Search & Rescue: 13 Hi-Vis Orange EDC Essentials

There’s something about hi-vis orange that’s undeniably practical for everyday carry. It’s the color of search and rescue, of safety equipment, of items designed to be found when dropped in low-light environments or dense foliage. In the EDC world, where function often meets form, that vibrant orange hue serves as both a practical consideration and a bold style statement.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at our favorite hi-vis orange EDC essentials – gear that combines that eye-catching colorway with genuine utility, premium craftsmanship, and thoughtful design.

How We Tested

Like most EDC-focused guides, the name of the game is form meets function. Obviously, we focused on bright orange as our key colorway here, with items that excel regardless of color as well. Not every one of our favorite everyday carry purveyors makes an orange version of our favorite pieces but many of them do. Those are the products we looked at!

We have years of experience in the EDC space and instantly went to the brands we know and love, with some newer names sprinkled in too. We looked at function, visual aesthetic, value, and construction methods, among other things. From there, we sourced our units for testing and got hands-on with each and every piece across an array of categories.

For certain categories, we had specific items in mind, but for others, we had to compare and contrast several products to see which one we preferred. We ultimately settled on the best of the best according to specific criteria for each product type. However, our core principles had to be present: blending form with function. The results are detailed below.

Bulova Snorkel “Clownfish”

Best Watch: Bulova is diving head first into the vibrant world of hybrid ceramic watches with the Snorkel model, and the playfully vibrant “Clownfish” variant perfectly embodies our hi-vis orange theme while delivering some solid value for watch enthusiasts.

The Snorkel “Clownfish” represents Bulova’s contemporary interpretation of their iconic Oceanographer “Devil Diver” from the 1970s, though it deviates significantly in details while maintaining the distinctive cushion-style case. 

Dimensionally, the Snorkel measures in at 41mm in diameter with a 44.7mm lug-to-lug measurement, 20mm lug width, and a substantial 15.3mm thickness – seen here on our wearer’s 6.75” wrist for reference. Despite these dimensions, the hybrid ceramic construction makes the watch surprisingly lightweight on the wrist. The orange Tropic-style rubber strap definitely helps here, complete with perforations for increased ventilation and micro-adjustments.

The unidirectional bezel action is surprisingly precise and firm, with the matte texture of the hybrid ceramic providing excellent grip. Under the raised, double-curved mineral box crystal, the dial features a clean layout with polished, lume-filled baton hour markers and a fine eggshell texture. The lower half is adorned with grooved wave lines that evoke the horizon view when snorkeling – half above water, half below. The handset features polished, faceted baton-style hour and minute hands filled with luminescent material, while a vibrant orange seconds hand ties the Clownfish theme together perfectly. 

Text is minimal with just the Bulova wordmark at the 12 o’clock and “Snorkel” branding at 6 o’clock. The date window at 3 o’clock is nicely integrated with Bulova thoughtfully including a half-length lumed hour marker beside it.

What makes the Snorkel collection particularly interesting is Bulova’s approach to hybrid ceramic construction. Unlike Swatch’s bioceramic watches, Bulova integrates a stainless steel core within the hybrid ceramic exterior to house the movement. This offers better protection while maintaining the smooth, luxurious texture and lightweight properties of ceramic. 

Turning to the screwdown caseback, Bulova has added a charming touch with an etched clownfish illustration, reinforcing the marine theme. The watch offers 100m of water resistance – suitable for swimming and snorkeling, though not technical diving. Inside beats a reliable Miyota 2115 quartz movement, providing accurate timekeeping to within ±20 seconds per month. 

Benchmade Taggedout

Best Knife: When it comes to top-tier EDC folders from Oregon’s premier knife maker, this is one of our favorite Hi-Vis EDC essentials on the market: the Benchmade Taggedout. Drawing its lineage from the wildly popular Bugout platform, the Taggedout ratchets up the performance with a striking orange-accented profile and cutting-edge materials.

The most exciting aspect of the Taggedout (seen here in model # 15535OR-01)  is Benchmade’s first implementation of CPM-MagnaCut steel. For the uninitiated, Magnacut is a metal that’s worth the hype, and it’s a genuine advancement in metallurgy.

With similar toughness and edge retention to premium tool steels like CPM-CruWear, MagnaCut adds remarkable corrosion resistance and strength, all while maintaining a serious 60-62 HRC hardness rating.

At just 2.44oz, the Taggedout is shockingly lightweight for its capability, and feels great in-hand. The 3.48-inch clip-point blade delivers excellent piercing power and slicing capability, while the premium 3K twill carbon fiber handles provide rigidity without the weight penalty. The eye-catching orange Cerakote blade coating and matching anodized lanyard backspacer deliver the hi-viz aesthetics we’re after without compromising performance.

The Taggedout keeps Benchmade’s iconic AXIS lock mechanism, providing ambidextrous operation and rock-solid lockup under pressure. A mini deep-carry pocket clip positions the knife for discreet tip-up carry, and the whole package measures a comfortable 4.69″ when closed.

Like all Benchmade products, each Taggedout is manufactured in Oregon City with American-sourced materials. Laser-cut from high-grade steel sheets, the blades are ground, beveled, and finished with exacting precision before being hand-assembled and sharpened by Benchmade’s highly trained technicians – backed by the company’s renowned lifetime warranty and LifeSharp service.

Alpaka ARK Card Wallet

Best Wallet: Sydney-based carry specialists Alpaka have built a solid reputation for innovative, functional gear, and their ARK Card Wallet delivers a perfect balance of stealth and hi-vis in this black and orange colorway we have on hand.

The wallet’s exterior features premium X-Pac VX21 in black, a performance laminate made in the USA that delivers superior weatherproofing and durability in an ultralight package, plus it’s 100% carbon neutral. What gives this particular variant its hi-vis credentials is the vibrant 200D orange ripstop nylon interior that creates a striking contrast every time you open it up.

At just 3.94″ x 2.91″, the ARK Card Wallet maintains an impressively slim profile while providing four dedicated card slots – two on each side – plus a central compartment for folded cash. Despite its compact footprint, you can comfortably fit 4-6 cards, making this a practical option for everyday carry without unnecessary bulk.

What’s particularly cool is that Alpaka designed the ARK as a 100% zero waste cardholder made entirely from upcycled materials, so you’re getting sustainability alongside that bold interior pop of orange. The UV-resistant materials ensure everything stays looking fresh, even with daily exposure to the elements.

And, if you’re looking for more orange in your loadout, Alpaka also offers the wallet up in a Hot Orange colorway.

Field Notes Expedition Notebooks

Best Pocket Notebook: Next up is a pocket-sized staple from Chicago-based Field Notes, who’ve been cranking out some of America’s most beloved pocket notebooks since 2007. Their Expedition Edition stands as one of the brand’s most innovative entries, and its “Antarctic Survey Orange” front cover delivers the hi-vis pop we’re after for this guide.

What sets the Expedition apart from standard Field Notes offerings isn’t just the eye-catching orange cover paired with “Polar Night Black” on the rear – it’s the groundbreaking material they’re printed on. Rather than traditional paper, these notebooks utilize Yupo Synthetic paper, which is actually extruded from polypropylene pellets in Chesapeake, Virginia. The result? A completely waterproof and tearproof pocket notebook that can handle extreme conditions far beyond what typical paper could withstand.

Inside, you’ll find Field Notes’ popular dot-grid pattern printed in “Cartographer’s Gray” on the same synthetic material, with grid spacing at 3/16″ × 3/16″ (4.7mm × 4.7mm). The standard 3.5″ × 5.5″ dimensions keep these compatible with all your favorite Field Notes accessories.

The Expedition Edition underwent extensive durability testing, being subjected to water, wind, ballistics, vacuum, acid, flame, extreme temperatures, and more. In fact, the Antarctic theme isn’t just for show – Field Notes sent these notebooks with explorer Ben Saunders to the South Pole during his 2013 expedition retracing Captain Scott’s historic journey.

One important note for everyday users: since the synthetic paper is nonporous, it doesn’t absorb ink like conventional papers. Ballpoint pens, pencils, and fine-tip Sharpies work best – or pair it with a Fisher Space Pen for the ultimate all-weather writing combo.

Like all Field Notes products, the Expedition Edition is proudly printed and manufactured entirely in the USA, using the iconic Futura typeface family, with that signature attention to detail that’s made the brand a favorite among EDC enthusiasts.

Tactile Turn Embrite Bolt Action Pen

Best Pen: Dallas-based precision machining outfit Tactile Turn has been our go-to recommendation for premium machined pens since founder Will Hodges started the company back in 2012. 

This special edition of their iconic Bolt Action pen features Embrite – a resin-based, glow-in-the-dark material manufactured by their friends at TEC Accessories in Queen Creek, Arizona. The vibrant orange Embrite tip and top deliver serious hi-vis appeal during the day and transform into an otherworldly glow at night, with impressive 12-hour illumination that can be charged from virtually any light source.

The pen pairs these orange Embrite components with an OD Green anodized aluminum body for a striking contrast that’s both practical and visually appealing. Inside, Tactile Turn uses titanium for the bolt and internal components, ensuring smooth operation and longevity, while the stainless steel deep-carry clip keeps the pen securely in your pocket.

Measuring 5.6″ in length and 0.43″ in diameter, the standard-sized Bolt Action weighs in at just 0.9 oz in this aluminum configuration. The pen ships with a Pilot G2 0.7mm ink refill, but it’s compatible with dozens of popular refill formats.

What we particularly love about the Bolt Action is its namesake mechanism – a uniquely shaped bolt that allows for fluid, one-handed operation with a deeply satisfying action. The precisely machined surfaces create a smooth, consistent experience that’s genuinely addictive.

As we’ve mentioned in previous Tactile Turn coverage, the Embrite Bolt Action comes with a lifetime warranty.

Dark Energy USB-C to USB-C Paracord Cable

Best USB Cable: In a world of disposable charging cables that fray, break, and end up in landfills after a few months of use, Dark Energy’s hi-vis orange paracord-wrapped USB-C cable stands as a rugged alternative designed to survive whatever punishment your everyday carry endures.

Dark Energy, a Utah-based company known for their overbuilt power solutions, has engineered what might be the last charging cable you’ll ever need. The 36-inch cable combines extreme durability with high performance, supporting charging speeds up to 96W – plenty for even the most power-hungry laptops – while maintaining 480 Mbps data transfer capabilities.

What makes this cable truly special is its six-layer armor system. Starting from the outside, you’ve got 30 feet of genuine 550-pound test paracord wrapped around the entire length, giving it that eye-catching orange color that makes it impossible to miss in your bag. 

Moving inward, there’s a nylon fiber outer layer and reinforcement mesh protecting an aluminum-mylar shielding sleeve (which guards against electromagnetic interference) and a ballistic fiber core. At the heart sit multi-strand internal wires optimized for consistent charging and data transfer.

Both ends feature metal-reinforced USB-C connectors with Dark Energy’s Pivot-Protect neck protection – a flexible, shock-absorbing reinforcement that prevents the most common failure point in cables: the transition between plug and cable.

We found the vibrant orange color to be incredibly helpful during daily use. When you’re fumbling around in a dark bag or trying to locate your charger in a crowded space, that hi-vis orange stands out immediately.

Is this virtually indestructible construction overkill for your average user? Probably. But that’s never stopped us before. 

Dissim Sport Torch Lighter

Best Lighter: When it comes to reliable flame sources for your EDC loadout, it’s hard to beat the functionality and visual pop of the Dissim Sport Torch Lighter in its vibrant orange colorway. This isn’t your typical gas station lighter – it’s a thoughtfully engineered tool that solves common frustrations with standard lighters while adding some serious style points.

The most notable feature of the butane-powered Dissim Sport is its ability to function perfectly in any orientation – upside down, sideways, or traditional right-side up. This inverted capability makes it incredibly versatile for lighting objects at awkward angles, a feature that sets it apart from conventional lighters that struggle when tilted.

The windproof single jet torch flame can be adjusted from a tight, precise centimeter-high flame to an impressive couple inches, giving you versatility for different applications. A switchblade-style jet cover automatically opens when you engage the premium piezo ignition, protecting the jet when not in use while adding a satisfying mechanical action to the lighting process.

What we particularly appreciate about the orange variant is the semi-transparent butane reservoir handle, which provides both that hi-vis orange aesthetic and the practical advantage of always knowing exactly how much fuel remains.The ergonomic design also feels great in hand and during daily use.

The James Brand The Hardin Carabiner

Best Carabiner: Portland-based The James Brand has developed a well-earned reputation for creating beautifully minimal EDC tools that combine form and function in equal measure. The Hardin carabiner, offered in this striking orange and black colorway, continues this tradition as a purpose-built replacement for those clunky climbing carabiners that many of us repurpose for daily carry.

Drop-forged from aerospace-grade 6063 aluminum and then anodized for superior corrosion resistance and surface hardness, the Hardin delivers impressive strength while maintaining a slim profile and lightweight build.

At 3″ tall, 1.5″ wide, and just 1/4″ thick, the Hardin won’t create unnecessary bulk on your belt loop or bag attachment point. The James Brand’s signature dual-compartment design is in full effect – a thoughtful feature that prevents accidental key loss when clipping or unclipping from your chosen carry point, and the spring-loaded gate provides smooth, reliable operation and secure retention.

The center-weighted design is a thoughtful feature, ensuring the carabiner hangs in a balanced position, keeping your keys easily accessible rather than twisted awkwardly to one side. And that vibrant orange anodization complements this guide nicely. We should also mention that each Hardin also comes with one of the brand’s titanium keyrings as well.

Leatherman Raptor Rescue Shears

Best Multi-Tool: It’s hard to put together any EDC guide without making mention of Leatherman. And while their catalogue is chock-full of stellar tools, we went something a bit more unorthodox for this guide: the Leatherman Raptor Rescue Shears.

Unlike your standard medical shears, the Raptor is a premium multi-functional emergency response multi-tool that’s become standard equipment for first responders, tactical medics, and prepared civilians alike. It packs six tools in total (listed below).

What’s brilliant about the Raptor is that it folds down from its 8″ open length to a more manageable 5″ closed package, allowing for compact storage in a medical kit or on a belt using the included utility holster.

Weighing in at 5.8oz, the Raptor strikes a perfect balance between capability and portability. It includes both a lanyard hole and a replaceable pocket clip, giving users multiple carry options, and the glass-filled nylon handles provide a secure, lightweight grip while maintaining durability.

The handles feel incredibly ergonomic and comfortable while using, and the actual shears are some of the best we’ve used, cutting through pretty much any material we’ve thrown at them over the years.

Developed with input from special operations medics, EMTs, and fire professionals, the Raptor has been fine-tuned to include exactly what’s needed in emergency scenarios, and it also comes backed by Leatherman’s 25-year warranty.

Dark Energy Poseidon Pro Indestructible Charger

Best Charger: When “rugged” power banks claim durability, they’re usually talking about surviving a short drop onto carpet. Dark Energy’s Poseidon Pro in hi-viz orange takes that concept to an entirely different level – this is the apex predator of portable power solutions engineered for the most extreme environments on Earth.

Dark Energy has subjected this 10,200mAh power bank to punishment that would destroy lesser electronics: shotgun blasts, 45-minute submersion tests, drops from 50 feet, 1,500 pounds of crushing force, 1.5 pounds of explosives, and months frozen in ice at -15 degrees. Somehow, it kept on charging. The IP68 waterproof rating is just the beginning of what this beast can handle.

The bright orange Armor Flex shell makes this power bank immediately identifiable in any environment. Despite its virtually indestructible construction, the Poseidon Pro maintains a relatively compact form factor at 6″ x 3.25″ x 0.63″ and weighs just 9.6 ounces – about the size of most smartphones.

Performance matches the rugged exterior with both USB-C and USB-A outputs to charge multiple devices. The 10,200mAh capacity translates to approximately 30+ hours of smartphone power, 4+ hours for laptops, or 10+ hours for camera gear. What’s even more impressive is the Poseidon Pro’s longevity – it’s rated for over 500 recharge cycles (equivalent to 1,500 to 2,000 phone charges) and can hold its charge for an astonishing 8+ years thanks to patented low idle drain technology.

For specialized charging needs, the Poseidon Pro includes both a 1-hour timer mode (activated by double-tapping the power button) and a low-power mode for smaller devices like wireless earbuds, smartwatches, and hearing aids that require gentler charging currents.

Each unit also ships with Dark Energy’s equally rugged 3-foot USB-C to USB-C cable.

Orbitkey Key Organizer Active

Best Key Organizer: Melbourne-based Orbitkey has been revolutionizing the humble keychain since their successful Kickstarter campaign back in 2013, and their Key Organizer Active in vibrant tangerine orange represents their most adventure-ready iteration yet.

Unlike the leather or canvas options in Orbitkey’s lineup, the Active variant uses a durable polycarbonate TPU polymer that’s completely water and dust-proof. This rubber-like material maintains its look and feel even after extensive use, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, gym-goers, or anyone whose keys take a regular beating.

The design is brilliantly simple yet effective – keys are stacked in a neat, silent formation between two polymer plates, held together by a 316L stainless steel locking mechanism. This award-winning system can accommodate between 2-7 standard keys, while the included D-ring allows you to attach car keys or larger fobs that wouldn’t fit within the stack.

Dimensionally, it’s impressively compact at 3.37″ x 0.88″ x 0.79″ when loaded with keys. But we particularly appreciate how the Orbitkey system eliminates the jingling noise of traditional keychains while also preventing keys from scratching phones, sunglasses, and other valuables in your pockets or bags. The locking mechanism is designed to maintain tension over time, though it can be easily tightened should any natural wear occur.

For those with more than 7 keys, Orbitkey offers an optional Extension Post (sold separately), allowing you to expand the capacity of your organizer.

Olight Baton Turbo Compact EDC Flashlight

Best Flashlight: Olight has developed a serious following in the EDC community over the past decade (ourselves included), and their Baton Turbo in vibrant orange demonstrates exactly why. This compact powerhouse delivers performance that seems physically impossible given its diminutive size – roughly the length of your index finger.

Despite its pocket-friendly form factor, this light pumps out a staggering 65,025 candela intensity with a 510-meter throw capability – that’s over a quarter mile of reach from something that disappears in your palm. With a maximum output of 1,000 lumens, it delivers both impressive reach and usable flood illumination thanks to its high-efficiency reflector design.

The Baton Turbo offers 5 brightness levels plus a strobe mode for emergencies. The recessed, embedded switch prevents accidental activation while an intuitive dashboard displays both brightness levels and remaining power at a glance. 

Powering this pocket thrower is an included 1,100mAh 18350 rechargeable battery that delivers runtime ranging from 1.5 hours on high to an impressive 50 days in moonlight mode. For extended trips where recharging isn’t an option, the Baton Turbo is also compatible with CR123A batteries (though with some brightness limitations), and Olight thoughtfully includes a battery sleeve to accommodate this alternate cell.

The versatile two-way clip enables multiple carry configurations – deep pocket carry with the bezel down for EDC use, clipped to the brim of a hat for hands-free operation, or attached to a bag for quick access. There’s also an included lanyard for wrist carry during active outdoor pursuits.

Evergreen Cases Seahorse 56 EDC Dry Box

Best Dry Box: Our EDC gear is constantly facing threats from the elements, and the American-made Evergreen Cases offer a solution that’s as eye-catching as it is bombproof with their vibrant orange Seahorse 56 EDC Dry Box.

This medium-sized micro-case is constructed from 100% solid polycarbonate that’s been precision designed and rigorously tested to withstand pretty much anything nature can throw at it. With an IP67 waterproof rating, it’s not just water-resistant – it’s fully submersible. And if you happen to drop it overboard during your kayaking adventure, no problem – the Seahorse 56 floats with contents up to 3 pounds, making recovery a breeze.

The case’s exterior dimensions measure 9.5″ x 5.8″ x 2.8″, while the usable interior space comes in at 8.4″ x 4.4″ x 2.3″ – perfect for protecting smaller tech like action cameras, hard drives, phones, wallets, keys, and other essentials that need to stay dry and secure. The silicone shock-absorbing interior cushions your gear from impacts, while the included silicone lid organizer provides dedicated storage for smaller items like cords, multi-tools, or lighters.

What sets the Seahorse 56 apart from other dry boxes is its unique 3-step TwistLock latch system with two included keys for multi-level security. This innovative latch design not only creates a waterproof seal but also prevents accidental opening and provides built-in pressure equalization when you flip the latch.

Weighing in at just 1.31 pounds empty, the Seahorse 56 is light enough to slip into a backpack or attach to gear with a carabiner. 

Tested: The Best EDC Gear Under $100

Love EDC gear but find yourself on a budget? Check out our latest guide to the best everyday carry gear for under $100.