Gear Archive

The good, the bad, and the essential. Every piece of kit we've put through the wringer.

Wurkkos FC11: The Enthusiast's Secret
Lights
2024-03-22
4.7

Wurkkos FC11: The Enthusiast's Secret

High CRI light, USB-C charging, and a magnetic tailcap. The Wurkkos FC11 is the flashlight Reddit won't stop talking about.

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CIVIVI Elementum: The Budget King of EDC
Knives
2024-03-20
4.8

CIVIVI Elementum: The Budget King of EDC

Smooth action, D2 steel, and a price tag under $50. The CIVIVI Elementum redefined what a budget knife could be.

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Sofirn IF22A: The Pocket Thrower King
Lights
2024-03-18
4.7

Sofirn IF22A: The Pocket Thrower King

Want to light up a tree 600 meters away? The Sofirn IF22A puts a spotlight in your jacket pocket for under $40.

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Anker MagGo Power Bank: Snap and Charge
Tech
2024-03-18
4.7

Anker MagGo Power Bank: Snap and Charge

The Qi2 standard brings 15W wireless charging to the masses. This Anker pack snaps to your phone and holds it up.

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Knipex Cobra XS: The Tiny Plier That Punches Up
Knives
2024-03-15
4.9

Knipex Cobra XS: The Tiny Plier That Punches Up

Don't let the 4-inch size fool you. The Knipex Cobra XS grips harder than tools twice its size.

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Bellroy Slim Sleeve Review: Is It Still the King of Minimalist Wallets?
Wallets
2024-03-15
4.5

Bellroy Slim Sleeve Review: Is It Still the King of Minimalist Wallets?

The Bellroy Slim Sleeve has been a staple in the EDC community for years. We break down if the premium leather and smart design still hold up in 2024.

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Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault: Tactical Comfort
Bags
2024-03-12
4.8

Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault: Tactical Comfort

A toned-down version of the military standard. The Mystery Ranch 2DAP features the legendary 3-Zip design for instant access.

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Anker 733 Power Bank (GaNPrime): The Hybrid Beast
Tech
2024-03-12
4.7

Anker 733 Power Bank (GaNPrime): The Hybrid Beast

It's a wall charger. It's a battery bank. It's the only power brick you need for travel.

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Leatherman Wave+: The Undisputed King of Multitools
Knives
2024-03-10
4.9

Leatherman Wave+: The Undisputed King of Multitools

If you could only carry one tool for the rest of your life, the Leatherman Wave+ would be the smartest bet. It defines the category.

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KeyBar Slayer: The Key Silencer
Keys
2024-03-10
4.5

KeyBar Slayer: The Key Silencer

Stop looking like a janitor. The KeyBar organizes up to 12 keys in a titanium chassis that fits in your coin pocket.

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Big Idea Design Slim Bolt: The Last Pen You Need
Pens
2024-03-08
4.9

Big Idea Design Slim Bolt: The Last Pen You Need

Titanium construction and a unique collet system that accepts almost any refill on the planet. This is the universal donor of pens.

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Tom Bihn Synik 30: The Traveler's Cult Classic
Bags
2024-03-05
4.8

Tom Bihn Synik 30: The Traveler's Cult Classic

It looks like a dad bag, but it functions like a NASA cockpit. The Synik 30 is the organization king.

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Tactile Turn Bolt Action: Machined Perfection
Pens
2024-03-05
4.9

Tactile Turn Bolt Action: Machined Perfection

If you enjoy the fidget factor, this pen is addictive. Precision machined in Texas from premium metals.

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Acebeam Pokelit AA: High CRI Excellence
Lights
2024-03-01
4.5

Acebeam Pokelit AA: High CRI Excellence

Why settle for washed-out colors? The Acebeam Pokelit AA renders colors accurately and packs a punch, all for under $20.

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Magpul DAKA Essential: Indestructible Polymer
Wallets
2024-02-28
4.5

Magpul DAKA Essential: Indestructible Polymer

From the makers of AR-15 magazines comes a wallet that is thin, tough, and completely impervious to water.

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Benchmade Bugout 535: The Ultimate Lightweight EDC Folder?
Knives
2024-02-28
4.8

Benchmade Bugout 535: The Ultimate Lightweight EDC Folder?

Weighing in at just 1.85oz, the Benchmade Bugout 535 promises to disappear in your pocket until you need it. Does the performance match the hype?

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Open Sea Leather Gun Deck: The Origami Wallet
Wallets
2024-02-25
4.8

Open Sea Leather Gun Deck: The Origami Wallet

One piece of leather. No stitching to break. The Gun Deck is a masterclass in minimalist durability.

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KeySmart Max: Smarten Up Your Keychain
Keys
2024-02-25
4.2

KeySmart Max: Smarten Up Your Keychain

Tile tracking technology meets key organization. Never lose your keys again.

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Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: The Survival Smartwatch
Tech
2024-02-20
4.8

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: The Survival Smartwatch

Infinite battery life? Almost. The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is the G-SHOCK of smartwatches.

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Aer City Sling 2: Urban Mobility Perfected
Bags
2024-02-20
4.7

Aer City Sling 2: Urban Mobility Perfected

For quick trips where a backpack is too much, the Aer City Sling 2 keeps your pockets empty and your gear organized.

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Spyderco Para 3: The Perfect EDC Slicer
Knives
2024-02-15
4.7

Spyderco Para 3: The Perfect EDC Slicer

Shrinking the legendary Paramilitary 2 into a pocket-friendly package, the Spyderco Para 3 might just be the best slicing folder ever made.

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Citizen Promaster Dive (Eco-Drive): The Solar Tank
Watches
2024-02-12
4.7

Citizen Promaster Dive (Eco-Drive): The Solar Tank

Forget battery changes. This ISO-certified diver runs on light and is built to survive the apocalypse.

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The Ridge Wallet: Minimalist Industrial Design
Wallets
2024-02-10
4.3

The Ridge Wallet: Minimalist Industrial Design

The wallet that started the metal revolution. Is the Ridge Wallet worth the premium price tag?

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Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical: Heritage on the Wrist
Watches
2024-02-01
4.8

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical: Heritage on the Wrist

A direct descendant of the watches issued to US military in the 20th century. Pure analog utility.

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Zebra F-701: The All-Metal Budget King
Pens
2024-01-30
4.6

Zebra F-701: The All-Metal Budget King

You don't need to spend $100 on a machined pen. The Zebra F-701 gives you stainless steel durability for under $10.

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Rolling Square inCharge X: The Swiss Army Knife of Cables
Tech
2024-01-28
4.4

Rolling Square inCharge X: The Swiss Army Knife of Cables

USB-A, USB-C, Lightning, Micro-USB. This tiny keychain cable connects almost anything to anything.

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Timex Weekender: The Everyman's Watch
Watches
2024-01-25
4.4

Timex Weekender: The Everyman's Watch

It ticks loud, lights up blue, and costs less than a tank of gas. The Timex Weekender is an icon of simplicity.

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Streamlight MicroStream USB: The rechargeble champion
Lights
2024-01-20
4.6

Streamlight MicroStream USB: The rechargeble champion

Stop buying AAA batteries. The Streamlight MicroStream USB fits anywhere, charges anywhere, and puts out 250 lumens.

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GORUCK GR1: The Last Backpack You'll Buy
Bags
2024-01-15
4.9

GORUCK GR1: The Last Backpack You'll Buy

Bombproof. Overbuilt. Iconic. The GORUCK GR1 is modeled after Special Forces medical rucks and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

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Fisher Space Pen Bullet: Writes Anywhere
Pens
2024-01-12
4.6

Fisher Space Pen Bullet: Writes Anywhere

Zero gravity, underwater, upside down, or over grease. The pressurized cartridge of the Space Pen never fails.

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Olight i3T EOS: Big Output from a Single AAA
Lights
2024-01-10
4.2

Olight i3T EOS: Big Output from a Single AAA

A simple, robust, single-AAA flashlight with a dual-direction clip. Is the Olight i3T the perfect backup light for your kit?

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Orbitkey Leather Key Organiser: Silent Elegance
Keys
2024-01-08
4.5

Orbitkey Leather Key Organiser: Silent Elegance

Turn your messy keyring into a silent, organized stack wrapped in premium leather.

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Casio G-SHOCK DW5600: The Unbreakable Classic
Watches
2024-01-05
5

Casio G-SHOCK DW5600: The Unbreakable Classic

NASA flight qualified. Battle tested. Affordable. The G-SHOCK DW5600 is the definition of a tool watch.

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Seiko 5 SNK809: The Automatic Gateway
Watches
2023-12-15
4.5

Seiko 5 SNK809: The Automatic Gateway

The best way to enter the world of mechanical watches. A field watch aesthetic with a reliable automatic movement.

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Nite Ize S-Biner microlock: Security for Pennies
Keys
2023-12-10
4.6

Nite Ize S-Biner microlock: Security for Pennies

A simple twist locks your keys to your belt loop or bag. The S-Biner is the cheapest insurance you can buy.

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Trayvax Element: Rugged American Leather
Wallets
2023-12-05
4.6

Trayvax Element: Rugged American Leather

Combining a steel frame with top-grain leather, the Trayvax Element is for those who want tactical durability with a classic feel.

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Apple AirTag: Set and Forget
Tech
2023-12-01
4.8

Apple AirTag: Set and Forget

Peace of mind for your expensive gear. The AirTag leverages billions of iPhones to track your bag anywhere.

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Maxpedition Mini Pocket Organizer: Taming the Chaos
Bags
2023-11-20
4.8

Maxpedition Mini Pocket Organizer: Taming the Chaos

Stop digging for your flashlight. The Maxpedition Mini keeps your small tools, pens, and meds in check for under $25.

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Victorinox Classic SD: The Keychain Hero
Keys
2023-11-15
4.8

Victorinox Classic SD: The Keychain Hero

The tiny red knife everyone recognizes. It adds a blade, scissors, and file to your keys without adding bulk.

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Rite in the Rain: Defy the Elements
Pens
2023-10-30
4.7

Rite in the Rain: Defy the Elements

Paper that doesn't turn to mush. The Rite in the Rain notebooks are essential for outdoor logs and field notes.

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