This guide was originally a simple list of products I’ve bought over the years that were good enough to warrant recommending to others. But over time, I wanted to expand things to include tools and gadgets that help solve life’s little challenges. After all, there’s nothing like the feeling of suddenly finding yourself in a jam only to realize the solution is already in your pocket or bag. Or at the very least, if they’re not solving problems, these gadgets will help you pass time more enjoyably. So if you’re looking for a gift for Father’s day, graduation or any other occasion where the recipient will appreciate a finely crafted tool, here’s a list of some of my favorite everyday carry products available today.
Quick Overview
Quiet Carry Q3 Key Organizer
Olight Arkflex Adjustable Right Angle Flashlight
Leatherman Skeletool
SanDisk 256GB Ultra Dual Drive Go
Distil Wally Sleeve
Pioneer Division Billfold
Anker MagGo Power Bank
Peak Design 35L Travel Duffel
$140 at Peak DesignMore options
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
$135 at Walmart$155 at Amazon$230 at StaplesSee more optionsMore options
Sony WH-1000XM5
$310 at Groupon$328 at Amazon$328 at Macy’sSee more options
Valve Steam Deck OLED
Hoto Tools Precision Screwdriver Set
$60 at Hoto ToolsSee 7 morePhoto by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Quiet Carry Q3 Key Organizer
For a long time I was looking for a way to trim down my keychain while also adding utility, and with the Quiet Carry Q3, I think I found the answer. It’s capable of holding four keys (or up to eight with the included extension posts) in its extremely durable titanium housing, alongside your choice of either a small knife or multi-tool. For me, the utility blade is the perfect thing for quickly screwing down a tripod mount or opening a bottle, while the removable pocket clip makes it a cinch to snap the Q3 onto your pants or belt loop. All told, it’s a clean and compact way of storing your keys, and it helps prevent them from rattling around too, which is an extra bonus.
$72 at Quiet CarryOLIGHT
Olight Arkflex Adjustable Right Angle Flashlight
For years, I was on the fence about whether I really needed to carry a flashlight around every day. But after one too many instances of fumbling around in the dark, I started looking for options and I landed on the Olight Arkflex. Despite a super sleek body that measures just 0.67 inches thick and 4.25 inches long, this tiny device has a max output of up to 1,000 lumens, which is way better than the 15-year-old Maglite that I normally keep around for emergencies. If you just need a little illumination while you’re out on a walk, it can push a constant 100 lumens for nearly seven hours on a single charge. But the coolest thing about the Arkflex is that it’s the world’s first flashlight with a 90-degree articulating head. This means you can flip it down, tie it onto a backpack strap and it will still shine light ahead. Or by using its reversible clip, you can attach it to the brim of a hat and use it like a floodlight.
The only downside is that the Arkflex uses a proprietary magnetic charging puck. But don’t worry, because for anyone who prefers something with a USB-C port, it’s worth checking out either the Streamlight Wedge/Wedge XT or the Nitecore EDC25, which have similar specs and dimensions (albeit without the handy flip-down head) but with universal power input.
$80 at AmazonPhoto by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Leatherman Skeletool
There are an endless variety of multitools out there, but to me the Leatherman Skeletool offers the perfect balance of size, weight and functionality. In the 10 years I’ve had mine, it’s never let me down once. It’s available in a wide range of colors, while Leatherman’s strategic cutouts help keep the weight of its stainless steel frame to a minimum (just five ounces). And thanks to its needle nose pliers, combo knife, large bit driver and more, it’s got all the most important bases covered. So while it might not have as many bits and bobbles as larger rivals, its lightweight and compact size means it’s the one I grab first before I run out the door.
$75 at LeathermanPhoto by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
SanDisk 256GB Ultra Dual Drive Go
As we’re still in the midst of the transition from USB-A to USB-C, this simple gadget is not only the cheapest gift on this list, it’s also the one I use the most. SanDisk’s drive is available in capacities of up to 512GB and supports USB 3.1 for decent read speeds of up to 150 MB/s. But the best thing is that by simply rotating which end is sticking out, you can transfer data to basically any device with a USB port. Trying to transfer photos to an old desktop that only has USB-A? No problem. How about a tablet that only has a single USB-C connector? Easy. It can even help you offload media from a phone with OTG support so you can install that big software update (stop procrastinating, please). And with its tiny dimensions, you probably won’t even notice it dangling on your keychain, so you can always have it on you.
$22 at AmazonPhoto by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Distil Wally Sleeve
For people who prefer a lighter, more minimalist way of carrying their cards and cash, the $50 Wally Sleeve is a super compact and affordable option. It’s made from full-grain leather and can hold up to seven cards in its RFID-shielded main sleeve. On the outside, there’s another pocket for cash or transit cards so you can tap them on a sensor without needing to completely remove them from your wallet. But the Wally Sleeve’s best feature is its MagLock closure, which prevents your cards from spilling out. Combine that with a built-in pull tab and you get a slim sleeve that provides easy access to everything you need with zero fumbling.
$55 at DistilPhoto by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Pioneer Division Billfold
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more traditional wallet, the Division Billfold is a slick choice that blends a classic design with new-school materials. Pioneer says the polyethylene yarn that makes up its 10XD fabric (available on the black, blue, forest and onyx colors) is ten times stronger than steel, so it should look great for years. It’s also dirt- and water-resistant, and thanks to a range of pockets and sleeves, it can hold a ton of cards and bills. And for those who want a bit of extra security, the onyx and forest color options also come with RFID shielding.
$89 at PioneerPhoto by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Anker MagGo Power Bank
One thing I truly never leave home without is a portable power bank, because you never know when a day will run long and you might need to recharge some gadgets. While you can certainly opt for a standard external battery with a USB-C port, Anker’s MagGo series has introduced an interesting twist on the category thanks to the addition of Qi 2 that supports magnetic wireless charging at up to 15 watts. And when you combine that with a built-in kickstand, you get something closer to a portable charging dock than a basic battery pack. This allows you to prop your phone up to watch videos while you top off its battery; if you want faster speeds, you can always plug in a cable.
Granted, both the 6.6K and 10K mAh models are a bit bulkier than a traditional portable battery, but I find that the added functionality is worth it. The 10K model even comes with a screen, so you get a more accurate idea of how much charge it has left. The biggest downside is that, because Android phone makers have been slow to adopt Qi 2, for now, you’ll need a late-model iPhone to take advantage of its magnetic wireless charging capabilities.
$70 at AmazonPhoto by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Peak Design 35L Travel Duffel
I don’t know what it is, but I have a thing for bags. And out of all of the ones I own, the Peak Design 35L Travel Duffel probably gets the most use because it can do it all. It’s the perfect thing for a weekend trip, but I’ve always used it for groceries, too. More recently, it’s become a baby bag for carrying everything I need to have on hand for a fussy toddler. Not only is it durable thanks to its weatherproof 600D nylon canvas shell, it has removable handles and tons of eyelets scattered around the duffle so you can rearrange the straps however you want. It can be set up like a backpack if you want. Or if you’re lugging some gear, you can stuff three of Peak Design’s packing cubes in there (or four cubes on the 65L duffel) so all your camera equipment is nice and protected. It’s really a do-everything bag.
$140 at Peak DesignPhoto by Sam Rutherford / Engadget