Gear Haul: The 10 Best New EDC Essentials

The relentless hunt for great EDC never stops, and our office has become ground zero for testing everything new hitting the market. As a small team obsessed with gear that fuses form and function, we’ve got a serious problem on our hands.

Now, don’t get it twisted, it’s a good problem to have, but the reality is we physically can’t cover everything deserving of attention, and that’s where these gear haul roundups come in. 

This is our chance to spotlight some of our favorite new gear in the EDC space in a quick-hitting format.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the best new EDC gear that’s crossed our desks in the past month.

Shinola Circadian Monster Automatic Watch

Detroit’s manufacturing legacy runs deep — over a century of skilled craftspeople who built everything from cars to precision machinery. In 2011, Shinola tapped into that expertise with a plan: build the first American watch factory at scale in over 50 years. Not in Switzerland. Not in Japan. In Detroit’s historic Argonaut Building, surrounded by the exact talent pool that made it possible.

More than a decade later, this week’s sponsor is still assembling watches there with imported Swiss movements, drawing on Detroit’s longstanding tradition of precision manufacturing and American craftsmanship.

Launching back in 2017 as the brand’s first automatic watch, the Monster Dive watch draws its inspiration from the Great Lakes. Now, the brand revisits that utilitarian model with the Circadian Monster, a more refined, smaller automatic timepiece built for daily wear rather than deep dives.

Diving straight into the details, the case measures 36mm wide and 9.25mm thick with a 44mm lug-to-lug, sitting in that versatile zone that works across most wrist sizes, and seen here on our wearer’s 6.75” wrist for reference.

Shinola slimmed down the original Monster’s proportions quite a bit here, creating a profile that easily slides under a shirt cuff. The stainless steel case features alternating brushed and polished surfaces—brushed on the main body and smooth polished bezel up top—giving it enough dimension to catch light without being flashy.

That alabaster white dial is quite nice in person, providing a clean backdrop for the applied indices and handset. Shinola kept their signature Monster dial look – chunky rectangular indices and baton hands packed with Super-LumiNova for excellent low-light legibility.The lume application is generous and glows in a bright blue-green color. 

There’s also a framed white date window at the 3 o’clock while a small seconds track around the perimeter rounds things out and helps keeps the dial balanced.

The screw-down crown at 3 o’clock includes crown guards and Shinola’s lightning bolt signature, providing 100 meters of water resistance – enough for both daily wear and swimming, though this clearly isn’t targeting serious dive duty like its Monster siblings. 

Flip it over and the exhibition caseback reveals the Swiss-made Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement with Shinola’s custom black rotor. It’s a good workhorse caliber with 26 jewels and a 38-hour power reserve — nothing groundbreaking, but it’s both reliable and serviceable.

The five-link stainless steel bracelet features alternating brushed and polished links for some solid wrist presence, and the bracelet tapers slightly toward a butterfly clasp stamped with Shinola’s logo. And if you’d prefer a different strap or bracelet setup, the integrated quick-release spring bar system was also a breeze to use.

At $1,595, the Circadian Monster positions itself in interesting territory. You’re not getting Swiss-made designation since final assembly happens stateside, but you are getting a Swiss movement, sapphire crystal with AR coating, and solid construction from a brand that’s actually building a watchmaking infrastructure in America. 

Leatherman Wave Alpha

The Wave has been Leatherman’s workhorse since 1998, and it’s the multi-tool that’s defined the Oregon brand’s reputation for decades. It’s also long served as our “just get this” pick when readers ask us what multi-tool they should buy. 

But after nearly 27 years, the brand has finally decided to take some feedback from users on perfecting the tool and delivered the Alpha — a ground-up redesign that addresses the original’s most common complaints while still keeping everything that also made it a fan favorite.

The blade steel swap is the real headline here. Out goes the 420HC that required constant maintenance, and in comes everyone favorite “it” steel — CPM MagnaCut — the same premium steel they used on their flagship Arc. 

For those unfamiliar, MagnaCut has gotten extremely popular in the EDC space due to its superior edge retention and corrosion resistance while still remaining easy to sharpen when needed. The 2.89-inch reverse tanto blade now includes a thumb stud for one-handed deployment, which fixes one of the most frustrating aspects of traditional multi-tools. Anyone who’s fumbled with fingernail slots while wearing gloves knows this was long overdue.

Leatherman also addressed ergonomics with topo-textured G10 handle scales that taper front-to-back and side-to-side, creating natural contours that reduce hand fatigue during extended use. The Obsidian colorway we’re looking at features black oxide coating throughout with brass accent rings on the fasteners — a nice visual touch that sets it apart from the standard Wave’s utilitarian appearance.

The tool selection sees one notable swap: the serrated blade is gone, replaced by full-size spring-action scissors – the largest Leatherman has ever put on a plier-based multi-tool. For most everyday users, scissors get more real-world use than serrated edges, and having a proper set that can handle fabric, packaging, or cable ties cleanly is welcome. The scissors deploy with spring tension and lock into place with a satisfying click.

At 8.26oz and 4.04″ closed, it’s compact enough for daily pocket carry, though most will probably opt for a sheath or the optional quick-release pocket clip. The replaceable wire cutters borrowed from Leatherman’s Super Tool line also mean this thing can handle serious abuse without requiring a full replacement.

At $200, the Alpha commands an $80 premium over the standard Wave, but the MagnaCut blade alone justifies a chunk of that increase. It’s also still made in Portland, Oregon with Leatherman’s 25-year warranty and free lifetime knife sharpening. If you’ve been waiting for Leatherman to modernize their best-seller, this is it.

Nitecore Carbo 10000 Gen2

Nitecore’s been refining portable power for years, and the Carbo 10000 Gen2 represents their most capable compact power bank yet. The second generation addresses the original’s limitations while pushing performance into territory typically reserved for much larger batteries.

The headline spec here is 30W two-way fast charging from a 10,000mAh capacity that weighs just 6 ounces. Most power banks at this capacity max out around 18-20W, making the Gen2’s output notable to say the least. Nitecore achieves this through a 9-volt high voltage circuit that delivers 29% more usable power from the same cell. The power bank recharges from empty to full in about 100 minutes using a 30W adapter.

Anyone who’s been following us for a while knows we’re suckers for space-age materials, and the unibody carbon fiber shell provides aerospace-grade strength at minimal weight. Nitecore added magnesium alloy honeycomb heat sinks in neon orange that actively disperse heat during charging – and also add a nice visual touch to mix. The internal temperature control maintains full 30W output for over 40 minutes without any throttling.

The Gen2 switches to dual USB-C ports — Port 1 handles input and output, while Port 2 is output-only. Maximum output is 30W single device or 15W split between two. And four blue LED indicators show remaining capacity for the charger.

As with many Nitecore products, the Carbo is IPX8 waterproof rated, and is completely submersible up to 2m, which means kayaking, trail running in rain,and  accidental water drops are all covered. It is worth noting that there is no dust ingress rating though, so sandy environments require some extra care.

At 4.98″ long by 1.89″ wide by 0.62″ thick and 6oz, it’s 22% lighter than competing 30W power banks. And we found the rounded corners actually improved grip and impact absorption.

Benchmade Bailout Carbon Fiber CPM S90V

Benchmade’s Bailout got off to a rough start when it launched, with early models shipping with M4 steel that was heat treated too soft, leading to edge retention issues that frustrated users who expected Oregon-made quality — and understandably so. It’s taken a few years, but this limited edition carbon fiber variant shows Benchmade finally got the recipe right.

The blade steel swap is what matters most here. CPM S90V running at 59-61 HRC puts this in legitimate super-steel territory, with edge retention and corrosion resistance the original should’ve had from day one. The 3.38-inch tanto blade measures just 0.09″ thick with black Cerakote coating.

Benchmade paired that blade with diamond-textured carbon fiber handles that drop weight to just 2.2oz, and looks great while doing so. The dark copper PVD accents on the pivot, AXIS lock, and mini deep-carry clip also look phenomenal against the black Cerakote blade and carbon fiber scales. It’s a genuinely handsome knife that manages tactical aesthetics while still feeling appropriate for everyday carry.

The AXIS lock runs on washers instead of bearings, which plenty of users prefer for reliability when things get dirty, and Benchmade’s LifeSharp service covers free sharpening and maintenance for life.

CRKT HangPry Pry Bar

Pry bars have become somewhat ubiquitous in the EDC space, and while we’re still not entirely sold on them, the HangPry is certainly making a good case for including one in our daily loadout. Designed by Richard Rogers out of his New Mexico ranch, the HangPry represents CRKT’s take on the titanium pry bar. Rogers built his reputation on simple, functional folder designs, and that same philosophy carries through here.

The one-piece titanium construction measures just 3.6″ and weighs 0.7oz, which is lighter than a pencil. The iridescent titanium nitride coating isn’t just for looks (although this definitely what caught our attention); it adds surface hardness for tasks like lifting staples, opening paint cans, scoring packaging tape, or turning flathead screws. The wedge tip handles prying duty while keeping your actual knife blade clean.

CRKT includes a fob with matching iridescent bead that threads through the lanyard hole, providing extra grip and easy keyring attachment. The lanyard hole itself is also generously sized for quick access.

At $70, you’re paying a bit of a premium for Rogers’ design work and that head-turning iridescent finish, but we’ve had no complaints thus far.

Nothing Ear 3

London-based Nothing made waves back in 2021 with transparent earbuds that actually looked different in a sea of AirPods clones. Four years later, the Ear 3 represents their most refined flagship yet, mixing that signature see-through aesthetic with some really useful upgrades.

The standout addition here is most definitely the Super Mic — a dual-microphone system built into the charging case itself. Press the Talk button and the case becomes a dedicated microphone for calls, voice notes, or talking to your assistant. Nothing claims it can isolate your voice in environments up to 95dB, and in testing, people on the other end reported call quality comparable to using our phone’s built-in mic. It’s worth noting that you’ll need to position the case near your mouth for best results, but for situations where earbud mics fall short, it’s a solid backup.

The case gets a material upgrade with 100% recycled aluminum on the base layer, adding a bit of heft to mix (now 71g total) but it does help improve the premium feel over previous all-plastic designs. The transparent top and buds still maintain Nothing’s recognizable look.

Sound-wise, the upgraded 12mm dynamic drivers feature a patterned diaphragm with 20% more radiating area, boosting bass response by 4-6dB. The signature is V-shaped with punchy, over-pronounced bass that works well for both rap and EDM. If that’s not your style, the Nothing X app includes an 8-band Advanced Equalizer with granular controls for frequency values and Q factor adjustments.

Adaptive ANC hits 45dB and adjusts to your surroundings every 600 milliseconds. We found it pretty solid, and quite capable for daily commutes and office use, though it didn’t quite match Sony’s WF-1000XM5 for more serious isolation. Each earbud packs three directional MEMS microphones plus a bone-conduction voice pickup unit for improved call clarity.

Battery life is solid across the board, delivering 6.5 hours with ANC on using AAC codec, extending to 10 hours with ANC off. The case also adds another 22-38 hours depending on usage. Bluetooth 5.4 supports LDAC codec, multi-point pairing, and low-latency mode under 120ms for gaming. And both the buds and case are IP54-rated for dust and water resistance.

Nothing’s transparent design continues to separate these from the crowd in a market full of generic buds, and it’s backed by one of the better companion apps available on either Android or iOS.

The James Brand The Lowe

The James Brand made its name with knives and tools that prioritize design as much as function. After well over a decade in the space, the brand has made its foray into the world of wallets with the Lowe. In true James Brand fashion, the wallet looks beautiful, but they’ve also attempted to solve one of the most frustrating problems with minimalist cardholders — and that’s the fact that most only work well when fully loaded or nearly empty, but rarely both.

The innovation sits inside with a proprietary technology The James Brand calls Pinch-Tech — essentially a pair of internal rails that hug your cards whether you’re carrying one or the full six-card capacity. The pressure keeps everything secure without making deployment difficult. A notch at the bottom lets you push cards up with your thumb for fanned access, while the flush-mounted silicone band on the exterior holds cash without adding bulk.

The CNC-machined 6063-T5 aluminum body features no visible seams on the sides, creating clean lines that look closer to a vintage cigarette case than a typical cardholder. Chamfered corners help with pocket re-entry, and CNC-contoured sides provide natural grip. The whole package measures 3.5 inches long by 2.6″ wide by 0.4″ deep – which is thinner than a pack of gum at 2.1oz.

Unsurprisingly, branding is minimal here — just a small logo on one side and “James” etched into the silicone band. The aluminum construction provides natural RFID blocking, and the vertical orientation mirrors how you actually use cards in real life. Four colorways are available, each maintaining that refined aesthetic The James Brand applies across their entire EDC catalog.

Terrain 365 DTK AT Topo

Terrain 365 has carved out quite a niche with their proprietary Terravantium steel — a dendritic cobalt alloy that’s so rustproof they literally guarantee it for life. The DTK-AT represents their smallest folder, and this Topo edition makes it even thinner while still maintaining that beloved dog tag-inspired silhouette.

The numbers tell the story here: 3.848″ overall length, 1.190-inch blade, 2.301″ closed, and just 1.6oz in total weight. When folded, it matches the dimensions of a standard military dog tag almost exactly. This makes it relevant for anyone dealing with blade length restrictions, those wanting a backup blade, or anyone committed to keeping their EDC minimal.

As previously mentioned, the blade uses Terrain 365’s Terravantium steel, which is completely non-magnetic and 100% non-ferrous. Beyond the rust guarantee, it holds an edge well and maintains toughness that standard stainless steels just can’t match. And the 0.100-inch blade thickness provides enough backbone for utility work despite the compact size.

The titanium handles feature laser-engraved topographic mapping on both sides — a military-inspired detail that adds grip texture while also adding some nice aesthetics to the mix. An integrated titanium frame lock keeps the blade secure during use, with jimping on the thumb ramp for controlled deployment. The blade fuller allows thumb opening, and phosphorous bronze washers provide smooth action.

The brand has also included a lanyard hole at the tail for some additional carry options – add paracord for better grip, attach it to a keychain, or convert it into a neck knife setup. 

For those needing the smallest functional folder possible without compromising on steel quality or lock reliability, Terrain 365 DTK-AT Topo is a solid choice.

Wuben X4 Flashlight

Wuben continues to make a mark on the EDC space with their innovative pocket torches, and the X4 is the latest model to enter the chat.The X4 takes an entirely different approach to EDC flashlights by packing dual light sources into a compact rectangular body. Instead of choosing between a main beam or auxiliary light, you get both — all controlled by a slider switch that also doubles as a physical lockout.

The main light outputs up to 1,500 lumens with a 205-meter throw, using four LEDs in a combined flood-and-spot configuration. A rotary dial on the side adjusts brightness from 5-lumen moonlight mode up to full power, giving you granular control without cycling through modes. Runtime hits 3 hours at max output, which is pretty solid for this output level. A tactical tail switch provides momentary-on at 1,500 lumens or activates strobe mode with two presses.

The side light is where things get interesting with this pocket torch. A strip of six LEDs runs down one side, providing up to 100 lumens of floodlight for close work. Switch to RGB mode and you get seven colors plus flashing modes, which is useful for visibility, signaling, or just finding the light in your bag. Hold the button to toggle between 4000K warm white and RGB colors.

The slider switch controls everything on the light. Slide it down for full lockout where nothing works. Simply move it to the first position for side light, second for main light, and third for 5-lumen moonlight mode. The USB-C charging port sits behind the slider, which is completely protected when locked.

The rectangular form factor measures 1.47″ x 1.04″ x 3.77″ at 3.16oz. It stands upright on its tail cap, clips to pockets or hat brims, and also features a magnetic base for hands-free use – a feature we appreciate in all of our pocket lights. The 18650 battery is user-replaceable through a twist-lock tail cap. It’s also outfitted withIP68 waterproofing for submersion up to 2m, and the metal body takes abuse well.

For fifty bucks, the X4 delivers pretty unrivaled versatility in a package that clips anywhere.

The Brown Buffalo Conceal Waistpack

Doug Davidson is the man behind many of the original designs that have inspired your favorite packs today. These days, he’s making bags out of his Costa Mesa workshop, and anyone serious about carry knows his name carries real weight in the space. We’ve known Doug for years, and several of our team members have attended his CANVASWORKER workshop, so we know first hand how much passion and expertise he pours into his products.

The latest iteration of the Conceal Waistpack was designed to tackle a very specific problem — those times when a backpack is just too much but your pockets are already jammed with keys, wallet, and phone. Or what we commonly refer to as “an extension of your pockets.”

The exterior is constructed from trusty 1050D CORDURA Ballistic Nylon. Davidson paired it with DWR coating and PU2 backing so it sheds water and stands up to daily abuse nicely. YKK RCPU2 zippers run inverted for weather protection, with thick heat-shrink pulls and paracord ends. An ITW Nexus buckle sits up front for quick release, rather than reaching behind your neck. The waist strap adjusts from 26″ to 42″ with neoprene backing, and there’s an elastic latch point on the bottom for clipping gear.

Pop open the taco-shell main compartment and that hi-viz burnt orange lining makes everything visible at a glance. The layout keeps things simple: main center section flanked by two mesh side pockets. The mesh is unusually thick – almost feels like plastic – so it won’t stretch out too much over time.There’s also a zippered pouch out-front to handle quick-access items.

At 4.5″ x 7.75″ x 2″ and 6.4oz, it stays tight against your body during daily wear. The APEX 3D spacer mesh on the back panel adds some nice breathability (and comfort) with antimicrobial treatment to keep things fresh.

This works for airport runs, quick errands, or summer carry when swim trunks mean useless pockets. Some users mention it’s solid for concealed carry since the pack redirects attention from the waistline. Davidson’s material choices and construction details really come through in person — this sling is a simple affair that does one thing well instead of trying to be everything.

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

If you want more of this year’s finest products, check out our previous Gear Haul guide, featuring the best EDC gear last quarter.