Consisting of everything from pocket knives to cardholder wallets, pens and writing pads to flashlights and battery packs, your trusty phone to your favorite water bottle, everyday carry — EDC, for short — is a massive category of gear that, at the end of the day, is defined by you, the user. Even if you're unaware of the concept, you still probably participate in some manner, as EDC (translated as literally as possible) simply refers to the gear you carry and use daily.
For a lot of folks, everyday carry is practically a lifestyle and can mean a huge monetary investment (as well as time — searching for the gear is half the battle). But it doesn't have to be. You can get high-quality pocketable devices of all manner for relatively cheap, so long as you know where to look and who to trust. Lucky for you, we've rounded up some of our favorite EDC gear from a wide range of reputable brands and categories that you can get for under $25.
SOG Key Knife
There are not many knives you'd want to trust for under $25, but this one from SOG is among them. It has a stainless steel blade, brass handle and — believe it or not — actually locks (courtesy of a lock back). And when you're not using it, it looks just like an ordinary key on your keychain.
READ ABOUT THE BEST NEW KNIVES AND EDC OF 2023
Magpul Daka Cardholder Wallet
One of the best cardholder wallets there is, this one can hold up to seven cards, has rounded corners to keep it easy on your clothes' fabrics, is made from an anti-slip reinforced polymer fabric and looks great. If you want a quality wallet that doesn't take up a ton of room, you should seriously consider this one — especially considering the low entry fee.
READ ABOUT THE BEST CARDHOLDER WALLETS
Gerber Shard Keychain Multi-Tool
Incredibly simple yet exceptionally useful, this tiny, single-piece multi-tool can fit on your keychain and still has the ability to function as a pry bar, package opener, driver, bottle opener — you get the idea. If you don't think you have room in your EDC for a multi-tool, think again.
READ MORE ABOUT THE GERBER SHARD
Nitecore Tube V2.0 Keychain Flashlight
Especially if you park outdoors at night or you frequently drop things behind your couch or desk, a keychain flashlight can be very useful. This one comes from a reputable brand, emits a respectable 55 lumens, works with a simple push of a button and is incredibly tough for its size.
READ ABOUT THE BEST FLASHLIGHTS
Lever Gear CableKit
Yes, we all are perpetually hauling tech around that requires power. No, we don't all carry cables around. But you can still get access to power anywhere there's a USB port with this keychain-sized kit. In essence, it's a miniature charging cable — just made modular and much more compact than traditional cables.
READ ABOUT THE BEST PORTABLE CHARGERS
Nite Ize S-Biner
What really makes this stainless steel carabiner keychain stand out is that it has two separate gates. That means you can stash your keys in one section and clip the other section to your belt loops, backpack or wherever else, and you don't have to worry about your keys falling off in the meantime.
READ ABOUT THE BEST CARABINER KEYCHAINS
Opinel No. 8 Pocket Knife
Just like multi-tools, knives are usually something you'd want to spend a bit more on to ensure you're getting something of quality and good reliability — usually. There are exceptions, as can be seen in the beechwood and carbon steel Opinel No. 8. This iconic knife is also one of the most budget-friendly and, once you've gotten your hands on one, you'll understand exactly why people have been turning to this one time and time again for decades.
READ ABOUT THE BEST POCKET KNIVES
Griffin Titanium Mini Multi-Tool
Tiny, one-piece, keychain multi-tools aren't much of a novelty anymore, but that's largely because there are so many of low quality out there. This one, however, sits squarely on the other end of the spectrum thanks to its clever design, sturdy titanium construction and nine (or more) built-in functions. If you want a tiny titan to stash on your keychain, give this one some serious thought.
READ ABOUT THE BEST MINI MULTI-TOOLS
Casio F-108WH-1ACF Digital Watch
While there are very few watches we'd want to trust under $100, there are even fewer under $25. But there's just something fun and classic about a digital Casio. Yes, it will reliably tell the time, so long as you keep a juiced-up battery inside it. But there's also just so much charm to wearing the ultimate bargain-bin retro watch on the daily.
READ ABOUT THE BEST DIGITAL WATCHES
Field Notes Pocket Notebooks
While the written word seems like it may be dying off in this increasingly digital world, there's still a lot of value to the idea of carrying around a notepad — be that for things as important as writing your to-do list or as mindless as drawing doodles while you brainstorm. Field Notes makes some of the best pocket notebooks there are, and the brand constructs them here in the USA from top-quality materials.
Zippo Lighter
If you're going to carry around a lighter (and you want one of quality), you should probably already have a Zippo. If you don't, now is your chance. These USA-made lighters are time-tested, major fan favorites and have a ton of features that help them stand apart — like the iconic flip top, refillable reservoirs and more.
READ ABOUT THE BEST CIGAR LIGHTERS
Fisher Space Pen
Yes, the pen that writes upside-down, underwater, in zero gravity and has been on every manned space mission can actually be had for under $25. While that should be more than enough to get you onboard, you might also be happy to hear that it's also available in 14 different colorways, so you can easily match your pen to your personal style.
READ ABOUT THE BEST PENS YOU CAN BUY
Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife
Perhaps the single most iconic piece of everyday carry, the Swiss Army Knife, also comes in a wide variety of formats — many of which fall under the $25 price point. This one, however, is about as classic as they come. It's also small enough to stash on your keychain and still has at least seven built-in functions (including a handy knife blade, scissors and a toothpick.
READ ABOUT THE BEST POCKET KNIFE BRANDS
Gerber Vise Multi-Tool
It's tough to find a decent traditionally-formatted multi-tool for under $25 that's also reliable — but it isn't impossible, as Gerber has proven with the Vise you see here. It's a simple tool with just a few included functions (a knife, saw, pliers, bottle and can openers and more), but it's well-built and comes from a time-tested brand you know you can trust.
READ ABOUT THE BEST MULTI-TOOLS
Big Idea Design Titanium Pocket Bit
There are a number of things we love about Big Idea Design's Titanium Pocket Bit. First of all, the titanium keyring is vastly superior to most cheap key rings — but it's also easier to get your keys and keychain accessories on and off (without sacrificing security). But it also has an attached bit tool that works as a flathead and Phillips driver, as well as a pry bar/bottle opener.
