The Best Mini EDC Gear for Discreet Carry

Everyday carry gear is about cramming as much functionality and utility as possible into as small and rugged of a package as possible. And while most pieces of EDC gear tends to be on the smaller, more pocketable side, there does exist a small handful of items that take the very notion of compact everyday carry gear to its logical conclusion. We’re of course talking about mini EDC kit — the latest and greatest of which can be found in this handpicked guide to the best tiny everyday carry gear. 

Gerber GDC Zip Blade

One of the best keychain knives currently in production, the Gerber GDC Zip Blade is an unusual mini folding knife that’s engineered from the ground up to always be at-the-ready. Spanning only 2.26” with its blade deployed, the GDC Zip Blade is designed to serve as a zipper pull that can easily be mated to the track of any jacket, backpack, or bag — providing you with a backup knife that’s always within reach. 

Constructed around an aluminum handle with a built-in frame lock mechanism, Gerber’s GDC Zip Blade features an ultra-stubby 1.0” sheepsfoot blade with a nail nick opening and a 7Cr17MoV construction. And, even though its blade measures only an inch in length, it’s still capable of tackling the majority of tasks that you’d regularly use an EDC knife for. 

Olight imini Tiny Instant Light

Clocking in at just  1.38” L x 0.54” D — making it roughly the same size as a .45 ACP bullet — the Olight imini Tiny Instant Light is an ultra-compact everyday carry flashlight that offers just enough lumen output and throw to be useful in lowlight situations. IPX6-rated and drop-tested to 4.92’, the imini Tiny Instant Light features a body that’s been precision-machined from rugged aluminum alloy and capped off with a hardwearing polycarbonate lens. Armed with a more-than-30’ throw, this tiny light source has up to 10 lumens on tap. 

Part of Olight’s Series EOS (keychain light) lineup, the imini Tiny Instant Light has been engineered specifically for ease-of-use. As a result, the light sits on a magnetic-coupling keychain, and is activated by disconnecting the bullet-shaped portion of the flashlight from its keychain (and then it automatically powers down once re-coupled with its keychain. Weighing only 0.4oz, this light is also powered by a trio of easily-accessible and widely-available LR41 batteries which afford the thing half-an-hour of burn time. 

Higonokami Folding Knife Mini

After a reform by Emperor Meiji in the late 1860s, Japan’s Samurai age finally came to an end after almost 700 years. This resulted in a great many swordsmiths pivoting their operations and applying their skills to crafting pocket knives — one of which was the legendary Nagao Higonokami, which first debuted in 1894. Unequivocally one of the most iconic Japanese pocket knives ever, the famed Nagao Higonokami has now been reimagined in a miniature form that retains the hallmark design traits of the original — albeit in a much more compact and pocketable package. 

Made in Japan’s Miki, Hyogo prefecture — where the original Higonokami has been meticulously manufactured for the last 130 years — the Higonokami Folding Knife Mini is an authentic scaled-down interpretation of the iconic Japanese pocket knife that’s practically dripping in Shibusa style. Spanning 3.66” overall, this knife is comprised of a brass handle mated to a 1.61” friction-folding blade forged in SK high-carbon steel. Though it no doubt makes a great addition to any EDC loadout, this blade is also a bonafide must-have for any knife collector. 

Matador NanoDry Trek Towel Small

From a reusable napkin to a sweat towel to a handkerchief, the Matador NanoDry Trek Towel Small is a bit unorthodox as far as everyday carry items goes, though there’s no denying the immense utility this nanofiber towel offers when carried daily. Tipping the scales at just 2oz, the towel measures 15” x 15” and is cut from a lightweight nanofiber construction that’s capable of absorbing nearly 2.5-times its own weight in water. 

On top of being quick-drying, this towel also boasts a front release buckle to more easily hang it when being dried. Elevating the Matador NanoDry Trek Towel Small’s conduciveness to everyday carry use is the fact that it’s sold with an included silicone carrying case that comes on a mini split key ring, making it exceedingly easy to carry it on a keychain or backpack. Machine-washable, this item is also ofered in a trio of different color options. 

Flytanium Mini Bolt-Action Pen

Spanning just 3.23” in length and measuring just 0.20” in diameter, the Flytanium Mini Bolt-Action Pen is a scaled-down version of a standard bolt-action EDC writing instrument. Made by one of our favorite aftermarket knife part manufacturers, Flytanium’s Mini Bolt-Action Pen is crafted from grade TC4 titanium and features a Mini D-1 ballpoint ink cartridge that’s deployed via a spring-loaded bolt-action mechanism — plus the pen ships with multiple included refills, along with several replacement O-rings. 

Though its diminutive size no doubt mitigates the pen’s overall ergonomics, comfort, and balance, this mini bolt-action pen still makes for a fully-functional writing instrument that adds utility to your everyday carry while taking up a negligible amount of pocket space — though the thing can also be carried on a keychain. Boasting a surprisingly top-shelf fit and finish considering its ultra-accessible MSRP, this tiny EDC pen also affords pretty tremendous bang-for-your-buck — making it one of our favorite sub-$20 EDC items. 

Craighill Key Capsule

Beautifully blending form and function in the Brooklyn-based EDC brand’s signature manner, the Craighill Key Capsule is a small and minimalistic yet premium take on an everyday carry stash capsule. Spanning 2.25” in length and 0.75” in diameter, Craighill’s Key Capsule is precision-machined from a solid piece of aluminum billet before being fortified via a black-anodized finish. 

This food-safe vessel features a watertight threaded screw-down cap, making it impervious to the elements — and even capable of being submerged without its contents being exposed to even a drop of water. This ultimately makes it perfect for housing pills, Micro SD cards, paper bills, and other small valuables (or substances). What’s more, Craighill also offers the Key Capsule with optional custom engraving for a small added fee. 

Tiny Circuits Thumby Keychain

Equal parts fun and functional, the Tiny Circuits Thumby Keychain is a mini playable handheld gaming device that’s modeled after the iconic Nintendo Gameboy. Boasting a 72 x 40 monochrome OLED display and 2MB of onboard memory, the Thumby comes preloaded with 5 classic games — plus is fully programmable, allowing for endless possibilities. 

Powered by a 40-mAh LiPo battery affording roughly 2 hours of play time, this mini device features a working 4-way D-pad and two action buttons — just like the handhelds and console controllers of yesteryear. Constructed a round a sturdy polycarbonate plastic housing, the entire device runs off of a Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040 processor, too.

Maratac Gen 2 Split Pea Titanium Lighter

A new and improved version of what was already an outstanding survival and everyday carry lighter, the Maratac Gen 2 Split Pea Titanium Lighter benefits from a host of updates and upgrades over its gen-one predecessor, including a redesigned precision brass insert and new high-absorption wicks. Sold with an included spare wick, spare o-ring, and a trio of spare flints, this mini survival and EDC lighter is not only small enough to comfortably fit on a keychain, but the thing also ships with an included titanium nano-split keyring, too. 

Thanks to a flat-bottom design — which has been in a laser-etched Maratac Trident logo — that allows it to stand up on its own, this tiny titanium lighter can also double as a min candle. This lighter’s insert can also be removed, allowing it to serve as a waterproof stash/pill capsule. Due to its tiny size, this lighter does get pretty hot pretty quickly, though this is just about the only gripe I had with this item while testing it. Best of all, the entire shell is crafted from top-shelf grade 5 titanium. 

KNIPEX Cobra XS Pipe Wrench

Spanning 4” in total, the KNIPEX Cobra XS Pipe Wrench is a tongue-and-groove-style pair that’s constructed from rugged steel construction dressed up in ablack finish. Boasting an adjustable jaw with a 1” capacity, this set of pliers comes equipped with a 2.5” handle that’s large enough to provide a ton of grip and leverage, while the entire item is still small and pocketable enough to lend itself to everyday carry use. 

One of our favorite blacked-out EDC essentials, KNIPEX’s Cobra XS Pipe Wrench can obviously serve the purpose it was intended for, though I’ve also found this product to have several other functions when carried daily, such as serving as an impromptu pry tool, mini hammer, and even a bottle opener — making it markedly easier to justify adding to your daily-carry loadout. 

NOMAD ChargeKey

Like it or not, smartphones have permeated just about every facet of our lives. As such, keeping your device charged up and ready-to-go at all times is an absolute must. And while you always have the option of carrying around a full-length charging cable, a markedly more EDC-friendly option is using the NOMAD ChargeKey. Also offered in a Lightning-to-USB-C version, this tiny urban EDC essential is made from a premium material selection that includes a braided nylon cable with electroplated zinc cable housings and magnetically-coupling cable tips. 

Though you probably wouldn’t guess it from this items ultra-diminutive dimensions, but the NOMAD ChargeKey actually boasts charging speeds that are on par with full-sized chargers. Not only is it compatible with a wide range of charging configurations, but it can also juice up your phone at speeds of up to 20 watts. The thing is also designed with a keyring loop, making it super easy to carry it on a keychain — though it’s also small enough to easily be stored in a wallet, or simply carried in your pocket. 

Casio AQ-800E-7A

The Casio AQ-800E-7A is a modern-day reissue of a hybrid horological classic. Weighing only 1.8oz, the watch is crafted around a 32.1mm chrome-plated resin case that comes paired with a retro-style self-adjusting stainless steel bracelet set on an underlying elastic band. Set beneath a resin-glass lens is an unapologetically old-school-looking analog dial that sits above a digital readout.

Accurate to +/- 30 seconds per month, this watch also comes loaded with daily and hourly alarms, an auto calendar, and a dual-time world timer function. Water resistant, this watch also runs off of a single SR920W battery that offer approximately 3 years of life. Between its affordable price and unmistakable vintage charm, the AQ-800E-7A makes for a welcome addition to any everyday carry loadout. 

TEC Accessories Ti-Tape Titanium Tape Measure

Offering far more precision than the Measurement App on your iPhone, the TEC Accessories Ti-Tape Titanium Tape Measure is an ultra-pocketable take on an essential tool for laborers, DIY enthusiasts, gear heads, and craftsmen. Clocking in at 1.24” in diameter, the Ti-Tape Titanium Tape Measure is constructed from grade 5 titanium and comes loaded with 3.0’ of spring-steel measuring tape showing both metric and imperial units. Small but decidedly premium, this item also features an included keychain clip that’s made from rugged 304 stainless steel. 

Far more than a mere novelty item, TEC Accessories’ Ti-Tape Titanium Tape Measure is engineered to offer a lifetime of use. Not only is it easy to wash and clean, but should you somehow manage to damage one of its hardwearing components, the thing can be outfitted with replaceable measuring tape and a replaceable keychain. What’s more, this mini tape measure is able to complement practically any existing everyday carry loadout thanks to the fact that TEC Accessories produces it in “Blue Raspberry-anodized,” polished splash anodized pattern, or stonewashed finishes.

WESN QR

Though quick-release keychains are nothing new in the everyday carry space, one of our favorite boutique knife and EDC brands has managed to deliver an elevated interoperation of one of these keychains with the small but mighty WESN QR — short for “WESN Quick-Release.” Measuring just 1.60” L x 0.6” W x 0.2” D, the QR consists of two pieces of heat-treated titanium with milled flex points that allow the different halves to be securely mated together. 

Not only is the QR incredibly secure, but it has also been engineered to be as robust and durable as possible — despite its tiny size. Offered in black-finished or bare titanium variants, this solid milled titanium item is completely devoid of any moving parts and is made up of only two pieces. While simple, this setup practically guarantees a lifetime of use. In fact, WESN literally guarantees that the QR will afford a lifetime of use, as the Detroit-based outfit stands behind this product with a lifetime warranty. 

Leatherman Micra

The Leatherman Micra is a venerable pocketable powerhouse, packing a total of ten tools and functions into a highly-compact package that’s just 0.37” thick and spans just 2.50” when closed — or just 4.20” when open. Produced in a whopping ten different color options, this mini multi-tool comes armed with a set of spring-action scissors, a 4.7-inch ruler, a nail cleaner, a set of tweezers, a bottle opener, a nail file, a medium driver, an extra-small eyeglass-style driver, and a flathead and Phillips head driver combo. Also included is a 1.6-inch clip point blade that’s forged in 420 high-carbon steel and rated at between 55 and 59 HRC for hardness on the Rockwell scale. 

Despite its small footprint, the Micra benefits from the same craftsmanship and quality that Leatherman is known for. Arguably the best thing about the Micra is the fact that it offers the vast majority of the functionality found on full-size butterfly-opening multi-tools, while being considerably smaller — a fact that makes it a perfect choice for everyday carry use. It also doesn’t hurt that the thing weighs in at only 1.8oz — making it much smaller and lighter than most butterfly-openers on the market. Like the rest of the American brand’s stellar multi-tools, the Micra comes backed by Leatherman’s 25-year warranty. 

Memobottle A7

Traditional EDC flasks are designed to let their user carry some of their liquor of choice in a discreet and stealthy manner. The Memobottle A7 takes this concept to the next level with an even more compact and pocketable take on an ordinary flask — and one that’s decidedly premium too. Offering an eight-ounce (250ml) capacity, the A7 is constructed from premium food-grade 304 stainless steel that’s been both fortified and decorated in a satin-textured powder-coated finish.

Interestingly, it’s not only the Memobottle A7’s sleek outward appearance and diminutive size that make it special, as the flask also hides a few unique and clever features up its sleeve. For starters, the thing boasts a “Fast-Flow” design that makes it super easy to quickly drink from, plus sports a mouthpiece with an internalized thread for the cap. Additionally, it features a BPS and BPA-free plastic lid that packs a food-grade silicone seal. It doesn’t end, however, as the A7’s design is also leak-proof and freezer-safe. This mini EDC flask also comes protected by a multi-year warranty. 

Silver Fox Tools Jack Axe

Measuring 4.527” overall, the Silver Fox Tools Jack Axe is a playfully-named mini cutting and chopping tool that’s handcrafted from BS 4659 high-carbon tool steel. Weighing roughly 4.7oz, this mini hatchet ships with a beautifully-made leather sheath that makes it more ideal for daily-carrying, plus includes a leather paracord-style lanyard. Unsurprisingly, the thing is also great for camping and outdoor use — and makes for a great gift. 

Unlike regular full-sized axe models, Silver Fox Tools’ Jack Axe is able to lend itself to finer, more delicate tasks thanks to being so lightweight and easy to control. For these same reasons, the Jack Axe is able to take on many of the tasks typically carried out by traditional EDC knives. What’s more, thanks to the fact it tips the scales at over a quarter-of-a-pound, the thing can actually be used for chipping — plus is thick and robust enough to be hammered into a log for splitting. 

Insta360 GO 3

The smallest in the world, the Insta360 GO 3 is a revolutionary action camera that offers high-definition recording in a ridiculously tiny package that weighs only 1.23oz and measures just 1.0” x 2.10” x 0.9”. Despite its size, the GO 3 features 2.7K recording capabilities and a surprisingly rugged housing that’s waterproof down to 16’. The actual action camera itself comes paired with an “Action Pod” that serves as a wireless charging case, as well as the camera’s display. 

Armed with a battery that affords 45 minutes of recording time — or 170 minutes with the Action Pod — the GO 3 is available with a wide array of accessories and bundles to cater to different hobbies and lifestyles, including an Action Kit, a Creator Kit, a Watersports Kit, and a Motorcycle Kit, just to name a few. Other highlights on this game-changing action camera include a 360° horizon lock, voice-control compatibility, and built-in FlowState stabilization. Whether serving as a helmet camera, dash cam, or on-body cam, this thing can do it all. 

Tested: The Best Keychain Knives For Everyday Carry

If you happen to be partial to ultra-compact pieces of EDC gear, you’ll likely also be a fan of the diminutive blades that comprise our list of the best keychain knives for everyday carry — an in-depth guide to and review of which can be found here.