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Fly Prepared: Travel-Friendly EDC Gear

I travel quite a bit for work. Not as much as some but certainly more than most. My air travel can range from overnight trips with only three-hour flights to ten-day trips where each leg requires more than twenty hours in the air. In addition to gaining frequent flyer status and an advanced awareness of airplane lavatories, another ancillary benefit is an appreciation for high-quality gear. More specifically, an appreciation for solid kit that punches above its weight class and provides a significant return on investment. 

Travel forces you to identify and analyze what items you find important and separate nice-to-have kit from necessities. It’s an exercise in critical decision-making about what you carry and for what reason you carry it. 

When determining if I should invest in a piece of gear, I look at it through three primary filters: quality vs cost (can I depend on it and at the price point is it worth it?), functionality (does it execute well in its designated function(s)? And bonus points for items with multiple use cases), and usefulness (does it expand my capabilities in a meaningful way?). 

Essentially, these filters become exponentially more important when you travel and are potentially far from home. Additionally, it’s prudent to choose items that have a relatively travel-friendly form factor. The inherent challenge here is ensuring what you choose to forgo in size and weight doesn’t commensurately reduce functionality and effectiveness.

The intention of this article is to highlight gear that checks these boxes. Every item referenced is something I have personally carried for literally thousands of miles and have used extensively. While there are some fantastic in-depth reviews on Carryology, including some of the items I’ll profile here, this will be more of a high level carry collective viewed through the lens of travel. 

For this maiden voyage, I am profiling items from multiple companies. However, after taking inventory of my current go-to travel items, it became immediately apparent that one company had a larger presence than the rest. Ever since Patrick Ma and Chris Whitney launched Prometheus Design Werx (PDW) they have been creating and producing top-tier goods for the tactical and EDC community.

Beyond Ma’s legendary reputation, what initially drew me to PDW and has since made me a loyal patron was how perfectly their gear lived at the intersection of form and function. PDW claims to “Learn from the past, look to the future, and build for today.” I think they have done just that as they are consistently able to bring kit to market that pays homage to the vintage while taking advantage of modern materials and design techniques. Their high-quality multi-purpose performance apparel, equipment, and accessories are most certainly for the modern adventurer. 

I strongly recommend taking a long hard look at all of their offerings as they lend themselves so well to preparedness and therefore travel. While PDW gear has become a backbone of my carry system as of late, many other companies are also killing it in the travel game. I have highlighted several of these offerings that regularly find their way into my pocket or on my back. 

Now on to the gear. Anyone who travels with any frequency has likely already identified a carry system that works for them. The items listed below do not make up a comprehensive list of what I carry (although that will be covered in a future write-up) but do represent some major pillars of my carry system; a carry-on backpack that serves as my daily carry pack, my “Emergency AKA hope I will never need but still carry” kit, and a solid outerwear layer (which I pack regardless of destination). So without further ado, here are some items that I have used extensively and found to be exemplary.

Carry-On Backpack:

For the last several months I have been almost exclusively carrying the Prometheus Design Werx S.H.A.D.O. v2.0 as my primary office EDC and my extra carry-on bag that I put under the seat in front of me. The S.H.A.D.O. is an updated and dramatically improved iteration of the original pack by the same name. I have the Universal Field Grey that I utilize for day hikes but it’s the Syth Black version I use as my daily carry. The S.H.A.D.O. is 20″ high, 11″ wide at the base, 9″ wide at the top and 7″ deep so it fits perfectly under a plane seat. The majority of its volume is divided into two larger compartments and a smaller admin pocket. The pack is lined in high-visibility orange 70D ripstop nylon which not only could be crucial in an emergency situation but is also fantastic when attempting to find items in your pack in low-light situations (i.e. on planes).

This has proven itself extremely useful during travel when I normally would have had to spend time rummaging through a pack in the restrictive quarters of airline seating. The main storage compartment is a full clamshell design and includes two zippered mesh pockets. The clamshell feature is fantastic for travel as it allows you to pack surgically versus the grab-and-stuff method. 

However, in my opinion the most useful feature in terms of travel is the removable and reversible gear trap/beaver tail. On one side is a stretch panel with a zippered compartment and the other side is MCA (MOLLE Compatible Array). I can’t possibly convey to you how useful this gear trap is. Running through the airport and don’t have room in your pack for the book and snacks you just purchased? The beaver tail makes it a non-issue. I wish every pack had this or something similar. The S.H.A.D.O. also has dual side stretch water bottle pockets. I actually use these to throw my pocket items in when I go through security. This allows me to stow them securely through X-ray and then quickly retrieve them on the other side without having to open my pack at all. They work great and the stretch nylon has a phenomenal memory to it. Other really cool travel-friendly features are the “self-policing webbing straps”.

As I have said in several previous reviews, a high-end pack needs to include strap keepers. PDW’s answer for this is innovative, works great and ensures your straps don’t get caught on anything as you walk down the airplane aisle or you’re running through a crowded airport because you landed in a terminal that is three light years away from your connecting fight (I’m talking to you, Newark Airport).

Another fantastic carry-on pack selection is the Arc’teryx Granville 16 Zip . It is completely slick, sleek and exudes quality. Arc’teryx currently offers it in Black and Pilot (grey) but I have their Bushwhack colorway. It is essentially a really amazing version of the old OD green. Not generally in my wheelhouse but the color is pretty awesome in person. Not a stitch out of place and it hugs the back perfectly. It carries great and travels even better.

I used the 16 Zip on several trips from Boston to SF and a couple international trips and it was a fantastic companion. The only thing I found myself wishing it had was a small bit of organization and the extra 1.5″ depth previously mentioned . It rode under the seat like a champ and felt amazing on my back during the countless miles I put on it. The black low-profile straps offer just the right amount of padding while in no way being bulky. There are three main compartments which are all externally accessible, a trait which I really appreciate. There is a suspended and well padded laptop pocket that can hold up to a 15″ computer – it swallows my 15″ MBP perfectly and with room to spare. That is a non-negotiable for me with any pack I carry for travel.

They also utilize a WaterTight™ zipper and from experience, I can say the watertight title appears to be well earned and accurate. The material, zippers and frame sheet add up to an extremely svelte 26 oz (1.625 lbs). This is pretty phenomenal when you consider anything under 2.5-3 lbs to be relatively lightweight for a crossover pack. While it is listed at 16L, it feels and carries like a 22L pack. 

So, please do not let the published capacity prevent you from carrying it on a trip if your primary concern is that it may be too small. I assure you, this pack is more in line with what other popular companies call 20-24L.

Secondary Carry:

Inside the pack I carry PDW’s Carry All Tote Bag (CaB-2) . This item rolls up small and is worth its weight in gold if you are the kind of traveler who brings home more than what you left with. It is 18″ high, 13″ long, 8″ wide and made of the rugged and ubiquitous 1000D Cordura® nylon. It has both long and short carry handles and a surprising amount of features for a light “extra” bag. There is an internal magazine pocket, an internal tablet pocket and a side pocket for a water bottle. It also has a 4″ x 4″ loop panel for your favorite morale patches.

You can use this tote for virtually anything. I keep it at the bottom of my S.H.A.D.O. in case I pick up gifts or something at the Duty Free shops. It is insanely strong and I also use one in my hiking pack to carry firewood. While I don’t consider myself an environmentalist, I try to do my part to minimize what I use that’s disposable and this fits the bill. 

Another awesome option is the Matador DL16 Packable Backpack constructed of a waterproof 30D Cordura. It is 18″ x 12″, an anaemic 4.5 oz and packs down to the size of an orange. While it doesn’t necessarily serve the same purpose as the CaB-2, it’s still a great secondary carry option. I often keep this in my carry-on luggage because, well, why not. It expands your capabilities and you give up VERY minimal luggage real estate.

I also use a variety of organizer pouches to compartmentalize my contents. I love PDW’s such offerings that work so well with the S.H.A.D.O. (and other packs). The Admin Organizer (AO2) to wrangle my cables and chargers and the Accessory Pod (AP) for extra pens, receipts and other miscellaneous items but it’s the Stash Pouch (SP1) that holds my “emergency most likely will never need but still carry” kit.

With that said, my go-to travel pouch is the Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof 3-1-1 Pouch . It is perfect for travel-sized toiletries, electronics, or any smaller items that you want to keep protected. I love the gusseted bottom – it allows for great volume but also creates a nice base that allows it to stand up. It’s completely waterproof and features their TRU® Zip technology. Some of the coolest and most functional zippers ever. 

There are several “EDC-type” items that I almost always carry when traveling. They seem to fall into three categories; Pocket Tools, Safety/Survival, and Convenience. Here are some awesome recommendations under each of those umbrellas.

Pocket Tool:

PDW’s PB&J : I find a bladeless multi-tool to be an absolute travel necessity and have been loving the PDW PB&J pocket tool. It is precision milled from 6AL-4V titanium and is light and easy to carry while still feeling substantial in hand. At 4.5″ long and 1″ wide it is relatively large and I feel it is much better suited for pack carry rather than pocket duty. I carry it in the front admin section of my S.H.A.D.O. pack or clip it to the external webbing which is exceptionally easy with the integrated wire spring gate. It packs nine functions into its refined form factor; closed end wrench (for both metric and SAE hardware), pry bar, small nail puller, bit driver, battery bay driver, oxygen tank wrench and bottle cap lifter to name a few. 

While I love all the features, the inclusion of metric and SAE sizing is fantastic when traveling. The overall utilitarian design is efficient and maximizes its space in a way that feels both comprehensive and uncluttered. The fact that it’s almost completely rustproof means it’s also very low-maintenance. The low-maintenance piece is also something I place a huge premium on when traveling. The PB&J has a million uses and has proven its worth more times than I can count.  

Peter Atwood P15 Prybaby : I also sometimes carry the Titanium Peter Atwood P15 Prybaby. It is smaller that the PB&J and doesn’t have quite the functionality but it’s still a great option. To be clear, I carry an Atwood Tool as much for nostalgia and sentimentality as utility and functionality. Don’t get me wrong, they are machined flawlessly and contain a whole lot of function in a fairly small form, but my affinity for them has as much if not more to do with the fact they are made in New England and were one of my most coveted items when first dipping my toe in the EDC pool. They contain no frills, have nothing you don’t need and are made to use. The Prybaby specifically just falls away in the coin pocket and provides easy access to a cap lifter, pry bar and several small wrench sizes. 

Safety/Survival:

Survival/Stash Tube: The PDW Ti-SST is a compact, weatherproof, survival tube milled from a 6AL-4V titanium billet. It has a built-in, oil filled button compass with a 100M depth rating and a milled inset striking channel with a waterproof 3M abrasive strip for matches. I utilize the neck/tube to wrap 3mm survival cordage and a bit of duct tape. The machining on this is amazing and at 4″ long, and just under 1″ wide it’s the perfect size for travel. The dimensions were specifically chosen to store standard strike anywhere matches, standard ferro rods, US Military issue sparking units, tinder and much more. The silicone O-ring ensures anything stored in this area stays dry. I like to store several strike anywhere matches, some tinder, and a couple fishing hooks. I’ve always kept a compact survival kit and the Ti-SST is the perfect storage container.

Triple Aught Design’s Life Capsule Omega also works really well. This doesn’t have the same level of functionality as the Ti-SST, but it’s a high-quality great option if you are looking for a stash tube. It is constructed from lightweight and durable aircraft grade T6 aluminum and was specifically designed dimensionally to hold the ubiquitous NATO SAS Compass.

Emergency Blanket: I carry the CountyComm Emergency blanket . Unopened it is about 3.5″ x 5″ but opens to 84″ x 52″. I hope to never need it but it’s just too important and too small to not carry on trips. If called into action, it should retain around 90% of your body heat and if it’s good enough for SAR crews all over the world, it’s good enough for me.

Fire Source: Due to my lack of proficiency in starting fires without tools, having a reliable lighter is a must and arguably my most crucial survival item. The Thyrm PyroVault Lighter Armor is also a great piece of kit and something I use regularly. It is compatible with classic Zippo inserts, the O-ring is huge while preventing fuel evaporation and the polymer is virtually indestructible. The PDW Ti-FS MK2 is a compact capsule lighter that uses lighter fluid, wheel, flint and wick. With an overall size of 1.875″ x 0.625″ it has a tiny footprint that can easily fit in any survival kit. The milled “grenade type” surface looks amazing and provides increased purchase in cold or wet conditions. PDW also provides a flint dispenser with extra flints, wick and O-rings should you need to replace anything (I have not yet). There are many lighters on the market, but this is by far and away the highest quality of any I’ve handled.

Convenience:

Hydration: Ultimately, this could have been included under the safety/survival section and I could list at least five quality bottle options. I have carried many but ultimately landed on the YETI Rambler 18oz . First, it functions flawlessly for its intended purpose. It keeps my drink cold most of the day and keeps my coffee hot longer than anything else I’ve tried. As I am sure you know, TSA prohibits liquid through security so I carry it empty until I get to the terminal (or my destination). If you go with the YETI, I STRONGLY recommend also getting the Rambler Chug Cap . It really helps to prevent spills on the go and makes the overall drinking experience much easier.

Travel Utensils: Who has two thumbs, has found themselves really hungry and with food but not the requisite utensils? This guy! I also have kids and you have not seen scary until you have incurred the wrath of a 2-year-old girl who just wants her yogurt but you forgot to pack a spoon. Essentially, these PDW Ti Takedown Chopsticks and PDW Folding Spork are not a necessity, but they are too small, cool and useful to not carry. And believe it or not, I have used them as much, if not more, than any other EDC item I carry. As an added bonus, you can’t possibly calculate the cool points garnered when sitting in your first class seat and ignoring the provided utensils in favor of pulling out a pair of custom chopsticks made of Titanium, Brass and Mahogany. 

Kidding aside, they come apart and take up virtually no space in my pack. I keep mine in the aforementioned Nite Ize pouch and take them out frequently during my trips to APAC. The folding titanium spork, at just under 4″ closed and under an oz is equally convenient. As with their entire hard goods line, awesome quality. I keep it in the SP1 but I also carry one in my day hiking pack. The market is flooded with travel sporks but I love the wire handle and locking slider folding feature and the company pedigree gives me confidence in the longevity. And with its amazing strength to weight ratio, Titanium will always be any traveler’s friend. There are a ton of options in this category but I have by far the most experience with these.

Storage: The PDW EDTC is a storage and travel case made of 600D Nylon and utilizing a reverse coil zipper. It was really designed to hold two EDC items like folders to watches but I also use mine for eyewear protection. As an EDC guy, I have utilized many different methods for carrying and protecting EDC items during travel. Who doesn’t love a good Pelican case? But who wants to take up crucial pack or luggage real estate with even a small version? Not the discerning traveler. 

I often wear a watch and pack a second. I also sometimes carry a nice torch or two. If I am on overnight travel where flying is not needed, I often carry a couple nice folders. The EDTC is literally the perfect solution to protect these EDC treasures. It is just over 6″ long and 2.4″ wide, utilizes a clamshell opening and has a no-scratch lining. The die cut EVA foam bumpers work great and the divider easily allows you to separate multiple items. A $15 cost to protect some of the items that have a value far beyond what you paid? It looks amazing, is unbeatable quality, easy to carry and fits in almost any pack admin section. Yeah, sign me up. 

Travel Jacket:

It just wouldn’t be a comprehensive travel write-up if it didn’t include travel-friendly clothing. Arguably the star of this first travel-friendly write-up is the Tycho Down Hoodie . This. Jacket. Is. Amazing. It is amazing if you never travel and only utilize it for fall and winter hikes. But it is also the perfect, and I mean perfect, travel-friendly outerwear layer. Let me explain.

The Tycho Down Hoodie uses DownTek™ Water Resistant Certified 850 Fill Power Goose Down and baffle construction to distribute it. The Down vs. Synthetic debate is as old as time and something I don’t necessarily want to go too in-depth on here. But essentially, synthetic insulation is supposed to replicate the qualities of down but retain them when wet. But synthetic insulation tends to have a higher weight-to-warmth ratio and can be heavier. With Tycho, PDW utilized state-of-the-art DownTek™ brand goose down which is hydrophobic, and stays drier 27 times longer than normal, run-of-the-mill goose down. The DWR treated 20D ripstop shell only adds to the weatherproofing of this jacket. 

While I definitely wouldn’t want to use it as a standalone outer layer in a rainstorm for an extended period of time, the Tycho will perform admirably in adverse weather conditions. I have been caught in more than one downpour and it kept me warm and dry. Also their baffles are not welded which can increase the jacket’s weight and can create cold spots. The brushed poly tricot hood liner is super comfortable and keeps your dome toasty. It utilizes YKK two-way reverse coil zippers which are industry standard in a garment of this quality. 

While looks are subjective, I think the jacket is gorgeous. It’s athletically cut but not restrictive at all (as I too often find jackets like this to be). The Universal Field Gray is a great color that can really take on the color of whatever you are wearing with it.

The materials and chosen construction methods make the Tycho an outdoor, backcountry champion and one I know I will keep in my arsenal for many years. But what really takes it to the next level and makes it a fantastic travel jacket is its compressibility and travel-friendly features. We have already established that maximizing ROI by carrying items with multiple use cases is an important part of selecting travel gear. Well, this thing packs down to almost nothing and serves multiple functions in its packed form. You can stuff it into its own built-in stuff-sack pocket which basically makes it an extremely comfortable and hydrophobic down pillow. 

On one international trip I arrived in-country early before my hotel room was ready. With almost 15 hours of travel under my belt and no sleep on the plane, I found a bench in the lobby, packed down my Tycho and had a pillow that worked far better than just a rolled-up jacket. The Tycho also includes a detachable stuff-sack that converts into a travel neck pillow. I generally don’t utilize a travel neck pillow and would never pack one. But to have one if needed that takes up zero space doesn’t hurt. On a trip with my wife, she just couldn’t get comfortable. I converted my Tycho to a neck pillow and she was sleeping inside of 10 minutes. Husband level – Expert. It has a total of six nicely placed pockets as well as a wire media passthrough port in the chest pocket. I tend to use AirPods but sometimes do use wired EarPods as a backup and the wire passthrough is a nice bonus. I should also add that the Tycho is RDS Certified which means it utilizes ethically harvested down and best practices used in animal welfare.

Travel is inherently stressful. You are away from home and without the comforts that go with it. There is plenty to worry about when you travel and gear that doesn’t function as intended shouldn’t be one of them. Prometheus Design Werx continues to impress me with the thoughtfully designed and flawlessly executed items they release. It wasn’t until I took personal inventory of the items I have been carrying that I truly realized how many PDW items are not just fantastic, but fantastic for travel. There is nothing worse than spending your hard-earned money on poor kit and it’s my sincere goal to recommend items that I can confidently say will provide you with amazing value. I am a subscriber to “pay more to never have to pay again” and I feel that way about my PDW goods.

As I said before, I look forward to future articles bringing you travel-friendly gear. As a bit of a teaser, I am currently testing a great piece of carry-on luggage and will provide a full write-up soon. I am also excited to share some additional clothing recommendations. As always, if there are any items you would love to have fully tested or you have any company recommendations, let us know. Until next time, safe travels. 

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The Best Items for a Travel-Friendly EDC

Getting out?

By Tanner Bowden

The operative word in the term EDC – everyday carry – is “everyday.” It implies daily use, which to some might come through something like Airpods and to others, a pocket knife. The items we find useful day in, day out vary from one person to another, but it’s not just a personal preference that allows for distinction in what we carry. Place plays a role too.

You might have an outdoor-specific EDC or one for life in the city. Or you might gear your everyday carry toward no place in particular and instead for the flexibility that travel requires. In which case, you’ve come to the right place indeed.

Code of Bell X-Pod

Sling bags have recently been drawing devotees from the fashion world, but they aren’t just a style statement; they’re practical, too. That’s particularly true for travel — when a backpack is overkill for a day spent wandering a foreign city, you still need something to tote around an extra layer, water and a camera (as well as the other items on this list). Code of Bell’s X-Pod is perfect for the task thanks to a sleek look and expanding construction that accommodates more than you’d think.

The James Brand Stilwell

Sure, most pens are small enough to travel well, but Stilwell does so with determined style. Closed, this pen is 3.5 inches long and fits into the coin pocket of your jeans . Open, it’s cap extends the utensil’s length to fit comfortably in hand, even during long bouts of journaling. As a bonus, the Stilwell uses a replaceable D1 ink cartridge that’s easy to find around the world.

Moleskine Voyageur Notebook

While any bound stack of paper might serve as a place to jot down impressions from the road, Moleskine outfitted its Voyageur Notebook specifically for travel. It has pages, lined and blank, for drawings and thoughts, but it also contains sections for planning days and budgets as well as need-to-know information, such as time zones, area codes and how to get in touch with local police.

HydraPak Stow

The Stow uses a flexible construction that keeps it lightweight and remarkably packable.

Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes

After a full day in transit or hours spent on a hiking trail or around town, a fresh-feeling face makes for a simple yet wondrous morale boost. Stash some of these wipes in your carry-on and day bag, so you always have one at the ready.

Leatherman Free T4

A road trip through Europe inspired Tim Leatherman to create the original multi-tool, but the newer Swiss Army-like Free T4 is ideal for everyday travelers. Its compact form employs magnets to permit one-handed deployment of a knife, scissors, bottle opener, screwdriver, tweezers and more. Needless to say, don’t stash this one in your carry-on.

Bellroy Coin Fold

Coins still count as meaningful currency in most countries, so it’s smart to carry a wallet that keeps them safe in one place. Take Bellroy’s Coin Fold, which might be a standard billfold if it weren’t for its smartly-designed coin pouch. (The wallet also has a slot for a SIM card, should you need to swap your phone to a local carrier.)

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here .

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The Absolute Best EDC Backpacks on the Market

By: Gray Van Dyke Published: Jun 16, 2023

By: Gray Van Dyke and Tim Huber Published: Jun 16, 2023

Contributors

When it comes to gear of any type, everyday carry or otherwise, the bag category is one of the most ubiquitous. After all, most humans need a means of transporting items from one place to another — be that your mobile technology, school books, food, supplies, or whatever else. And there’s no denying the usefulness of a traditional backpack therein. In fact, backpacks are probably one of the most commonly available pieces of EDC gear, second perhaps only to wallets .

That can be both good and bad news. It’s good news in the sense that — no matter your lifestyle, preferences, desires, and budget — there’s a perfect backpack out there somewhere for you. It’s bad news in the sense that the sheer number of options can be exceedingly overwhelming, to the point that you might not know where to start. Well, we did the heavy lifting for you in that regard, so strap in and have a gander at our list of the best EDC backpacks for men. Whether you’re a city slicker with a flair for technology or a mountain man hoofing it from cabin to campfire, you’ll find the ideal everyday backpack for your daily life here.

The Best EDC Backpack Breakdown

Toughest Pack

Best Student Pack

Bellroy Classic Backpack

Best Minimalist Pack

Aer City Pack

Best Weatherproof Pack

Black Ember Citadel R2

Editor’s Pick

Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L V2

Best Photography Pack

Peak Design Everyday Backpack

Best Small-Batch Backpack

The Brown Buffalo ConcealPack 21L

Best Cycling/Commuter Pack

Mission Workshop The Rhake VX Backpack

What makes a good edc backpack.

Needing to withstand the stresses and rigors of daily use while safely accommodating all of your gear and tech essentials , everyday carry backpacks need to tick a number of boxes that regular packs don’t. As such, it can be a little tricky knowing what to look for when shopping. Well aware of this reality, however, we’ve pieced together this condensed buyer’s guide on the main things to look for when buying an EDC pack. 

Video Review: The Best EDC Backpacks

Perhaps you’re more of a visual learner? We’ve got you covered with our in-depth best EDC backpack video review.

Overall Design: EDC backpacks come in all manner of different forms, from zip-ups to roll-tops to everything in between. This makes it absolutely essential to review the general design and layout of any bag you’re considering. In fact, designs and layouts can play a major role in what makes a bag special or unique — as evidenced by models like the GORUCK GR1 and Mission Workshop Rhake. 

Size: EDC bags should be just big enough to comfortably accommodate all of your daily essentials, without being overly large or bulky. Unlike larger travel backpacks, EDC-specific backpacks tend to offer around 15 to 25 liters of internal storage space, though there are obviously outliers that are slightly bigger or smaller — as well as certain EDC packs that are available in multiple sizes. And while they aren’t as common in the EDC segment, there are also some packs that are expandable. 

Primary Materials: On top of its design, the single factor that plays the biggest role in determining a bag’s overall quality is undoubtedly the materials used to construct it — the most important of which is the pack’s shell construction (or primary material). Considering the fact they need to withstand the rigors of daily use, EDC bags tend to be crafted from hardwearing constructions like ballistic-grade nylon or waxed canvas, though there are also bags made from proprietary materials like CORDURA and Dyneema. It’s also worth checking into whether or not a bag’s shell material has been bestowed with any type of fortifying treatment such as a PU or DWR coating or finish. 

Secondary Materials: While admittedly not quite as crucial as a bag’s shell construction, secondary materials do also play a role in deterring a bag’s overall quality. This includes elements such as a backpack’s shoulder straps, back pad, grab handles, and liner material, just to name a few. 

Hardware & Trim: Practically every EDC bag on the market will sport at least some hardware or trim elements. Because these items can massively vary in terms of quality and performance, it’s also essential to review an EDC bag’s hardware and trim. This includes buckles and fasteners, as well as zipper tracks. Trim can also include logo patches and labels.

Organizational Amenities: As backpacks that are designed to hold all of your daily gear and essentials, an EDC backpack’s organizational amenities are also of extreme importance. This not only includes the number of different pockets, but also if each pocket or cavity contains any internal pockets, slips, loops, or other elements for organizing and storing contents. What’s more, you’ll also want to examine each model’s laptop accommodation, checking if the laptop pocket is padded or suspended, and what size notebooks it can fit. 

Weatherproofing: One way in which EDC packs are definitely not created equal in is their ability to stand up to the elements. A backpack’s ability to withstand rain and snow largely boils down to the shell material, if that material has any type of fortifying treatment and the type of zipper tracks or closure that’s being utilized. 

Selection & Testing Process

How & Why We Got Hands-On With These Particular Field Watches

As an organization, HCONSUMPTION possesses a major proclivity for and expertise in a wide range of subjects, from architecture to style to tech. With that said, our greatest passions are undoubtedly in motorsport and everyday carry. Being intimately familiar with the EDC carry solution segment, we’re readily aware of the key players in the EDC bag space, allowing us to begin our search by first looking into the latest and greatest offerings from our go-to brands, before diving into supplementary research in order to ensure we didn’t overlook any crucial picks. 

While we definitely took the reputation of each brand into account, our selections much more heavily relied on factors such as size and shape, primary and secondary materials, trim and hardware, build quality, and overall design. Additionally, we also factored style and aesthetics into the equation when making our selections. This only comprises the first half of our in-house evaluation, as after making a calculated and informed hypothesis of what we expected to be the best EDC bags on the market, we then began the hands-on field-testing portion of our overall process. 

Unlike duffels and travel bags that can more easily be understood after being used only a few times, to fully wrap your head around and understand an EDC-specific pack, you really do need to extensively use these bags on a daily basis for an extended period. Ample real-world experience with each EDC backpack has enabled us to glean critical firsthand information on each bag that goes beyond the spec sheet, keying us into each model’s comfort, fit and finish, build quality, durability, and the efficacy and practicality of each design — along with whether their features are genuinely useful and practical or are merely superfluous. 

Thanks to the benefit of time, we’ve now had over a year to get hands-on with each of these everyday backpacks since penning our previous best EDC backpacks guide, which has afforded us an unparalleled overall sense of each bag’s quality and performance — as well as how it stacks up against the competition. This also provided a much better sense of each model’s durability and long-term performance. 

Our Picks For The Finest Packs

• Flat-lay-opening design inspired by Spec-Ops medical packs
• Unparalleled mil-spec durability & build quality
• Made in America & protected by lifetime warranty
• Also offered in heritage waxed canvas & X-Pac VX-21 shell versions
• Doesn’t feature waist & sternum straps
• Harness system lacks support

Toughest Pack: In spite of the fact that the GORUCK GR1 has been around for a while, it continues to be one of the best backpacks ever imagined — regardless of the purpose. And our list of the best everyday carry backpacks simply would not be complete without acknowledging this outstanding carry solution. Along with its military-inspired styling and construction, including MOLLE webbing and a ballistic nylon exterior, this backpack also has a signature bombproof (literally) laptop sleeve, a removable frame sheet, plenty of organization, and more. Plus, it’s TSA compliant, making it great for travel, and made in the USA.

Check out our in-depth review of the  GORUCK GR1 21L Backpack here .

Capacity: 21L or 26L Exterior Material: 1000D Cordura Ballistic Nylon or 500D Cordura Ballistic Nylon Laptop Sleeve: 16″

• Updated version of already immensely popular pack
• Sleek minimalist design
• Sustainably manufactured from eco-friendly materials
• Shell material is water-resistant & derived from recycled content
• Shell material lacks durability compared to other bags on this list
• Limited organizational amenities

Best Student Pack: For a refined spin on the classic book bag, you absolutely cannot go wrong with the Bellroy Classic Backpack. It features a middle-of-the-road 20L capacity — perfect for the average collection of work gear — alongside other impressive additions like a recycled polyester weave construction (go sustainability), a laptop pocket, a soft-lined, water-resistant top pocket, and a built-in key leash for quick access while on the go. Oh, and it’s entirely TSA compliant — should you want to take it traveling. Bellroy also sells this pack in a plethora of different color options, as well as in a more top-shelf Premium Edition variant.

Capacity: 16L, 20L, or 24L Exterior Material: Recycled Polyester Laptop Sleeve: 16″

• Ultra-rugged pack engineered from ground up for EDC
• Equipped w/ top-shelf hardware & custom t
• Makes for a great travel backpack
• Also offered in X-Pac VX-42 shell version
• Poorly-designed luggage handle pass-through (though not a problem for EDC use)

Best Minimalist Pack: San Francisco-based baggage specialist Aer is known for its characteristically minimalist backpacks, but the brand outdid even itself with the launch of the City Pack. While it’s a touch smaller than some of our other options at just 14L, it’s packed to the gills with organizational provisions. What’s more, the City Pack comes with some pretty handy features, including a built-in AirTag pocket and a soft-lined top pocket, as well as a contoured back panel and an integrated luggage pass-through.

Check out our in-depth review of the  Aer City Pack here .

Capacity: 14L Exterior Material: 1680D Cordura Ballistic Nylon Laptop Sleeve: 16″

• Shell composed of 100% waterproof 800D 3-layer Microhex textile
• Equipped w/ ultra-premium trim & hardware
• Features fully-blacked-out finish
• Can house laptops up to 15”
• Compatible w/ wide array of available add-ons
• Unique but strange exterior water bottle holder design

Best Weatherproof Pack: These days, most backpacks are built with at least some degree of weather resistance; it’s pretty much expected at this point. Never content to sit amongst the pack, however, Black Ember designed the Citadel R2 to be IPX6 waterproof, pairing a unique RF-welded construction with some YKK AquaGuard zippers and Microhex 800D three-layer membrane fabric. And they didn’t stop there; the straps are highly modular — adjustable top and bottom — while the inside boasts some of the best organization that we’ve seen on a bag of this size. The company also sells a wide range of optional add-ons that are compatible with the Citadel R2.

Check out our in-depth review of the  Black Ember Citadel R2 Backpack here .

Capacity: 25L Exterior Material: MICROHEX 800D Laptop Sleeve: 15″

• Made in small batches by boutique brand
• Crafted from a custom-developed shell material
• High-end hardware & details
• Can house laptops up to 17″
• Can be difficult to buy in between drops

Editor’s Pick: After proving their mettle at GORUCK and Patagonia, Jack Barly and Kevin Dee decided it was high time that they start a backpack project of their own: Evergoods. Out of their combined experience arrive top-quality bags like the CPL24, a super-streamlined everyday city option filled with features galore. Carry-on compliant, it sports an asymmetrical laptop holder, Zote foam shoulder straps, and an internal harness system — amongst many other unique offerings. Honestly, the pack has so much going on, that the only way to truly appreciate its design is to get it in your hands (or on your back).

Check out our in-depth review of the  Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24 Backpack here .

Capacity: 24L Exterior Material: 500D High Tenacity Nylon Laptop Sleeve: 17″

• Award-winning EDC-specific photographers pack
• Super clever & intuitive layout
• Super modular internal organizer system
• Sold in 4 color options & in 20L or 30L sizes
• Not ideal for non-photographers

Best Photography Pack: Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack has roped in numerous accolades in its time, including a Carryology award for the Best Active Backpack — which is certainly something genuine everyday carry enthusiasts will find appealing. Of course, even if it had never been entered into contention, this structured, beautifully-considered, and well-organized backpack would still be a tremendous find. That goes double if you’re interested in photography , as its internal divider system lends itself excellently to photo gear. Of course, you could also use it for anything else, including travel, office tech — really, the list is too long to fit here.

Capacity: 20L or 30L Exterior Material: DWR-Impregnated, Recycled 400D Nylon Canvas Laptop Sleeve: 13″-15″

• Latest gen design benefits from ample public feedback
• Manufactured in California
• Can be upgraded w/ host of available organizers, inserts, & add-ons

Best Small-Batch Backpack: Douglas Davidson (the man behind The Brown Buffalo) is an absolute legend in the backpack space , so we just had to include one of his bags in our roundup. In the case of the ConcealPack pictured here, you’re getting a tough 1050D Ballistic Nylon shell, a Dimension-Polyant VX25 and VX21 fabric interior, and ample amounts of velcro to customize your carry. Designed to keep everything safely within its confines, the ConcealPack offers a masterclass in what backpacks can be. Best of all, this bag is crafted in small batches as the company’s California headquarters.

Check out our in-depth review of The Brown Buffalo ConcealPack 21L here .

Capacity: 21L Exterior Material: 1050D Cordura Ballistic Nylon Laptop Sleeve: 15″

• Super (& super premium) unique roll-top bag design
• Tremendously weatherproof
• Ultra-high-end construction & hardware
• Absolutely stellar organizational amenities
• Can store a laptop & tablet (or 2 laptops)
• Very expensive price
• HT 500D Nylon version doesn’t come standard w/ Cobra buckles

Best Cycling/Commuter Pack: Cyclists and commuters can sometimes have a rough go of things while in transit from one place to another, but those journeys are much more manageable if you utilize the unrivaled Mission Workshop Rhake backpack as your go-to carry solution. It’s cleverly designed with organization for your laptop computer, iPad, phone, chargers, keys, sunglasses, water bottle, and more. And it’s entirely weatherproof to ensure that everything you stash inside of it stays safe and dry, regardless of what the conditions are like outside. In addition to an available Cobra buckle upgrade, Mission Workshop also produces an even more high-end X-Pac VX-21 construction version that comes standard with FIDLOCK front buckles.

Check out our in-depth review of the  Mission Workshop Rhake backpack here .

Capacity: 22L Exterior Material: HT500 Nylon (or VX-21) Laptop Sleeve: 17″

Supplementary EDC Pack Picks

Topo Designs Rover Pack Tech

Topo’s Rover Pack is already one of our favorite backpacks, but when the brand released the Tech edition, we knew we were in for an EDC treat. It still has all the hallmarks of the original — including its flip-top closure, compression straps, and rectangular silhouette — but now it’s crafted from 1000D nylon , comes with an externally accessible laptop sleeve, features weatherproof zippers, and even has attachment points at the front for modular additions (like a bike light, carabiner clip, etc.). And you have your pick of four handsome colorways, too.

Capacity: 24.3L Exterior Material: 1000D Nylon Laptop Sleeve: 15″

Incase ICON Slim Backpack

The Incase ICON is one of the best bags around, especially when it comes to short-form travel. However, for everyday usage, we actually prefer the pared-down Slim version, as you see here. It boasts many of the same features, but in a more svelte 16L capacity that’s a bit more conducive to day-to-day life. That includes things like a polyester-based Woolenex exterior (which is naturally weather-resistant), a fully-padded and faux-fur-lined laptop sleeve and separate glasses pocket, and plenty of unique organizational compartments accessible both inside and out.

Capacity: 14.5L Exterior Material: Polyester Laptop Sleeve: 16″

Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Pack

Proof positive that tactical features can be beautifully integrated into more everyday carry-friendly gear, Mystery Ranch’s Urban Assault Pack looks like it belongs in the city but has features you might likelier find in a battlefield-born bag. For starters, it comes with a rugged Cordura nylon exterior — imbuing it with a measure of weatherproofing, as well as puncture and slash resistance. It also has a plastic frame sheet to give it structure, a full-opening triple-zip main compartment (ideal for speedy access, as well as compartmental organization), and more. Of course, it also has city-friendly additions, like water bottle and laptop pockets, too.

Capacity: 24L Exterior Material: 500D Cordura Ballistic Nylon Laptop Sleeve: 15″

Arktype Dashpack II

For many folks, a loadout of everyday carry gear and work supplies need not eclipse the high-liter mark — making a bag like the Arktype Dashpack II (with its compact 15L capacity) a much better option than much of its competition. Small, however, does not mean sacrificing quality or toughness. You see, this USA-made backpack is built from sturdy DWR-coated 1680D ballistic nylon, putting it in the same vein as some of the best tactical bags around and giving it a wide variety of resistances and durabilities. It also boasts a stellar internal organizational system that’s even tech-friendly, with both a dedicated laptop pocket and a tablet sleeve . And those are just some of the many, many excellent features.

Capacity: 15L Exterior Material: 1680D DWR Ballistic Nylon Laptop Sleeve: 15″

Tom Bihn Synapse 19 Backpack

Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to the Tom Bihn Synapse 19 Backpack. And we mean that as literally as we can, because the brand built this backpack to be used in the city, office, trails, commuting, and everywhere in-between. And while it comes standard with much of the features you’d expect from a backpack of this nature, it also boasts some of the most customizable options of any on our list — including over a dozen different color combinations, two different exterior materials, and two optional organizational inclusions. But what really makes this bag stand apart is that it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Capacity: 19L Exterior Material: 525D Ballistic Nylon or 400D Halcyon Laptop Sleeve: Up to 13″ (Optional)

Filson Dryden Ballistic Nylon Backpack

If you’re the type to appreciate heritage styling, but you still want a bag with modern sensibilities, you definitely can’t go wrong with the Filson Dryden Ballistic Nylon Backpack you see here. It might look like something to have been passed down for multiple generations, but it’s actually made from super-durable state-of-the-art Cordura ballistic nylon (as the name suggests). Furthermore, it comes with a padded 15″ laptop pocket (accessible from outside), top-grain leather accents and zipper pulls, and a padded back and straps for all-day comfort.

Capacity: 25.5L Exterior Material: 1000D Cordura Ballistic Nylon Laptop Sleeve: 15″

KILLSPENCER Utility Backpack

If you’re a fan of traditionally-styled bookbags, like those made by JanSport and Herschel, but your pockets are a good deal deeper than necessary, you can have all that same styling in a much more elevated package with the Killspencer Utility Backpack. Made in the USA from premium Italian leather and nylon (and accented with 4,000lb test mil-spec webbing), this pack also has a handy internal organizational scheme — including a padded, externally-accessible laptop pocket capable of holding up to a 15″ MacBook Pro.

Capacity: 21.3L Exterior Material: Italian Leather & Nylon Laptop Sleeve: 15″

The Best Sling Bags for EDC

While these backpacks make the perfect choice for a dependable daily companion, sometimes you just need something a bit more compact. In that case, it’s worth taking a look at our guide to the best sling bags on the market.

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Home » Gear » The Best EDC Backpacks of 2024

The Best EDC Backpacks of 2024

It’s surprising how many people decide to go the cheap route for backpacks they carry every single day. They end up with a product that’s not only uncomfortable but poorly made and which starts tearing at the seams after a few weeks of use.

Whether you’re fed up with having aching shoulders from your current bag, or you travel a lot for work and need something secure to transport your laptop, a good everyday carry backpacks (EDC) are the solution.

We test a TON of backpacks here at The Broke Backpacker so we’ve put together this ultimate guide our favourite EDC backpacks of the year.

Read on to find out what sets these everyday carry backpacks apart and how to select the perfect one for you.

Quick Answer: These are the Best EDC Backpacks of 2024

• #1 – Overall Best EDC Backpack:  Aer Travel Pack 2 Small
• #2 – Best EDC Laptop Pack:  Tortuga Laptop Backpack
• #3 – Best EDC Pack Runner Up – Nomatic Travel Bag 30L
• #4 – Best EDC Sling Bag:  Aer Day Sling 2
• #5 – Best EDC Camera Bag:  Wandrd PRVKE Series Camera Bag
• #6 – Best EDC Backpack for Travel:  Aer Travel Pack 3
• #7 – Best EDC Duffel for the Gym: Kodiak 25l Duffel
• #8 – Best Leather EDC Backpack – Lakeland Fenton Leather Rucksack
• #9 – Best EDC Day Hiking Pack:  Osprey Daylite Plus Pack
• #10 – Best EDC Pack for Organized Travel: Tropicfeel Shell
• #11 – Best EDC Pack for Hipsters: The Roll Top Stubble & Co

Aer Travel Pack 2 Small

• > Main and front zippers are lockable
• > Combination of 1680D nylon, Duraflex plastic, and YKK zippers

Tortuga Laptop Backpack

• > Outer material is a VX21 waterproof sailcloth
• > Laptop compartment is protected with ariaprene foam

Nomatic Travel Bag 30L

• > 20 Cool features
• > Water-resistant materials and zippers

Aer Day Sling 2

• > Three pockets
• > Made out of 1680D nylon, Duraflex plastic, and has YKK zippers

Wandrd PRVKE Series Camera Bag

• > Two sizes are available
• > Made of a waterproof tarpaulin and YKK weather resistant zippers

Aer Travel Pack 2

• > Lay-flat clamshell design
• > Ergonomic and padded shoulder straps

Aer Fit Pack 2

• > Has numerous pockets
• > Well-made and durable

Kodiak 25l Duffel

• > Good carrying capacity
• > Multiple compartments

Osprey Daylite Plus Pack

• > There are two side mesh pockets
• > Hip belt is only simple webbing material

Lakeland Fenton Leather Rucksack

• > Stylish and professional looking
• > Can fit a 13″ laptop

REI Co-op Ruckpack 28

• > Many organisation pockets
• > laptop Sleeve

• > Durable and weather resistant
• > Padded & Fleece Lined Laptop Sleeve

Gulu Made Inspire Backpack

• > Lifetime Guarantee
• > Drop-Safe laptop Pocket

Tropicfeel Shell

• > Packs up easily
• > Fairly priced

Stubble & Co The Roll Top

• > Durable and hardwearing
• > Dedicated laptop compartment/ pocket

Best EDC (Every Day Carry) Backpacks

Researching all the backpacks available on the market can become tedious. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you and compiled our picks for the top everyday carry backpacks. From gym duffels to travel bags, we’ve got something for everyone on this list! And, if you look after your backpack properly , these guys will last you a good few years.

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#1 – Overall Best EDC Backpack: Aer Travel Pack 2 Small

Our pick for overall best EDC backpack is Aer Travel Pack 2 Small

• Best Use: Travel, urban
• Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Liters: 28 liters
• Rain cover included: No

Compact, but spacious enough to fit a ton of gear, the Aer Travel Pack is the Goldilocks equivalent of everyday carry backpacks; not too big, not too small, just right. A little over 3 pounds, it’s still relatively lightweight, but also more durable than ultralight packs. 

Inside there’s a padded compartment for a 15-inch laptop, as well as a shoe compartment that can fit up to men’s size 12. Both the main and front zippers are lockable for added protection while travelling. 

On top, there’s a quick access pocket for small essential items and within the front compartment, there are additional organization pockets. These keep your pens, sunglasses, electronics, and other gear neat and easy to reach. There’s also a key chain so your keys never get lost at the bottom. 

The Aer Travel Pack is small enough to be a carry-on item while flying, and the back panel of the pack acts as a pass-through for luggage handles. If you want more support, you can purchase a hip belt which comes separately. 

Although the Aer Travel Pack may be on the expensive end, the combination of 1680D nylon, Duraflex plastic, and YKK zippers are built to last, while also making the pack comfortable and sturdy while carrying. 

Is this the best EDC bag ever? Our team think so! They had a lot of love for this bag, but some of the stand-out features for them were the locking zips on the main section as well as the laptop pocket. They also loved the clamshell opening style of the large compartment which meant they could fit packing cubes inside and access their gear easily.

Be sure to check out our detailed Travel Pack 2 review here .

• Great internal organization pockets
• Main compartment has lay-flat design
• Works as travel carry-on
• More expensive

#2 – Best EDC Backpack Runner Up: Nomatic Travel Bag 30L

2nd prize: The Nomatic Travel Bag 30L

• Best Use: Urban, travel
• Weight: 3.3 lbs

The Broke Backpacker team have been big fans of Nomatic gear for years. In fact from a style, functionality, and price point of view, nobody quite does it like Nomatic.

The 30 litre Nomatic Travel Bag is great for people who don’t want to own multiple backpacks; this bag can be your everyday bag AND your travel day pack all in one.

Especially if you find yourself carrying around a laptop, some clothing layers, chargers, a camera, etc – you’ll find 30 litres to be a pretty damn good size.

There will be times when you don’t end up filling up the bag to capacity each time you go out, but I prefer to have a bit more space on occasion than not enough. Do note that a 30-litre backpack is on the larger side of your typical daily grind everyday carry backpack.

Our team really loved the organisational features on this backpack, it was especially useful for digital nomads carrying around heaps of different cables, hard drives, laptops, tablets and other shiz! The different carrying configurations were also ideal for our team when they were getting on and off public transport.

Unfortunately, at this time Nomatic can’t ship to Europe, so if you are outside of the USA, go with the Aer Travel Pack 2 small instead.

• Fully featured pack
• Works great for travel and as an EDC Pack
• Carry-on Size
• Maybe too large for some people

#3 – Best EDC Sling Bag: Aer Day Sling 2

Aer Day Sling 2 is one of the best EDC sling bag

• Weight: 0.7 pounds
• Liters: 4.5 liters

If you don’t need an entire backpack but still want a convenient bag for storing your phone, camera, passport, or other small essential items, then a sling bag is a perfect choice. The Aer Day Sling is also a more budget-friendly EDC pack option. 

There are three pockets: a front pouch, one main compartment, and a hidden back pocket great for keeping your passport or cash safe. The main pocket can fit a 7.9-inch tablet and it has multiple organizational pouches for storing sunglasses, pens, or other small items. 

The one aspect of the Aer Day Sling that could use improvement is the shoulder strap. Although it’s adjustable, there’s not much padding, which can make it a bit uncomfortable after wearing it for a long time. 

Like the Aer Travel Pack, the Day Sling is made out of 1680D nylon, Duraflex plastic, and has YKK zippers on all the pockets. It’s also a good lightweight EDC pack, weighing less than a pound when empty. 

Our team rated this as their favourite small EDC backpack. They loved how compact it was for all their essential items like their passport, wallet, phone, compact camera and battery pack. They felt it also offered an awesome level of organisational features for such a small pack.

PSSTTT – If you want something light, but still bigger than a sling then you might be interested in these Packable Backpacks .

• 3 pockets and good organisation
• Lightweight and budget friendly
• Durable material
• Shoulder strap could use more padding
• Can’t fit much gear

#4 – Best EDC Camera Bag: Wandrd PRVKE Series Camera Bag

Wandrd PRVKE Series Camera Bag is our top pick for the best EDC camera bag

• Best Use: Photography, travel
• Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Liters: 21 liters and 31 liter options
• Rain cover included: Optional (purchase with or without accessory bundle)

There’s nothing worse than having your camera gear damaged as a result of inadequate protection in your backpack or bag. The PRVKE takes all your photography needs and concerns into account and delivers an excellent everyday carry backpack. 

Two sizes are available. One is 21 litres, which can be expanded to 26 litres by extending the roll top, the other is a larger 31 litres, which is expandable to 36.

Both are made of waterproof tarpaulin and YKK weather-resistant zippers. So although the specialist camera backpack wouldn’t survive being submerged, it will still hold up to heavy rain or some splashing. The water-resistant exterior is pretty tough too making this a super durable EDC backpack.

Inside are removable camera cubes so you can use the PRVKE as a normal pack on days you don’t need to bring your equipment. There’s also a dedicated laptop compartment, a tech pocket, a hidden pocket in the back, and a water bottle pocket for storing other essentials. 

It’s a super functional backpack for photographers, providing a side opening directly to the camera cube for easy access to your gear on the move. You can also buy extra external carry straps to attach things like a tripod and there’s a water bottle pocket on the other side. On top of that, it’s also one of the most stylish bags for photographers on the market too.

You can either carry the PRVKE as a backpack or a tote bag thanks to the handles on top. It also comes with a removable waist strap which helps for carrying heavier loads. 

The photographers on the team were blown away by this bag and the side opening feature was a game changer. They loved that it made accessing their camera super easy and fast yet they could also keep other items separate in the upper roll top section. They also loved the material which felt durable and great at keeping the weather out.

Read the full review here .

• For camera equipment or regular backpack use
• Highly weather resistant
• 2 sizes available and both have expandable roll-top
• Waist strap could use more padding

#5 – Best EDC Laptop Pack: Tortuga Outbreaker Laptop Backpack

Meet the best EDC laptop pack: Tortuga Outbreaker Laptop Backpack

• Best Use: University, travel
• Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Liters: 27 litres
• Rain cover included: No (but has waterproof fabric and weather resistant zippers)

Although many of the best EDC packs have a spot to store a laptop, the Tortuga Outbreaker goes the extra mile and provides a bombproof laptop compartment.

Not only is this everyday backpack super comfortable, but also very stylish and well-designed to keep your laptop safe while on the go. It’s a top pack for digital nomads who need to carry a fair bit of gear.

It’s a cracking laptop backpack with extras. The outer material is VX21 waterproof sailcloth and the laptop compartment is protected with ariaprene foam. Each pocket has YKK lockable zippers to add further protection, especially while travelling. 

With a 27 litre capacity, and the ability to open all the way like a suitcase, the Outbreaker can easily fit extra clothing, textbooks, your lunch, or even a pair of shoes. It’s still small enough to fit as a carry-on bag underneath an aeroplane seat, making it a great option for travellers. 

Inside are mesh pockets for keeping your chargers and other essential items organised and easy to reach. In addition to the padded shoulder straps, there’s a removable sternum strap, plus top and side handles so you can carry the pack like a briefcase or tote bag. 

With the padded laptop sleeve and water-resistant exterior, this is a top everyday backpack for that needed protection for their tech and a decent amount of room for accessories. However, some might feel it’s a little bulky for an everyday backpack for work.

Our team felt this was the best EDC laptop backpack on the market, especially for those on our team who just love keeping their gear organised. They loved the different pockets, mesh separators and zippered compartments that meant everything a digital nomad has to carry on the daily can be kept organised and accessible.

Read the full-length Tortuga Outbreaker review here .

• Lots of pockets and good organisation
• Fits size requirements for ‘personal item’ when flying
• Very weatherproof
• padded laptop sleeve

#6 – Best Leather EDC Backpack – Lakeland Fenton Leather Rucksack

The Fenton Rucksack by Lakeland

• Best Use: Urban
• Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Liters: 25 litres

Yum, look at that lovely leather goodness! I really love a good leather backpack. The classic look leather rucksack Lakeland leather mixes high-quality waxy leather with a stylish, and even slightly retro design aesthetic. It’s a cool and fashionable backpack made for urban living whether you are headed to the gym, the coffee shop or commuting for the daily grind.

Great for going to work, The Fenton Backpack can comfortably accommodate an A4 pad and a 13″ laptop inside its dedicated laptop compartment.

The style-conscious on our team really loved the look of this bag. They felt it offered a good amount of storage for those wanting to carry enough for the day without being too bulky. They also loved the classic leather material and felt it was durable, weather resistance and would wear in nicely over the years.

• Good quality stylish leather
• Easy organisation
• Great for everyday use
• Not designed for hiking or getting outdoors
• Limited storage capacity

#7 – Best EDC Backpack for Travel: Aer Travel Pack 2

Our pick for best EDC backpack for travel is Aer Travel Pack 2

• Best Use: Travel, university
• Liters: 33 litres

For longer trips, you’ll want something that’s large enough to hold all your gear and belongings. The Aer Travel Pack 2 is a larger version of our number one pick for the best EDC backpack, but it’s still small enough to work as a carry-on item. 

It might be a bit bulky as a commuter everyday carry backpack, but it’s great for one bag travel. It’s versatile enough to use as a carry on for a weekend break and double as an everyday backpack for exploring during the day. (Disclaimer: It’s not going to be compliant with the strict Ryanair carry-on policy, unfortunately!)

The lay-flat clamshell design of the main compartment makes it super simple to pack and keep everything organised. There’s also an easy access pocket that can fit a 15.6-inch laptop, and a shoe compartment large enough for a men’s size 13. The compression straps also keep everything tight and compact.

Thanks to the ergonomic and padded shoulder straps, your back won’t get sore even after you’ve been out walking around all day. It’s also possible to carry the Aer Travel Pack as a tote or bag thanks to the padded top and side handles. 

Although the Aer Travel Pack isn’t totally waterproof, it is highly weather-resistant thanks to the 160D Cordura nylon exterior and smooth YKK zippers. Both the main and front pockets have lockable zippers for added security. 

Like the smaller version of the travel pack the team felt the larger bag offered all the features they loved but in a package perfect for longer trips. They felt the bag had an air of real hard-wearing quality with fat zips and thick material. Again, the lockable laptop compartment was a feature that gave them a real sense of confidence when out and about.

• Durable material and locking zippers
• Clamshell design for easy packing
• Comfortable and stylish everyday backpack
• Doesn’t come with hip belt (can purchase separately)

#8 – Best EDC Backpack for the Gym: Aer Fit Pack 2

Our pick for best EDC backpack for the gym is Aer Fit Pack 2

• Best Use: Fitness, urban
• Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Liters: 18.8 litres

Ever wish your gym bag could carry more than a pair of shoes and your towel? Well, the Aer Fit Pack is the solution to your needs! This stylish bag is the perfect everyday backpack to carry your training gear but also has all the features needed to make it functional in other everyday uses. 

Say goodbye to the single pocket standard gym bag you’ve been using. The Aer Fit Pack has numerous pockets, including the front-loading main pocket, a ventilated compartment for shoes up to men’s size 13, a small top pocket for valuables, and a padded laptop pocket. 

With space for all your belongings, you can hit the gym then head straight to work or class without needing to swap bags or pick up any of your other possessions. 

Like other Aer products, the Fit Pack is well-made and durable with a weather-resistant nylon exterior, YKK zippers, and Duraflex plastic for structure and stability. 

As you can tell, Aer is popular among our team. They loved this bag due to its compact size which also managed to pack in a whole heap of features. The separate shoe section and front area where clothing can be kept are perfect for keeping things separate like sweaty gym gear.

• Padded laptop compartment
• Easy Access Shoe compartment (with ventilation!)
• Durable and weather resistant
• Shoulder straps could have more padding
• No dedicated water bottle pockets

#9 – Best EDC Duffel for the Gym: Kodiak 25l Duffel

Our pick for best EDC duffel for the gym is Kodiak 25L

• Best Use: Fitness, travel
• Weight: 16 ounces
• Liters: 25 liters

Not only does this duffel work well for the gym, but it can also function as a travel bag or extra-large briefcase, thanks to the large carrying capacity and multiple compartments.

The Kodiak Duffel 25L has many of the same features as the Fit Pack 2 but it is simply far more elegant, stylish and yes, manly! Inside the main compartment, you can easily fit a basketball, water bottles, and other gear, plus there’s a separate ventilated pocket for shoes to help with organisation and minimize odour. 

Unlike your typical gym bag, the Kodiak Duffel can also be used for work or school, thanks to the padded laptop compartment and other gear pockets for storing additional electronics, books, and travel items. 

Due to its sleekness, the duffel also won’t look out of place if you bring it with you to the office or into a coffee shop.

The team loved this duffel and felt it offered a great alternative to traditional backpacks, especially for those wanting something a little more professional looking. The stylish exterior felt both sturdy, durable and hard-wearing whilst looking sleek and sophisticated at the same time.

• Padded shoulder strap and handles
• Lots of storage space
• Pockets for laptop and shoes
• Not a backpack

#10 – Best Budget EDC Pack: REI Co-op Ruckpack 28

REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 is our top pick for the best budget EDC pack

• Best Use: Camping, travel, urban
• Weight: 1 pound 3 ounces
• Liters: 28 litres
• Rain cover included: Yes

Osprey has made a name for themselves with their high-quality camping and travel gear, and the Ruckpack meets these same expectations. Not only is it functional and durable, but the Ruckpack is also made from recycled ripstop nylon if you’re interested in purchasing more sustainable products .  

There’s a laptop sleeve that can also hold a hydration pack. It features both side and top main compartments, compression straps, and a small zippered top pocket for valuables. The zippered compartments are also lockable for secure travelling. 

There’s a sternum strap and a very small hip belt, which is, unfortunately, lacking in padding. Other than that, the Ruckpack measures up to being a great EDC backpack without such a high price tag attached. 

The team were pretty impressed by this pack for the price. They felt the volume was a good compromise between carrying enough gear without encouraging over-packing. Other features they loved were the locking zippers and laptop sleeve that can double as a hydration reservoir for great versatility.

• More budget-friendly
• Carry-on compliant and has locking zippers
• Many organisation pockets
• laptop Sleeve
• Flimsy hip belt
• Side pockets aren’t very secure

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#11 – Best EDC Day Hiking Pack: Osprey Daylite Plus Pack 

Osprey Daylite Plus Pack is one of the best EDC day hiking pack

• Best Use: Camping, hiking, travel
• Weight: 1 pound, 3.8 ounces

This lightweight backpack does the trick for single day hiking adventures. It’s on the smaller end of EDC backpacks but is still big enough to bring the essentials without becoming too heavy while out on the trail. The compression straps also keep things as compact as possible.

Although it’s too small to fit most laptops, there’s a compartment that can fit a tablet or other similarly-sized device. You can also purchase a hydration reservoir to fit in the back pocket, or there are two side mesh pockets that are convenient for carrying water bottles. 

The shoulder straps have enough padding to be comfortable for a long hike, although the hip belt is only simple webbing material. It’s also the perfect size as a personal item on an aeroplane and will fit stowed underneath your seat, but be aware that it doesn’t have lockable zippers. 

It’s a bit too small for multi-day travels, but for a budget-friendly and lightweight EDC backpack for day hikes, the Daylite pack fits the bill. 

The hikers on the team loved the comfort levels of this pack for wearing for long periods of time. Other features they were taken by were the front stash pocket for things like waterproof jackets. They also loved how well made the pack felt too. The skaters in the group also rated this as an awesome skateboard backpack too with how easy it was to store their set up on this pack.

Wanna know more? Check out our more detailed review for the lowdown.

• Lightweight
• Comfortable shoulder straps
• Budget friendly
• Too small for most laptops
• Hip belt can be uncomfortable
• Sometimes water bottles can fall out

#12 – Best EDC Pack for University Students: Tortuga Laptop Backpack

Meet the best EDC pack for university students: Tortuga Laptop Backpack

• Best Use: University, urban, travel
• Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Liters: 24 liters

Both functional and stylish, the Tortuga laptop bag is the perfect backpack for your university studies, work, or travel. There’s a bombproof laptop compartment, plus another compartment for storing a tablet, both of which have padded foam for protection. 

There’s plenty of space for all your textbooks, lunch or snacks while on the go, or other electronic equipment. Unfortunately, the Setout doesn’t have a hip belt, but there is a removable sternum strap to help balance the weight. 

If you’re using the pack for travel, there’s a suitcase pass-through handle and the zippers on the main compartments are lockable. The clamshell design of the main compartment makes it easy to organize and use for packing clothing for an overnight or longer trip. 

Although the pack isn’t waterproof, it is highly water-resistant thanks to the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating on the outside. The padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry, and there are also side and top handles to carry the Setout like a tote bag. 

The team felt this pack was a solid backpack for those carrying laptops, notepads and other square items that would otherwise be awkward in rounder packs. The lockable zips again were a winner for keeping that expensive laptop safe while on the move.

• Padded & Fleece Lined Laptop Sleeve
• Padded straps and top and side handles
• No hip belt

#13 – Best EDC Pack For Commuters: Gulu Made Inspire Backpack

Meet the best EDC pack for university Commuters: Gulu Made Inspire Backpack

• Best Use: Going to work and urban, travel
• Weight: 2 pounds

Gulu Made are a socially conscious ethical start-up based in Uganda whose credentials are amazing. The team who work at Gulu Made all trained to sew in the aftermath of Joseph Kony’s horrible civil war. They now leverage their skill to make beautiful bags and to build a future for themselves and their families. 

The pack itself has certainly impressed me. It zips down into 3 main storage compartments so you can organise your files, gym kit and lunch as you see fit and there is a dedicated laptop sleeve. There is no front pocket, but the pack does have 2 water bottle slide-in pockets at the sides. Best of all, the bag is lined with beautiful colourful traditional African fabric.

This pack is great for commuters , day trips and is roomy enough for short stay vacations. It could also be used for easy day hikes but does not have a hip/waist support belt so is perhaps less suitable for strenuous mountain treks.

Gulu Made are going to be a huge player in the vegan/ethical backpack space for years to come.

The team felt for a backpack this bag looked professional enough for taking into the office or on business trips, especially for those wanting to avoid briefcases. They felt the pack had a simple and lowkey vibe whilst also packing in a heap of organisational features across the 3 main pockets.

Looking for a commuter pack that’s a bit more professional, then check out one of the business backpacks on offer instead.

• Lovely internal fabric
• Great storage layout
• Handmade in Uganda by War Survivor
• Lifetime Guarantee
• Drop-Safe laptop Pocket
• No front/lip pocket

#14 Best Organized EDC Backpack – Tropicfeel Shell

Meet the best organized EDC pack: Tropicfeel Shell Backpack

• Best Use: Weekend Trips, Minimalist Travel
• Weight: 3.3 pounds (at full capacity)
• Liters: 22-40 litres

The Shell by Tropicfeel is a little to medium backpack with a big concept. Firstly, it is a 3 in 1 extendable backpack that begins life as a 22-litre pack, rolls up to 30 litres and then with the addition of a detachable pouch goes all the way to 40 litres.

As well as being a 3-in-1 backpack (which you can easily adapt to use as a day pack, overnight pack and carry-on pack), the Shell also has another awesome feature – a little, mini drop in pull out travel roll up wardrobe!

It’s a great bag for those who like to travel neat and also for business people who kind of need to stay presentable and organised. It’s made from fully sustainable materials making the Shell an all-round hit with us at The Broke Backpacker.

The team love the innovation packed into these backpacks and easily it made organising all their gear. The built-in wardrobe system in practice worked perfectly for any length of trip. The expandable capacity of the backpack also adds to its versatility, another plus point for our team.

• Really fucking versatile
• Truly novel and unique
• Packs up easily
• Fairly priced
• fleece Lined Laptop Sleeve
• Not great for hiking
• Not big enough for big trips
• Not cheap (yet not expensive)

#15 Best Hipster EDC Backpack – Stubble & Co The Roll Top

If you’re looking for something that is both stylish, functional and also super robust, the Roll Top is the perfect choice for an everyday carry bag. The internal main compartment offers a massive amount of space with a selection of pockets and organisers to keep smaller items easy to access.

On the outside, the thick tarp-style material is durable enough for everyday use and will keep the weather out with ease. There’s also a super practical front pocket for easy access to things like travel cards or journals.

If you’re carting around a laptop on the daily then the dedicated laptop compartment on the back panel of the bag is ideal. It means you can keep your most expensive bit of kit away from all your other gear and also keeps it much safer whilst on the move.

On top of that, if you’re a style-conscious kinda person then the hipster style of this roll top will suit you for your EDC. What we love here is that the look of this bag fits in wherever you want to take it, from the cafes of Canguu to the daily commute or bumming around Thailand, it works!

Want more options? Check out our rundown of the best Stubble & Co. bags .

• Perfect amount of storage at 20l
• Looks super cool
• Durable and hardwearing
• Well protected against the weather
• Dedicated laptop compartment/ pocket
• A roll top closure isn’t for everyone
• Inside could do with some other organisational features
• Is a bit square for some body shapes/ tastes

Best of the Rest

If you haven’t quite found the right EDC backpack on this list, don’t give up yet! Here are a few more options for EDC packs that might have the exact feature or specifications you’re looking for in the perfect all-around pack. 

Tortuga Weekender Backpack 30L

This 30-litre bag is on the larger end for EDC backpacks, making it perfect as a weekend pack while travelling or a large school bag if you’ve got heaps of gear. There’s also a dedicated laptop sleeve, and it’s big enough to fit pretty much any laptop. There is a padded front pouch that can fit up to an 8-inch tablet, plus compartments for chargers and other small electronic devices. 

Since it fits easily in the overhead compartments of aeroplanes, it’s a good ‘carry-on’ bag for travel. The YKK zippers on the main compartment are also lockable for added security. 

To free up extra space inside the pack, you can put your water bottle in one of the mesh pockets on the side. It’s a good idea to use the webbing loops to secure the bottle as well since sometimes bottles can slip out if you bend over. 

Some members of our team prefer to keep things as light and as small as possible, for them this bag was a bit large. However, those that have a lot of gear were still suitably impressed by the organisational features packed inside this bag and just the sheer amount of stuff they could comfortably carry.

Wandrd Duo Daypack

Another great EDC pack for photographers, the Duo Daypack is a bit smaller than our top pick for a camera backpack, but it still fits a decent amount of gear.

The pop-up camera cube provides a secure spot for your camera, but it can easily be flattened if you aren’t bringing your photography gear along. 

The padded laptop sleeve and padded electronic compartments keep all your devices safe while on the go. Thanks to the waterproof tarpaulin material and weather-resistant YKK zippers, the Duo Daypack will also hold up against rain showers or accidental spills. 

To access your gear, the Duo has cool side-entry zippers on both sides of the main compartment. There’s also a hidden pocket in the back for keeping a passport or spare cash safe and out of sight. 

The team were split when it came to the unique opening style of this bag. Those wanting to keep things simple felt it was a little unnecessary, but for the photographers on the team, they felt it was revolutionary! For them, it was like having a studio on their back where they could keep all their gear accessible and organised.

AER Go Pack

One of Aer’s more budget-friendly EDC backpacks, the Go Pack doesn’t have all the features of the Travel Pack, but it’s also more lightweight and easily rolls up for convenient storage. There’s still a padded compartment for a laptop up to 13 inches and a quick access pocket on top. 

The 300D Cordura ripstop fabric is durable, but not weather-resistant, so you’ll want to be careful if you’re caught out in a rainstorm. It also lacks lockable zippers like other Aer packs, which some travellers prefer for security. 

The minimalist yet sleek design means that the Go Pack will suit a variety of settings, whether you’re on an aeroplane or catching up with friends at a cafe. It would be nice to have at least one or two gear loops on the outside, however, especially since some water bottles can slip out of the side pockets if you bend over. 

For the team members looking for a pack that covers all their basic needs without being bulky or unwieldy, this bag hit the spot. For such a compact backpack the addition of a laptop sleeve, internal zippered section and front pocket was impressive. The ability to roll it down or throw it inside a bigger bag was a massive plus point too.

Osprey Talon 22 Pack

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Osprey Talon is a great EDC backpack that offers both support and organisation. Out of all the packs on this list, the Talon probably has the best hip belt with excellent padding and pockets on each side, although it’s not removable. 

Designed for hiking, biking, climbing, and other outdoor sports, the Talon 22 has a helmet attachment, loops for ice tools, and trekking pole attachment points. 

You can also purchase a separate hydration reservoir to fit in the back sleeve for convenient water access while on the trail. However, there’s not a designated laptop pocket, although some laptops will still fit inside the main pocket. 

If you have an outdoorsy lifestyle and need an EDC backpack for your adventures, then the Osprey Talon is a good fit. This pack is a classic for hiking and our team has been big fans for years. They feel it’s a great size for day hikes without ending up too heavy. The shoulder straps and hip belt also make it one of the comfiest on our list too.

Fjallraven Raven 20L Pack

This casual backpack is good for all-around use whether you’re attending university, commuting, or travelling. The Heavy Duty Eco fabric is strong and durable, but not water-resistant, so be careful if you’re caught in a shower. 

Within the main compartment, there’s a padded laptop pocket for a 15-inch model as well as a zippered security pocket for valuables. In the front pouch, there are additional mesh pockets for organization. 

The padded shoulder straps offer good comfort, although the back has less ventilation than some of the other EDC packs we’ve listed. There is a top haul handle, but the pack lacks a sternum strap or hip belt. 

Since it’s a bit cheaper, the Raven 20L is a great budget EDC backpack. However, if you plan on carrying heavy loads, or go hiking with your backpack, you’ll probably want something with better support and ventilation. 

If you’re looking for a small EDC pack then our team rate this Fjallraven highly. When it comes to style, this bag might just be the winner! But there’s more to love than that, they also feel it offers great durability and will put up with daily abuse easily.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

How to Choose the Best EDC Pack 

As you can see from our list, there’s a fair amount of variety in great EDC packs depending on how you plan to use it. Below, we’ll go into more detail about how to decide which EDC pack is the best fit for your needs. 

From minimalist daypacks to luxury travel bags, there’s a wide variety in how many features an every day carry pack has. 

Laptop sleeves, lockable zippers, water bottle pockets, and secret pouches for passport and cash are all examples of common EDC pack features.

Other things, like gear loops, spots for a hydration reservoir, and camera compartments are more specialized features designed specifically for hiking and photography . 

Although having an EDC back with tons of features can be nice, usually these bags are bigger and more expensive. If all you really need is a simple, lightweight day bag, then don’t worry so much about finding a bag with all the bells and whistles. 

Determining what the “right” weight for an EDC pack is can be a bit tricky and is a matter of finding a balance of size, material, and comfort. 

Most EDC packs are on the lighter end since they’re intended as something to carry around on a daily basis. Larger and heavier packs are usually designed for a specific purpose, like carrying delicate camera equipment or as carry-on luggage while travelling. 

If you’re planning on using this pack for hiking or travelling and will be wearing it for the majority of the day, you don’t want something that’s going to be too heavy. Go with the minimum of what you need, and keep an eye out for good hip belts and padded shoulder straps. 

If you’re planning on using your EDC pack more for going to the gym or commuting, then counting the ounces isn’t as much of an issue. You can focus more on whether the pack will fit all your possessions, knowing that the time spent carrying it will be more limited. 

Between your pockets not being big enough and a suitcase being way too large, there’s a lot of variation in how big or small an EDC pack can be. For some people, something like the Aer Day Sling is enough, while a photographer will want something larger for all their equipment. 

Sure, with a bigger pack you’ll have room for your laptop, a change of clothes, lunch, or even a spare pair of shoes, but not everyone needs all that space.

When picking an EDC pack, it can be helpful to make a list of all the things you want it to hold (laptop, water bottle, camera, phone, books, etc.).

Be mindful of size so you don’t end up with something that’s too bulky or cumbersome. Remember, this is a day pack; longer trips are where a suitcase or camping backpack comes in handy. 

A bike commuter and a travel photographer most likely won’t pick the same type of EDC pack. One person’s “everyday” use can look very different from another’s, so you’ll want to think about what style or specific features would serve you best. 

If you know for sure you’ll be carrying a laptop on a regular basis, then having a padded laptop compartment is important. Frequent fliers are going to want a bag that fits with airline carry-on specifications, and often prefer features like lockable zippers or luggage pass-through on the back.

The good news is that most of the best EDC packs can function in a variety of settings. For example, the Aer Gym Duffel also has a compartment for a laptop or the Wandrd PRVKE bag has a removable camera cube for when you don’t have your photo gear along. If keeping expensive equipment is your priority then be sure to get a decent camera backpack .

When selecting an EDC pack, think about both your primary and secondary intended use. For example, if you want the bag mostly for a daily commute to work, but like the idea of going hiking on the weekends, then something lightweight with padded straps, a water bottle holder, and good back ventilation is ideal.  

What sort of “cool” factor points does your backpack or bag have? Will it look alright to bring to a meeting at work? Do you want a bag that’s eye-catching, or something simpler and more minimalistic?  

Some people care a lot about how a backpack looks, while for others functionality is the only thing that matters. Again, thinking about how you will most often be using the bag can help determine whether you should go for a certain look or not. 

If you want to bring your EDC pack to more formal settings, like an office workspace or a travel business meeting, then something with a more sleek appearance is desirable. If you plan on using your EDC exclusively for biking and hikes in the woods, then you probably don’t need to worry so much about how classy the pack looks. 

Thinking about where you plan on using your pack is just as important as what you need it for. Do you live somewhere with cold winters? Somewhere with lots of rain like Portland or London? Are you travelling somewhere hot and humid like Singapore or the Caribbean? 

Taking the weather into account can help you decide how durable and weatherproof a bag you’ll need.

Even really good EDC packs usually aren’t waterproof to the point of being submersible, but some come close thanks to waterproof material and weather-resistant zippers. 

Usually, the more weather resistant the bag is, the more it’s going to cost. However, if you’re carrying around an expensive laptop, camera equipment, or other valuables, buying a more watertight bag can actually save you money (and peace of mind) in the long run. 

How and Where We Tested To Find The Best EDC Backpacks

When it came to testing out these packs we got a hold of each one of them and put them through their paces with a series of different tests. We gave each one to different members of the team in various locations around the world and let them loose with them!

Packability

A backpack is designed to carry stuff and as such, top points are awarded for how packable one is. That is especially so when it comes to the best EDC backpacks, whatever you decide to put inside them. A decent pack will maximise space and facilitate effective packing.

So we got all technicals and packed and unpacked each bag to test this out! We looked at not only how well each bag packed in our gear, but how easy that gear was to retrieve too.

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

When it comes to the best EDC bags, comfort is an important factor. As the name suggests, you’re going to be wearing these packs often, so you want them to minimise weight and maximise carry comfort. No one wants to be carrying around an awkward pack that digs into the shoulders, so we prioritised bags that were comfortable even when fully packed out.

Functionality

In order to test out how well a pack fulfilled its primary purpose we used it for this purpose. When it comes to EDC bags, each one is different and serves a different purpose. So for each one, we were sure to bear that in mind. Camera backpacks, we chucked our cameras inside and accessed how well they worked for us photographers for example. You get the idea right? 

Some people say that travel gear doesn’t need to look good as long as it functions. Well, those people probably listen to Nickelback! For us, the best EDC bag looks just as sexy as we do! I mean, you’re carrying that mofo around all day, every day, so we want to look good whilst doing it!

As such we also awarded points for how good a backpack looked as well as how practical it was.

Durability and Weatherproofing

A bag that you carry around every day usually has some pretty important gear inside, so for us, the best EDC packs keep the weather out and our precious stuff safe. To test this out we poured a litre of water over each one and accessed the insides of the pack.

Another important factor is durability. Using a backpack every day puts a lot of strain on the bag and they need to be reliant to stand up to such abuse. So we tested this out by being sure to give each pack a good run of consistent use and then assessed things like the material used, quality of the seam sewing, traction of the zippers and pressure points that break often.

FAQ about the Best EDC Backpacks

Still have some questions about the best EDC backpack? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is a EDC backpack?

EDC stands for ‘every day carry’. And EDC backpack is functional, but also perfectly acceptable for every day needs.

What’s the most functional EDC backpack?

With plenty of organizing cubes, waterproof meterial, comfortable fit and even more features, the Wandrd PRVKE Bag is the most functional EDC bag on the market right now.

What’s the most stylish EDC backpack?

You can never go wrong with a minimalistic design. That’s why the Aer Travel Pack 2 is our choice for the most stylish EDC backpack.

What’s the best EDC backpack for digital nomads?

If you need to store your laptop safely on your way to the cafe or even on travels, the Tortuga Outbreaker Laptop Backpack is the ideal candidate.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Everyday Carry Backpacks (EDC) Backpacks

There you have it. From gym bags to travel backpacks, hopefully, you’ve been able to find the best EDC pack for your needs and lifestyle on this list. If you’re tired of awkward tote bags or backpacks that keep ripping at the seams, then it’s probably time to invest in one of these comfortable and high-quality everyday carry packs. 

This is 2024; there are PLENTY of awesome options out there, so now I can’t find an excuse for not having an awesome backpack I carry around every day. Life is too short amigos for a s*** everyday pack.

Whether you go with a great all-around option like our top pick the Aer Small Travel Pack or something like the Aer Duffel Bag if you’re regularly at the gym, an EDC pack is a great way to help stay organized in all your daily activities. Most of these packs also work great as carry on backpacks too if you’re headed away for a break from the daily grind, you can save money and use the same bag!

Good luck on your quest to find the perfect backpack that fits your daily routine. What do you think is the best EDC pack?

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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Essential Everyday Carry Items for Travelers

When it comes to traveling, being prepared with the right everyday carry (EDC) items can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re exploring new cities, going on an adventurous hike, or simply traveling home for a holiday, having the right EDC tools at your disposal can make a significant difference. Let’s take a look at some essential EDC items to make your life easier when traveling, including portable chargers, travel wallets, multitools, backpacks, and other travel accessories that will enhance your experience.

Portable Chargers: Power On-The-Go

One of the most frustrating situations while traveling is running out of battery on your devices, especially when you rely on them for navigation or taking photos and videos. That’s why we always recommend having a portable charger of some kind with you when you travel. These compact and lightweight devices allow you to recharge your smartphones, tablets, or other gadgets anytime, anywhere.

Recommended Products:

• Anker PowerCore 10000 – This pocket-sized portable charger offers high-speed charging and can charge up your devices multiple times. With its compact design and fast-charging capabilities, it fits well into any backpack and can help out in a jam.
• RAVPower 26800mAh Power Bank – If you need to charge multiple devices simultaneously, this power bank has you covered. Its massive capacity ensures you can stay powered throughout your travels without worrying about running out of battery.

Travel Wallets: Organized and Secure

Keeping your travel documents, IDs, credit cards, and cash safe and organized is crucial when exploring new destinations. A travel wallet provides a dedicated space for all your essentials, offering convenience and peace of mind if you’re worried about RFID scanners too.

• Bellroy Travel Wallet – This slim and stylish travel wallet is designed to accommodate your passport, boarding pass, cards, and even a small pen. It features RFID blocking to protect your sensitive information, ensuring you can navigate through airports and unfamiliar cities worry-free.
• Travelambo RFID Blocking Bifold Passport Holder – If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, this passport holder is an excellent choice. It offers ample storage and RFID protection, keeping your valuables secure during your travels.

Multitools: Versatile Helpers

A multitool is like having a compact toolbox at your fingertips. From opening bottles to fixing small issues on the go, a good multitool can be a true lifesaver during your travels. And there are lightweight, TSA-approved options that won’t cause any problems when going through security at the airport.

• Leatherman Wave Plus – Known for its quality and functionality, the Leatherman Wave Plus is a versatile multitool perfect for travelers. It features essential tools such as pliers, knives, screwdrivers, and even a bottle opener, all neatly packed into a compact design.
• Gerber Dime – This pocket-sized multitool is a great option for those seeking a budget-friendly yet reliable tool. With its keychain attachment, you can easily carry it wherever you go, ensuring you’re always prepared for unexpected situations.

Backpacks: Comfort and Organization

A reliable backpack is an essential item for travelers, offering ample storage space, comfort, and convenient accessibility to your belongings. Look for backpacks designed specifically for travel, with compartments for laptops, portable chargers, water bottles, and other necessities.

• Osprey Farpoint 40 – The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a popular choice among travelers due to its optimal size for carry-on luggage. With its comfortable suspension system and versatile organization features, it strikes the perfect balance between functionality and portability.
• Nomatic Travel Pack – This feature-packed backpack is designed to cater to the needs of travelers. It offers innovative features such as a built-in compression packing cube, RFID-protected pocket, and a separate laptop compartment. With its sleek design and durable construction, the Nomatic Travel Pack is an excellent companion for both short trips and long-term adventures.

Other Travel Accessories: Enhancing Your Journey

In addition to the EDC items mentioned above, there are a few other travel accessories that can further enhance your travel experience. You probably won’t need these for every trip, but depending on where you’re going or what your plan is, they could come in handy.

Travel-Sized Toiletries : Opt for compact, TSA-compliant toiletries to save space in your luggage and ensure you have all the necessary personal care items during your trip. Look for travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and other essentials to maintain your hygiene on the go.

Noise-Canceling Headphones : Whether you’re on a long flight or exploring bustling city streets, noise-canceling headphones can be a game-changer. They help block out unwanted noise, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, or simply find some quiet in a noisy environment.

Reusable Water Bottle : Staying hydrated is crucial while traveling. Carry a reusable water bottle to minimize plastic waste and have access to water wherever you go. Look for bottles with leak-proof lids and features like insulation to keep your beverages cold or hot.

Travel-Sized First Aid Kit : It’s always wise to have a basic first aid kit on hand. Include essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications. This way, you’ll be prepared to address minor injuries or ailments during your travels. If you’re traveling with small children, this is an absolute must!

Essential Travel EDC

Remember, the key to a successful travel EDC is finding the right balance between functionality, convenience, and portability. Choose items that you might need depending on your specific needs and travel style.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a newcomer to the world of EDC, these essential items will elevate your travel experience and ensure you’re prepared for any situation. So, pack your portable charger, secure your travel wallet, and equip yourself with a versatile multitool. Don’t forget to choose a backpack that offers both comfort and organization. With the right EDC items, your journey will be smoother, more organized, and enjoyable.

Safe travels and happy adventuring!

Zach Belmont has been working in the outdoor apparel industry in one form or another for over 20 years. During his career, he has worked at some of the most well-known adventure brands including Patagonia and The North Face in marketing, operations and product development. Zach currently lives in Wyoming with his wife and 2 kids.

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18 BEST EDC Backpacks for Every Budget and Lifestyle [2024]

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

TL;DR: The best EDC backpack is the Troubadour Apex Explorer Backpack . It has a spacious 25L capacity, multiple storage pockets, padded ergonomic straps, eco-friendly and durable construction, and a stylish minimalist design suitable for a variety of settings.

I’m an everyday carry backpack enthusiast, but that wasn’t always the case. As a teenager, I picked out a new crossbody messenger bag for school every year.

This type of bag left my shoulders and neck muscles sore from the unbalanced weight slung to one side of my body.

These days, I carry an EDC backpack as my everyday purse, and it feels so much more comfortable. 

Plus, wearing a backpack leaves my hands and arms completely free.

But what are EDC bags? The abbreviation EDC stands for “everyday carry.”

So, an EDC backpack is the perfect bag for people like me who feel most comfortable using packs daily. That’s why I decided to write this EDC backpack list.

A great EDC pack is, above all else, versatile–you can use it as a purse, a gym bag, a school bag, on hikes, or even as a carry-on bag while traveling. 

So, if you’re searching for a high-quality everyday carry backpack, keep reading for a list of the best EDC backpacks, plus some handy shopping tips!

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

Here’s a Quick Look at Our Recommendations

• Best Large EDC Backpack –  Aer Travel Pack 3
• Best Lightweight EDC Backpack –  Matador Beast 18 Technical Pack
• Best Small EDC Backpack –  Fjallraven Kanken Mini Classic Backpack
• Best Backpack for a Laptop –  Boundary Supply Rennen Recycled Daypack
• Best EDC Hiking Backpack –  Osprey Daylite Plus Pack
• Best Tactical EDC Backpack –  GoRuck GR1-USA
• Best Waterproof EDC Backpack –  Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack City
• Most Durable EDC Backpack –  Pelican Weatherproof Mobile Protect Backpack
• Best Leather EDC Backpack –  Kodiak Katmai Leather Backpack
• Best Urban EDC Backpack – Troubadour Apex Backpack- Explorer
• Best Budget EDC Backpack –  RAMHORN 26L Laptop Backpack
• Best Minimalist EDC Backpack –  Bellroy Classic Backpack 2nd Edition
• Best Backpack for Travel –  Tortuga Outbreaker Laptop Backpack
• Best Backpack for Work and Commuting –  BANGE Anti Theft Business Laptop Backpack
• Best EDC Camera Backpack –  Wandrd PRVKE Photography Travel Backpack
• Most Comfortable EDC Backpack for Smaller-Framed People – Herschel Settlement Backpack
• Best EDC Tech Backpack –  NOMATIC Navigator Premium Backpack

Table of Contents

#1 Aer Travel Pack 3

Best Large EDC Backpack

Star rating: 4.8/5 Volume: 35 liters Weight: 4.1 pounds Best for: Travelers and people who frequently need to carry a lot of gear.

Aer is a leading brand that makes top-quality modern backpacks, and the Aer Travel Pack 3 is a large-capacity backpack with tons of storage space. 

Although it has a travel-focused design, it’s also compact and convenient as a large everyday carry bag.

With a zipper that runs all around like a suitcase, it’s the best EDC clamshell backpack. The internal frame adds weight but provides extra stability to help support the weight of your gear.

The Aer travel pack also uses a high-quality, nylon-based material called Cordera, and it has a padded laptop pocket that can fit devices up to 16″. 

For a matching set, I recommend the Aer Go Pack 2 . The Aer Pack 2 is 1.3 pounds and stows perfectly inside of the Travel Pack 3 to be used as an Aer day pack while your other belongings stay organized in your hotel room.

• Quality construction and materials
• Easy-to-pack design
• Padded laptop sleeve
• Frame improves weight distribution
• Attachment points for adding a hip belt

#2 Matador Beast 18 Technical Pack

Best Lightweight EDC Backpack

Star rating: 4.6/5 Volume: 18 liters Weight: 1.3 pounds Best for: People who are prone to shoulder pain.

When it comes to bags and luggage, weight is crucial. A lightweight bag means you can pack more of your belongings with less strain on your shoulders. 

The Matador Beast 18 Technical Pack weighs just over a pound and has an 18-liter capacity to keep your load light. Considering it has a steel frame, this bag’s low weight is even more impressive. 

It also has EVA foam padding in the back panel and adjustable shoulder straps. Combined with the hip belt, it’s the best EDC pack for carrying heavy loads without hurting your shoulders and back.

This bag also includes two internal pockets, and gear loops on the outside to keep everything organized, and its nylon outer has a waterproof UTS coating to keep contents dry.

But if you’re a true outdoor guru, you’ll be most relieved by the additional mesh pockets that fit a Nalgene (even if it’s tight).

• Super lightweight
• Steel frame
• Waterproof coating
• No laptop sleeve
• Not the most stylish design

#3 Fjallraven Kanken Mini Classic Backpack

Best Small EDC Backpack

Star rating: 4.7/5 Volume: 7 liters Weight: 0.5 pound Best for: Fashionable commuters who don’t need a lot of gear daily.

I used to think that I needed a big steel-framed backpack for everyday essentials. But not always.

Now, when I only want to carry my wallet, keys, phone, book, journal, and a few emergency items, I reach for my Fjallraven Kanken Mini Classic Backpack . 

Fjallraven Kanken is a sustainable brand from Sweden known for its stylish backpacks. And the mini is a smaller version of their classic design.

This stylish EDC backpack comes in twenty unique colors, including sky blue with rainbow shoulder straps. 

But there’s more to Fjallraven everyday carry backpacks than just a pretty face. 

The outer material is called “Vinylon F,” which is resistant to both dirt and water and easy to clean. It has a modest seven liters of storage space and only weighs half a pound. 

Fjallravens aren’t only the best EDC backpack for women, but also the best EDC backpack for men who want something small, roomy, and hip.

• Water and dirt-resistant
• Lots of color options
• Somewhat pricey for its size

#4 Boundary Supply Rennen Recycled Daypack

Best EDC Backpack for a Laptop

Star rating: 4.8/5 Volume: 22 liters Weight: 2 pounds Best for: Adventurous creatives and digital nomads who value sustainability.

I’ve worked as a digital nomad for over a year now. Many everyday backpacks include a dedicated laptop sleeve or padded laptop compartment, but the Boundary Supply Rennen Recycled Daypack takes things to the next level.

Special recycled materials and efficient organization make it the best backpack with a laptop sleeve.

Boundary’s Rennen backpack series is made of 60% recycled materials. These durable materials are Bluesign approved, which is the highest textile certification for not containing harmful substances.

Plus, it’s a relatively small and lightweight backpack, yet the bombproof laptop compartment fits devices up to 16″.

It’s the perfect design for taking my laptop to work at a cafe or library: big enough to fit the necessities, a water bottle, and lunch, but not cumbersome.

And for anyone carrying camera gear, there’s a photo kit that includes a camera cube, tech case, and lash straps.

• Dedicated laptop compartment
• Efficiently used space
• 60% recycled materials
• YKK AquaGuard zippers
• Might be too small if you’re looking for an overnight bag

#5 Osprey Daylite Plus Pack

Best EDC Hiking Backpack

Star rating: 4.7/5 Volume: 20 liters Weight: 1.3 pounds Best for: Outdoorsy people looking for a go-to bag.

The Osprey Daylite Plus Pack is the best EDC pack for people who like to hit the trails on the weekends but don’t want a separate backpack just for hiking. 

The super-comfortable ergonomic shoulder straps have mesh-covered foam for ventilation to prevent them from getting too damp and sweaty. And at just over a pound, it won’t weigh you down on a long hike.

This versatile pack has a padded interior sleeve within the main compartment that fits a 15″ laptop or a hydration pack, depending on whether it’s a workday or hike day. 

Other convenient features for hikers include an adjustable sternum strap, a removable hip belt, and dual water bottle pockets. 

The Daylite Plus also has a water-resistant exterior made from durable recycled fabrics and a water-repellent coating — take that rain clouds!

• Internal sleeve for either a laptop or a water reservoir.
• Recycled materials
• Lightweight
• No side opening
• On the small side

#6 GoRuck GR1-USA

Best Tactical EDC Backpack

Star rating: 4.9/5 Volume: 21 or 26 liters Weight: 2.8 or 3.1 pounds Best for: Frequent campers.

A tactical backpack is a military-style backpack that prioritizes utility.  GoRuck’s GR1-USA is the real deal.

It’s the best EDC survival backpack around, perfect for camping and outdoor activities and everyday use.

These tactical bags have a water-resistant, 210D back panel and padded shoulder straps that help distribute weight. It’s designed to ensure comfort for active people on the move.

Inside this tactical backpack are a padded laptop compartment and zippered compartments for smaller items. It’s no wonder reviewers rave about this bag’s functionality and durability.

If the GoRuck GR1 isn’t in your price range, a competitive alternative is the 5.11 Tactical Backpack .

• Internal compartments for devices
• Water-resistant
• Thick straps
• Tested by athletes and military personnel
• Lots of gear loops
• Doesn’t have loops covering the entire outer — although this helps it blend in on city streets

#7 Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack City

Best Waterproof EDC Backpack

Star rating: 4.8/5 Volume: 21 liters Weight: 1.6 pounds Best for: People who live in places where it rains a lot.

Who here bikes to work? Getting caught in a storm with everyday carry backpacks is risky business. . . unless you have a waterproof EDC backpack.

Luckily, the Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack City is extremely water-repellent and relatively lightweight thanks to polyurethane-coated nylon. It’s the best EDC commuter backpack for bikers.

This bag includes a removable laptop compartment that fits a 15″ laptop and a front zipper pocket for easy-access items. Plus, a removable sternum strap and hip belt.

With the top rolled 3-4 times and buckled shut, you can feel safe dancing in the rain with your Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack City.

• Includes a laptop sleeve
• Isn’t as fashionable as other backpacks on this list
• The outer zip pocket isn’t waterproof

#8 Pelican Weatherproof Mobile Protect Backpack

Most Durable EDC Backpack

Star rating: 4.7/5 Volume: 20 liters Weight: 1.43 pounds Best for: Backpack enthusiasts who want to make a purchase that lasts.

Anything from Pelican Products is a safe bet if you’re looking for durability. 

Pelican began manufacturing indestructible gearboxes, and they expanded to many other products — from phone cases to coolers . 

The Pelican Weatherproof Mobile Protect Backpack has a 1000-denier water-repellent nylon outer shell and compression-molded EVA shoulder straps. 

Its main compartment includes a drop-proof laptop section, thanks to ballistic nylon-coated EVA. 

Plus, there are two secret pockets on the sides and a vertical front pocket.

• Durable construction and materials
• Laptop pocket
• It doesn’t have many color options

#9 Kodiak Katmai Leather Backpack

Best Leather EDC Backpack

Star rating: 4.8/5 Volume: 16 liters Weight: 2.1 pounds Best for: Glamorous, style-savvy travelers.

This Kodiak Katmai Leather Backpack is the most stylish EDC backpack. It’s perfect as a carry-on for traveling but small and stylish enough to use every day.  

There are three main zippered compartments, plus a zippered back compartment for your laptop. An internal zippered pocket adds security for your wallet, passport, and documents.

Kodiak’s premium leather is supple and develops character with wear. I’m a fan of the black leather with silver-colored hardware, but you can also find this bag in Dark Walnut and Saddle brown.

Whether you’re looking for a gift for someone else or a new EDC travel backpack for yourself, the Kodiak Katmai Leather Backpack will be a beautiful accessory for the long haul.

• Fashionable
• High-quality materials that age well
• Luggage sleeve and laptop compartment
• 16L might not be big enough for some people

#10 Troubadour Apex Backpack- Explorer

Best Urban EDC Backpack

Star rating: 4.9/5 Volume: 25 liters Weight: 2.2 pounds Best for: Busy professionals who like to carry their whole lives in their bags.

The Troubadour Apex Explorer Backpack is another high-end EDC backpack with an excellent reputation.

It has a stylish, minimalist design with a slim profile, lightweight construction, and a surprisingly vast 25-liter capacity. The appearance makes it the best EDC office backpack, while the features make it incredibly versatile.

The Explorer Backpack has a padded laptop section that can fit a 16″ device. It also has a zippered front pocket, with external pockets to hold your water bottle. 

Plus, the outer material, the lining, and the zippers are all waterproof. 

Troubadour is a certified B-Corp, that uses recycled materials, ethical practices, and carbon offsets.

Overall, it’s fashionable but prioritizes functionality, making it the perfect backpack for running around a cityscape.

• Large capacity
• Eco-friendly
• Accommodates a 16″ laptop
• Limited color options

#11 RAMHORN 26L Laptop Backpack

Best Budget EDC Backpack

Star rating: 4.7/5 Volume: 26 liters Weight: 1.54 pounds Best for: Creative professionals who love a bargain.

Breathtakingly cheap, the Ramhorn 26L Laptop Backpack is one of my favorites. 

I bought it as a carry-on and for day trips while traveling internationally. I was on a strict budget but still wanted something cute and stylish.

The Ramhorn Backpack is spacious without being bulky. It comes with padded shoulder straps and the fabric feels surprisingly sturdy and durable.

With less padding than some of the higher-end laptop backpacks, this isn’t the best EDC laptop backpack. But it does have plenty of organizational pockets and a padded sleeve that safely fits my 13″ laptop.

This is also a good choice if you’re looking for the best EDC backpack for students because it’s durable but not so expensive that you’ll be upset when they want a new style next year.

• Super inexpensive
• 13″ laptop sleeve
• The main compartment has a fold-over Velcro and buckle closure instead of a zipper.

#12 Bellroy Classic Backpack 2nd Edition

Best Minimalist EDC Backpack

Star rating: 4.6/5 Volume: 20 liters Weight: 1.65 pounds Best for: People who like to keep their style uncomplicated.

The Bellroy Classic Backpack is a high-end everyday carry backpack with a mid-range price tag. 

The minimalist design is for anyone who appreciates a well-made EDC pack.

The main compartment has a laptop pocket and a second sleeve for keeping documents organized. There are two understated hidden external pockets for easy access to small belongings. 

The bag hugs the contours of your back and features padded shoulder straps for a comfortable fit.

But just because the design is minimalist doesn’t mean there’s no way to add some personal flair to your purchase. This EDC pack comes in seven colors.

• Lots of pockets
• Sleek design
• Not waterproof
• No hip or sternum strap

#14 Tortuga Outbreaker Laptop Backpack

Best EDC Backpack for Travel

Star rating: 4.8/5 Volume: 27 liters Weight: 3.2 pounds Best for: Transitioning between an EDC pack and carry-on luggage.

Most backpacks are top-loading, but the Tortuga Outbreak Laptop Backpack opens like a suitcase. Once zipped, it looks and carries like a regular backpack. 

Unlike its ancestor, the Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack, you’ll have easy access during airport security.

Weather-resistant lockable zippers and a TSA-compliant laptop sleeve that accommodates a 16″ MacBook make it not only one of the best everyday carry backpacks, but also a versatile pack for traveling.

The luggage strap to carry it like a duffle bag is an outstanding carry solution when you need to switch things up.

All of this and it’s small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you on an airplane, what more can you ask from one of the best everyday carry backpacks?

• Sweat-wicking foam padding
• Front-loading opening
• Only available in black

#15 Bang Business Smart Backpack

Best EDC Backpack for Work and Commuting

Star rating: 4.7/5 Volume: 23 liters Weight: 2.98 pounds Best for: Busy professionals who like special features but not high prices.

There’s no need to spend an arm and a leg if you’re looking for the best EDC backpack to take to work. 

The BANGE Anti Theft Business Laptop Backpack is a good dupe for high-end backpacks at a super affordable price.

With an internal laptop sleeve for a 15.6″ device, it’s a great laptop backpack for anyone — not just MacBook users.

Plus, there’s a USB port for types A and C. Listen to music or charge your phone while riding public transportation and keep your hands free.

Another great feature is its anti-theft lock. When I wear my everyday backpack on the subway, I worry that a stealthy pickpocket might quietly unzip my bag. But that won’t happen with this BANG backpack.

If you have a larger budget and want to try the best EDC sling backpack, the Mini Metro Messenger Bag is designed for commuters.

• Anti-theft lock
• USB and headphone port
• Small and tight
• Not super durable

#16 Wandrd PRVKE Photography Travel Backpack

Best EDC Camera Backpack

Star rating: 4.8/5 Volume: 21 liters Weight: 2.86 pounds Best for: Professional photographers and photography enthusiasts.

If you’re like me, your camera lives in your everyday backpack while your sling photography bag gathers dust in the closet. 

Cameras are expensive, bulky, and breakable, so the best EDC pack for a photo enthusiast is the Wandrd Photography Travel Backpack .

A friend of mine uses the Wandrd as his EDC camera bag and let me try it.

The outside is slick water-resistant material in case you get caught in the rain. It has a roll top and zippered front opening so it’s easy to organize everything.

Inside the main compartment, there are padded compartments to cradle expensive photography equipment and special features like a 17″ padded laptop sleeve.

I found the hip belt and removable sternum strap especially helpful since camera gear is heavy.

• Perfect for carrying a camera

#17 Herschel Settlement Backpack

Most Comfortable EDC Backpack for Smaller-Framed People

Volume: 17 liters Weight: 0.94 pounds Star rating: 4.8/5 Best for: People with more petite frames prone to back pain.

I just got home from a month-long trip around Europe. Anyone who wasn’t wearing the Fjallraven was wearing a Herschel Settlement Backpack .

And I understand why. The Herschel Settlement Backpack is small but fits a laptop and the adjustable straps make it comfortable for both women and shorter men. It’s durable and yet weighs just under a pound.

Smaller than your average 21L backpack but bigger than purse backpacks, this comfortable pack is the best everyday carry bag for smaller-framed people who are tired of ill-fitting backpacks.

• Laptop sleeve
• Slim with efficiently designed pockets
• Signature Herschel striped interior
• Only fits a 13″ laptop
• No sternum strap

#18 NOMATIC Navigator Premium Backpack

Best EDC Tech Backpack

Volume: 15 liters Weight: 2.7 pounds Star rating: 4.5/6 Best for: Lovers of gadgets and tech gear.

For a catch-all tech backpack, check out the Nomatic Navigator Premium Backpack , one of the best EDC backpacks for carrying cameras, laptops, etc.

This advanced pack features a fleece-lined laptop sleeve, a hidden water bottle pocket, a breathable back panel, tamper-resistant zippers, and much more. 

It has a compact, slim design but can expand up to six liters. Plus, it also has an RFID-blocking pocket to protect you from identity theft.

And if that’s not enough, the whole backpack is water-resistant.

• Lots of special features
• Fleece-lined laptop sleeve
• The laptop compartment can only accommodate up to 14.”

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best EDC Backpack

What to look for in edc backpacks.

Weight and capacity

The best way to tell the size of a backpack is to look at the volume. 

Aim for a high-volume, lightweight EDC pack weighing under 3 pounds when empty.

Organizational pockets

EDC backpacks carry a hodge-podge of valuables, extra clothing, notebooks, snacks, and emergency supplies. Organizational pockets will help make things easy to find.

If you’re wearing a backpack every day, make sure it blends with your style. Packs become part of your outfit, so the form is avital as well as the functionality.

Special features

Special features, such as laptop sleeves, exterior compression straps, or waterproofing, can help simplify your life and help determine the right EDC backpack for you.

Types of EDC Backpacks

Classic EDC Backpacks

A classic EDC backpack is just a sturdy backpack with straps. 

It might have some special features, such as a laptop sleeve, organizational pockets, a hip belt, or compression straps. But in general, this is the type of classic backpack you would have had in school. 

Convertible Backpacks

A convertible backpack is more than just a backpack. It might have external luggage straps or convert into a tote or shoulder bag. 

Moreover, a convertible backpack may also have a front-loading zippered opening to pack it like a suitcase. 

It is also an excellent option for everyday carry because versatility is key, and you can convert it depending on your needs.

Tech Backpacks

Tech backpacks are dependable everyday carry backpacks that feature designs specifically for carrying tech gear. This might be cameras, audio equipment, and more. 

This type of backpack might have extra padding and compartments to cradle delicate gear.

FAQs About EDC Backpacks

What exactly is an EDC backpack? What does EDC stand for?

EDC stands for “everyday carry,” meaning a pack you use daily and not just for travel and backpacking. We all have different needs and styles, so the best everyday carry pack for you might be different from your bestie.

How do I choose an EDC backpack? What makes a good EDC backpack?

The best everyday carry backpacks are not too big and bulky but can fit plenty of items. 

They’ll have padded straps and an ergonomic design for comfort. And a sleek design doesn’t hurt!

What’s the best size for an EDC backpack?

An EDC backpack shouldn’t be more than 35 Liters. Generally, 20-30 liters is a good size for daily use.

How much should I expect to spend on a quality EDC backpack?

High-quality backpacks, such as the Tortuga or the Aer Day Pack , average between $200 and $300. 

Some of the best EDC backpacks on Amazon are a fraction of that. But be mindful that budget backpacks generally won’t be as durable as high-end ones.

BANGE offers the best EDC backpacks under $100 for looking good without blowing your grocery budget.

What do you put in an everyday carry backpack?

In my EDC backpack, I usually have my laptop, my keys and wallet, some chapstick, pens, a sketchbook, my lucky rock, and a layer of crumpled receipts I’ve been meaning to throw away. 

And most importantly, I also use it to carry anything I purchase while out and about.

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best EDC Backpack

My choice for the best everyday backpack is the Troubadour Apex Explorer Backpack . 

It features a sleek and fashionable design that prioritizes functionality.

It’s the best EDC day backpack because there are tons of storage pockets and it carries a 16″ laptop. It’s comfortable, waterproof, and has a trolley sleeve for suitcase handles.

Plus, Troubadour is a certified B-Corp that uses 95% recycled materials and offers a five-year guarantee.

The Troubadour is a pricey bag, but you can feel good about where your money is going.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elina Ansary

As a visual artist, Elina is a frequent traveler and pathological overpacker who often finds herself transporting lots of objects while traveling–from artwork to art materials to gifts and souvenirs. She’s tried tons of different suitcases, backpacks, purses, and bags in her quest to resolve her baggage dilemnas. She grew up in San Francisco, CA, and spent her childhood camping up and down Northern California. These days, Elina visits artist residencies in locations around the world, including Amsterdam, Finland, Italy, and Australia, and has exhibited her work in galleries and museums in the US and abroad. When she isn’t writing and editing for The Atlas Heart, Elina is pursuing a Master’s degree in Visual Art at Cornell University and splits her time between Ithaca and Brooklyn.

Looking for more gear recommendations? Check out our related posts below! 

Best Wheeled Backpacks

Best Travel Purses

Best Hiking Backpacks for Women

Best Dog Backpack Carriers for Hiking

Best Hardside Luggage Sets

Pakt One Review

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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The Best EDC Gear: Everyday Carry Tools for 2024

Everyday Carry is about solving problems & fixing issues on-the-fly. It’s about small, versatile tools and implements that help you work smarter not harder. Lucky for us, having the tool to do the trick in our pocket, or clipped to the keychain , is easier than ever. It’s actually choosing your EDC arsenal that’s tough. That’s where WERD comes in. We unpacked a ton of clever, pocketable products to create this list of The Best EDC.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Compact and convenient : These little tools are sized just right to clip onto your key ring, clip onto your belt, or sit in your pocket, ready to be used at a moment’s notice and always within reach.
• Designed for functionality : Each item serves a specific purpose—cracking a beer, cutting open boxes , stripping wires, pulling nails, lighting up the night, and more—but many feature add-ons that provide multiple functions in one.
• Durability matters : They’re usually built tough, using cutting-edge materials like machined titanium or aerospace-grade aluminum or carbon fiber or even just durable high-grade stainless steel. Convenience is the most important feature, but durability comes in a close second.

Equipped with the right pocket knife or carefully chosen multi-tool kept always at the ready, we can pry , slice, tighten, wrench or repair many of the challenges that daily life throws in our path. And it seems that for every little need or niche, there’s a titanium tool or EDC implement purpose-built for the task at hand.

From  wallets ,  folding knives and weatherproof torches, to classic multi-tools, small flashlights and pocket pouches for tiny cargo, we created this list as your go-to guide to the year’s most essential EDC.

Leatherman ARC Multi-Tool

I’ve been a die-hard Leatherman Wave+ guy for over two years now, carrying it with me wherever I go. But after taking a closer look at Leatherman’s brand new ARC, I might just be tempted to upgrade.

There’s a lot to love about the ARC:

• It’s got everything I love about my Wave+, including diamond-coated file, small and large bit drivers, spring-action scissors, an “impact surface” I can use to hammer in nails, wire and hard-wire cutters, and more tools—a total of 20 in all.
• A one-handed, easy-open design that uses magnets to keep the knife closed when not in use, but allows it to be easily flipped open with a flick of the wrist. Not only is this convenient, but it looks and feels cool, too.
• The first use of Leatherman’s brand new MagnaCut steel blade, which offers even better blade strength, edge retention, and corrosion-resistance than the standard steel blade.
• DLC coating on the blade and handles to prevent corrosion, scuffs, and scratches. Basically, it just adds toughness to an already hardy tool.

The upgraded design and enhanced tools promise to make the ARC a multi-tool even long-time Leatherman users like me can absolutely love.

WESN CB Carabiner

The WESN CB keychain offers a minimalist, lightweight, yet extremely durable carabiner solution for minimizing clutter.

It’s precision machine-milled from a single piece of high-strength titanium, strong enough that you can use it for carrying everything from groceries to your keys and your favorite small tools.

At just 2.5 inches long and 1 inch wide, it’s virtually weightless (just half an ounce) but rugged enough that you can trust it to last a lifetime. It’s the ultimate solution for streamlining and improving your EDC gear.

VSSL Mini Stash Light

The VSSL Mini Stash Light is the perfect 2-in-1 solution to bring along on your next camping, hiking, fishing, and boating trips.

The integrated LED lantern delivers 20 hours of runtime, and it’s easily recharged via USB. Thanks to the Split Flip Carabiner, you can carry it attached to your everyday backpack, hang it from a tent hook, or hold it easily in your hand. The internal storage can be customized using VSSL’s Aluminum Refill Tins to accommodate the specific items you want to store inside.

The military-grade aluminum housing is waterproof and virtually indestructible, so all your stored items will be safe from submersion, impact, drops, falls, spills, and the heat of your campfire.

The fact that it’s backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty proves how tough and reliable it is. It’ll serve you well for decades and countless adventures to come.

Nitecore EDC 27 Flashlight

This little flashlight is the addition your EDC gear loadout has been missing. The built-in clip makes it easy to secure to your belt, pouch, or backpack, keeping it always within easy reach. Rather than the classic round shape, the EDC 27’s body is rectangular, roughly the same dimensions as your favorite pocket knife.

Don’t let its small size fool you into thinking it’s not powerful. When switched onto high, it can generate up to 3,000 lumens and cast a beam 200 meters.

The integrated battery pack has a truly impressive run-time of 37 hours and is easily charged using the provided USB cable. It’s even impact- and water-resistant, built for use in pretty much any emergency, tactical, survival, or outdoors situation. You’ll never have to worry about the titanium-coated stainless steel body getting scratched, scuffed, dented, or rusted.

WESN Allman

Give your EDC gear a major upgrade with the WESN Allman. This folding pocket knife is crafted to be the ideal harmony between form and function. Its size is small enough to fit in any pocket but with a blade sufficiently large for your daily tasks, whether at home, out camping, in the field, or on a job site.

It’s lightweight but the CPM S35VN steel is tough enough to withstand anything you could throw at it. You’ll love how nicely it fits in your hand and the excellent balance, making it easy to wield.

Thanks to the G10 scales, it’ll stay firmly gripped even if your hands are wet, slippery, or you’re wearing work gloves. The pocket clip will keep it within easy reach as you carry it, but it’s also got a lanyard hole so you can wear it around your neck or strap it to your work belt.

The Palmer Utility Knife

Here’s a beautifully designed and ultra-portable box cutter. The Palmer is designed to fit comfortably into even small pockets, or you can attach it to your key ring or a lanyard for more convenient carry.

It nestles in the palm of your hand for easier wielding and allows you to extend/retract the blade quickly using just your thumb. The anodized aluminum handle is insanely tough, capable of shrugging off water damage and scuffs.

When the time comes to swap out the blade, you’ll find it’s a no-hassle, tool-free job that takes just a few seconds thanks to the Palmer’s patent-pending mechanism. Best of all, you can swap out the blade for the standard utility blades you can find in any hardware store, so you can travel with the Palmer in your pocket (sans blade) and replace the blade at your destination. Now that’s everyday carry convenience and comfort you can love.

Orbitkey Key Ring

Orbitkey proudly claims that they “reinvented the key ring”, and one look at their latest, updated model makes it easy to see why they believe so. Not only is it insanely tough (made using quality stainless steel), but the simple locking mechanism makes it quick work to add or remove keys.

The V2 model features a unique quick-release mechanism (patent-pending) that eliminates the need to struggle with your key ring, and it’s compatible with virtually every key and key fob on the market. Add to that a new-and-improved sculpted look with mirror-finish edge, and you’ll understand what sets this key ring apart from the rest.

Screwpop Magnetic Toolkey

This little EDC tool is just 0.125 inches thick and weighs just .65 ounces, but it comes with a plethora of useful tools: a serrated edge cutter, imperial and metric rulers, wire stripper, quarter-inch wrench, can opener, slotted and Philips head screwdrivers, 180-degree protractor, bike spoke key, bottle opener, fine file edge, and four-sized closed wrench. There’s also an integrated neodymium magnet so you can store the key on your fridge, toolbox, or even the side of your car. Now that’s a handy multi-tool you’ll be more than happy to carry around everywhere you go.

Slyde King Flashlight

This LED flashlight is designed to make your life easier, safer, and more convenient. Not only is it a flashlight, but it can be pulled open and transformed into a work light perfect for use on any DIY task or job site.

The magnetized base lets you work hands-free, and you’ll find the battery life is good enough (2-12 hours for the flashlight, 4-24 hours for the work light) to keep up with whatever job you’re doing without needing frequent re-charging. However, when the time comes to charge, the USB-C port cuts down on how long it takes for the built-in battery to be tanked up and ready for work.

The flashlight generates up to 2,000 lumens, and the work light up to 500 lumens. The light comes with four modes, a 4X twist zoom (to let you switch from floodlight to spotlight), a battery level indicator, and a rubberized grip that keeps it securely in your hands even if you’re working in wet or muddy conditions.

Add to that IP67 waterproof rating and a body made from aircraft grade aluminum, and you’ve got a truly functional, durable flashlight you’ll use for years to come.

VIPERADE VE6 Utility Pouch

Whether you’re on the job site or on vacation, you’ll be glad you had this pocket organizer on you. Wear it around your neck (courtesy of the lanyard), clip it to your belt, or keep it in your backpack—however you wear it, it’ll ensure you’ve got everything well-organized and within easy reach.

The pouch features 3 slot pockets for various tools: knives, pens, screwdrivers, bottle openers, or anything else you need to carry. There’s also an extra-large pocket sized just right for your passport, travel documents, or your work notebook. Built from tough 500-denier polyester, it’s both wear- and scratch-resistant, and reinforced with nylon stitching and an abrasion-resistant fleece lining that will keep both the pouch and your EDC gear protected.

Magpul Daka Pouch

Keep your travel packs organized and neat with these ultra-tough packing pouches. Weighing in at just 30 grams, the DAKA pouches are made from durable 70D TPU nylon that can handle the rigors of any backpacking trip, vacation, or safari with ease.

Sized to fit a wide range of items—from hunting gear to climbing supplies to fishing gear to electronics to camera parts—the pouches can be secured together or to your bag via the carabiner attachment points.

The seals are radio frequency welded to ensure they’re impenetrable, and even the zipper is water-repellent enough to make sure everything inside the pouch stays dry. With pouches available in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and a range of colors, they make the ideal packing solution for any suitcase, backpack, or duffel bag.

True Utility Titanium Locking Pocket Multi-Tool

For those quick-and-dirty everyday tasks, keep the TI Pocket Multi-Tool on hand and you’ll never be caught unprepared. Packed with features—including spring-loaded pliers with built-in wire cutters, awl, bottle opener, saw, knife, and dual-headed screwdriver—it’s built using ultra-tough titanium featuring a titanium nitride coating that enhances durability and protects against rust, corrosion, and wear.

The dual-position locks (90 and 180 degrees) makes it easy to adapt the highly functional multi-tool to the job, and the ergonomic grip maximizes comfort no matter how you hold the tool.

Gerber Dibs Pocketable Fixed-Blade Knife

The Dibs by Gerber combines the compact size of a folding knife with the sturdy frame of a fixed-blade knife, putting in your hands a truly versatile and reliable tool. The full tang makes this knife suitable for prying and leveraging, improving its balance and durability, but at just under 6 inches long, it’s small enough to fit in the provided sheath on your belt.

The blade is on the shorter side—just 2.5 inches—yet clip point makes it beautifully versatile for cutting, gutting, skinning, and slicing. The PVD coating on both the blade and handle ensures it’s resistant to corrosion, and the knife is backed by Gerber’s limited lifetime warranty.

Twelve South AirSnap Gen 3

Keep your AirPods safe and close at hand with the AirSnap. Designed specifically for the 3rd Gen AirPods, the AirSnap serves as both a charging case and a way to ensure you never lose your AirPods. The case comes with an integrated steel S-clip that makes it easy to attach to your backpack, pouch, or keychain, or you can use the “wristlet” lanyard to keep it close to your hands at all times.

The exterior is made with tough-and-rugged premium top-grain leather, and features a sturdy snap that will keep the case closed no matter how active you are. The case won’t interfere with wireless charging and has an opening for you to connect the AirPods case to a USB charger. Available in three colors (brown, black, and mauve), it’s a stylish upgrade to your on-the-go gear.

WUBEN G2 EDC Keychain Light

Carry this tiny light on your keychain, and you’ll never be stuck in the dark. With an output of 500 lumens (easily as bright as any light bulb in your house), it’s the perfect compact keychain flashlight to take camping, use around the house, even crawl under your car to check your oil with.

The five settings (ranging from soft “moon” to ultra-bright “Turbo”) let you choose just how bright you want the light to shine, and extends the life of the 28mAh battery to up to 70 hours of continuous run-time. It weighs just 28 grams, attaches to your keychain, and is easily charged via USB-C to ensure shorter charge time and greater power. This is an ultra-convenient little addition to your EDC loadout.

Gerber Savvy

Gerber has made its mark on the EDC world with its rough-and-rugged, hyper-versatile knives. The Savvy is smartly designed, made in the USA with quality American craftsmanship and materials, and built to withstand anything your daily life can throw at it.

Its ambidextrous design makes it easy to open one-handed with either hand, and the frictionless deployment allows you to whip out the blade and get cutting in a matter of seconds. Thanks to the built-in pocket clip, you can keep it close at hand and within easy reach at a moment’s notice. You’ll love the handle—made from either aluminum or carbon fiber, your choice—which will give you a solid grip on the knife no matter how wet or slick your hands are. At 3.5 inches long, it’s a sturdy, agile blade that’s as much at home in the field as on a camping trip or fishing boat.

Dango Carabiner and Shackle

The combination of carabiner and shackle makes it easy to keep all of your keys (up to 8) on one ring, and clipped to your belt or backpack for instant access. However, they can easily be disconnected and used on their own.

The carabiner comes with 2 chambers—one for anchoring, the other for securing your items—and is made from lightweight and hyper-durable 6061 aerospace aluminum. The shackle is made from stainless steel, with stainless steel bolts to match, and is fully water- and rust-resistant. Together, they weigh just two ounces, and are compact enough you’ll barely notice them in your pocket or hanging on your belt. But with this little device handy, you’ll never have to worry about losing your keys, flashlight, or EDC knife ever again.

Bellroy Key Case

Offering sleek, bundled storage for 3-5, Bellroy’s Key Case features a unique flipper mechanism that ejects keys one-handed while keeping them secure on a detachable cord loop for a car key or fob. The exterior is smooth, eco-tanned leather finish & the hardware is stainless steel. Choose from 5 colors.

Acebeam Rider RX 650 Lumens Flashlight

The numbers tell you all you need to know about this little badass. The Acebeam Rider RX is a compact & waterproof EDC flashlight that delivers 650 lumens of bright-white light that it can throw into a 300-foot beam. It’s got 5 power modes. 2-way clip. Max run-time: up to 7 days. Weight: 82 grams.

Gerber Shard Keychain Tool

Lightweight & airline-safe, Gerber’s Shard keychain tool is a proven EDC classic. It also happens to be the one tiny tool we go to most often. With a durable titanium nitride coating & sized perfectly for your pocket, it offers small & medium flat drivers, a Philips head driver, wire stripper, pry bar, bottle opener, & lanyard hole. It weighs about half an ounce.

Droplet Water-Resistant Stuff Sack

The Droplet stuff stack is big enough for a few items from the market; a wet swimsuit, or to handle all the junk packed in your pockets. But when you’re not using it, the water-resistant sack stuffs into a convenient silicone keychain case. And that way, it stays handy.

Evergreen Waterproof Dry Box

With its travel-safe, Mil-spec & Made in the USA design, Evergreen’s 56 waterproof dry box case features a secure, keyed locking latch closure and IP67 submersion-proof protection for your small valuables and electronics. It floats with up to 3-pounds inside, with space for a firearm, camera, passports, keys, wallets, phone, GoPro, medical supplies & more. Choose from 7 colors.

Gerber Gear Prybrid Utility

Blending the best of a replaceable utility blade knife and a compact multi-tool, Gerber’s Prybrid Utility is a pocket and keychain-friendly EDC implement offering 8 different tools, including wire strippers, bottle opener, Standard Utility blade, and more.

Dango Capsule Mini

Dango’s Capsule Mini is an ideal EDC storage solution that will keep those small essentials close at hand. CNC-machined from 6061 aluminum this slender, watertight, & food-grade screw-top tube is the perfect vessel for tiny items you need to keep protected. It’s 2.5 long & .25” in diameter and features a lanyard loop or keyring loop on the lid. Available in stain silver or black.

FishFace 18-in-1 Pocket Multi-Tool

The FishFace from True Utility is an 18-in-1 EDC multi-tool no larger than the other keys on your keychain but it puts in overtime. It features Phillips and flat screwdrivers, wrenches, hex drive, pry bar, file, nail tool, bottle opener, box opener and cutter. Made of stainless steel with a black titanium coating, it’s built for daily duty & with its sprung ’biner clip, stays right by your side.

Spigen U100 Universal Phone Kickstand

Designed to work with any & every phone, the Spigen U100 Universal kickstand is a versatile, minimalist cell phone stand. For hands-free viewing, reading, gaming, & creating content, this simple & streamlined adhesive stand keeps your phone upright when you need it & flips up out of the way when you don’t. Choose black, silver, or rose gold.

WESN Microblade

The Microblade 2.0 marks yet another solid entry into the EDC category from Detroit’s WESN Goods. It keeps the titanium construction that made it so popular but has been nicely upgraded with a high carbon, high chromium D2 tool-grade steel blade for even better hardness, toughness, and abrasion resistance. The locking blade is 1.5” long and the knife is 3.75” overall when open.

Nitecore NSH10 Titanium Multi-Tool Keychain Carabiner

Nitecore’s NSH10 is one badass ’biner. Technically, it’s a Multi-use Snap Hook but whatever you call it, this is one solid clip for your EDC essentials. Machined from TC4 titanium alloy, it features secure 45º elastic spring gates and a sandblasted, anti-corrosion finish. Bonus functions include bottle opener, hanging hook, and flat head screwdriver.

The James Brand Duval

The James Brand knows how to keep things simple. And by simple, we mean elegant. And that’s precisely why the product they make sells out. That’s sure to be the case with their latest drop, The Duval, a slim, functional frame-locking front-flipper with a 2.6” S35v stainless blade. They’re calling it the Modern Gentleman’s Knife. No argument here. It’s available with rosewood, Green Micarta, or titanium scales as well as optional Damascus steel blade variant.

Big Idea Design Ti EDC Wrench

Made of solid, Grade 5 Titanium, the Ti EDC Wrench is a pocket-friendly adjustable tool optimized for everyday carry & versatile utility. It works with both standard (SAE) & metric bolts in 25 different sizes. It features a low-profile design and full grip handle.

Fenix LD15R Flashlight

At 500-lumens, the LD15R is a powerful little EDC light. It’s got a right-angle design with dual light sources: white and red lights. Powered by one 16340 rechargeable Li-ion battery, it is also compatible with a cold-resistant CR123A battery. It’s got 4 levels of output in white & 3 levels in red. There’s also a Micro USB port for charging, a battery level indicator, two-way body clip and a magnetic tail.

15 Best Pocket EDC Flashlights

13 Best EDC Valet Trays for Men

22 Best EDC Pocket Knives

Flying: How to build a TSA-Friendly EDC Kit

Be sure to check out our entire series on domestic travel:

• Part 1: Why it’s important to plan for your travel EDC
• Part 2: How to build a TSA-Friendly EDC Kit  (current article)

We’ll be focusing on domestic travel within the US (and will tackle international travel later), but this setup can easily be modified for your country’s travel restrictions.

One of the most restricted areas for everyday folks is airline travel. The terrorist attacks that happened on September 11, 2001, changed the way countries handled risk. Sometime after 9/11, some restrictions were eased, but most of the gear we utilize on a day-to-day basis is still not allowed.

TSA had announced plans to allow small knives on airplanes, but it was dropped after complaints from airlines, as they continue to limit the tools and gear that we rely on every day.

After  thinking through the unknowns of travel and the different considerations we should have when preparing our EDC , we’ve come up with the kit below, which has been successfully carried through TSA security at 5 major USA airports with no issues. We hope that it serves as an inspiration for you on your next trip.

Keep in mind, what you can carry on an airplane is ultimately up to the discretion of the TSA agent you are working with. We strongly recommend leaving ahead of time in case you get pulled out of security for a more thorough search. Also, check  www.tsa.gov  before your trip for any changes to carry-on policies and rules.

Pocket organizer

Pocket organizers allow you to have your gear organized , and therefore usable. Whether you’re trying to access your earbuds in the restricted airplane seats or need to access your tourniquet when every second counts, getting access to your EDC gear needs to happen quickly. 

With an organizer, you can also move your stuff from your Secondary EDC bag to your travel setup. Add/remove the items to make it TSA-compliant and it makes prep for travel much faster.

If you’re unsure of what size Maxpedition organizer to get, we’ve put together a handy  guide to the Maxpedition organizer family .

Blade-less Multitool

Having the ability to cut is one of the fundamental functions that a well-organized EDC can bring. Unfortunately, knives of any kind are banned on commercial airlines. Even though you have to leave your EDC knife at home, there are many other tools that are allowed by TSA.

Gerber took their much-loved Gerber Dime multitool and modified it to fit TSA’s restrictive guidelines. You get a compact EDC multitool that weighs only 2.35 ounces and has necessities like scissors, pliers, screwdrivers and more.

It has been my go-to for years, but unfortunately, it seems Gerber has discontinued it. You can still find some a few on the secondary market if you’re really interested.

Tactical Flashlight

Another critical piece of gear that is airline-friendly is a flashlight. 

Look for a light that is small and lightweight, but also has a higher lumen output. When a concealed carry weapon or pocket knife is restricted, a “tactical” flashlight can be a good option. 

Keep your flashlight in your hand and ready to turn on when walking to your hotel or in an urban area at night. Blinding someone with the high beam may give you enough time to get away or at least cause a distraction.

If you need a little help picking your next tactical flashlight, check out our article on: What is the best tactical flashlight? 5 features to consider

We’ve talked before about  how scissors are an important part of any intentional EDC , and with travel, it’s even more helpful. You don’t have access to your pocket knife or the scissors kept in your junk drawer. It’s a good way to add the ability to cut in the highly-restrictive environment of airline travel.

Cut loose threads on clothing, use them for grooming or even while giving first aid. 

Dental Medic

Our teeth are something we take for granted until there is something wrong. If you’ve ever experienced tooth pain, it can be excruciating and can prohibit you from functioning in day to day life.

If you are away from home and bite down on food the wrong way, trip and fall, or even have an old filling that comes loose, having the means to address your tooth pain until you can see a dentist can save a costly emergency dental trip.

Adventure Medical Kit’s Dental Medic contains the essentials for treating dental pain and injury when a dentist isn’t available. It includes basic supplies like floss, cotton, and oral aesthetic to more advanced components like temporary cavity filling mixture and dental wax.

This is a great option if you are going on a quick trip with little time to address a tooth injury or going to a more remote destination.

First Aid Kit

From a headache, travelers diarrhea, a blister, or just having dirty hands, basic first aid equipment is a must. At only 4.5″ x 5″ in size, the Travel Medic is an easy way to add basic first aid supplies to your EDC. 

If you’re traveling and will be a bit further from immediate medical care, consider supplementing a small 1-person medical kit with a more robust medic kit. 

Looking for  more information on the Travel Medic? Read our full review here.

Traveling and getting a bout of diarrhea or a killer headache can make you thankful you planned ahead. Ensure you are stocked up on everyday medications as part of your Secondary EDC . Inexpensive, small and lightweight, the Best Glide refill packs (for both medication and first aid) are an easy way to be intentional about what you carry. 

Firestarter/Bic Lighter

The ability to start a fire is still the one “invention” of mankind that completely changed everyday life. Make sure you carry that ability with you at all times, because you never know when you’ll need to use it.

There are many fire-starting options on the market, so  if you’re unsure of what type to use, read our fire starter guide .

Basic hygiene supplies like soap can mean the difference between sickness and health. When water isn’t available, like before eating a meal on an airplane, hand sanitizer can be a fill-in.

The  Sea to Summit Pocket Hand Wash  has 50 paper-thin leaves of soap in a hard plastic case. The case seen here has lasted a long time but has come to the rescue in many instances where a public restroom has been out of soap.

Gloves , especially if you are performing first aid on another person, are critical for preventing bloodborne pathogens from getting on your skin and in your body. Always, always, take precautions when it comes to your health.

We talked in Part 1 of this series about planning for unforeseen events, like a biological, chemical or terrorist attack. A basic surgical mask, or even better, a respirator mask, can help you lessen your chances of being impacted when considering the unknowns. 

We are still learning the impact on first responders on 9/11 in New York City , mostly due to the dust from the blasts. Could a respirator have made a difference in 9/11? We can’t fully know, but due to their small size and small weight, having one as part of your Secondary EDC could be a wise decision.

In addition to the obvious benefit of healing cracked lips (and airplane cabins are notoriously dry), use it as a makeshift lubricant for tools, to waterproof seals or seems, a propellant for making a fire or even an emergency candle when used with a q-tip.

Eating Utensil

If you add an eating utensil to your EDC, you’ll be surprised at how often you use it, and this is especially true when traveling. Grabbing food on-the-go increases the chances you’ll be stuck in your seat with your salad or soup and no way to eat it. 

Food and Water

Being stuck on an airplane without access to food, or only getting water when the flight attendant is able, can set you up for a situation where you need to rehydrate and refuel.

Carry  energy bars  or a quick protein (like peanuts) to hold you over and make it a habit to refill an empty water bottle or buy a bottle of water once you are through TSA security.

Carrying cash is something we feel is a critical part of any EDC.  We’ve written a 3-part series on this , so if you haven’t read it, please do.

Ensure you always have enough money to cover incidentals and even more importantly, get home if you need it.

Versatile Gear

Paracord, twisty ties, s-biners.

Straps or handles can break, cords can become unruly, and being able to respond to these needs can make a potentially large inconvenience have a quick fix.

Mend a broken bag, make a strap, remove lint … there are endless uses for duct tape , especially when you’re far from home.

Back-up Identification and Documentation 

Keep a copy of your passport, drivers license, car insurance, credit cards, airline, rental car and hotel information with you. This is important because:

• TSA will let you back on the airplane with no identification, but it’s made much easier with a copy of your IDs
• Proof of insurance if you’re in a car accident in your rental car
• If your wallet is stolen, having a copy of your credit cards makes it easier to cancel them 
• If your phone is stolen, not knowing what hotel you have reservations at can quickly reveal your dependency on technology (this happened to us at Option Gray and we were in downtown Chicago, unsure of what Marriott property our reservation was with) 
• Your airline’s toll-free number and reservation’s locator code can be your ticket to getting help quickly

Treat these copies as well as you treat the originals. Once you get to your destination, keep them locked up in the hotel safe so if you lose your wallet and other Primary or Secondary EDC gear, you can access these back-ups.  An alternate idea is to take pictures of your ID’s and documentation and keep it on your phone (that is password-protected) or on an encrypted thumb drive. 

Electronics

Depending on your needs, where you are going, how long you will be there and what you will be doing at your destination, consider including:

• Your phone charging cable. You likely will pack one in your suitcase, but having a backup charger in your EDC Kit will help if your charger is lost, stolen or forgotten. 
• Back-up battery for your phone (many versions are available on the market), which came in handy for us recently when we were unexpectedly stuck on the tarmac for almost 2 hours. Being able to charge your phone can give you the ability to call and reschedule flights, call friends or family, or just waste time when you are stuck waiting
• Headphones or earbuds
• Back-up batteries for your EDC flashlight

Notebook, Pen and Permanent Marker

We talk often about having the ability to write things down and that it’s a critical part of any intentional EDC. Hopefully, you carry a notebook and pen as part of your Primary EDC , but having one as part of your Secondary EDC is a great back-up option.

A solid metal “tactical” pen can be used as a weapon in a self-defensive situation. It is allowed in the highly-restrictive areas of airline travel.

Traveling to an unfamiliar area, you are likely dependent on the map feature built into your phone. If you lose your phone, it gets stolen, or something much more catastrophic happens, take control of navigating by having a hard-copy map with you.

Investing in a detailed street map of your destination is best, but even having a few printable maps  of the city and region you will be traveling to can set you in the right direction.

Spare Underwear

Talk to any road warrior and they’ll have their own nightmare story of travel. Delays, cancellations and being rerouted are inevitable. Paired with the hygiene basics we talked about above, having a clean pair of underwear can make a big difference in your comfort level.

If you have room, keep a spare pair in a ziplock bag (to store the dirty pair once you change).

Be sure you check out “ Part 1: Plan for your travel EDC Kit ” to understand why it’s important to take such precautionary measures that we’ve outlined here.

Additional tips for building out your EDC Kit:

• Expect to check your carry-on bag: If your EDC Kit is in a bag that you are carrying on, ensure that you can successfully move it to your “personal item” that is stored at your feet. If you’re one of the last to board your flight and there is no more room in the overhead bins, you will be forced to check your larger bag and you won’t get it back until the baggage claim at your destination (which exposes it to loss or theft)
• If you will be at a location for an extended period of time, you can always consider mailing a package to yourself to your hotel. Priority Mail is fairly affordable, can get to most places in the US within 2-3 days and is (mostly) safe. This would allow you to EDC a knife and other gear
• Any liquids or gels have to be under 3.4 ounces and will have to be put through TSA security in a quart-sized bag. This includes a Bic Lighter, hand sanitizer or any other items that fall into this category
• Pull out your blade-free multitool or any other objects that will undergo additional scrutiny and place them in the plastic bin as you go through TSA security. We’ve found that it speeds up the screening process, it gives agents the impression that you are not hiding anything, and prevents them from digging through your entire Secondary EDC kit

What do you have as part of your EDC that is TSA-compliant? Any other tips for fellow travelers?

Cody Martin

With over 18 years of federal law enforcement, training, and physical security experience, Cody focuses his time nowadays on both consulting and training. He regularly advises individuals, groups, multinational corporations, schools, houses of worship, and NGOs on security threats while conducting customized training as needed.

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The Best EDC Flashlights of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Never go anywhere without a good light—these EDC options are reliable and easy to carry

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I’ll admit, I wasn’t always a flashlight guy. For years, I heard people talk about this light or that light for everyday carry. I didn’t understand the point. Unless you had a job that required you to work in the dark, why bother carrying a flashlight everywhere?

Then a buddy of mine convinced me to give it a try. I was shocked at how many times I reached for that light in my pocket. In just that first week, I used it for everything from spotting the dog’s toy after she rolled it under the couch to lighting up dark hallways during work as a private investigator.

I’ve carried an EDC flashlight ever since. Today, they are second only to knives in terms of the number of models and brands that I’ve owned. All three of my sons have been gifted pocket flashlights, and my wife has a couple as well. After years of using, testing, and gifting a number of different lights, I’ve become fond of a few particular models.

That’s what this list is—a full guide to the best EDC flashlights you can buy for a number of different tasks and purposes.

• Best Overall: Streamlight Wedge
• Best Pocket: Thrunite Archer 1A V3
• Best Tactical: Fenix PD35
• Best Rechargeable: Streamlight ProTac 2.0
• Best AA: Skilhunt M150 V3
• Best Under $50: Streamlight MicroStream
• Best 1000 Lumen: Fenix UC35 V2.0
• Best Brass: Prometheus Beta QRV2 Classic
• Best Compact: Klarus Mi7

How We Picked the Best EDC Flashlights

Over the last decade, I’ve tested out numerous EDC flashlights. Some were great, and others ended up in the junk drawer. The most common failings of poor lights are a weak battery and poor lumen output. Naturally, those two categories ended up being the most important factors in my testing. I chose lights that have long battery lifespans, strong lumens, and a compact design. I also took into account the durability of each light, user-friendliness, and any included accessories to make my picks.

How did I test them? I’ve been carrying some of these lights for almost ten years. I know they work because I carry them, use them, and gift them to family and friends. They are trusted lights that can help around the house, at work, or out in the field.

• Length: 5.46 inches
• Weight: 3.3 ounces
• Max output: 300 lumens, with a temporary burst of 1,000 lumens
• The shape makes it easy to grip
• Rugged anodized aluminum construction, so it’s built to last
• Each Wedge is serialized for positive identification
• Only two illumination levels: 300 lumens or 1,000 lumens

The Wedge is unique among its peers due to its flat, rather than round, shape. This low profile means it slides in and out of your pocket easily—minimizing bulkiness. Rotate the power switch and it will throw a 300-lumen beam, but push the switch forward a bit more, and you’ll hit THRO (Temporarily Heightened Regulated Output) mode with 1,000 lumens lighting your way.

The pocket clip is reversible to make it easy to adjust between right- and left-handed carry. You can also remove it entirely for a more streamlined look. The Wedge is waterproof and is rechargeable via USB-C. If you were to turn it on and leave it be, the battery will last about three hours.

• Length: 4.3 inches
• Weight: 2.5 ounces
• Max output: 200 lumens
• Several light modes so you aren’t locked into one choice
• Knurled surface provides a positive grip in challenging conditions
• Tail cap switch can be pressed just halfway for a quick flash
• Only 180 lumens at the highest setting

I’ve owned this light for several years, and it has never let me down. It has a tail switch for on/off, but the illumination settings are toggled by a side switch. The entire operation is very intuitive and easy to use, even if you’re rushed or under stress. It has four levels of illumination, ranging from 180 lumens on high to 0.055 lumens on firefly. It also has a strobe mode for emergency signaling or perhaps disorienting an aggressor.

At just a bit over four inches long, it fits in the pocket nicely without feeling like a boat anchor. The clip can be used to keep it in place, or you can easily just snap it off entirely. Pro tip: That clip will also keep the light from rolling off a work surface, should you need to set it down.

• Length: 5.28 inches
• Weight: 2.95 ounces
• Max output: 1,700 lumens
• Comes with a handy belt pouch
• The crenelated head can be used as an impact weapon for self-defense
• Lightweight (just under three ounces)
• At over five inches long, it is a bit large for EDC

If you need something that can take a beating as well as turn night into day, look no further. The PD35 from Fenix puts out a whopping 1,700 lumens on high, with a range of about 390 yards. It is built with high-strength aluminum and HAII anodized finish for toughness and reliability. It is also rated for impact resistance up to one meter.

A tail switch turns the light on/off, and a metal side switch controls the settings. There are five lighting levels available. Turbo mode gets you 1,700 lumens, and you can dial it all the way back to Eco mode with just 5 lumens. A bidirectional clip gives you options for where you can secure the light as you move.

• Length: 6.1 inches
• Weight: 8.25 ounces
• Max output: 2,000 lumens
• The 2,000-lumen setting is extremely bright for an EDC flashlight
• The construction is dust-tight and water-resistant
• It has a holster, so you can wear it on your belt instead of keeping it in your pocket
• Weighs just over 8 ounces, making it a fairly heavy EDC option

This rechargeable light is one of the brightest on our list, with 2,000 lumens on the high setting. It runs on an SL-B50 battery pack, which is included. What’s nice is that you can recharge it inside or outside the light, as there is a sliding cover for a USB-C port a bit behind the head of the light. It also features Streamlight’s TEN-TAP programming, so you can customize the settings and really make the flashlight work for you. It comes with a nylon holster, a 22-inch power cord, and a removable pocket clip.

• Length: 3.3 inches
• Weight: 1.2 ounces 
• Max output: 750 lumens
• Tail switch magnet makes it easy to use hands-free
• Comes with spare O-rings, should you lose one
• Charges magnetically with the correct battery
• The available lumens vary quite a bit with different types of batteries

One of the neatest things about this light is the magnetic tail. This makes it easy to position the light when you need both hands free for working under the hood of the truck. That same magnet also provides magnetic charging, if you’re using the proper type of battery. There is also an attachment point for a thin lanyard, should you wish to add one. 

The M150 can use four different kinds of batteries—alkaline AA, Ni-MH AA, 1.5V Lithium, or 3.7V Li-ion 14500. This gives you plenty of power options. It has five light levels, but those levels change based on which type of battery is used. With the 14500 Li-ion, you’ll have 750 lumens at your fingertips. But if you’re using a Ni-MH AA, then you’ll only have 240 lumens at the highest setting.

• Length: 3.87 inches
• Weight: 1.2 ounces
• Max output: 250 lumens
• Has an unbreakable, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens
• A combination pocket/hat clip keeps the light in place
• Weighs less than two ounces with the battery
• Wall adapter for charging is sold separately

There are a lot of cheap flashlights on the market, but this one punches well above its price point. The MicroStream is particularly well-suited for EDC, given its slim profile and compact design. It will easily fit in the palm of your hand with plenty of room to spare. It has two settings, with 250 lumens on high and 50 lumens on low. The tail switch controls everything. Hit it once to turn it on and double-bump it to cycle between settings.

The white C4 LED is clean and bright on either power setting. It is rechargeable via a mini-USB port found by sliding a sleeve at the lens end of the light. While charging is easy enough to do, the average user will go a week or two, probably more, between charges.

• Length: 5.5 inches
• Weight: 3.13 ounces
• Max output: 1,000 lumens
• Boot up power indicator lets you know right away where you stand
• Has five lighting modes, plus a strobe
• The light’s range is nearly three football fields long
• Some users don’t care for dual-switch operation

This is the improved version of the original UC35, and they’ve increased the lumens to 1,000 and the throw to almost 300 yards. While that’s a lot of light, just as nifty is the Moonlight mode that puts out just a single lumen. That’s perfect for checking a map at night without blinding you. The UC35 is ruggedly built from aircraft aluminum and is designed for real world use and abuse. This is a dual-switch light, with a power on/off at the tail and a side switch to change settings. It charges via a micro-USB port on the side of the frame.

• Length: 2.95 inches
• Weight: 2.0 ounces
• Max output: 90 lumens
• Quick-release keychain means you can carry it everywhere you go
• The brass exterior is exceptionally handsome
• High CRI bulb allows natural colors to shine through
• Only 90 lumens on the highest setting

This is the only true keychain flashlight on our list. It is designed with a quick-release feature, so it can easily pop off a keychain for use, and then clipped back on. Power is turned on and off by simply twisting the light. It has three modes: 90 lumens, 15 lumens, and 1 lumen. The modes are changed by quickly turning the light off and back on.

This is the first production light in the EDC light industry to come with a High CRI LED bulb. This means the colors seen using the light are very natural, rather than clouded by the light source. An excellent feature for those who work on vehicles in particular.

• Length: 3.4 inches
• Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Max output: 700 lumens
• Special lock-out mode to prevent accidental activation
• One-touch access to high and moonlight settings
• Weighs less than an ounce (without battery)
• Might be too small for those who have larger hands

With an overall length shorter than four inches, this light will disappear into your pocket until you need it. When you deploy it, you’ll have access to an incredible 700 lumens. If you don’t need a light quite that bright, you can scale it back to 90 lumens, or go even further down to about five lumens on the lowest setting. There are even two strobe patterns, one of which is an automatic SOS. 

It has pineapple-style knurling, which is comfortable while also providing great traction. There’s no pocket clip provided, but there is a nice lanyard. Given its overall size, this is an excellent EDC flashlight for those who work in an office or who otherwise don’t want to be weighed down with pocket jewelry.

What To Consider When Choosing an EDC Flashlight

There is a wide range of flashlights on the market that come in all shapes and sizes. But when we’re talking about an EDC flashlight, there are some specific qualities we want.

The first consideration is size. By definition, an EDC flashlight is one that you’ll carry virtually every day. As such, it needs to be small enough to carry comfortably. And unless you don’t spend your day wearing a tactical belt loaded with pouches and loops, you’ll be carrying the light in your pocket. 

Ergonomics is another factor. If the flashlight is awkward to use, you’ll find yourself leaving it at home, which defeats the purpose of buying it. Some people prefer a tail switch, where the on/off is located at the end of the light. Others like a side switch. Find what is most comfortable to hold and stick with it.

Flashlights today have their illumination power measured in lumens . Without getting too deep into the weeds and breaking out complex formulas, just think of lumens as a measurement of the total amount of light you’re able to see emitted from the flashlight. The higher the lumens rating, the brighter the flashlight. Remember that a high-lumen light might be overpowering in some instances, so having the ability to dial it down a notch or two is ideal. 

A rechargeable light is often preferred over something that has replaceable batteries. You can always toss a spare battery pack in your EDC bag to charge the light if it runs low. Just remember to include the proper charging cord.

Q: What are the best lumens for an EDC flashlight?

There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to lumens for an EDC flashlight. You need to consider where and how you plan to use the light. Anything rated up to about 250 lumens will be fine for most general chores. A range from 250-1,000 lumens will be good for nighttime use, such as checking the backyard to see what’s making that weird noise. Once you hit the 2,000-lumen mark, you’re getting into law enforcement and military needs.

Q: What is the difference between a tactical and EDC flashlight?

Tactical flashlights are built for heavy-duty use and often include features like high-output light that can be used defensively as well as a strike bezel that can be injurious to an attacker. They also often have fairly simple controls for high-stress situations. An EDC flashlight can certainly have those features as well, but will usually have several output levels and other bells and whistles.

Q: What should every EDC flashlight have?

Every EDC flashlight should have multiple illumination settings that are easily toggled. This gives you options, as the high setting might be far too bright for a given task. I like to see a well-built clip that allows me to attach the light to the brim of my hat or clip it to my pocket for security while moving around. Some degree of water resistance is also desirable, as you never know when you might get soaked by a sudden storm or stumble and end up in the drink.

Best EDC Flashlights: Final Thoughts

When it comes to EDC gear, which includes everything from knives and multi-tools to pens and watches , you have to carefully weigh your options. This category of equipment has absolutely exploded in the last few years, and there are more options on the market today than ever before. All of the recommendations above are sure to excel in the real world every single day —just like any EDC tool should.

Why Trust Us

For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.

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