Let us be clear that price should not equate to quality, especially when it comes to what’s going into your everyday carry loadout. However, we’ve paid attention over the years to certain pieces that live up to their price tags or perceived luxury in terms of blending form and function. This guide showcases the best high-end EDC essentials to elevate your pocket dump.
Nomos Ahoi Neomatik 38 Date Sky
Nomos has perfected the minimalist aesthetic, never more evident than with this Ahoi Neomatik timepiece in sky blue. Sporting a 38.5mm stainless steel case, the watch is powered by the brand’s in-house DUW 6101 automatic movement with a patented date function that lets you adjust the day in both directions. For such an understated timepiece, you would never expect its diving prowess, with 200m of water resistance and a subtle crown guard.
Tsubota Pearl Latitude Hard Edge Lighter
If you’re trying to elevate your EDC loadout and your Zippo is holding you back, opt for this Latitude lighter from Tsubota Pearl will do the trick. Made in Japan from a diamond-cut polycarbonate shell, this skeletonized pocket torch uses a flint wheel ignition and sports an undeniably classy aesthetic.
YSTUDIO Classic Revolve Rollerball Pen
You can get a serviceable writing utensil for pennies on the dollar. However, for the best pens in the world, you’ll have to put in a bit more into the till. YSTUDIO’s Classic Revolve Rollerball is among the most impressive you can find, with a great hand feel and grip, which doubles to prevent it from rolling off the table.
Bellroy Apex Slim Sleeve Wallet
This understated card holder from Bellroy favors slimness and quality, durable construction, like all of the brand’s wallets. Using pre-molded leather, heat-bonded techniques, and magnetic closure, the Apex Slim Sleeve holds up to eight cards and some folded bills, yet still draws attention with its remarkable minimalism.
Rimowa Aluminum Case for iPhone 13 Pro
Even if you think you’re not familiar with Rimowa’s legendary aluminum luggage, you’d undoubtedly recognize them in an instant. Well, the German travel firm has transposed its unparalleled style to that of an iPhone case for the 13 Pro model, made from actual aluminum and featuring the brand’s hallmark vertical grooves.
Snow Peak Titanium Flask
Snow Peak’s titanium flask is a solid high-end flask made of a lightweight and durable material, with a sleek aesthetic. A calling card for the Japanese brand, titanium helps shed some weight when you need it most, especially when camping, and this 250mL capped vessel has no flavor residue due to the metal’s inert nature.
Prometheus Lights Alpha Ready-Made
For the best EDC flashlight regardless of price, take a look at Prometheus Lights’ ultra-sleek Alpha Ready-Made pocket torch, made of a 6061-T6 aluminum. Technically this isn’t even the most premium option from the brand — that would be the made-to-order Alpha Ti — but these are in stock and ready to ship, and still feature the brand’s signature design process and quality.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
For around a century, Bang & Olufsen has cemented itself as one of the heaviest hitters when it comes to high-end audio, and that’s regardless of the absolutely stunning presentation in which that audio is presented. At $400, the brand imbues its beautiful Beoplay EX wireless earbuds with its renowned top-shelf audio quality and performance.
Formawerx The Legends 911 Keypiece
Talk about thinking outside the box. Formawerx is one of the more unique companies you’ll find. It’s run by a small team of passionate auto enthusiasts who make premium custom keys for classic vehicles. Evoking the spirit of its namesake cars, this keypiece is machined to fit into the ignitions of Porsches from 1970 to 1998, such as the 911, 959, 912, and 914 models.
The James Brand The Barnes
From ceramic bearings to its titanium billet to its premium blade material options (stainless steel or Damasteel), The James Brand’s Barnes pocket knife doesn’t just rest on its laurels garnered from its high-end construction. No, the compact EDC staple still manages to define sophistication within its category.
Jacques Marie Mage Quentin Sunglasses
A few months back, Los Angeles-based luxury brand Jacques Marie Mage debuted its Johnny Cash sunglasses collection, featuring this Quentin model (named after the musician’s iconic 1969 performance at San Quentin State Prison), a retro-inspired pair of shades similar to the ones worn by an inmate at the show.
