Our Favorite EDC Gear Is Built for Everyday Life—Not Tactical Cosplay

The Arc is Leatherman's premium offering, featuring a MagnaCut main blade and a 420 HC steel frame. There are 20 different tools that can be deployed with one hand thanks to the brand's proprietary "Free" technology.Each tool locks into place for safety and is backed by the brand's lifetime guarantee. It's relatively lightweight, weighing just over half a pound, and has a closed length of just over four inches. For all its utility, it's surprisingly nimble. I have the carrying case for it, but it's plenty comfortable to carry by itself, clipped onto my jean pocket.It was also dubbed “best overall” by Reviews Editor Tom Price when he tested a slew of multitools from brands like Gerber, Victorinox, and RoverTac.“It’s hard to nail down one aspect of the Arc that I like best, because it does just about everything well,” notes Price. “Effectiveness across the board is precisely why it is our new best overall pick.”Read our Leatherman Arc ReviewThis Streamlight flashlight has a durable aluminum housing, easy USB charging, and simple push-button controls. Its IPX4 rating means it can resist moderate rainfall and splashes.Test Editor Alex Rennie was impressed by its 250-max lumen output when he tested pocket flashlights and says it’s plenty bright for your day-to-day requirements, and the portable design makes it a practical EDC option.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowTest Editor Just Park is constantly testing pocket knives and keeps coming back to the Kershaw Iridium as the best overall pick. He notes that the slick, modern design makes it an excellent EDC option, as does its reliable crossbar lock. It also has a smooth one-handed deployment thanks to its thumb stud.While the D2 blade can rust if not taken care of, it’s easy to sharpen and is plenty durable for most people’s needs.Although a lot of EDC consists of tools and knives, we can’t forget electronic devices. Work phones may die throughout the day, and personal devices need to stay juiced until they make it back home. A portable charger is a nice-to-have in your EDC kit.The Iniu was named our best portable charger for its fast charging and easy-to-read display. It comes with both USB-A and USB-C wires to keep smartphones, headphones, tablets, and other devices charged.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowField Notes is one of the best-known brands for pocket notebooks because of their durable covers and paper that doesn’t tear or curl at the edges. They’re flexible enough to throw in your back pocket without feeling like you’re smuggling a hardcover book in your jeans. They come in packs of three, making them a great value.You have the choice of dot-graph or ruled paper. Whether you’re sketching an idea or jotting down notes on the fly, Field Notes ensures your good ideas aren’t lost in transit.The Free K2 is a user-friendly knife that packs eight essential tools into a lightweight aluminum body. The blade maintains a sharp edge even with regular use and comes in both straight and serrated options. Each individual tool locks into place, ensuring they won’t slip out during use.Tools open with the click of a button, allowing you to complete tasks one-handed and avoid fumbling around to open and close whatever you need. The pocket clip can be switched to the other side to match your dominant hand, or removed altogether.I’ve had this knife for over a year now, and I like the K2's sturdiness and in-hand comfort (and yes, the 25-year warranty). It’s bulkier than other pocket knives, but it’s a good option to have in my backpack or on my desk within reach.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowA pen that’s literally been to the moon and back is sure to serve you well as your everyday writing implement. Well, not every Fisher Space Pen 400 has actually been to the moon—but NASA used this exact model during the Apollo 7 mission in 1968 and has been a go-to ever since, even for people who don’t commute to work on a rocket ship.The pressurized ink cartridge allows you to write upside down, underwater, and through grease. Its construction is sturdy without being heavy, providing comfort when writing, and the pocket clip makes it easy to stow away. We love this for contractors and electricians who might need to jot down notes on something other than a clean, white page.Customers love how smoothly the pen writes and that it doesn’t require an initial shake or scribbling to work. For TV fans, this was also the model Jerry Seinfeld used on set. And will you find a pen with better endorsements than NASA and Seinfeld? Unlikely.Danny Perez is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.