Stay Ahead of the Game in 2023.

Gear is an indispensable aspect of life, and when it comes to men, it holds even greater significance. Your everyday carry (EDC) gear has the power to simplify or complicate your daily routine based on the choices you make. Additionally, identifying essential gear items such as backpacks, reliable belts for carrying essentials, and travel-ready gear is crucial. We brought the Epic Guide in 2022 and now, you must be wondering: what are the ultimate gear recommendations for men in 2023? Stay tuned as we unveil the answers and guide you through the best gear options for the modern man!

We all understand the significance of being prepared for any situation, but what does that truly entail in 2023? It means having your everyday carry (EDC) gear readily available at all times. While some may perceive this as unnecessary in certain circumstances and locations, consider how frequently we rely on essentials like wallets, cell phones, or even flashlights. It is crucial for a man to curate his EDC carry wisely. But what about gear that goes beyond the realm of everyday necessities? Gear like a dependable travel backpack or equipment to brave harsh weather conditions, or even to proactively prepare for unforeseen events. The world of gear is more vast than meets the eye, which is why we have meticulously handpicked some of the finest offerings available on the market in 2023. In this guide, we delve into the essential gear you need to stay ahead of the curve.

Check out our BEST FINDS OF 2022!

Gear Classifications

We classify gear into 2 main classifications: (1) EDC Gear and (2) Specified Gear-for non-daily activities such as travel, outdoor adventures, etc. We dive into each classification, showcasing the best gear to grab for each classification. First, we dive into EDC also referred to as Everyday Carry.

What is Everyday Carry (EDC)?

Everyday carry, or “EDC” for short, refers to the items that you carry with you on a daily basis. This could include items such as a wallet, keys, phone, and any other essentials that you need to get through the day. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people expanding their EDC lineup to include items like multi-tools, flashlights, sunglasses and even wedding rings. This is often seen as a way to be prepared for any situation that might arise. A recent study found that nearly one in five adults in the United States now consider their EDC to be an essential part of their daily routine. With this in mind, it’s safe to say that EDC is here to stay.

There are a few key items that are considered the staples of any EDC load out. These everyday carry items can help you out in a variety of situations, and they’re all pretty lightweight and easy to pack.

Our Top 10 EDC Items:

Here are some of the top items to always have with you:

• Multitool

• Wallet/Money Clip

• Phone/ Phone Case

• Keys

• Sunglasses

• Knife

• Pen and Paper/Notebook

• Watch

• Flashlight

• Belt

Our Top 10 EDC Picks List:

As a man, you always want to be prepared for anything life throws your way. That’s why it’s important to have the right gear with you at all times. Here are our picks and in-depth reasons why these essential items should make it in your Everyday Carry (EDC) kit.

01 | MULTITOOL

A multitool is like a Swiss army knife on steroids. It’s perfect for all those little odd jobs that come up throughout the day, from tightening screws to cutting rope. A good multitool should be durable, yet lightweight enough to carry around all day. Our top pick for a multitool is Leatherman for their years of trusted durability.

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02 | WALLET / MONEY CLIP

An EDC Wallet is not just any wallet. These wallets are designed to be lightweight and durable, with plenty of room for all your essentials. In addition, they often come with features like RFID blocking and water resistance, making them even more versatile. As EDC gear continues to grow in popularity, it’s likely that wallets will become even more popular in the coming years. Our Top Picks are AIRO Collective for their minimal build and KORE Essentials for the simple no fold design and money clip.

03 | PHONE CASE

There’s no denying that our phones are an essential part of our everyday lives. They help us keep in touch with loved ones, stay on top of work obligations, and stay connected to the world around us. But as our reliance on phones has grown, so too has the need for better phone protection. Enter the EDC phone case. Designed for the modern adventurer, the phone case is built to withstand the rigors of everyday life. Made from tough, durable materials, it’s equipped to handle everything from accidental drops to full-on hikes and everything in between. Our top pick for phone cases go to NOMAD for their durable leather construction. We also like the Triptech cases for the ability to turn the phone into a stand

04 | KEY ORGANIZER

Any true gearhead knows that when it comes to your everyday carry (EDC), organization is key. That’s where a Key Organizer comes in. This handy tool gives you a place to store all your keys in a well organized manner. This is vital for giving access to keys quickly and easily. Our top pick for a Key Organizer is the Key Smart lineup for the versatility and max key storage. We also love the Keyport Pivot for it’s loss protection plans for registered users.

05 | SUNGLASSES

Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement – they’re an essential piece of EDC gear. Not only do they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they can also help you to see in bright conditions and spot potential hazards. As we head into 2023, there’s no excuse not to have a good pair of sunglasses on you at all times. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply spending time outdoors, they’ll help you to enjoy the experience while keeping your eyes safe. So if you don’t already have a pair, make sure to pick some up – you won’t regret it. We like sunglasses offered by RAEN for their light yet durable frame. We also love the price point from Tomahawk Shades for the impressive quality!

06 | KNIFE

Whether you’re opening boxes or slicing apples, a good knife is always handy to have around. Make sure to choose a knife that’s comfortable to hold and that can take a beating. A folding knife is preferred when EDC so you can easily carry in a pocket, jacket pocket, or work bag. We like the Sportsman Guide offering of Browning Brand of knives for the wide range of options.

07 | NOTEBOOK + PEN

You never know when you’re going to need to jot something down, so it’s always good to have a notebook and pen on hand. Choose a notebook that’s small enough to fit in your pocket, and make sure the pen doesn’t leak! Our top pick for a leather notebook is one by Swanky Badger for the ability to customize it! In terms of a solid EDC Pen, we like the Crafton from Everyman.

08 | WATCH

We don’t leave home without a watch. It’s one of the most essential pieces of gear most guys own. Not only does it keep us on schedule, but it also has a number of other features that come in handy on a daily basis. For example, the stopwatch function is great for timing how long a commute takes, and the compass is handy for finding your way around town. Some even use the altimeter when they are hiking to make sure to stay on track. In short, a watch is an indispensable part of anyone’s everyday carry (EDC). And with new models coming out every year, we’re looking forward to upgrading to the latest and greatest in 2022. Our top pick for watches come down to Megalith for the multiple features and big faces along with AVI-8 watches for their nod to aviation.

09 | FLASHLIGHT

You never know when you’re going to need a light, so it’s always good to have one handy. Choose a flashlight that’s small and lightweight so you can easily carry it with you everywhere you go. The flashlight is an essential piece of gear, whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or simply trying to find your way around in the dark. Whether you’re looking for an everyday carry flashlight or something more powerful for camping and hiking, you can find one that does it all. We like the lineup of LAPG Tactical Flashlights– with quality tactical flashlights starting at $19.

10 | Belt [Tactical/EDC]

Belts are often overlooked as an important part of gear. But belts serve many purposes beyond just holding your pants up. A good belt should be made of durable materials that can withstand years of use and abuse. It should be comfortable to wear for long periods of time and offer ample support for your firearm, tools, and other gear. And it should be able to quickly and easily adjust to accommodate different clothing layers or body types. There are many belts on the market that meet these criteria, but one that stands out is the Kore Essentials Lineup of belts. Kore just updated their straps for an even stronger more reliable carry!

EDC BELT PICK OF 2023:

Kore Essentials’ USA Tactical Belt Straps - Manufactured in the USA! 

These are the First Ever track style gun belts manufactured right here in the USA, using superior grade, nylon webbing from USA mills. This is the ultimate reinforced gun belt for concealed carry, everyday carry (EDC), ccw, the range, law enforcement officers and military personnel. What makes Kore gun belts the best? Several patented innovations:

• First, these gun belts use a micro adjustable track that’s sewn into the back of the belt. This track lets you make small ¼” adjustments – in and out - to over 40+ sizing points. The result = a perfect fit all day, every day.

• Second, Kore's USA Gun Belts use a specially woven Gorilla Edging™ webbing, designed to prevent fraying from holster clips, gear abrasions and everyday abuse.

• Lastly, all Kore tactical gun belts use our proprietary Reinforced Power-Core™ center that provides total support for any concealed carry firearm or equipment. Available in 1.5" belt widths, they’re compatible with all Kore "X" Series gun belt buckles.  (Note: at this time, no USA companies are willing to manufacture the ratchet buckles, so those are still made in Asia.) 
  
  Whether you’re a gun enthusiast, ccw permit holder, outdoorsmen, security professional, firearms trainer, law enforcement or even military - Kore has the best Gun Belt for you. Because we understand, when you carry a firearm every day for work or personal protection - adjustability, support and comfort are paramount. 

Get Your Hands on These!

Of course, your EDC isn’t complete without a way to carry all of your gear. A good EDC bag or pouch will help you keep everything organized and within easy reach. The RE Factor Tactical Adrenaline Dump Pouch is a great option for those who need a compact and durable pouch to carry their EDC gear. Desk organizer is also a must have for dumping your EDC items into at the end of the day.

These are just a few of the essential items that every man should consider carrying as part of his everyday carry. By investing in quality gear that meets your specific needs, you can be prepared for just about anything life throws your way.

Specified Gear

When it comes to additional, or in this case “Specialized Gear”, there are a few items that every guy should have. Items ranging from a good backpack, a tent for those who like to go camping, a medical kit that can be tossed into the back of a truck, and other items that you need for the journey for anyone who likes to spend time outdoors. Whether you're hiking, camping, or just exploring your local outdoors, gear options are out there that can make your life easier. So whether you're an outdoorsman or just looking for some everyday essentials, be sure to check out the following gear to load up on.

01 | Backpack [Duffels and Slings]

A backpack is the best way to carry all your gear. Backpacks come in all shapes and sizes, from small day packs to large expedition packs. They also come in different styles, such as duffels and slings. No matter what your needs, there is a backpack out there that is perfect for you. Some even have bags that can be used for tactical purposes. When you are choosing a backpack, be sure to consider all of your needs so that you can find the perfect one for you.

02 | Medical Kit [Portable]

A medical kit is a portable collection of supplies and equipment used for medical treatment. Kits usually contain basic items such as bandages, gauze pads, medical tape, scissors, and antiseptic wipes. More comprehensive kits may also include items such as gloves, splints, medical instruments, and prescription medications. Medical kits are used by medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and paramedics to provide care in emergency situations. However, they can also be very useful for non-medical personnel who find themselves in remote or difficult-to-reach locations. A good medical kit can make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.

03 | Tent

A tent is a necessity for any camping trip. It provides shelter from the elements and can be used as a base camp for hiking and exploring. There are many different types of tents available on the market, from simple one-person tents to large multi-room family tents. When choosing a tent, it is important to consider the size, weight, and features that you need. For example, if you are planning on backpacking, you will need a lighter tent that is easy to carry. If you are car camping, however, weight is not as much of an issue and you can choose a larger tent with more features. Regardless of the type of tent you choose, it is an essential piece of gear for any outdoor adventure.

04 | Bike

Bikes are a popular form of transportation and recreation, and they come in a variety of designs. Some bikes are designed for speed, while others are designed for comfort or off-road riding. Bikes can be used for a variety of purposes, including commuting, exercise, and transportation. In recent years, bike-sharing programs have become popular in many cities, providing an easy way for people to get around without owning a bike.

So, whether you’re looking for your first everyday carry piece or just want to see what’s out there, we hope this guide has been helpful. Be sure to check out the individual product reviews and explore more gear on our website. As always, thanks for reading and happy hunting!

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