlight built for electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and anyone who needs a light that stays put while both hands are busy. The original Oclip introduced the clip-and-magnet concept, the Oclip Pro refined it, and now the Oclip 2 is a real third-generation redesign rather than a spec bump.

The headline upgrade is mounting flexibility. Where the Oclip Pro locked you into one orientation once clipped down — lens fixed at 90 degrees, always facing the same way — the Oclip 2 adds a 360-degree rotating clip paired with a head that tilts up to 115 degrees. That combination means the light can be clipped onto a bag, a belt, or a hat brim and still be aimed exactly where it’s needed, including straight out like a standard handheld flashlight. The new base magnet is the other big functional change: the original Oclip Pro’s magnet only mounted at the base of the clip, so you could stick the light to metal but couldn’t get a downward-angled beam. The Oclip 2 moves that magnet to let the light mount flush and still throw light down and to the side, which is exactly the angle most panel, engine bay, and duct work calls for.

Power is where Olight got clever instead of just adding battery capacity. The Oclip 2 actually carries a smaller 600mAh cell than the Milwaukee Clip Light’s 811mAh pack, which on paper gives Milwaukee the runtime edge — 5 hours versus roughly 3.5 hours at 100 lumens on a single charge. Olight’s answer is the included charging dock: the light drops in, locks magnetically, and a percentage dial shows charge state, effectively tripling usable runtime across a shift by making a top-off trivial instead of requiring a full cable swap. The dock doubled as a surprise USB-C power source for other gear in the video, including the Arkfeld Pro, which says something about how Olight is thinking about this as a small charging hub, not just a flashlight dock.

On raw lighting versatility, the Oclip 2 wins clearly: spot, flood, red, and UV modes in one small housing, controlled by a simple slide switch, versus Milwaukee’s single high-CRI TrueView LED. Milwaukee still has real advantages worth knowing about — its head pivots further (165 degrees versus 115), its higher CRI output renders color more accurately, and its light can shine back toward the clip in a way the Oclip 2 can’t quite match. But the Oclip 2’s rotating clip is the more genuinely useful trade-off for most carry situations, and the OAL (Olight Aluminum) unpainted finish on the Ultra version means scratches won’t reveal a different color underneath. If you’re deciding between a Milwaukee clip light and an Olight Oclip 2 for trade work, this comparison covers the tradeoffs better than either spec sheet does alone.

Closing Remarks

Watch the full Project Pine Hills breakdown above for the complete mode-by-mode walkthrough, the Milwaukee side-by-side, and the runtime and durability tests. Then use the gear list to jump straight to the Oclip 2 Ultra or check out the Mini, Pro, and Baton 4 for other Olight EDC options. Which clip light are you carrying — the new Oclip 2, or sticking with Milwaukee?

Sep 20
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30 MINI EDC Tools: Buy This, Skip That!

By Gadgets

Video Overview

Big thanks to Tools & Twisties! for putting together this deep dive into micro EDC tools. In this video, the host lines up more than 30 tiny, high-quality tools that punch way above their size—titanium utility knives, miniature ratchets, precision pliers, and pocket screwdrivers—and shows how they hold up against a bulky, do-it-all multitool. Rather than one tool that does everything poorly, the idea is a small kit of specialists that actually get the job done, whether you’re a mechanic, a tinkerer, or just someone who likes carrying quality gear. He splits picks into premium and budget-friendly alternatives so there’s something here at every price point.

Items & Gear List

Editor’s Insight

Another great watch from Tools & Twisties!, and this one lands on a topic every EDC fan eventually runs into: how small can a tool get before it stops being useful? The answer, according to this roundup, is “smaller than you’d think” — as long as you pick the right ones.

The two standouts are the Pichi titanium tools. The G9 utility knife isn’t cheap at $95, but the build quality justifies the “cool tool” label — a lever-actuated blade lock, magnetic blade retention, and a safety switch that prevents accidental opening. The X25 multitool goes even further, packing a ratcheting wrench (rated for M4 to M12 bolts), a pry bar, a saw, a bottle opener, a replaceable scalpel blade, and a quarter-inch hex bit receiver into one titanium body for $89. If you want a taste of that ratcheting-wrench trick without the price tag, the Oknife Otacle 2 pry bar covers the basics — pry, screwdriver, bottle opener — for around $30.

For anyone building a compact mechanic’s kit, the 711L ecosystem deserves attention. The pen driver, mini ratchet, and T-handle extension are designed to work together: the ratchet head detaches to serve as a T-handle, the extension adds reach, and everything accepts standard quarter-inch bits. It’s a genuinely modular little system, and the CROM version offers a slightly cheaper alternative with a nice foam carry case included.

On the pliers side, the comparison between Knipex and Workpro is worth paying attention to if you’re on a budget. Knipex’s Cobra XS and 125mm Pliers Wrench are the premium picks — German engineering, tight tolerances, smooth adjustment. Workpro’s mini water-pump pliers and pliers wrench aim at the same use cases for less money, and while they won’t match Knipex’s fit and finish, they’re a reasonable way to try the format before committing to the pricier originals.

Precision driving gets plenty of coverage too — the PB Swiss 6464 (Swiss-made, roughly $15-20 depending on color), the Felo stubby bit holder, and a stack of double-sided micro bits from Steinwhale and Vessel. The Vessel JIS bits are a nice callout for anyone working on Japanese motorcycles or cars, where standard Phillips bits tend to cam out. Add in a couple of EDC-friendly flashlights from Sofirn and Wuben, an OTF-style scalpel knife, and a Maxpedition pouch to hold it all, and you’ve got the makings of a genuinely useful pocket toolkit that takes up less space than a single bulky multitool.

The overall takeaway lines up with a common theme in EDC: specialized tools that are actually well made tend to beat a jack-of-all-trades multitool for real repair work. Whether you go titanium-premium or budget-alternative, there’s a build here for almost every price point.

Closing Remarks

That’s a wrap on this micro EDC tool roundup. Watch the full video above for hands-on demos of every tool, including the titanium multitool’s saw and ratcheting wrench in action. Let us know in the comments which pick you’d add to your own kit, and check back soon for more EDC gear breakdowns.

 

Sep 19
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We found the BEST EDC and Travel Tech at IFA 2026

By Gadgets, Video

Video Overview

Big thanks to Jon Gadget for walking the IFA floors in Berlin and hunting down fresh everyday carry and travel tech. In this day-one haul he covers key organizers with built-in tracking, ultra-thin phone grips, liquid-cooled MagSafe power, tiny ANC buds, cyberpunk wallets, heated gloves, misting fans, and lifetime-warranty cables. The video is clear, paced well, and full of stand demos you can actually use when you shop. Watch it, then use the gear list below to jump straight to each product.

Items & Gear List

Editor’s Insight

Jon Gadget and crew treat IFA like a focused EDC scavenger hunt, not a random booth crawl. That matters. Show floors are noisy and full of vaporware. This walk focuses on carry pieces you can buy, charge, and put in a bag. Another shoutout to Jon for keeping the demos honest and short so you can decide fast.

Start with Orbitkey. The original fold-out key bar already cleaned up noisy key rings. The new Key Organiser Tracker builds Find My and Google Find Hub into the organizer itself, so your keys show on a map without a dangling fob. If you already own a classic Orbitkey, they also make a separate tracker module that snaps on. A magnetic USB-C cable handles charging. That is the kind of small upgrade frequent travelers actually keep.

Next to it, Jamie flags a large Orbitkey tech pouch. Most tech pouches force you to split power banks, speakers, and cables across two bags. This one is built for bulkier bricks and long chargers in one place. If your current pouch overflows every trip, this is the stand stop that solves a real packing complaint.

PopSocket’s Low-Pro is the surprise phone accessory. At about 2.6 mm thin with strong neodymium magnets, it grips hard, folds into a stand, and still lets MagSafe wireless charging pass through. You do not peel it off every night. That removes the biggest daily friction with older grips.

UGREEN is the video sponsor, and the MagFlow lineup is the centerpiece for a reason. The MagFlow Pro magnetic power bank uses CryoPulse liquid cooling with a micro pump to keep phone temps lower during charge — Jon cites roughly 10°C cooler and up to 44% lower heat versus no cooling. It supports Qi2 wireless up to 25W, USB-C up to 45W out, and about 30W in, with high-density ATL “diamond cell” packs, an aluminum-and-glass body, a small status display, and a built-in USB-C cable that doubles as a carry handle. Pair it with the MagFlow foldable wireless charger: same Qi2 up to 25W class, phone-plus-buds layout when open, and a stand mode for bedside use. Construction matches the power bank — glass faces and metal frames. For commute and hotel charging kits, this pair is the cleanest story on the floor.

JLab’s JBuds Mini ANC look almost toy-small until you hear the feature list. Noise cancelling, Find My in the case, about 25 hours total play with the case, custom EQ and wind-noise tools in the app, and a target price near $40. Awards at the show help, but the real pitch is pocketable ANC that does not cost flagship money. Note the planned late-September 2026 launch window before you hit buy.

Aulumu leans hard into cyberpunk metal. The G03 multi-tool MagSafe wallet holds around 12 cards, adds an elastic grip strap, includes an AirTag holder, hides a kickstand, and even packs a bottle opener with RFID blockers in the set. The A39 geometric case for AirPods Pro 3 locks closed, charges wireless or wired without full removal, and adds a carry strap. Both are style-forward accessories with real function, not just shelf candy.

Glovii heated gloves cover ski-grade and lighter daily models. Heat wraps the fingers, three levels run from a long low setting (about six hours on low in the demo) down to a hotter short burst, and batteries recharge over USB. Pricing in the video sat near €159 for a lighter pair and a bit over €200 for a heavier ski set. Cold-weather cyclists and skiers who hate numb hands should put these on the short list.

Aecooly’s Cold Air Ultra is a portable fan that also mists water. Fan-only mode helps, but the mist is what drops skin temperature fast. A roughly 7,000 mAh pack doubles as a power bank, USB-C charges it, and water top-offs take seconds after about ten minutes of mist. Around $80 is fair if you travel hot cities or outdoor shows.

Rolling Square closes the tech loop with a “cables for life” kit: up to 240W capable cables, splitters, keyring USB-C, coiled car cable, adapters, pouch options, and a lifetime warranty. If you still carry three random cords that fail every year, one vetted kit is cheaper over time.

The “other items” layer — Kangol 507 flat cap and Ahlem frames — is pure personal style from Jon’s on-camera look. They are not core EDC tools, but they round out the travel kit aesthetic if that is your lane.

Tradeoffs to keep honest: MagFlow gear is still new silicon, so early stock and regional pricing will move. JBuds Mini ANC were not fully on shelves at filming. Heated gloves need battery discipline and sizing care. Misting fans need clean water and occasional refills. Boutique makers (Orbitkey, Aulumu, Rolling Square, Ahlem) sell best from their own stores when Amazon stock lags. Buy for the problem you already have — lost keys, hot phones, cold hands, messy cables — not every booth toy.

Closing Remarks

IFA day one already delivered a strong EDC and travel shortlist. Watch Jon Gadget’s full walk-through for the hands-on demos, heat tests, and booth context the still photos miss. Then grab the links above for the pieces that match your bag. Drop a comment with what you would actually pack, and check back when day two lands. Thanks for reading, and thanks again to Jon Gadget for the field report.

 

Sep 17
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Tudor’s Boldest Watch in 100 Years? – Tudor Monarch Review

By Gadgets, Video

Video Overview

Big thanks to HICONSUMPTION for a hands-on look at Tudor’s 100th-anniversary centerpiece: the new Tudor Monarch. This is not a quiet reissue. Tudor pulled an old 1990s name off the shelf and built a fresh 39 mm steel watch with a faceted case, a dark champagne California dial, and a METAS Master Chronometer movement. If you follow modern Tudor, this review is the clear place to start.

Items & Gear List

  • Tudor Monarch 39mm Dark Champagne (ref. M2639W1A0U-0001, ~$5,875) – View at Tudor
  • Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M 38mm – View at Omega (cross-shop from review)
  • Rolex Explorer 40 (ref. m224270-0001) – View at Rolex (cross-shop from review)
  • Tudor Black Bay 58 39mm Steel – View at Tudor (cross-shop from review)

Editor’s Insight

HICONSUMPTION earns a second shoutout for treating the Monarch as a real wear test, not a press-kit walkthrough. They spent weeks on the wrist and keep coming back to the same point: photos under-sell this watch. On paper, a barrel-shaped faceted case, a two-link prism bracelet, and a mixed-numeral dial sound busy. In person, the pieces lock together into one strong daily look.

Size is a big part of the pitch. The Monarch measures 39 mm across, 11.9 mm thick, and about 46.2 mm lug to lug — a tighter footprint than the Black Bay 58. On a 6.75-inch wrist it sits compact and planted. The height looks thicker on a spec sheet than it does on the arm, thanks to box sapphire crystals and strong side facets that taper the profile. Tudor kept a screw-down crown, 100 m of water resistance, and a signed crown with Monarch text instead of the usual rose or shield. That puts the watch in “elevated daily wearer” territory, not pure dress watch land.

The dark champagne dial is the star. Vertical brushing gives it a papyrus-like texture that shifts from coppery champagne to warmer bronze as the light changes. Tudor calls the layout error-proof style; most collectors just say California dial: Roman numerals from 10 to 2, Arabic from 4 to 8, batons at 3 and 9, and the Tudor shield at 12 as a nod to the old Monarch line. Black applied markers and a partly skeletonized snowflake handset add depth. There is no date window, which keeps the face clean. Daytime contrast is excellent. Nighttime is the trade-off — there is no lume anywhere, so a dark room leaves the dial hard to read.

Under the exhibition caseback sits manufacture caliber MT5662-2U, a Kenissi-built automatic making its debut here. You get 32 jewels, 4 Hz, hacking seconds, hand winding, and a 65-hour reserve. COSC plus METAS Master Chronometer certification means the full cased watch is tested for precision, power reserve, and 15,000 gauss magnetism. Finishing is the real story for Tudor fans: Côtes de Genève on the bridges, perlage on the main plate, and an open-worked rotor with 18-karat gold inlay. It is still not Rolex or Grand Seiko polish, but it is the best-looking movement Tudor currently ships, and it finally earns that display back.

The two-link faceted bracelet matches the case language. Brushed outer links span the full width while polished center links rise to a sharp peak. Semi-hooded end links hug the case, yet a standard 20 mm lug width still allows strap swaps. The T-fit clasp keeps tool-free micro-adjustment and a ceramic-bearing snap action that HICONSUMPTION has praised on other recent Tudors. At $5,875, the Monarch sits near the top of Tudor’s steel range and faces tough neighbors like the Omega Aqua Terra and the Black Bay 58 for less money. None of those watches look like this one. Boutique sell-through has been strong, so patience may be required if you want one on the wrist first.

Bottom line from the review: the Monarch is polarizing in photos and much more persuasive in hand. It suits someone who already owns a diver and a chrono and wants a steel piece with real shape and dial character for everything in between. Watch the full video for case light play, dial close-ups, and the final value call before you hunt an AD allocation.

Closing Remarks

Want the full wear test and the side-by-side value talk? Watch the HICONSUMPTION Tudor Monarch review above, then use the links to jump to each brand’s official product page. Tell us in the comments — is the Monarch a worthy 100th-anniversary piece, or would your $6,000 go to a Black Bay, an Aqua Terra, or something else entirely?

Sep 16
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My Ethical Hacker EDC: Every Gadget I Actually Carry

By Gadgets, Video

Video Overview

Big thanks to Talking Sasquach for opening up his real ethical-hacker everyday carry — not a shelf of cool toys, but the gadgets he actually uses day after day. Flipper Zero with an AWOK Dual C5 board, ESP32 Marauder, nyanBOX, Rayhunter on an Orbic hotspot, M5Stack tools, SDR radios, lockpicks, and a few classic pocket staples all get real airtime. If you care about defensive security gear you can explain and carry, this rundown is a strong starting point.

Items & Gear List

Editor’s Insight

Talking Sasquach earns a second shoutout for framing this as a daily kit, not a flex pile. He keeps repeating the same rule: only test gear you own, in a closed lab, with clear permission. That tone matters for Everyday Carry Blog readers. A lot of this hardware can look scary out of context. Used the right way, it is about spotting rogue trackers, bad card readers, and odd RF — not causing trouble.

The Flipper Zero still anchors the bag. Sasquach treats it as a multi-tool: IR, NFC, sub-GHz, USB host, and GPIO add-ons. The board he is most excited about is the AWOK Dynamics Dual C5 Touch. Snap it on and the Flipper gains ESP32-C5 power for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth testing, with GPS on board. That combo is the “Swiss Army knife” moment in the video — one pocket device that covers a lot of short-range wireless work without a laptop.

Standalone wireless tools get equal time. The ESP32 Marauder v8 from JustCallMeKoko is his go-to for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth surveys, card-skimmer detection, and wardriving when paired with GPS and MagSafe mounts. nyanBOX sits in the same detection lane: BLE, Flipper scans, Axon gear, Meshtastic/MeshCore, and more, built by community makers with a simple menu UI. Rayhunter is the cellular side of the same story — EFF open-source firmware on a cheap Orbic RC400L hotspot that watches for cell-site simulator behavior. None of these replace each other; they cover different layers of the air around you.

M5Stack and radio gear fill the maker and RF half of the kit. The Cardputer Adv runs Porkchop firmware for a tiny keyboarded computer you can flash and carry. The M5StickS3 is the modular stick form for smaller “Evil” educational projects. RTL-SDR is the cheap receive-only entry into software-defined radio. The HackRF with PortaPack H4 is the bigger portable SDR stack when he wants wider coverage and a screen on the device. The Quansheng UV-K5 rounds out handheld radio with a hackable, firmware-friendly dual-band radio that stays useful after the custom firmware community gets involved.

Hardware work needs real tools, which is why Fanttik sponsors the middle of the video. The E2 Ultra electric screwdriver (50 bits, multiple torque settings, bag-safe lockout) and the T1 Max wireless soldering iron (fast heat, tip storage, rotating stand) are the practical pair for case swaps, antenna installs, and board fixes. On the non-radio EDC side, he keeps it simple: Nothing Phone 3 as the daily phone, a CIVIVI Elementum button-lock for quick open/close pocket knife work, JimyLongs picks for locksport practice on locks he owns (he demos an Abus 72/40), and a decade-old Zebra F-701 as the metal pen that just works.

What makes this list useful is the split between community-direct gear and mass-market staples. Flipper, AWOK, Marauder, nyanBOX, M5Stack, JimyLongs, and Great Scott Gadgets are best bought from the makers. Fanttik tools, RTL-SDR, UV-K5, Nothing Phone, CIVIVI, Zebra, and the Orbic hotspot are easy Amazon picks. Watch with that filter, stay inside legal and ethical bounds, and the kit stops looking like a random gadget dump and starts looking like a real defensive EDC.

Closing Remarks

Want the full walkthrough and the lab demos? Watch the Talking Sasquach video above, then use the gear list to jump to each product page. Tell us in the comments which piece you would add first — Flipper + C5, Marauder, nyanBOX, or the Rayhunter hotspot build — and what already lives in your own tech EDC.

 

Sep 13
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Travel Gear I Actually Use

By Bags, Gadgets, Video

Video Overview

Big thanks to Jon Gadget for another real-world travel gear rundown — this time filmed on a family trip to Mauritius. Instead of a packing-list fantasy, he walks through gear that actually rode in the cabin, sat by the pool, and survived long-haul economy sleep. Backpacks, hats, a packable sling, a travel shaver, and a few clever comfort tools make the cut. If you want tested travel EDC rather than shelf queens, start here.

Items & Gear List

Editor’s Insight

Jon Gadget earns a second shoutout for keeping this list honest. He is not chasing one-bag purity for its own sake. He is sorting what worked on a sunny island trip with family luggage, overnight flights, beach days, and resort walks. That framing helps everyday carry readers, because travel kits fail in the middle — when pockets are full, the sun is high, and the plane seat will not recline.

The bag lane is the backbone. The Aer City Pack 2 is the cabin bag: 16 liters, Cordura shell, YKK zippers, a hidden tracker pocket for an AirTag, and a suspended 16-inch laptop sleeve. It is tight on purpose. Jon used the front pocket for snacks, the zip pocket for passport and wallet, and the bottle pocket on one side. At about $150 it sits in the sweet spot for people who want real materials without jumping into a 30-liter travel pack.

Bellroy shows up twice for good reason. The 3L hanging toiletry kit is the luggage version of a wash bag — water-resistant nylon, wipe-clean interior, metal hook, shelf pouch, and a soft body that compresses in a suitcase. The Lite Daypack is the fold-flat day bag: about 350 grams, 20 liters, Aquaguard top zip, padded straps, sternum strap, and a front zip pocket with a key leash. It is not an ultralight tissue bag and not a stiff everyday pack. That middle ground is why it earned so much Mauritius walking time.

Hats cover three jobs. The Borges and Scott Panama is the looker — Ecuador-made toquilla straw, light, dressy, and not a fan of salt water. The Tilley T5 Adventure is the hard-use hat: vents, fold-flat packing, crown pocket, chin and rear straps, DWR finish, and a hydrofil sweatband. The Graphene-X XCAP is the emergency packable baseball cap — 35 grams, Fidlock buckle, water and UV resistance, reflective detail, and a $99 price that only makes sense if gram-counting is the hobby.

Small carry pieces punch above their size. The PAKT 4L packable sling is a pocket reliever for swim shorts days: double zip main, magnetic back pocket, mesh zip pouch with key leash, seat-belt strap, and a pack-into-itself finish. CuloClean remains Jon’s always-pack bidet tip — bottle-top adapters under ten dollars, a softer brand bottle option, and a new compact tip that saves only a few grams but still works. On the flight side, the FLOWZOOM Air pillow uses an H-shape with a flat back so your head can sit closer to the seat instead of being pushed forward by a classic U-shape. Jon got several hours of real sleep on the 12-hour UK-to-Mauritius hop with it.

Personal care and beach kit round it out. The Philips Norelco 500 Series compact travel shaver is USB-charged, magnet-capped, and case-protected so it will not turn on in a bag. One hour of charge covers about a week, and a five-minute top-up covers one shave. Feathershade is the anti-umbrella beach shade: under 600 grams, sectional poles, light canopy, and a carry bag that fits luggage better than a round patio umbrella. Ahlem sits in the “other items” lane for blue-tinted sun glasses if you want the fashion side of the same trip kit.

What this video does well for Everyday Carry Blog readers is the split between proven travel tools and nice-to-have specialty pieces. Aer + Bellroy + Tilley + CuloClean + a compact shaver can live in a real rotation. Graphene-X, Panama hats, and a German beach shade are optional upgrades once the basics already work. Watch with that filter and the packing list gets cleaner fast.

Closing Remarks

Want the full Mauritius context and the on-bag walkthroughs? Watch the Jon Gadget video above, then use the gear list to jump straight to the pieces you need. Tell us in the comments which item you would pack first — the Aer City Pack 2, the FLOWZOOM pillow, or the CuloClean — and what still fails on your own long-haul trips.

 

Sep 13
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Travel Gear I Actually Use

By Bags, Gadgets, Video

Video Overview

Big thanks to Jon Gadget for another honest travel-gear roundup. Fresh off a family trip to Mauritius, Jonathan walks through ten pieces he actually used on the road — packs, sun hats, a day sling, a flight pillow, a compact shaver, and a few hygiene and comfort picks that earned their place in the bag. No shelf queens here: each item gets real wear notes and a clear yes or no. Watch the full video above, then grab the product links below.

Items & Gear List

Editor’s Insight

Jon Gadget keeps the bar high on travel and EDC reviews: buy or try it himself, put it through a real trip, then tell you what stuck. Thanks again to Jonathan for logging the Mauritius family holiday in detail so the rest of us can skip the weak picks. That field-test approach is why this channel stays on our watch list.

The bag story leads the video for a reason. The Aer City Pack 2 is the daily carry that still works when the trip turns multi-day — solid organization, a laptop sleeve, and enough structure that it does not collapse when half empty. Pairing it with the Bellroy Lite Daypack for lighter days is a smart two-bag setup: one pack for the flight and hotel base, one packable or lite day bag for beaches, markets, and short walks. The PAKT 4L packable sling fills the last gap when you only need phone, wallet, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Together those three cover most family-holiday carry without stacking three full backpacks.

Sun gear gets real airtime too. The Borges and Scott panama is the dressier, breathable straw option for hot streets and resort dinners. The Tilley T5 Adventure Hat is the tougher, packable, UPF-rated workhorse when you need sweat control and a guaranteed lifetime build. Graphene-X’s XCAP sits in the tech-cap lane — light fabric and modern materials for people who want a low-profile lid that still blocks sun. Pick based on how dressy your days are; Jon shows enough wear to make that call without guessing.

Hotel and flight comfort are where small items punch above their weight. The Bellroy hanging toiletry kit keeps wet and dry goods off the sink and off the floor of a shared bathroom. CuloClean’s bottle-top bidet is the classic ultralight hygiene fix for travel toilets and campsites — screw it onto a plastic bottle and you are done. FLOWZOOM’s AIR inflatable pillow packs tiny, inflates in a few breaths, and uses an H-shape with a flat back so your head is not shoved forward by the seat. The Philips 500 Series compact shaver (S595/05) is the wet/dry travel shaver with a case and lock for bags that bounce through security. Feathershade closes the list as a specialty shade/comfort pick Jon linked straight from the brand.

What stands out is the mix of premium bags and cheap problem-solvers. You do not need every item. If you already own a solid city pack, skip the Aer and look at the daypack or sling. If your flights are short, skip the pillow. If you travel light and hate bulk, the CuloClean and hanging kit still earn their few grams. Jon’s honest framing — “I actually used this on holiday” — is the filter. Use his Mauritius notes as a shortlist, then buy only the gaps in your own kit.

One caveat on shopping: several of these brands sell mainly through their own sites (Aer, Bellroy, Borges and Scott, Graphene-X, PAKT, FLOWZOOM, Feathershade, Philips). We point those links at clean manufacturer pages. Tilley and CuloClean have clear Amazon listings, so those go direct with our tag. Always check size, color, and model before you click buy — hats and packs vary a lot by fit.

Closing Remarks

If you are packing for a warm-weather family trip or a long-haul flight, start with Jon’s video and the gear list above. Every link goes to a product page or a verified Amazon listing so you can compare price and stock in one pass. Watch the full Jon Gadget review for packing tips, wear notes, and the final verdict on each piece. Like and subscribe on his channel if you want more real-world travel and EDC tests — and tell him which item you would throw in your bag first.

Sep 12
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I bought every GADGET from my childhood… I only regret 1

By Gadgets, Video

Video Overview

Big thanks to EXCESSORIZE ME. for another loud, honest haul — this time buying back childhood gadgets with adult money. The video is pure pocket-hoarder energy: 1990s toys, MagSafe patches, metal fidgets, a $200 micro umbrella, and one collab bag that should not have been $400. If you grew up in the 90s or 2000s and still chase the pieces you could not afford then, this one will feel familiar. Grab coffee. The regret count is lower than you think.

Items & Gear List

Editor’s Insight

EXCESSORIZE ME. gets a second shoutout for keeping this haul honest. A lot of creator shopping videos only show free PR. Here the point is the opposite: paid-for nostalgia, secondary-market pain, and a clear list of what still sparks joy versus what sits on a shelf. That framing matters for everyday carry readers, because half of these pieces are pocket toys and the other half are pure collection flexes.

The EDC-relevant cluster is easy to spot. The Gungeon MagPatch turns your phone into a patch board without forcing a full Velcro bag. HIGHSTAXX card-style patches pair well with it if you like Pokemon-adjacent flair. On the metal side, the Lautie x Hatedust Armored Boar is a classic titanium bottle-opener form with a removable helmet — heavy, magnetic, and more desk sculpture than trail tool. The Walsh Metal Works Clicktendo is the crowd magnet: Game Boy layout, loud clicks, optional screen inserts, and a price that puts it firmly in boutique fidget territory. The Black Mirror hotdog slider is sold out and limited, which is exactly why it shows up in videos like this.

Then there is the one regret candidate most viewers will clock: the Senz Micro umbrella at about $200. The asymmetric canopy is real, and it packs smaller than a classic compact. Whether that geometry is worth two hundred dollars depends on how often you walk in sideways rain with a bag on your back. The Innerraum x NOCTA modular sling is the other high-ticket swing — football padding, detachable second pouch, secret strap pockets, and Nike branding that drives demand more than pure utility. Cool, comfortable, and not a workhorse office bag.

The childhood lane is messier by design. 1996 Bandai finger puppets, complete-in-box Rockman X Poke units, Heroclix tokens, Small Soldiers diecast, and a Japanese Bomberman B-Daman board game are hunt items. Expect eBay, local game shops, and long shipping waits. The mini RC construction set is the opposite: cheap, solid plastic, and an easy gift pick if you want something that still plays. The Youtooz Take My Money Fry figure is the on-brand shelf piece for this channel — meme energy with better detail than a basic Pop.

Shoes and sponsor notes sit outside classic EDC, but they still fit the adult-money theme. The Tom Sachs General Purpose shoe is a sold-out NikeCraft collab people chase on secondary markets for the outdoor grip and dual pull tabs. MANSCAPED’s Lawn Mower Ultra Gen 6 is the bill-paying sponsor segment: dual heads, long runtime, waterproof body, and an upgraded battery display. Useful if you want the latest generation rather than older Amazon listings for Gen 5 hardware.

What this video does well for Everyday Carry Blog readers is the split between carry tools and memory objects. MagSafe patch plates, metal clickers, and a true micro umbrella can live in a daily rotation. PSA-grade nostalgia, Rolex service pouches, and exclusive collab bags are weekend flexes. Watch with that filter on and the cart gets a lot smarter — even when the host admits the shopping addiction is the feature, not the bug.

Closing Remarks

Want the full context on which childhood buy actually hurt? Watch the EXCESSORIZE ME. video above, then use the gear list to jump straight to the pieces you care about. Tell us in the comments which item you would buy first — the MagPatch, the Clicktendo, or the Senz umbrella — and whether adult money makes nostalgia better or just more expensive.

 

Sep 10
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Best Everyday Dive Watch? – Seiko SRPE93 Turtle Review

By Fashion, Gadgets, Video

Video Overview

Big thanks to the HICONSUMPTION team for putting the Seiko Prospex Turtle SRPE93 back on the bench. Their hands-on review asks a simple question: is this still the best everyday automatic dive watch under about $500 nearly a decade into the modern Turtle revival? The video covers first impressions, the cushion case, the dial, the in-house 4R36 movement, the strap, and a clear final call. Watch the full review, then use the gear link below if the Turtle belongs on your wrist.

Items & Gear List

Editor’s Insight

HICONSUMPTION earns another shoutout for treating a classic tool watch like a real daily driver, not a shelf piece. The modern Turtle line traces back to the cushion-cased 6309 divers Seiko put on wrists in the late 1970s. That shape still reads bold and friendly on the arm, and the SRPE93 keeps the DNA that made the name stick: certified 200-meter dive specs, a solid automatic movement, and LumiBrite that actually works in the dark.

On first wear, the Turtle feels like a sports watch that still works with jeans and a tee. The cushion case sits wider than a slim dress piece, but the curves keep it from feeling boxy. HICONSUMPTION walks the case geometry, crown guards, and bezel action so you know what you are buying before the box arrives. For many people, this is the sweet spot between a thin dress watch and a full professional dive tool.

The dial is where the Turtle wins fans. Clean markers, strong hands, and that famous LumiBrite glow make quick time checks easy at night or underwater. You do not need a dive computer to enjoy a legible tool dial — you just need something that stays readable when the lights drop. The team spends real time on legibility and finishing so the hype matches what you see on the wrist.

Inside, the SRPE93 runs Seiko’s in-house 4R36 automatic. You get hacking seconds and hand-winding, which matter if you care about setting the watch precisely or parking it for a few days. It is not a COSC chronometer, and nobody serious about this price band pretends it is. What you get is a proven workhorse movement that Seiko has shipped in huge numbers, with service paths that are easy to find later.

The strap and overall package close the everyday case. A good rubber or bracelet setup turns the Turtle into a shower-to-weekend watch without babying it. At roughly $525 on the creator’s listing, it still lands in the “serious tool watch, not luxury flex” lane. Compare case size to your current daily, check the bezel feel in person if you can, and decide whether the cushion silhouette is your style. If you want one automatic dive watch that can take abuse and still look intentional, the SRPE93 remains a short list contender — and HICONSUMPTION’s review shows why.

Closing Remarks

If you are hunting one automatic dive watch for real daily wear, start with this Seiko Turtle review. HICONSUMPTION covers the case, dial, movement, and strap with clear wrist context so you can decide fast. Watch the full video above, then grab the SRPE93 through the Amazon link in the gear list. Would the Turtle earn the most wrist time in your rotation?

 

I Bought Every Gadget From Japan… These Are The 10 I Don’t RegretGadgetsVideo
September 20, 2026

I Bought Every Gadget From Japan… These Are The 10 I Don’t Regret

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EDC Blog
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FINALLY! The Olight Oclip 2 Is Here (Is It Better Than Milwaukee?)Gadgets
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FINALLY! The Olight Oclip 2 Is Here (Is It Better Than Milwaukee?)

Video Overview Big thanks to Project Pine Hills for going hands-on with Olight's newest release, the Oclip 2 Ultra, and putting it head-to-head against the Milwaukee Clip Light. In FINALLY!…
EDC Blog
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30 MINI EDC Tools: Buy This, Skip That!Gadgets
September 20, 2026

30 MINI EDC Tools: Buy This, Skip That!

Video Overview Big thanks to Tools & Twisties! for putting together this deep dive into micro EDC tools. In this video, the host lines up more than 30 tiny, high-quality…
EDC Blog
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We found the BEST EDC and Travel Tech at IFA 2026GadgetsVideo
September 19, 2026

We found the BEST EDC and Travel Tech at IFA 2026

Video Overview Big thanks to Jon Gadget for walking the IFA floors in Berlin and hunting down fresh everyday carry and travel tech. In this day-one haul he covers key…
EDC Blog
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