Obviously chosen for its ability to camouflage its wearer, olive drab — or “OD” or “OD green” as its often called — has long been the go-to choice for the U.S. Army and a host of other land-based military forces around the world. Though camouflage patterns have continued to evolve over the years, along with military vehicles, tactics, missions systems, and weaponry, OD green remains the standard issue color for a good chunk of the garments and gear that today’s infantries are outfitted with. And as long as foliage and shrubbery keep growing, and the human eye continues to function the same way, this standard-issue hue won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
With practically every land-based force in modern history wearing this color— with the obvious exception of units serving in desert and arctic locales — OD green has become synonymous with military applications. As a result, brands in the EDC space routinely utilize the medium shade of green, whether it be the result of aiming to further an item’s militaristic aesthetic or to bestow it with the same chameleon-esque qualities that have made it the primary color option for units in land- and jungle-based warfare. As an ode to this eminently-utilized hue, we’ve compiled this selection of some of the best EDC gear on Gallantry that all happens to be wearing the classic army tone.
Word Notebooks Pocket Notebook
Printed and made in America, this is a topographical-theme jacketed version of Word Notebooks’s standard 5.5” x 3.5” scribble books. Sold in packs of three, these EDC notebooks each boast 48-pages of lined paper and Notebook’s bullet point key system for jotting down crucial notes, supply check-off sheets, or generating do-to lists.
Opinel No. 8 Trekking Knife
Despite 2020 marking Opinel’s 130th anniversary, the French knife maker continues producing its same bread and butter Virobloc safety ring-locking folders, and of the many existing variants, the No. 8 persists as the go-to option for many outdoorsmen, weighing just 1.6oz, and packing a 3.25″ 12C27 Sandvik stainless steel blade mated to Beechwood handles.
MIS EDC Coin Case
When we say this is the last coin case you’ll ever buy, that has less to do with the decreasingly prominent use of change, and more speaks to this made-in-America item’s insanely rugged construction, boasting a PU-coated 1000D Cordura exterior backed by a 1300D waterproof heavy vinyl-coated tarpaulin liner.
ArkType PMK Paracord Q-R Keychain
Another military-inspired item, this keychain is comprised of a 4” shackle piece and a 3” keyring side that are both made from hand-woven type III 550 paracord. Made in the USA, the two-piece construction keychain is linked together via a heavy-duty black oxide stainless steel snap shackle supplemented via a locking slim profile neodymium magnetic clasp.
Timex Archive Camper MK1 Watch
Embodying the iconic American horological outfit’s famous slogan of “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking,” Timex’s Archive Camper MK1 watch is a rugged rereleased, civilian version of a model used by the army in the 1980s. This no-frills Timex timepiece features a 36mm resin case, a quartz movement, and an 18mm grosgrain strap decorated with a special military-inspired patch.
Ridge Wallet Aluminum Wallet + Money Clip
This anodized 6061 aluminum-construction Ridge wallet offers a superb alternative to traditional, bulky leather bifolds, providing RFID-blocking accommodation for up to a dozen cards, and an external spring steel clip for holding paper bills. Weighing only 2oz, the wallet features replaceable stainless steel hardware and elastic and is sold with a T5 Torx driver.
Filson Travel Kit
A proper Dopp kit makes life on the road a lot easier, and with this particular toiletry bag coming from Filson, you can trust it’s been bestowed with the same level of quality and top-notch fit and finish that’s present on the rest of the heritage brand’s wares, with this item sporting a twill exterior, matte nylon lining, and a rustproof brass zipper closure.
TJB The Folsom Knife
Though The James Brand only emerged onto the scene within the last decade, the Carlsbad-based company has quickly risen to become one of the most trusted knife makers in the EDC space, with exceptional bladed offerings like the Folsom, which is equipped with Carpenter CTS-BD1 steel 2.81″ drop point blade, OD green Micarta scales, black oxide-coated hardware, and phosphor bronze washers.
MIS Roll Up Backpack
This backpack puts a thoroughly hardwearing spin on classic standard-issue army bags, taking the basic roll-top, PALS webbing-backed design, and adding top-shelf — and ultra-rugged — 1000D Cordura construction with a water-resistant urethane coating. Made in America, the bag boasts an internal laptop sleeve, self-repairing heavy-duty YKK nylon coil zippers, and a cool 30-liters of storage space.
Filson Ballistic Nylon Duffel Backpack
Unlike most duffle backpacks, Filson’s rugged take on the hybrid-style item manages to look the part, regardless as to which way it’s being carried. Equipped with a 600D ballistic nylon exterior, this two-in-one item features a padded 15″ laptop pouch, a dedicated pocket for wet or dirty clothes or gear, storable backpack straps, and an internal zippered security pocket.
Scoured: The Best EDC Gear On Gallantry - June 2020
Looking for a collection of gear that better lends itself to life in the city? Then be sure to dig into last month’s selections for the best EDC gear on Gallantry for a curated host of gray and titanium goods that have been handpicked to thrive amidst the daily major-metropolitan grind.
