We’re well into the “new normal” that is pandemic life and much of the world continues to grapple with efforts at containment. By now, everyone’s had more than their fill of binge-watching shows, attempting new hobbies, and reorganizing the furniture in their homes. What’s resulted is a second pandemic, an illness predicated on close-quarters and mind-numbing diversions that subtly builds until it can be contained no more. We’re talking, of course, about cabin fever. Borne out of a thirst for the open road, the only immediate cure is a weekend away free of the familiar.
Given the numerous restrictions on everything from Airbnbs to hotel rooms, it’s become important to outfit your EDC to be self-sustainable — now more than ever. But just because you’re inclined to prepare for the unexpected doesn’t mean that you have to forgo a stylish loadout, especially if your travels are more near-than-far. In order to best equip your overnighters, we’ve curated together a classy collection of blue and brass pieces. What follows is a list that’ll ensure that wherever you find yourself, you’re looking like you’re the top brass.
Sunshine Products USA Stash Cash Can
Featuring a solid brass, American-made construction, this discreet cash stash by Sunshine Products is the perfect piece for contingency planning on your weekend getaways. It has a keyring-through design and waterproof internal o-rings, ensuring its contents will both stay put and stay dry.
Bradley Mountain The Good Bottle Opener
Sure, you could wrestle with hack solutions or cheap bottle openers when it comes time to crack open that choice beer. Or, better yet, you could leave compromise behind and use the right tool for the job. Cue the Bradley Mountain Good Bottle Opener, a classy opener with a solid zinc construction, brass plating, and leather lanyard that is dressed to impress.
Orbitkey 2.0 Premium Leather
Ditch that unsightly mess of keys taking up valuable pocket real-estate and opt for the Orbitkey 2.0 instead. Its cowhide leather design fits most keys up to 2.36″ and includes a D-ring fob for an added attachment point.
Standard Issue 1942 WWII Class Comb
Based on the original WWII Comb/Class A, this is an example of quality engineering done right. It features a laser-cut brass comb in addition to a supple leather sheath. If the original could stand up to the daily wear and tear of GI life, this one will stand up to even the toughest of pomades.
Peak LED Solutions Eiger Ultra X Flashlight
One of the most powerful battery-powered portable torches in its class, this little flashlight should top your list of EDC essentials. With a scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens and convenient twist operation, it’s a piece of gear that shines because of its simple yet functional engineering.
Bellroy Slim Sleeve Wallet
Cash may be experiencing a shortage these days, but a quality billfold keeps your cards together and easily accessible. As the name implies, this wallet is Bellroy’s lowest-profile offering yet, making use of vegetable-tanned leather and thread in order to be super-slim and — as an added bonus — super-sustainable.
Scout Leather Co. Hex Bit Driver
As the oft-repeated saying goes, “a man is only as good as his tools.” With a solid brass construction, free-spinning bearing base, and 13 Wiha hardened-steel bits (in flathead, Philips, and star-shaped varieties), this driver is sure to elevate your EDC game.
Inventery Modular Fountain Pen
Even in an increasingly digital world, there will always be ample cause to own a quality writing implement. Inventery’s modular Pocket Fountain Pen allows for a slew of configurations, so whether you favor fountain tip or ballpoint, keychain or clip-less, there’s bound to be a pen perfect for your style. And although this EDC item is decidedly analog, there’s also an included universal touchscreen stylus cap for added 21st-century convenience.
Filson 48-Hour Duffel Bag
Building out a kit for weekend getaways requires a top-notch organizational system to keep everything properly sorted. This 48-Hour Duffel from Filson scoffs at traditional bare-bones weekenders, packing plenty of provisions for your gear’s storage with a roomy main compartment, external pouches, and interior pockets.
Timex American Documents Watch
Paying homage to Timex’s historic stamped brass clocks from 1854, this tasteful wristwatch features a 41mm US-sourced stainless-steel case and an American-hide leather strap. The gold-plated Swiss Quartz movement and impact-resistant Gorilla Glass crystal means it’ll last you for generations. Good thing, too, considering it ships in an heirloom-quality cherry wood case.
Scoured: The Best EDC Gear On Gallantry - July 2020
If blue and brass aren’t your thing, last month’s guide to the best gear on Gallantry is loaded with some olive drab EDC for a capable military-inspired loadout.
