Minimal Everyday Carry (EDC): What I Carry On a Daily Basis

Do you carry too much or too little? If you’re curious about what to keep in your everyday carry (EDC), this post is for you.

If you’re not familiar with the concept of everyday carry (or EDC), it’s a pretty simple concept.

Your EDC is what you carry with you, well, every day when you leave your house.

Whether you’re going to work, school, out with friends, on a date, or just running errands, you take a specific set of stuff with you.

Most men are very particular and intentional about what they carry because, unlike women who carry purses, we only have so much space to keep our things (in our pockets).

EDC is also a hobby. Some guys collect EDC items—sometimes called “pocket jewelry”—like multitools, flashlights, knives or other small weapons.

It’s not that they carry all of this stuff with them every time they go somewhere – it’s more of a hobby or passion.

For me, I try to be as minimalist as possible. What do I really need?

I don’t like the feeling of having too much stuff in my pockets, especially since I like wearing slim-fit pants.

That’s why I try to limit myself to the bear essentials, which is what I’m going to show you today.

If you prefer reading, read on!

#1: Phone (iPhone 7)

Since I use my phone for work, I usually upgrade to the latest model. I never opt for the larger version, which in this case is the iPhone 7 Plus.

In my opinion, it’s overkill, and the 7 is already a little too big for my hands.

I’ve never liked using phone cases, and believe it or not, I’ve never broken a phone or cracked a screen.

So much effort and thought went into the design of this phone, and to me, a case sort of ruins the form and aesthetic. It also adds bulk—extra thickness and weight. And the really thin cases don’t offer any protection.

I keep my phone in my right pocket pretty much all the time.

#2: Wallet (Anson Calder 1/8”)

I’m a firm believer in minimalist wallets, and this is the best one I’ve found so far. I’ve been using it for a couple of years, and it’s aging beautifully.

This wallet has the smallest footprint of any I’ve carried—other than money clips or card holders, which don’t offer the same functionality.

I keep my driver’s license, metro card, personal debit card and business credit card in this wallet, along with two bills (usually two twenties).

My only complaint about this wallet is that once you stretch it to hold a certain number of cards or bills, anything less than that will fall out.

So, since I started keeping two cards in this front slot, one card will just slide out.

The same goes for the cash. I can keep one bill or even three bills, but two is the sweet spot, and I don’t want to stretch it out anymore.

Just something to know if you buy one of these brand new.

Recommended Article: Why You Need a Slim Wallet, and Which One to Buy

That said, I still think this is one of the best minimal wallets out there right now.

#3: Keys

I’ve looked at various key organizers, but right now, I just keep my essential keys (the ones I actually use every day) on a small key ring, in order by size:

Car, house, office, shed.

This is small enough to keep in my front or back pocket, although it does get a little “pokey” sometimes. I’ve thought about getting a leather key holder, so if you have any suggestions, let me know!

#4: Sunglasses (Warby Parker Beckett)

I wear sunglasses during the day pretty much all year round. Once your eyes get used to shades, you can’t really go without them. Plus, I love the way they look.

I have two pairs of prescription sunglasses, both from Warby Parker.

Most days, I’m wearing the Becketts (the old version, before they were slightly redesigned in 2016). These are my beater sunglasses. They’ve got plenty of wear and tear, so I don’t have to baby them anymore.

Guide: How to Choose the Best Sunglasses for Your Face

As a guy who used to not wear sunglasses and then only buy cheap ones, I’ve developed a serious fondness for these shades.

When I’m not wearing these (like when I go inside), I keep them in a spare pocket (like my chest pocket) or hang them from my placket.

#5: Watch (Hamilton Khaki Officer Mechanical, black)

This Hamilton hand wind has become my new go-to everyday watch. It’s casual, easy to read and relatively affordable for a Swiss-made mechanical.

It’s not automatic, so it has to be hand-wound each day, but I think that’s part of the charm. It has clear, easy-to-read markings and a simple date complication.

For Automatic Watches: Top 25 Small Automatic Watches (Under 38mm)

I believe in function over form, but with this watch, I think you’re getting both.

#6: Breath Mints (Altoids Minis, wintergreen)

I either carry these little mints in my pocket or keep a tin in my gym bag, laptop bag or desk drawer.

I like knowing that my breath is nice and fresh, but I don’t really like chewing gum, and the big Altoids are a little overkill.

These minis are perfect. Plus, they’re cheap and portable. You could easily carry these to your everyday carry without even noticing the extra bulk.

Plus, who doesn’t love a breath mint? So it’s always nice to be able to offer one to a group after dinner or to your neighbor on an airplane before takeoff.

#7: Tissue

Lastly, I always carry a single clean tissue, folded into a square, in my back right pocket.

I find that a clean tissue comes in handy more often than you’d expect, and it’s always nice to come to the rescue when someone else desperately needs one.

Sure, you could carry a handkerchief, but let’s be honest, it’s kind of gross to use a hanky and put it back in your pocket.

If you use your tissues, you can simply throw them away and replace them the next time you come across a tissue box.

And that’s it! That’s my standard everyday carry. Of course, it varies slightly depending on the occasion, and I change my watch and sunglasses out regularly, but it basically stays the same throughout the week.

I’d love to hear from you: what do you keep in your pockets when you leave the house? Let me know in the comments section!