Gear Haul: The 10 Best New EDC Essentials (2025 Guide)

The relentless hunt for the perfect everyday carry never stops – and neither do the deliveries to our office. As a small team of enthusiasts obsessed with well-designed gear that fuses form and function, we’ve created a bit of a monster. The delivery guy knows us by name at this point. Every day, boxes stack up with fresh gear from brands pushing the envelope in EDC, and we get to tear into them like it’s Christmas morning. 

The reality is that most publications would kill for this problem, but we physically can’t cover everything deserving that crosses our threshold, even when it’s genuinely innovative. That’s where this Mail Haul comes in. This is our chance to spotlight standout pieces that represent the cutting edge of what’s happening in everyday carry right now.They’re the items that made us pause, appreciate the craftsmanship, and immediately work them into our personal rotation.

Let’s dive into the best EDC gear that’s landed on our desk lately. No filter, just honest enthusiasm for great design.

Selection and Testing

Since the Mail Haul feature is a new creation of ours, the selection process is determined by sorting through the new gear we’ve received over the past couple of weeks and figuring out which ones we loved the best. In terms of testing, each piece was used how it was meant to be used to see what we liked and/or didn’t like about it. However, the individual product won’t always be directly compared against other products in its category. For instance, we might only receive one new flashlight or pen, and so we’ll just have to use the rest of the respective industry for reference. This was a fun one, to say the least. The results are down below.

Benchmade Mini Adira

Kicking things off with one of our favorite knife makers; Benchmade’s Oregon shop has been turning out top-tier American folders since ’87, and their Mini Adira brings serious aquatic capability to the lineup. This 3.09-ounce addition to their Water Series tackles the specific challenges of maritime EDC with typical Benchmade precision.

While we love the overall package, the blade steel here is the real talking point: CPM-MagnaCut running at 60-62 HRC. This newer steel eliminates chromium carbides from the microstructure, meaning you get corrosion resistance that can handle saltwater exposure while still maintaining solid edge retention. The 3.21-inch drop-point also wears a blue Cerakote finish that was love at first sight for us. And that matching blue thumb stud is a nice touch.

Benchmade pairs this blade with a tempest gray Grivory handle that feels solid in hand and ergonomic with plenty of grip. Together with their signature ambidextrous AXIS lock, this is a combination that’s proven itself reliable in countless situations. The deep carry pocket clip and included gray lanyard finish off the affair.

At $240, the Mini Adira clearly commands a premium price, but you’re investing in American craftsmanship that’s proven itself over decades. Benchmade’s Oregon manufacturing hasn’t failed us yet, and their LifeSharp guarantee means they’ll keep that edge factory fresh for life, no questions asked.

Tec Accessories Hi MARKR Titanium

The humble highlighter might be the last bastion of disposable plastic in your EDC setup, but Tec Accessories has fixed that with their Hi-MARKR Titanium. The Arizona-based gear specialists have essentially created the highlighter equivalent of a high-end tactical pen, machining this compact marker from Grade 5 titanium (6Al-4V) with stainless steel accents.

At just 3.94″ long and 0.55″ in diameter (4.84″ for the pocket clip version), the Hi-MARKR achieves that perfect balance between pocketability and usability. The magnetic cap system is one of our favorite features here, providing both a satisfying snap and an airtight seal that prevents your marker from drying out. And who doesn’t love magnets? 

But let’s talk about what really sets the Hi-MARKR apart: the hybrid marker system. The system uses standard refills with a 3.4mm port, allowing you to configure it as either a black marker or yellow highlighter (both included). The chisel tip works exactly like the disposable versions you’ve been using for years – broad strokes with the flat edge, fine lines with the corner.

We’ve been testing the Stonewashed finish, which gives it a subtle, worn-in look right out of the box, though it’s also available in Blue Raspberry and Armour Black Cerakote if you prefer something more eye-catching. Sure, $80 is steep compared to a pack of BICs, but that’s exactly the point; this 36-gram titanium tool is meant to be the last highlighter you’ll ever buy. 

Ridge Magnetic Power Bank

Ridge built its reputation on reinventing the wallet, and now they’re bringing that same minimalist approach to portable power. Their Magnetic Power Bank tackles the messy reality of modern charging with a 5-in-1 solution that eliminates the tangle of cables we’ve all accumulated.

The 10,000mAh battery is hefty enough to provide about three full phone charges, but what makes this power bank different is the integration. Ridge built in both Lightning and USB-C cables directly into the body of the charger, along with MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W that snaps perfectly to your iPhone, and we found the magnetic hold to be on the stronger side here. There’s even a dedicated Apple Watch charging pad on one side, and built-in kickstand, which we found useful for propping up your phone while charging.

At 7.37oz and measuring 4.13″ x 2.69″ x 0.64″, it’s not ultralight for pocket-carry, but would be great tucked away in an EDC sling or backpack. The LED indicator keeps you informed of remaining battery, and 20W Power Delivery means this thing charges both ways at respectable speeds.

Look, there’s certainly no shortage of power banks out there – we’ve used and tested hundreds of them – but we really appreciate that brands like Ridge continue to reinvent what we should expect from portable power. The all-in-one approach eliminates the “which cable did I bring” problem that plagues most of us daily. After a few weeks of testing, it’s the integration that impresses most. This thing just works without making you think about it, which might be the highest compliment for any piece of tech.

Dissim Black Slim Metal Lighter

Lighters haven’t seen meaningful innovation in decades, which is exactly what makes Dissim’s approach so refreshing. The California-based brand reimagined how a torch lighter should function with their original Inverted Lighter, solving the awkward angle problem that’s plagued traditional lighters since the Zippo era, and they’ve been running with that positioning ever since.

The Slim Metal Torch Lighter is more of what we’ve come to expect from Dissim, right down to the patented circular finger hole. It’s a design that allows for comfortable inverted lighting without the flame hitting your thumb. Because we’ve all been there, the awkward hand contortion we’ve while trying to light something at a downward angle. Dissim also added some nice texture to the grip to help maintain control regardless of how you’re holding it.

Construction-wise, Dissim went with a premium solid aluminum frame that feels beefy and substantial in hand, measuring 3.5″ length, 1.25″ in width and 0.75″ height, while weighing just 2.8oz. The single torch flame is fully adjustable for intensity and remains windproof for outdoor use. There’s even an easy to read butane window to know when you need to refill at a quick glance.

At this price point, you’re obviously not comparing this to the BIC at the gas station counter, but Dissim’s solving a real problem that’s existed since the Zippo days. And that finger hole design proves genuinely useful in everyday applications.

Code of Bell ANNEX KIT 2-Way Multi-Purpose Organizer

We’ve been following Shiro Suzuki’s work at Code of Bell since the brand emerged in 2017, and it’s impossible not to appreciate his obsessive approach to functional design. And, our weakness for over-engineered gear here is well-documented.

Drawing inspiration from his split life between Japan and Los Angeles, he’s done a stellar job marrying the best of technical and tactical aesthetics and utility across the brand’s lineup, and their newly released ANNEX KIT perfectly exemplifies this design philosophy. This hybrid organizer serves triple duty as tech pouch, travel kit, and compact shoulder bag.

Walking through the layout reveals Suzuki’s thoughtful engineering. The expandable front compartment showcases Code of Bell’s technical prowess, constructed from order-made ECOPAK EPX (billed as the world’s first 100% recycled laminated waterproof material). It features bungee straps on the exterior for lashing down a light jacket, while inside you’ll find a magnetic key leash to keep your keys secure yet accessible. This entire section expands or contracts via adjustable elastic cords, effectively modulating the carrying capacity between 2.5L and 4L.

The main compartment delivers organization in spades, housing a zippered mesh pocket, two standard mesh pockets, three elastic slots, six card holders, and a clever sliding organizational divider that adapts to different loadouts. Every zipper is YKK Aquaguard for weather protection, and the custom orange camo ripstop lining for increased visibility is just icing on the cake here.

A padded top grab handle provides quick pickup, while the detachable shoulder strap connects via swivel carabiners for tangle-free movement and features a FIDLOCK magnetic buckle for one-handed operation. The back panel features a hidden storage compartment, and includes MOLLE webbing for additional attachment options.

At just 12.8oz (397g), the ANNEX KIT walks that classic Code of Bell line between ingeniously functional and arguably overbuilt. And, the tactical aesthetic definitely won’t appeal to minimalists or those seeking simpler solutions. But if you appreciate obsessive material selection, technical details, and the kind of over-engineering that makes gear nerds smile, there’s something undeniably satisfying about how Suzuki approaches everyday carry problems.

PunCube Magsafe Wallet

MagSafe wallets aren’t exactly rare these days, but PunCube’s approach stands out with an aluminum design that immediately channels Rimowa luggage vibes. And rather than just create another magnetic card holder, PunCube designed something with actual tactile satisfaction. It’s essentially a premium fidget device that happens to keep your cards safe.

Machined from space-grade 6063 aluminum with CNC precision down to 0.02mm, the Ripple model features a distinctive grooved pattern that’s doing its best Rimowa impression, offering a fingerprint-resistant oxidized finish.

And while the metallic grooves certainly caught our attention, it’s the sliding mechanism that lets you push to reveal your cards that kept us coming back. It’s genuinely addictive once you start playing with it.

At 3.86″ x 2.36″ 0.39″ and weighing just 2.65oz, it maintains a slim profile while accommodating up to 5 to 6 cards. Unlike fabric or leather MagSafe wallets, the all-metal construction creates a complete Faraday cage for RFID protection. 

While we’ve preferred the MagSafe configuration for daily carry, the design allows you to swap out the magnet for the included money clip if you prefer traditional pocket carry. The modularity comes courtesy of a reusable Nano-fel pad that maintains its grip through multiple changes.

This is clearly positioned in the premium wallet territory, but after a couple weeks of testing, that fidget factor is legitimately addictive. You’ll catch yourself sliding cards in and out during meetings or calls without even thinking about it. If you’ve outgrown Apple’s basic MagSafe wallet and appreciate the intersection of functional design and tactile satisfaction, this is a fun daily driver.

CRKT Mbombo Frame Lock

If our recent micro EDC guide caught your attention with the MinimalX Frame Lock, you’ll immediately recognize the distinctive design language of its big brother. The CRKT Mbombo delivers the same Darriel Caston DNA in a full-sized package that fills the hand with an impressive 7.63″ overall length when open (4.39″ closed).

The inspiration behind both knives comes from an unexpected source: the Kuba god of creation, reimagined through the lens of Caston’s background as an electrical engineer. And as a cool little fun fact, the design was originally created as a commemorative piece for the crew of a SpaceX launch, bringing a cosmic connection to this terrestrial tool.

CRKT certainly didn’t skimp on materials here. The 3.23″ cleaver-style blade uses Austrian M390 steel coated in black titanium nitride. The all-black titanium handle keeps weight at a reasonable 3.5oz while a reliable frame-lock offers peace of mind. And, thanks to the IKBS ball bearing pivot system, deployment feels incredibly smooth.

Let’s be clear here; this is not trying to be your one-and-done knife. The distinctive styling and cleaver blade shape clearly position it as a fun addition to a collection rather than an everyday workhorse. If you connected with the MinimalX aesthetically but needed something with more cutting power, the Mbombo delivers without sacrificing the unique character that made the smaller version stand out.

Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT

The watch community is catching on to what we’ve been saying for years: Christopher Ward delivers serious Swiss watchmaking at prices that make the big names blush. In fact, we just featured their C63 Sealander GMT in our affordable GMT guide because it’s that good for the money.

The 39mm package with 45.8mm lug-to-lug puts it right in that Goldilocks zone. Christopher Ward’s signature Light-catcher case deserves the name. The alternating brushed and polished surfaces create fascinating depth, especially on the Dragonfly Blue dial version, which was also love at first sight for us. This thing shifts from navy to electric blue depending on the light, giving the perfect backdrop for that high-vis orange GMT hand.

Under the hood, you’re getting the Swiss-made Sellita SW330-2 “caller GMT” movement with 56-hour power reserve. The fixed 24-hour bezel keeps the case slim at 11.85mm while still giving you proper GMT tracking capability. Those applied indices feature some serious detailing – top-brushed with diamond-polished facets and filled with Grade X1 lume.

The finishing here rivals watches costing thousands more, and the bracelet options are equally impressive. Both the dressier five-link Consort and sportier Bader feature tool-free quick releases. Throw in 150m water resistance, and you’ve got a proper go-anywhere GMT watch that won’t require a second mortgage. British design with Swiss mechanics at its best.

Tactile Turn Switch Pen

Tactile Turn built their reputation on those beloved bolt-action pens we’ve covered extensively, but their latest creation takes a completely different approach to fidget-friendly writing. The Switch Pen represents their evolution of the Magnus ClickShift mechanism, while still adhering to those exacting standards we’ve come to expect from the Texas-based outfit.

Instead of the familiar bolt channel, the Switch uses a three-piece mechanism machined from grade 5 titanium paired with a C63000 bronze actuator. The result feels like operating a precision light switch with a deeply satisfying click that you’ll find yourself activating repeatedly whether you’re writing or not. It’s every bit as fidget-worthy as their bolt pens, just in a completely different way.

At 5.34″ long and 0.365″ in diameter, the Switch maintains the slim profile Will Hodges’ workshop is known for, keeping the weight to a balanced 0.93oz. The fully machined titanium body includes their signature milled pocket clip, and it ships with that butter-smooth Schmidt EasyFlow 9000 refill that complements the premium feel.

For $149, you’re getting American precision manufacturing at its best – machined start to finish in their Dallas workshop and backed by a lifetime warranty. If you already own one of their bolt pens, the Switch offers a perfect companion with the same meticulous craftsmanship but an entirely different tactile experience.

Aer City Pack Pro 2

San Francisco-based Aer has been one of our favorite bag brands since their 2014 crowdfunding debut, consistently delivering minimalist designs that somehow manage to pack in every feature you actually need. Their City Pack Pro 2 represents the evolution of their urban-focused philosophy – a 24-liter backpack that sold out almost instantly after launch (with restocks not expected until mid-June).

The exterior construction starts with Aer’s signature 1,680D CORDURA ballistic nylon (bluesign approved), a material choice that’s become synonymous with the brand’s approach to durability. YKK Aquaguard zippers protect the main compartment where your tech lives, complemented by Hypalon pull tabs on every zipper for easy access. The thoughtful exterior includes two elasticized side water bottle pockets, strategically placed D-rings and attachment points, a magnetic sternum strap, and a clever luggage pass-through that secures with velcro when not in use.

The City Pack Pro 2 measures in at 18” in length, 12.5” in width and about 7” deep, and the whole package tips the scales at just under 3lbs, landing in that perfect range for everyday carry.

Looking at the organization system in depth, the front pocket features an integrated carabiner key leash and quick-access storage for frequently used items. The main compartment opens fully clamshell-style, putting that light gray ripstop nylon interior on full display. This main section provides plenty of open space for packing clothes or larger items, with two zippered mesh pockets on the flap for securing smaller essentials, and an elasticated document sleeve on the opposite side.

The tech compartment against the back panel features a dedicated, padded laptop sleeve (complete with false bottom), accommodating machines up to 16″. Flanking the laptop compartment are two additional sleeves: one perfectly sized for tablets or documents, plus a larger catch-all pouch to round out the interior.

A padded, perforated back panel provides both breathability and comfort during daily hauls, and the three grab handles (top and both sides) offer multiple carry options when you’re not wearing it on your back.

The City Pack Pro 2 demonstrates why Aer remains at the forefront of the urban EDC movement. It’s thoughtfully designed but never overbuilt, with considered organization that anticipates actual user needs rather than flashy features. 

The bag’s immediate sellout wasn’t surprising to those following the brand, as each iteration builds on user feedback while maintaining their minimalist design language. And, according to Aer, the next production run should hit around mid-June.

Tested: The Best Micro EDC Gear Essentials

Dive deeper into the world of everyday carry with our latest guide to our favorite micro EDC gear.