Everyday Carry (EDC)

Everyday carry, or EDC, is the small set of items you keep on you every day to handle routine problems. For most people that means a wallet, keys, a phone, and one or two tools such as a small light, a compact knife or multitool, and a pen. A good EDC is light enough that you carry it every day, not just when you remember.

Our EDC guides compare gear on maker specs: weight, dimensions, materials, battery type and price. We do not run our own lab or field tests. Where a spec decides the choice, such as pocket-clip style or pouch capacity, we quote the maker's numbers and explain what they mean in daily use.

Start with the beginner starter-kit guide if you are building a carry from scratch. The buying guide explains which specs actually matter. If you want to carry less, read the one-pocket EDC guide. If your pockets are already full, the pocket-organizer and pouch guides show how to keep small items together. For a low-cost start, the under-$25 guide lists inexpensive picks that are still worth carrying.