15 Backpack EDC Essentials for Working Anywhere

Your backpack says a lot about how you move through the world. Pack it with junk you never use, and you’re just carrying weight. Fill it with the right gear, and you’ve got a mobile command center that handles whatever the day throws at you.

We’re honing in on everyday essentials for working remotely from wherever you land. Coffee shops, co-working spaces, libraries, your friend’s couch. Stylish gear that makes you functional when your office is wherever you set your bag down.

As always, this isn’t a prescribed kit, but rather some of our favorite EDC gear — covering both new releases and tried-and-true staples. 

So without further ado, let’s get into some of our the best backpack EDC essentials on the market right now.

Leatherman Wave Alpha

Anytime anyone asks us for a “just get this” multi-tool pick, the Leatherman Wave is oftentimes our go-to answer. It’s just that good for most EDC scenarios.

And just when we thought the Wave couldn’t get any better, this week’s sponsor took three decades of user feedback, and debuted the new and improved Wave Alpha.

The headline change here is Leatherman doubling down on the Magnacut steel trend, applying the supersteel to the 2.89-inch reverse tanto blade. Of course anyone familiar with Leatherman knows the brand is already using CPM Magnacut in their flagship Arc, thanks to its superior edge retention and corrosion resistance while still staying relatively easy to sharpen. 

The blade has also been updated with a thumb stud for one-handed deployment, which is welcomed news for anyone who’s fumbled with fingernail slots, especially when wearing gloves.

The second major improvement is those scissors. Leatherman fit the largest cutting surface they’ve ever put on a pliers-based multi-tool here, with full spring-action that handles fabric, packaging, and cable ties without compromise. The reality is that for most users, scissors see more action than serrated edges, so this swap definitely makes sense here.

The G10 handle scales feature topo-inspired machining that provides solid grip improvement across the board, and the handles taper front-to-back and side-to-side, creating natural contours that reduce hand fatigue when you’re torquing on something stubborn. 

At 4.04″ closed and weighing just 8.26oz, it’s the perfect compact multi-tool to keep in your EDC pack, and it’s still equipped with 16 total tools. 

Like many other Leatherman products, each Wave Alpha is manufactured in the USA with a 25-year warranty and includes free lifetime blade sharpening.

Root Co. Mag-Reel SQR

Japan’s Root Co. builds some of the most functional gear tethers in the EDC space, and the Mag-Reel SQR is one of our personal favorites. Unlike their original carabiner-based Mag-Reel 360, the SQR uses a slotted loop that slides directly onto webbing up to 20mm wide — backpack straps, belt loops, MOLLE panels — without needing a separate attachment point.

The retractable cord extends to 33.5″ and handles gear up to 0.6lbs in regular use, though the magnetic joint can technically support a little over 6 pounces when static. As you may have guessed, that built-in magnet is the key feature here — it rotates 360 degrees and auto-locks your gear back to the base when you’re done using it. Extend the reel to grab your keys or phone, release it, and the magnetic connection snaps everything back into place without any manual intervention.

Construction is both ABS and polycarbonate with a PE cord, aluminum and brass hardware, and knurled detailing throughout for extra grip. The square body measures 3.6″ × 1.6″ × 0.5″ and weighs 1.4oz. Root Co. also includes spare screws, a hex wrench, and an extra nylon belt for alternate mounting configurations.

Aer Slim Pouch 2 Ultra

If you work remote or bounce between coffee shops and coworking spaces, you know the drill — cables tangled at the bottom of your bag, chargers mixed in with pens, and adapters you can’t find when you actually need them. And while there are plenty of brands offering solutions to these problems, Aer’s Slim Pouch 2 still remains one of our favorites. And, considering our proclivity for overengineered gear, we naturally opted for the Ultra version- which takes the concept further with Challenge Sailcloth’s Ultra400X fabric.

For those unfamiliar, this is the same material used in high-performance sailing applications — lightweight, weather-resistant, and tough enough to handle daily abuse without adding bulk to mix. The pouch also stands upright on your desk when packed evenly (a great feature for any pack, small or large), and YKK waterproof zippers keep moisture out if you get caught in the rain between meetings.

The Ultra series carries Aer’s signature hi-vis green liner on the front pocket — a design choice that’s equal parts functional and aesthetic. That bright contrast makes it easier to spot what you’ve stashed in there, and obviously, it looks great as well. Aer also carried that hi-vis green accent into the main compartment’s zippered pocket too, so you’re not hunting for SD cards or adapters in a sea of black fabric.

Inside, you’re looking at 1.5 liters of capacity with bluesign-approved ripstop nylon lining. There are slip pockets for chargers and cables, that zippered compartment for smaller items, and enough open space for a battery bank or small notebook. 

As with most Aer products, the layout just makes sense — everything has a place without drowning you in unnecessary organization. At 9″ × 5″ × 2″ and 5.3oz, it fits into most daily bags without eating up space.

Olight ArkPro Flashlight

When it comes to pocket torches, it’s hard to beat Olight. The brand has been making some of the best EDC flashlights for nearly 20 years, and they do a great job at listening to customer feedback for iterative products. Case in point, the Olight ArkPro Flashlight.

While the brand’s magnetic charging system works well, it meant carrying yet another proprietary cable. The ArkPro series changes that — USB-C charging is now standard alongside the magnetic option, so you can use the same cable that charges your phone, laptop, and everything else in your bag.

Beyond that charging upgrade, the ArkPro delivers 1,500 lumens in a flat wedge design measuring 4.88″ long and weighing just 4oz, meaning it actually makes sense for pocket carry. The deep-carry stainless steel clip keeps it secure, and the flat profile means you’ve still got room for other items like your phone in the same pocket.

The rotary dial selector is super intuitive (and convenient) to operate. Twist it to choose between spotlight, floodlight, or UV modes — no cycling through click sequences in the dark. The spotlight throws a focused beam out to 205 meters, useful for checking something across a parking lot or scanning a trailhead at night. Floodlight gives you smooth, wide coverage for close-range work like setting up camp or finding something under your car. The UV light handles document verification or tracking down pet stains, though it will definitely see less daily use than the white modes.

There’s also a green laser pointer controlled by a side button, which can run simultaneously with any light mode. The 2,000mAh lithium-ion battery is sealed inside with a battery indicator around the dial showing remaining charge. 

The ArkPro is made from aluminum alloy with textured edges for grip, and is also IPX7 waterproof 9″ × 5″ × 2″ meaning it can handle rain and brief submersion.

The James Brand Kent Pen

Portland’s The James Brand built their reputation on minimalist EDC gear (pens included), but the Kent is the brand’s first bolt-action pen. Bolt action pens have skyrocketed in popularity over the years, using the mechanism borrowed directly from 19th-century bolt-action rifles. It’s simple, durable, and built around the most straightforward system possible. And unsurprisingly, that same logic translates well to pens. 

The bolt itself is where they spent their development time. The shape of the slot determines how the action feels — how much force you need to push it down, how easily it locks, and how easily it unlocks. The brand tested dozens of variations to balance function with fidget factor, and the result is a crisp, mechanical action that’s really satisfying to use. It’s the kind of thing you’ll find yourself clicking just because.

Construction is 303 stainless steel with a slimmer diameter and slightly shorter length than most machined pens, which actually works great for everyday carry. At 5.3″ long and 1.3oz, you can comfortably carry in your pocket. The metal-injection-molded clip keeps it secure, and there’s a milled dot pattern near the tip for grip. 

The Kent also uses the popular Parker-style G2 refills, which means you’re not hunting down proprietary cartridges when the ink runs out. 

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd-Gen

If you’re bouncing between coffee shops, coworking spaces, or just trying to focus in a noisy house, a good pair of headphones have become non-negotiable. Bose has been refining noise canceling since 2000, and the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra headphones add the features that actually matter for daily remote work. 

The biggest update here is USB-C lossless audio support at 16-bit/44.1kHz or 48kHz, which means you can plug directly into your laptop for higher-quality audio during video calls or when you need zero latency for editing work.

Battery life sits at 30 hours with ANC enabled, which translates to multiple workdays before you need to charge. The standby mode now works like you’d expect — fold them up or lay them flat and they enter low-power mode. Put them back on and they wake up instantly, connecting to your last device without any button presses. A feature we found super helpful hopping to different spots throughout the work day.

The noise canceling uses 10 microphones to suppress ambient coffee shop chatter, espresso machines, and that one person who’ll inevitably be on a speakerphone call. The transparency mode (Aware mode) lets you hear your surroundings when you need to order another coffee or have a quick conversation without taking the headphones off. Bose also added Cinema Mode for video content, which widens the soundstage and places dialogue front and center, useful for watching training videos or reviewing edits.

Ear cups use protein leather cushioning that stays comfortable during long sessions, and the headband distributes weight evenly so you’re not dealing with pressure points after a few hours. The polished metal yokes are a nice touch over the previous matte finish, but as we’ve mentioned in previous videos, they do show fingerprints more easily.

Anker Prime 26k Power Bank

Working remote means your laptop dies at the worst possible times — middle of a client call, right before a deadline, or when you’ve finally found a good coffee shop table and don’t want to give it up to hunt for an outlet. The Anker Prime 26K power bank solves that problem with 26,250mAh of capacity and 300W total output across three ports. For context, that’s enough to fast-charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro to 50% in 30 minutes, or fully charge a 14-inch MacBook Pro with juice left over.

Two USB-C ports each deliver up to 140W using Power Delivery 3.1, so you can charge your laptop and tablet simultaneously without fighting over a single port. The third port is USB-A at 22.5W, which handles your phone or AirPods while the bigger gear is charging. Anker’s PowerIQ 4.0 technology monitors which devices need more power and adjusts distribution automatically, so you’re not manually calculating wattage splits.

The front display shows real-time battery percentage, input and output wattage for each port, and charging status. There’s also Bluetooth connectivity that pairs with Anker’s app, giving you granular control over charging modes, battery temperature monitoring, and even cable quality detection. It’ll tell you if you’re using a subpar cable that’s limiting charge speed. ActiveShield 4.0 also monitors temperature 120 times per second to prevent overheating.

At 6.3″ x 2.5″ x 1.5″ and 1.32 lbs, it’s absolutely not pocket-sized by any means but fits easily in a backpack without taking up much room. The 99.75Wh capacity also keeps it under airline carry-on limits if you happen to be traveling, and passthrough charging lets you charge the power bank and your devices simultaneously using both USB-C ports for 250W max input, so you can top everything off during a lunch break. 

G-SHOCK GW5000HS-1

Ok, so technically this is not something that goes in your backpack, but you’re wearing it every day anyway, and if there’s one watch that can handle constant desk work, spontaneous outdoor excursions, and everything in between without asking anything of you, it’s a G-SHOCK. And while we could include plenty of G-SHOCK’s here, we honed in on the GW5000HS-1, a newer addition to Casio’s iconic square lineup.

Multi-Band 6 atomic timekeeping syncs automatically up to six times a day with radio signals from transmitters across the U.S., U.K., Germany, Japan, and China. You never have to set it, and it’s always accurate to the second. Tough Solar power means any light source keeps it running — Casio claims 10 months of operation on a full charge even without additional exposure, and 22 months in power-save mode. You’re literally never buying batteries for this thing.

The metal case and screw-lock caseback mirror the original DW-5000C design from 1983, but Casio upgraded the durability with diamond-like carbon coating for scratch resistance and added a mirror-polished finish to the caseback. The bezel and band use bio-based resin that’s softer than standard G-SHOCK material but still holds up to daily wear. 

And this specific model is still made at Yamagata Casio in Japan, the same factory where the first G-SHOCK was produced.

The inverted display with brick pattern dial pays homage to that 1983 original, though it’s worth noting that negative displays can be tougher to read in low light, although we didn’t find it to be that big of a deal in daily use. In bright conditions or direct sunlight, however, it’s crisp and clear, and the full auto LED backlight kicks in when you need it. 

Functions cover world time across 31 time zones, 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, and five daily alarms. Plus, 200m of water resistance means you’re not babying it around sinks or rain.

Stanley Wellspring Bottle 30oz

Staying hydrated sounds simple until you’re lugging around a water bottle that either leaks in your bag, spills when it tips over, or requires two hands to open. And while their popularity has spiked in the TikTok era, Stanley’s been making rugged drinkware for well over 100 years. And speaking of TikTok, the Wellspring Bottle is their answer to the immensely popular Owala flooding the social platform.

The push-button lid solves the main problem with Stanley’s popular tumblers — those leaked constantly because they were essentially open cups with straws. Slide the button down and the leak-resistant lid pops open to reveal a sculpted spout. Flip it shut and it locks tight with a satisfying click. There’s a finger loop on top for easy carry, and the whole thing fits most car cupholders without the awkward wobble.

Double-wall vacuum insulation from 18/8 recycled stainless steel keeps cold drinks cold for hours, though if you’re using it for hot coffee, you might find yourself leaving the cap off so it cools down to drinkable temperature. One thing to note — if you leave it overnight without rinsing, the push-button mechanism can stick the next morning, so it’s worth a quick clean before bed.

The whole bottle is dishwasher safe and BPA-free, and our 30-ounce version seen here weighs just over a pound and roughly 11″ tall. Stanley’s leaning into what works here rather than reinventing anything, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Nomad Goods Cables + Wall Charger

Every good kit needs a good power adapter and charging cable. You can’t work anywhere if your laptop and phone are dead, but carrying around a tangle of different chargers and cables for each device gets old fast. Nomad’s 130W Power Adapter paired with their Universal Cable solves the multi-device charging problem without requiring you to bring half a dozen different cords.

The 130W Power Adapter uses GaN technology to pack serious charging power into a compact body with three USB-C ports and flip-out prongs. When you’re charging two devices, Nomad’s ProCharge system automatically routes 100W to your laptop and 30W to your phone or tablet. Plug in three devices and it splits the load to 70W for the top port and 30W each for the bottom two. And if you’re just charging a single device? In that case, you get the full 100W from any port. This means you can fast-charge a MacBook Pro while topping off your phone and AirPods simultaneously without needing separate wall adapters.

The Universal Cable is also extremely versatile. It’s USB-C to USB-C by default, but built-in adapters for USB-A and Micro USB mean you can charge nearly anything from one cable. The outer weave uses double-braided Kevlar for durability — Nomad got tired of cables failing after a year or two, so they overbuilt this one with electroplated metal connectors and a vulcanized silicone cable tie that won’t fray. It handles up to 240W charging through USB-C PD, which is more than enough for any laptop you’re likely carrying.

The cable is shielded and rated for USB 2.0 data transfer speeds, which is slower than USB 3.0 but allows for longer cable length without signal degradation. The integrated silicone tie keeps everything organized when you’re packing up. The adapter weighs 11.7oz and measures roughly 3″ wide, so it’s not taking up much room in your bag, especially when compared to carrying multiple chargers.

The James Brand The Gatecliff

While we love technology, good ideas still happen on paper. Whether you’re sketching out a project wireframe, jotting down meeting notes, or just trying to remember something before it slips away, there’s just something we love about having a notebook and pen ready. The James Brand Gatecliff keeps those essentials protected and accessible in one compact sleeve.

The exterior is made from Cordura fabric for abrasion resistance, with fully welded construction instead of stitching. That means fewer failure points and better water resistance if you get caught in the rain or happen to spill something in your bag. The interior is lined with plush microfiber to keep your notebook from getting beat up, and there’s a pen slot that actually holds pens securely instead of letting them rattle around loose.

Two card pockets on the front handle credit cards, ID, or business cards, and there’s a larger interior pocket that fits a passport comfortably if you’re using this as a travel folio. The Gatecliff measures 6.3″ × 4.8″ × 0.8″ and weighs 4.4oz with the included James Brand notebook, so it’s slim enough to slip into a backpack side pocket or the front of your main compartment without taking up much room.

The PU-coated water-resistant zipper runs smooth and keeps moisture out better than standard zippers. The James Brand also includes one of their notebooks to get you started, and the sleeve accommodates most pocket-sized notebooks if you prefer a different brand. 

Analogue Pocket

Sometimes you need a mental break that doesn’t involve doomscrolling. We’ve been fans of Analogue for years, and the Pocket still remains our favorite way to revisit Game Boy classics without relying on emulation. It uses FPGAs to recreate original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance hardware at the silicon level, so you’re playing cartridges the way they were meant to run.

The 3.5-inch LCD delivers 1600×1440 resolution at 615 ppi, which is 10x sharper than an original Game Boy. For GB and GBC games, the clarity is unmatched. GBA games get letterboxed because of the screen’s aspect ratio, but the tradeoff works if you’re prioritizing the square Game Boy format. Display modes can simulate original hardware quirks if you want that authentic CRT look, or you can enjoy the crispness of modern tech.

The minimalist design in black with that mint green power button accent looks as good sitting on your desk as it does in your hands. The Pocket also includes USB-C charging, 3.5mm headphone jack, solid stereo speakers, and an original Game Boy link port for trading Pokémon. Battery hits 6-10 hours, and sleep mode lets you pause mid-game without searching for save points.

As we’ve mentioned in previous coverage, no Bluetooth means wired headphones unless you grab Analogue’s $120 Dock for wireless controllers and TV output. 

It’s also worth mentioning that the Pocket is one of those products that sells out in batches constantly, but it’s absolutely worth hunting down if you’ve still got cartridges or want an excuse to dig through retro game shops.

SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD

Laptop storage fills up fast when you’re juggling video files, photo libraries, and project archives. SanDisk’s Red Dot Design Award winning 4TB Extreme Portable SSD gives you massive expandable storage that’s significantly cheaper than paying Apple’s upgrade prices. 

Measuring in at 4.4″ × 2.3″ × 0.4″, it is slightly larger than competing drives like the Samsung T9 (another SSD we love), but the size difference is negligible for daily carry.

NVMe performance delivers 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds through USB 3.2 Gen 2, which handles 4K video editing and large file transfers without bottlenecking.

The rugged silicone shell provides IP65 water and dust resistance along with three-meter drop protection. There’s also a handy carabiner loop if you want to clip it to your bag, though most people just toss it in a pocket. SanDisk includes both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables, and 256-bit AES hardware encryption keeps files secure. Five-year warranty backs it up.

One thing worth mentioning: Some users across Reddit have reported drive failures or disconnection issues after extended use, particularly if the cable gets bumped while plugged in. It’s not something we’ve personally experienced over the past year using the drive in our studio, but it happens enough that you should treat this as working storage rather than your only backup. We always suggest spreading critical files across multiple drives if you’re concerned about data loss.

Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter

Most USB-C hubs are designed for laptops, but Satechi’s OntheGo adapter takes a bit of a different approach. While it does work with your laptop, it also works with both phones and tablets, with MagSafe magnets that let it snap directly onto the back of your iPhone or iPad. The hockey puck form factor is about as portable as hubs get, and the braided cable coils around the body when you’re not using it, which keeps everything contained in your bag without the usual cable chaos.

All-in-all, there are seven ports packed into a 2.6-inch package including HDMI at 4K/60Hz, gigabit Ethernet, two USB-A ports running at 5Gbps, SD and microSD card readers, and USB-C power delivery that passes through 100W input and outputs up to 80W to your device. The Ethernet port is particularly useful if you’re working somewhere with spotty Wi-Fi — just hardwire in and keep moving. The dual card readers handle up to 2TB at 104MB/s, which is plenty fast for offloading photo or video shoots without waiting around.

The magnetic mount works with any MagSafe-compatible device, and Satechi includes a 3M adhesive ring if you want to stick it to a MacBook or non-magnetic tablet. Once it’s attached, the hub basically disappears behind your device until you need a port. Pop the cable out, connect what you need, tuck it back when you’re done.

The only real limitation we found with the puck is that single USB-C port — if you’re charging, you can’t use it for data, which rules out some simultaneous use cases. But for most mobile setups where you need quick access to legacy ports without carrying a full dock, it’s hard to beat.

Evergoods Civic Panel Loader X-Pac 24L

Obviously, the bag holding all this gear matters just as much as what’s inside it. And while there are a lot of brands we could’ve highlighted here, Evergoods has been our go-to lately. Evergoods’ Civic Panel Loader has been a cult favorite in the carry community for years, and as with the Aer Ultra cable organizer, we opted for the over-engineered X-Pac in 24 liters for this guide.

The black X-Pac X42 shell is fully waterproof with that signature diamond ripstop pattern visible up close, and Evergoods swapped in PU-coated YKK zippers for this edition to help lock out the elements completely.

And while the brand offers a smaller 16-liter version, we’ve found that the 24-liter capacity just hits the sweet spot for daily carry – enough room for a 16-inch MacBook Pro in the fully padded compartment, plus all the gear we’ve covered here without feeling like you’re hauling a travel pack. The clamshell panel loading design means you can lay it flat and see everything at once instead of digging through a top-loader. Inside, the coyote brown lining is unique to this X-Pac capsule and makes visibility way better than the usual black interiors most packs use – plus we love the way it looks. There’s a suspended stretch sleeve for tablets or documents, an opaque security pocket, and mesh organization throughout.

The back panel uses two-layer construction with 3D spacer mesh and abrasion-resistant monofilament, so it actually breathes instead of turning your back into a swamp. Ergonomics have always been front and center for the Bozeman-based brand, and this pack stays true to that. Differentially cut shoulder straps improve the fit, and an aluminum side stay provide structured carrying. The top handle has utility loops for clipping smaller items temporarily, and the front 3D yoke pocket gives you quick access without opening the main compartment, which you’ll use constantly for keys or your phone.

At 3.1lbs, it’s rather light for how much structure and weather protection you’re actually getting here. Evergoods backs everything with a lifetime warranty, and their stuff actually lasts — this isn’t the kind of pack you replace every couple years.

Stealthy EDC: The Blackout Everyday Carry Essentials

Love stealthy EDC gear? Check out our latest guide where we got hands-on with some of our favorite all-black everyday carry essentials.