My Favorite Everyday Carry Tech (EDC)

MỤC LỤC

I didn’t always think of myself as an “EDC” person. For a long time, I just carried what I needed — phone, keys, wallet, headphones. But living in New York, you start to notice which tools genuinely make your life smoother. The subway delays, the endless walking, the constant notifications — it’s a test lab for what tech actually earns a place in your bag or pocket.

Over time, my everyday carry setup evolved. Not because I wanted to “optimize,” but because I kept running into little annoyances: low battery, dead earbuds, tangled cables, or realizing I forgot an adapter again. That’s when I started being more intentional. I didn’t want to carry more — just better.

So here’s a breakdown of the tech I carry every single day, why I chose each item, and how it fits into city life. If you’re looking to streamline your own EDC without turning into a gear junkie, this might help.

🔌 Power in My Pocket: Anker Nano Power Bank

There are bigger, more powerful options out there, but the Anker Nano is the one I actually carry. It’s small enough to fit in that awkward coin pocket of my jeans, and it has a built-in USB-C plug — no cable needed.

Why I carry it: Because New York eats phone batteries. Between GPS, Google Maps, Spotify, and all the tap-to-pay chaos, I can go from 100% to 30% by late afternoon. The Nano gives me a solid emergency boost without feeling like I’m lugging a brick.

🎧 Noise Control: Sony LinkBuds S

I used to switch between AirPods Pro and over-ear headphones, but the Sony LinkBuds S hit that middle ground. They’re light, they stay put, and the noise-canceling is just enough for the subway without disconnecting me from the world.

Real-world win: I once had a Zoom call from the corner of Union Square Park. It was chaotic — kids, traffic, buskers. But with these in, I could actually hear (and be heard). That sold me.

🔑 Smart Key Organizer: KeySmart Pro

It started as a way to stop my keys from poking holes in my pockets. But the built-in Tile tracker saved me more times than I can count. I once dropped my keys behind the seat of an Uber — found them in seconds.

Bonus: There’s a tiny flashlight built in. I use it surprisingly often — apartment hallway, restaurant menus, finding dropped AirPods under furniture.

🖊️ Digital Meets Analog: Moleskine Smart Writing Set

Okay, this one’s a little extra. But I love writing things down — to-do lists, ideas, reminders. With the Smart Writing Set, whatever I scribble on the Moleskine syncs to my phone instantly.

Why it works: I get the satisfaction of pen and paper, but I don’t lose track of things. It’s the kind of hybrid tool that feels human, not high-tech.

🛡️ Minimalist Wallet with AirTag: Ridge Wallet + Apple AirTag

I don’t carry cash often, so I downsized to the Ridge. Slim, metal, clean. I tucked an AirTag into a custom slot, and that’s it — I don’t worry about losing it again.

Urban advantage: I once left my wallet at a ramen shop in East Village. Tracked it within five minutes. Worth every penny.

📱 Phone Case with a Kickstand: Spigen Slim Armor

I watch a lot of videos while eating lunch solo. Or I prop it up for video calls. Having a kickstand built into the phone case just makes sense. The Spigen adds a little bulk but saves me from carrying a separate stand.

Pro tip: It’s also handy on flights — no more awkward neck craning while watching a movie.

🧰 Tiny Toolkit: iFixit Moray Precision Bit Set

Okay, this doesn’t go in my pants pocket, but it is in my daily bag. I’ve used it to fix glasses, unscrew apartment fixtures, even open a friend’s jammed laptop. It’s compact, nerdy, and always gets a “wait, you have a screwdriver?” reaction.

📎 USB-C Adapter + Foldable Stand: Satechi Combo

This lives in a side pouch of my bag. It’s a combo USB-C hub and foldable phone/laptop stand — great for cafés or impromptu work sessions. The stand props up my phone for calls or my iPad for writing. The hub adds ports I always forget I need.

🔋 Bonus: USB-C to Lightning Mini Cable (Short!)

A little 6-inch cable on a keychain loop. I can lend it to someone or use it with the Anker Nano if needed. Takes up no space but saves me from awkward charger searches.

✅ Pros of My EDC Setup

Everything fits in one small sling bag or my jacket pockets
Lightweight — nothing feels “extra”
Each item solves a real, recurring problem I’ve had in the city
I can work, communicate, or recharge wherever I am

❌ Cons or Trade-Offs

It’s not the cheapest setup — but each piece earns its keep
I had to test a few duds before settling on these (especially earbuds)
Occasionally over-prepared (like carrying the toolkit on days I don’t need it)

🔄 How I Update My EDC

Every few months, I reevaluate. What am I actually using? What’s dead weight? If something hasn’t saved me in the past 30 days, it’s out. I don’t chase trends, but if a new product solves a real friction point in my day, I’ll try it.

My Verdict

My everyday carry tech isn’t about having the flashiest gadgets — it’s about having the right ones. Things that work every time, that make small annoyances disappear, that help me feel prepared without overloading. Living in a city like New York teaches you that every inch of space matters — in your bag, your pockets, your time.

So this setup is mine. It’s been built through trial, error, missed calls, and lost keys. And honestly, I wouldn’t change much.