Tools and Toys » edc guides http://toolsandtoys.net Hand-Picked for Work and Play Mon, 16 Sep 2024 21:20:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.3 Everyday Carry: Cyberpunk http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-cyberpunk/ http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-cyberpunk/#comments Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:05:25 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?post_type=guides&p=47760 Blade Runner vibes without the dystopian alienation.]]>

High Tech, Low Life — that’s how cyberpunk is typically defined, but the EDC items below are anything but “low life.” No, this collection is simply about decking yourself out with futuristic vibes because it looks cool. No dystopian dehumanization required.

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  1. Aulumu A15 Magnetic TPU Case for iPhone 15 Series ($40)

    In addition to being ultra slim and compatible with MagSafe chargers, this futuristic and functional soft-touch case adds a sweet cyberpunk aesthetic to your iPhone, and even has CPU cooling holes for heat dissipation. It also sports a 0.5mm aluminum camera ring for added rear protection, along with independent aluminum buttons that offer excellent tactile feel with every press.

      + Best paired with these wallpapers by Liam Wong.

  2. UGREEN “Nexode RobotGaN” 30W USB-C Wall Charger Block ($26)

    We’ve covered a number of wall chargers over the years, but none have fit the cyberpunk aesthetic as much as the Nexode RobotGaN by UGREEN.

    This little guy (or gal) looks like a fun micro-robot toy, but remove its feet and you’ll find hidden wall prongs, along with a USB-C port on the top of its “headphones” that you can hook your iPhone or other device into. When you plug it into an outlet, the face lights up with one of three faces depending on if it’s currently charging, finished charging, or in standby mode.

  3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Headphones ($149) with Wicked Cushions “Speed Racer” Earpads ($27)

    These critically acclaimed studio monitor headphones have already been long sought after by casual listeners and studio pros alike, and these glitchy-looking replacement earpads add a futuristic splash of color while being arguably more comfortable than the original ones.

  4. TG Dual-Arc Plasma Lighter ($10)

    Rather than producing an open flame or requiring fuel refills, this rechargeable lighter passes an electrical current between diodes to generate a small dual-arc of high-voltage plasma that can’t be blown out by the wind or doused by water. No bothersome wheel-flicking required either — just flip the cap open and push a button.

  5. Spigen “Zero One” Ultra Hybrid Case for Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($27)

    Released as part of their “Zero One” lineup of device-teardown cases, this Ultra Hybrid case lends your second-gen AirPods Pro that same see-through futuristic aesthetic while offering a good deal of drop and scratch protection.

    Although it’s a bit on the thicker side, the case was made with successful MagSafe charging in mind, thanks to six embedded magnets for a solid charging connection.


For more everyday carry inspiration, check out the rest of our EDC guides here.

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Everyday Carry: Tony Stark http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-tony-stark/ http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-tony-stark/#comments Sat, 03 Jul 2021 19:45:06 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?post_type=guides&p=43571 If you're nothing without this gear, then you shouldn't have it.]]>

What does a billionaire techno-superhero carry when he’s off the clock?

Well, if Iron Man were real, we’re betting the answer to that question would be way out of our ability to acquire. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun 😉

Here are a handful of EDC items that might help you feel a bit like Tony Stark in your day-to-day life.

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  1. Juuk Crimson II “Vitero” Apple Watch band. ($149)

    Inspired by vintage race cars and made from hard anodized 6000-series aluminum — commonly used for aerospace, automotive, and nautical applications — this distinctive Apple Watch band sports a matte red (dare we say “hot rod red”?) color with a gold stripe down the center.

  2. Fancii folding utility knife. ($14)

    Tony Stark would never be caught without some kind of tool in his EDC loadout, and neither should you. For something so affordable, this folding knife sure packs a lot of style, earning it a spot on this list.

  3. The AVIATOR Slim wallet in Imola Red. (from €60 / ~$72 USD)

    Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, this sleek RFID-blocking wallet is a slim, lightweight way to carry cards, cash, and/or coins. But more than that, Tony would love how much attention the thing draws every time it’s pulled out.

  4. OLIGHT Baton 3 1200-lumen rechargeable flashlight. ($65)

    You never know when you’re gonna need a bright light, and this compact LED flashlight is as stylish as they come.

  5. Fisher Red Cherry Space Pen. ($30)

    If anyone can appreciate a beautiful metallic pen that can write anywhere and in any conditions — whether he’s upside-down, underwater, floating in space, in the arctic, etc — it’s Iron Man.


For more everyday carry inspiration, check out the rest of our EDC guides here.

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Everyday Carry: Matte Black http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-matte-black/ http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-matte-black/#comments Thu, 12 Sep 2019 21:20:12 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?post_type=guides&p=39022 EDC with an air of mystique.]]>

After last week’s Matte Black Coffee Gear guide, I felt inspired to come up with something similar for our EDC guide collection.

Below are five everyday items — one of which you may not actually carry on your person, but might have a home in your bag — that can lend you an air of mystique as you go about your business.

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  1. Trayvax “Element” wallet in stealth black. ($80)

    This money clip combines old-world ruggedness with modern style by taking a bead-blasted stainless steel plate, wrapping a 5oz top-grain leather sleeve around it, and securing it all together with MIL-SPEC Type II paracord. Fits anywhere between 3–12 cards plus a few bills, offers a bit of RFID resistance, and can generally take a lot of abuse.

  2. Fisher Space Bullet Pen. ($19)

    If you somehow ever find yourself in a zero-g environment, then the write-anywhere Space Bullet Pen is the writing utensil for you. It’s capable of writing in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, and at temperatures from −30°F to 250°F (−35°C to 120°C).

    You can get it with a built-in clip if that’s more your style. Costs the same either way.

  3. V-MODA “Crossfade 2” wireless headphones. ($300)

    If you loved V-MODA’s M100 headphones ($235), the Crossfade 2s sport the same distinct hexagonal design, durability, and audio performance, with the addition of wireless connectivity.

  4. Acqua di Giò “Profumo” Cologne. ($94 for 4.2 fl oz bottle)

    If the original Acqua di Giò is a light, floral, and even sunny scent, then Profumo is the darker, more mature cousin destined for summer nights and chilly weather.

    It shares some of the same aquatic, citrusy notes as its predecessor, but also with deeper tones like bergamot, geranium, sage, rosemary, and just a touch of incense.

  5. Spigen “Rugged Armor” phone case. ($11–$14, depending on model)

    If you’ve got a modern enough smartphone model, chances are, Spigen’s got a Rugged Armor case for it. They’ve even got versions for the just-announced iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max.

    It’s made from a flexible, shock-absorbent TPU material with carbon fiber and gloss detailing and raised bezels to protect the screen and camera areas. It also offers an easy grip without being sticky.


For more everyday carry inspiration, check out the rest of our EDC guides here.

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Everyday Style: Navy & Leather http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-style-navy-and-leather/ http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-style-navy-and-leather/#comments Thu, 01 Aug 2019 21:30:18 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?post_type=guides&p=38630 The perfect contrast of warm and cool tones, brought together beautifully.]]>

There’s something about the combination of navy blue and leather brown that’s always appealed to me. In many ways it’s the best of two worlds: warm and cool; sand and sea; vintage and modern; rustic and metropolitan.

With the dapper garb and accessories collected below, you too can sport this distinctive mix of tones as you move about town.

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  1. The Cary Briefcase by Stuart & Lau. ($350)

    A lightweight, weatherproof, and versatile briefcase that would be as at home in the hands of Cary Grant as it is in yours today. It’s constructed from a waterproof “DuraLite” fabric comprised of resilient nylon twill with a thin layer of rubber foam bonded to the backside, with full-grain leather handles and straps that will soften and become more beautiful with age.

    This is the sort of briefcase you’ll want at your side as you jet-set around the globe for many years to come. Check out our blog post for more info.

  2. Wool&Prince Slim Chino. ($128)

    You’ll be ready for work, play, and everything in between with these merino wool + nylon chinos designed by the wool-obsessives at Portland-based apparel company Wool&Prince. Combine them with a tan leather belt and matching shoes for best effect:

    wool-and-prince-slim-chino-pant

  3. Herschel Supply “Hank” Bifold. ($35)

    This RFID-shielded wallet combines a 100% polyester exterior with a synthetic leather interior (kinda cheating here, I know) to get that look we’re after. In terms of utility, it has an interior mesh ID window, three card slots, a cash pouch lined with Herschel’s signature red-and-white striped fabric, and a couple of slip pockets.

  4. “The Humboldt” 40mm watch by Oak & Oscar. ($1,550)

    Here we have a rugged, Swiss-powered automatic watch with 20ATM water resistance and an external, rotating 12-hour bezel. The navy face pairs quite well with the company’s handmade Horween leather strap, which tapers from 20mm to 18mm at the buckle.

    There are loads of other details to explore here.

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Everyday Carry: Urban Tough http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-urban-tough/ http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-urban-tough/#comments Thu, 13 Jun 2019 14:00:38 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?post_type=guides&p=38193 The concrete jungle is no place for wimpy accoutrements.]]>

Just because you live a comfortable existence in the city and rarely have to face any sort of survival scenario doesn’t mean your EDC loadout can’t have a little tactical flair.

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  1. Dango M1 Maverick Spec-Ops wallet. ($149)

    This vertical-oriented utility bifold is one of the most resilient wallets you’ll ever buy. It combines an aerospace-grade, Cerakote-coated aluminum chassis with a textured DTEX fabric exterior that’s both water- and scratch-resistant (not to mention feels great in the hand) and is held together with mil-spec bolts. It’s also equipped with not one but two hidden multi-tools made from high-carbon, heat-treated stainless steel.

  2. Gear Infusion Key Titan carabiner. ($26)

    This clever carabiner makes it easy to organize your keys and prevent them from jingling. It uses a combination of an angled “sweeper” gate (which continually pushes the keys together) and an elastic band to hold the keys in place. When you need a key, just untuck the tip of it from the elastic band and swivel it down.

    The carabiner’s Grade 5 Titanium body gives it excellent durability and corrosion resistance, and it has an integrated bottle opener and ¼” slip driver to make it even more useful.

  3. NITECORE “TUP” 1000-lumen rechargeable pocket flashlight. ($63)

    All the power of a full-size torch packed into a supremely compact size that fits easily into a pocket or on your keychain. Has a rechargeable Li-ion battery that can run for up to 70 hours straight, plus an OLED display that can tell you the flashlight’s battery level and voltage, its brightness level, and the runtime remaining. All of this comes in a high-strength aluminum alloy shell with a scratch-resistant hard-anodized finish.

  4. Urban Armor Gear Active Strap for Apple Watch. ($60)

    When it comes to Apple Watch bands, it doesn’t get more rugged than the UAG Active Strap, which is built from a high-strength nylon weave with custom stainless steel hardware and a maximum-hold velcro fastener. This strap provides the ultimate outdoor protection, no matter how rigorous the activity, and it does so in comfort and style.

  5. CRKT “CEO” folding pocket knife. ($42)

    The slim, low-profile “CEO” folding pocket knife is a modern gentleman’s knife, perfect for opening packages and sealed letters or trimming loose threads on a suit jacket. It’s intended to be worn in the pocket of a dress/work shirt without drawing attention. The clip makes it look like a mere pen in your pocket until it needs deploying.

    The knife as a whole is super lightweight, weighing in at only 2.1 oz. And, with the press of a button, the long blade flies out in the blink of an eye.


For more everyday carry inspiration, check out the rest of our EDC guides here.

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Everyday Carry: Unabashedly Orange http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-unabashedly-orange/ http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-unabashedly-orange/#comments Thu, 17 Jan 2019 21:00:40 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?post_type=guides&p=36975 Don't try to contain your inner sunshine. Let it out.]]>

Orange is one of those colors that’s easy to overdo if you’re not careful. But we say, why not overdo it a little with your EDC now and then? Let’s bring a little incandescence to the table.

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  1. The DDC Stuff Sheath. ($40)

    This simple leather sheath protects your Field Notes notebook and other bits of paper bouncing around in your pocket. The words emblazoned on the front put it perfectly: “Way Durable • Very Orange”. We wrote a whole review for this thing back in 2014.

    Every sheath comes with a bonus single Field Notes memo book straight from the DDC workshop. You never know what you’re going to get, but you can expect it will be cool.

  2. Lanxivi Jinhao 159 fountain pen. ($10)

    Nothing fancy here — just a very affordable orange fountain pen that feels nice in the hand and writes well enough when it counts. Use it with Diamine’s “Inferno Orange” ink for best effect.

  3. Spigen “Ultra Hybrid” case (in coral) for iPhone XR. ($14)

    Designed to match the coral iPhone XR, this protective case sports a combination of a rigid, durable, and see-through polycarbonate (PC) back and a flexible TPU bumper around the edge. All editions we’ve seen of this case over the years have consistenly ranked among the most popular and highly rated on the market.

  4. Seiko Prospex “Samurai” SRPB97 automatic stainless steel dive watch ($432)

    Wear your love of orange on your slee- er, wrist with this attention-grabbing timepiece. On top of its distinctive looks, this pro-spec stainless steel diver gives you the option of both automatic and hand-winding capabilities, water resistance to 200 meters, LumiBrite glow-in-the-dark hands and markers, a date calendar, a one-way rotating elapsed-timing bezel (with a gorgeous orange accent), and an additional silicone strap.

    This guy’s video review of the near-identical SRPC07 model — basically, the one that ships without the silicone strap — gives some nice closeup views of the watch’s features. There are also lots of awesome photos in Worn & Wound’s review.


For more everyday carry inspiration, check out the rest of our EDC guides here.

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Everyday Carry: Night Sky http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-night-sky/ http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-night-sky/#comments Thu, 06 Dec 2018 18:15:05 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?post_type=guides&p=36653 There's blue, and there's blue.]]>

With today’s EDC roundup, we’re showcasing items with deep blue tones that should contrast nicely with attire of a more muted color palette (light grays, tans, that sort of thing). Perfect for a brisk day on the town.

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  1. Il Bussetto credit card case in Navy. ($48)

    This compact, Italian-made, vegetable-tanned leather case holds three cards and is hand-painted in a gorgeous navy color.

  2. Spyderco “Manix 2” folding knife in Midnight Blue. ($145)

    In addition to its gorgeous coloring, Spyderco’s massively successful Manix 2 tactical knife is a must-have in any collection. Take good care of it and you’ll have a lifelong companion.

  3. Worn & Wound ADPT watch strap in Navy. ($42)

    This entirely American-made nylon strap is a great way to spruce up a favorite watch and can be worn for just about all occasions. Comes in 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm sizes.

  4. The KOSMOS pen in Night Sky. (€ 50,38 / ~$58 USD)

    The minimalist KOSMOS pen is lathed from a solid block of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and features a unique magnetic extension/retraction mechanism that’s fun to play with.


For more everyday carry inspiration, check out the rest of our EDC guides here.

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Everyday Carry: Brassy http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-brassy/ http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-brassy/#comments Thu, 27 Sep 2018 20:35:25 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?post_type=guides&p=36040 Shine on.]]>

Brass is one of my favorite materials to see products made from. Something about that coppery luster just makes my wallet want to leap out of my pocket and throw itself at the screen whenever I see a gorgeous brass (or even brass-like) trinket.

All but one of the items below is made of brass, together creating quite an eyecatching EDC collection.

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  1. Tactile Turn’s brass “Glider” pen. ($59)

    The major selling point of this pen is the crescent-shaped bolt-action retraction mechanism that can easily be operated single-handed. It’s actually kind of addictive to play with, and you’ll often find yourself with the pen in your hand, click-click-clicking like a fidget toy. Extremely satisfying.

  2. The Apple Watch Series 4 with gold milanese loop. (from $548)

    Okay, so it’s not made of brass, but the gold-colored stainless steel milanese loop fits in with this collection quite beautifully. In any case, it’s the closest you’re going to get without someone making an actual brass one.

  3. Craighill closed-helix brass keyring. ($30)

    This clever keyring is a great way to save yourself from ever having to fuss too much with adding or removing keys. Just unscrew the knurled end, slide your key(s) on or off, then screw the cap back on. Easy peasy.

  4. Three Little Pixies Boutique personalized brass guitar pick. (from $28)

    These brass guitar picks are hand-engraved on one side with a custom message of your choice. Great for your own EDC or as a special gift for the guitar player in your life.

  5. Qbit measuring rod. (from $20)

    Originally a Kickstarter project and designed to be a modern take on the cubit rods of ancient Egypt, this portable measuring tool is a neat little trinket that’s handy to have around whenever and wherever you need to make quick measurements. Comes with a little red adjustable marker for “transferring measurements, making guide marks, measuring depth or simply remembering an important dimension on a trip to the hardware store.”

    Comes in a keychain-friendly short version (3″ or 75mm) or a pen-sized longer one (6″ or 150mm).


For more everyday carry inspiration, check out the rest of our EDC guides here.

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Everyday Carry: Aircraft Grade http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-aircraft-grade/ http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-aircraft-grade/#comments Thu, 14 Jun 2018 20:45:42 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?post_type=guides&p=35180 Tough enough for any adventure.]]>

Something that crosses our minds a lot here at T&T is the concept of “BIFL” (Buy It For Life). We don’t just want items that look cool, we want them to last.

Today’s collection of EDC gear inspiration is presented with that philosophy in mind. The items are either made from aircraft-grade materials or are just about tough enough that it doesn’t matter.

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  1. Decadent DM1 wallet. ($49–$87, depending on size and color)

    The striking DM1 wallet by Erik Moon is machined from a single billet of aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum. There are no screws, no rivets, no straps, no elastic, no velcro, no rubber bands, no moving parts at all — just metal.

    It securely holds up to 8 cards (each of which satisfyingly clicks into place), and despite its metal construction it feels almost feather-light in the hand when empty. Comes in a variety of colors, with available sizes for 4, 8, or 12 cards.

  2. Baron Fig Squire aluminum pen. ($55)

    The Squire is a beautiful pen cut from a solid block of high-grade aluminum. It’s precision weighted so that it rests comfortably in your hand, and the body subtly widens from top to bottom, making it more ergonomic and keeping your fingers from sliding down. It’s shorter than an average pen but longer than most pocket pens — hitting the portability sweet spot — and there are very few parts or edges to speak of.

    They recently released a limited-edition orange version you should check out.

  3. Fenix E15 flashlight. ($31)

    The Fenix E15 clocks in at just 2.5″ long, weighs under 1oz., and still manages to put out 170 lumens of light. Consider us impressed. It’s also made from knurled, aircraft-grade aluminum, finished with a type-III hard-anodized anti-abrasive coating, and is waterproof to boot (at least while the light is on; the seal is looser when the head is turned to the off position).

  4. Lucky Line “Twisty” key ring. ($6)

    This key ring is made from flexible, corrision-resistant aircraft cable that’s been coated in nylon. Thanks to its unique ball-and-socket design, it opens and closes by twisting the cable into a figure eight (∞) shape, so it’s not likely to ever come undone in your pocket.

  5. Leatherman OHT multi-tool. ($80 or $90, depending on color)

    With most “one-handed” multi-tools, you get the option of one-hand-opening pliers OR one-hand-opening blades. With the Leatherman OHT (“one-handed tool”), both of these functions are combined into a single heavy-duty unit, along with 14 other tools.

    All of the tools lock into place when open, and the handles are visually imprinted so you can quickly identify where each tool is. The Leatherman OHT comes in coyote tan or black. Each comes with your choice of black or brown molle sheath, and are backed by Leatherman’s 25-year limited warranty.


For more everyday carry inspiration, check out the rest of our EDC guides here.

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Everyday Carry: Crimson http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-crimson/ http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-crimson/#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2018 20:15:43 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?post_type=guides&p=34720 Bold. Stylish. Attention-grabbing.]]>

There’s a reason so many companies employ the color red in their branding and products: It naturally catches your eye like a magnet.

Feel like standing out from the crowd? Here are some EDC items to help you out.

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  1. TGT Cherry Red Deluxe wallet. ($48)

    The TGT Wallet (pronounced “tight wallet”) sports a compact elastic-and-Italian-leather design that still manages to comfortably fit up to 20 cards and/or some folded cash. Pictured above is the Cherry Red Deluxe.

  2. (PRODUCT)RED Classic Buckle band for Apple Watch. ($149)

    If you’re going to splurge on a calf leather band for your Apple Watch, you might as well choose a stylish color that shows it off. The (PRODUCT)RED version is just the thing.

  3. Pilot MR “Retro Pop” red fountain pen with wave accent. ($17)

    This is a great, stylish, entry-level fountain pen. It’s sleek yet relatively inexpensive, feels solid and natural to write with, and has a generous ink capacity for its small stature. Comes in both fine nib and medium nib versions.

    For best effect, pair it with Montverde’s Ruby ink (scroll down to select it).

  4. Best Made Co. enamel steel keychain. ($14 per keychain; $48 for the full set of four)

    Made from steel that’s been hand-dipped into a porcelain enamel coating, this keychain looks modern but feels vintage. More info here.

  5. iPhone 8 (PRODUCT)RED (from $699)

    In addition to being the most vibrant iPhone you can get, the purchase of this color — like all (PRODUCT)RED products — contributes directly to the Global Fund to fight AIDS. Now that’s bold.


For more everyday carry inspiration, check out the rest of our EDC guides here.

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Everyday Carry: Productive http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-productive/ http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-productive/#comments Thu, 29 Mar 2018 19:45:21 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?post_type=guides&p=34443 Stay on your game at all times.]]>

Regardless of what others may tell you, no amount of everyday carry will make you a more productive person. However, a few key items can still be helpful when you need to stay focused and timely wherever you go.

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  1. The 2018 Hobonichi Techo planner. ($26 + intl. shipping)

    Year after year, the Hobonichi Techo continues to be one of the most thoughtfully designed planners we’ve ever used. Every detail within makes it a delight to use, as we outlined here.

    To add an extra touch of class and protection to your planner, check out One Star Leather’s covers on Etsy.

  2. Pilot MR-series fountain pen. ($10–$20, generally)

    This is a great, stylish, entry-level fountain pen. It’s sleek yet relatively inexpensive, feels solid and natural to write with, and has a generous ink capacity for its small stature. We listed all of the color/nib options available here.

  3. Mondaine “SBB Essence” watch. ($175)

    What better way to master your timekeeping than wearing a watch modeled after the official clocks of Switzerland’s national railway company? It’s even made from sustainable materials like castor oil, natural rubber, and recycled PET bottles, so it’s a purchase you can feel good about.

  4. B&O Beoplay H9i wireless noise-cancelling headphones. ($499)

    A pair of active noise-cancelling headphones can help keep your head down and focused wherever you’re getting work done. These wireless over-ear ones from Bang & Olufsen not only get the job done, but also bring luxurious comfort and visual appeal to the table. Read more about them here.


For more everyday carry inspiration, check out the rest of our EDC guides here.

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Everyday Carry: Morning Run http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-morning-run/ http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-morning-run/#comments Thu, 11 Jan 2018 19:40:44 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?post_type=guides&p=33663 Get up and go.]]>

You don’t actually need all that much to get up in the morning and go for a run — just your feet and your will. However, you can bring along a few things to make the most of it.

Here are some suggestions.

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everyday-carry-morning-run-guide-items

  1. Twelve South ActionSleeve Armband for Apple Watch. ($30)

    Twelve South’s ActionSleeve armband lets you strap an Apple Watch on your upper arm or bicep, which frees up your wrist while still leaving the screen, crown, and button fully viewable and controllable. Since it delivers more constant skin contact on your arm than it would on your wrist, it can actually improve your Apple Watch’s heart rate tracking.

    Our recommended fitness app? Workouts++ 2.0.

  2. Smith Optics “PivLock Arena” Performance Sunglasses. ($60–$159)

    The PivLock Arena sunglasses by Smith Optics are just as awesome for runners as they are for cyclists. They’re lightweight, comfortable to wear, offer excellent coverage and high visibility, and they get the job done in pretty much all conditions.

  3. Jaybird X3 Bluetooth Sport Earbuds. ($100)

    The JayBird X3s are an awesome set of Bluetooth earbuds to run with. They sound great, have an in-line mic, boast an 8-hour battery life, and aren’t likely to fall out during your workout, especially since there’s no cable between the buds and your Apple Watch to catch on things.

    Other competitors in this category are the Bose SoundSports ($129) and the Powerbeats3 ($134).

  4. Nathan Peak Waist Pack. ($20–$40)

    It’s not just any fanny pack, it’s a quick-draw holster for your water bottle while you run. It fits nice and snug without getting in your way, allows for easy one-handed access, comes with an 18oz. flask with push/pull race cap, and has a storage pocket for carrying a phone (although large ones with cases may not fit), keys, a protein bar, or some other small essential.


For more everyday carry inspiration, check out the rest of our EDC guides here.

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Everyday Style: Elastic http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-style-elastic/ http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-style-elastic/#comments Thu, 28 Dec 2017 22:30:50 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?post_type=guides&p=33500 Comfortable, versatile garb for nearly any occasion.]]>

Every once in a while we like to put together a little EDC gear guide, each one featuring a simple list of everyday carry items based around a theme. This week, we thought we’d try something slightly different: Rather than EDC items, we are suggesting a few pieces of attire on a specific theme.

What connects the items below is that they’re all elastic in some way. You don’t necessarily need to wear them all at once, depending on how dorky that makes you feel — it’s more a list of ideas than anything. However, there is something to be said for how easy elastic garb is to deal with, so you may find yourself mixing and matching them as needed.

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  1. Gelante elastic fabric belt. ($10)

    Ever lost or gained weight and had to either buy a new belt or go the ghetto route (like I have in the past) and just keep poking holes until the thing is practically falling apart? Forget that garbage and just get one of these elastic belts instead.

    They do have various sizes you can choose from, but each one is stretchy and can accommodate a wide variety of belt sizes. You get the exact right fit every time you buckle it.

  2. AKTIVX SPORTS no-tie athletic shoelaces. ($6)

    Tying laces every time you go out the door gets tedious after a while. Install these elastic ones on your favorite pair of shoes and you won’t have to think about it anymore.

  3. Hair tie by The Longhairs. ($12 per 4-pack)

    Hair Ties for Guys are…well, exactly what they say they are. If you’re a long-haired dude who wants to keep your locks out of your food and your face, these are a great way to go. The elastic has a nice, solid pop to it, and yet the material feels soft, almost like a t-shirt. They’ve got a variety of stylish packs to choose from.

    The one pictured here comes from the “Jolly Rogers” set.

  4. TGT elastic + leather wallet. ($38–$48)

    The TGT Wallet (pronounced “tight wallet”) sports a compact design that still manages to comfortably fit up to 20 cards and/or some folded cash. Pictured above is the Oxblood with Midnight Accent Deluxe.

  5. iCraftWallet elastic band for Apple Watch. ($25)

    This Etsy shop’s handmade elastic bands fit all models of the Apple Watch and are super easy to slip on and off your wrist. They’re soft and lightweight, making them perfectly comfortable to wear all day long. Pictured above is the stripe pattern.


We will likely do more of these themed style guides in the future. In the meantime, check out our EDC guides here.

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Everyday Carry: Stargazer http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-stargazer/ http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-stargazer/#comments Thu, 09 Nov 2017 17:00:55 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?post_type=guides&p=33033 A few cool accessories for astronomers and space nerds alike.]]>

Humans have been looking up to the stars since time immemorial. We know so much more about them today that you’d think astronomy would be a relatively dead hobby, but we’re just as drawn to it as we ever were.

Whether you actually partake in stargazing or you simply think space is cool, you’ll appreciate at least one of the everyday carry items below.

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  1. Sky Guide AR for Apple Watch. ($3)

    In addition to the neat stuff Sky Guide can do on iPhone and iPad, the Apple Watch version has a few neat tricks of its own, including alerts for when the ISS is due to fly over your location, a live satellite view of the sun, and a super accurate moon complication for your watch face.

    Another great option is Luminos, which offers more functionality at a much higher price of $25. (Don’t forget that you’re also paying for the excellent iPhone/iPad app.)

  2. Fisher Telescoping Space Pen. ($30)

    Like all of Fisher’s space pens, this telescoping one can write in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, and in virtually any temperature/climate.

    In compact mode, it’s approx. the same size (3.9″) as their “Bullet” space pen (3.75″), but then the body extends to expose the pen tip, bringing it to a more comfortable 4.75″. When you’re done, retract it back down until it clicks closed.

    See it in action starting from 2:51 of this video.

  3. Wayllshine red LED flashlight. ($10)

    Our eyes take at least 10–20 minutes to “dark adapt”, meaning that any bright white light used nearby while you’re trying to reference a star chart will start the whole process over. Annoying.

    Instead, use a red light flashlight like this one, which allows you to see things in the dark without ruining your night vision.

  4. Mokoyubi “Space Explorer” iron-on patch. ($7)

    Show off your inner stargazer with this cool patch. Put it on your favorite bag, hat, jacket, whatever. You can iron it on, but with anything like this you may have better luck sewing it on.


For more everyday carry goodness, check out the rest of our EDC guides here. You’ll probably also appreciate another of our guides, “The Right Stuff for Space Nerds”.

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Everyday Carry: Recycled http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-recycled/ http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/everyday-carry-recycled/#comments Thu, 21 Sep 2017 14:00:59 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?post_type=guides&p=32476 Breathe new life into discarded materials.]]>

“Don’t lose it, reuse it.” This has always been my son’s favorite line from the show Paw Patrol. As silly as it sounds, we grownups could stand to take this ecological lesson to heart.

Here are a few EDC items that have been repurposed from materials that would otherwise go to waste.

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  1. Carved recycled skateboard case for iPhone. ($39)

    Hand-crafted using wood from old and broken skate decks, then combined with a polycarbonate case. The grain pattern of every case is different from the last.

  2. Ugmonk mini sketchbook. ($14 for pack of 3)

    Boasting a 100% recycled chipboard cover and 100% recycled paper inside, this pocket-sized sketchbook will be there for you to sketch or jot ideas down in whenever inspiration strikes.

  3. Recycled Firefighter’s “The Sergeant” wallet. ($29)

    A slim, minimalist money clip wallet made from decommissioned fire hose. More info here.

  4. Field Notes “Brand’s Hall” rollerball pen. ($160)

    The crew at Field Notes partnered with Allegory Goods to produce a “very special, limited-edition, fine rollerball pen using wood reclaimed from an iconic Chicago building which was constructed in the aftermath of the Great Fire of 1871.” Not only are these pens insanely cool, but no two are exactly alike.


For more everyday carry inspiration, check out the rest of our EDC guides here. If you liked this one, you’ll probably dig the “Eco-Friendly” and “Wooden” kits as well.

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