Here it is, the buying guide you’ve been waiting for – our guide to the best everyday carry (EDC) tactical essentials. Why so exciting? Why so important? Well, these tools and pieces of equipment are exactly the kind of thing that you need to have with you at all times. That’s why they’re essential. But it’s more than that. The items are also oh-so-cool, totally useful, and they make the best gifts (to a loved one, or even to yourself). They’re versatile, handy to have around, and they don’t cost the earth. Why wouldn’t you want these tactical essentials with you wherever you go? From watches to wallets, backpacks to flashlights, and much more, this is the only guide you need.
Best Tactical Everyday Carry Backpack: 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 EDC Tactical Backpack
We know that all backpacks are designed for the great outdoors, but some are just designed so much better than others. The 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 EDC Tactical Backpack ($160) is one of the better ones (if not the best)! This backpack will work with you no matter where you go or what you do. It is created with superior mobility in mind, allowing your load to remain stable even in the trickiest of terrains. Made of nylon with five exterior pockets, pocket flaps, pocket bags, and water resistant zips, your possessions will remain safe and dry.
Best Tactical Everyday Carry Watch: Casio G9300-1 Mudman G-Shock Tactical Watch
Casio has been making excellent watches since 1974, and they’ve been doing it with style and functionality that is hard to beat. The Casio G9300-1 Mudman G-Shock Tactical Watch ($123) is one of the latest designs from Casio, incorporating all of its past glories into a modern, good looking timepiece. As well as being a watch, the Mudman G-Shock has a digital compass, thermometer, moon graph, and it’s totally shock resistant. It uses one touch technology to give you the ultimate in user-friendly interfaces.
Best Tactical Everday Carry Wallet: Trayvax Axis Tactical Men’s Wallet
Not every stylish wallet works well outdoors. And not every outdoor wallet looks stylish. Yet with the Trayvax Axis Tactical Men’s Wallet ($45), you can have style and function, and much more besides. The hinged cash clip, adjustable card tray, and coin (or key) holder mean that nothing will get lost out in the wilds, and the RFID-resistant patent-pending enclosure design keeps everything doubly secure. It’s durable and light and is the perfect wallet to take out with you.
Best Tactical Everyday Carry Knife: TAC Force TF-705 Services EDC Tactical Knife
The TAC Force TF-705 Services EDC Tactical Knife ($8) is a superb tactical folding knife which has a 3 ¼ inch blade is made from stainless steel, is half-serrated, and is 3mm thick. Closed, the entire knife measures just 4 ½ inches and thanks to the spring assisted open design, it can be used one-handed. The handle itself is made from sturdy, strong aluminum, making it light to carry but durable and resistant to use. As well as the blade, the handle features a bottle opening and a glass breaker (ideal for breaking a car window in an emergency).
Best Tactical Everyday Carry Flashlight: Fenix PD35 TAC 1000 Lumen CREE XP-L LED Tactical Flashlight
The Fenix PD35 TAC 1000 Lumen CREE XP-L LED Tactical Flashlight ($73) may be pocket-sized and lightweight (it is made of aluminum), but it packs a serious punch when it comes to performance. At less than 6 inches, it still manages to have a beam distance of over 650 feet. There are two modes to this flashlight; outdoor mode and tactical mode, and switching between the two is simple and quick.
Best Tactical Everyday Carry Pen: Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen
Pens are some of the most useful yet underrated tools on the planet, and having one with you at all times is always a good idea. The Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen ($39) should be your first choice when it comes to choosing the best one for you – and thanks to its stainless steel pocket clip, you’ll never have to worry about losing it. Including innovative Rite in the Rain ink cartridges which work in any kind of weather and conditions, inside and out, and a ball point mechanism which will never jam, it’s ideal. Add to that the fact that this pen features a glass-breaker integrated tip and you’ve got something exceptional.
Best Tactical Everyday Carry Multitool: Leatherman Skeletool Tactical Multitool
As the tagline says, one tool, a couple thousand uses. And it’s true. With seven different features, the Leatherman Skeletool Tactical Multitool (85$) is the only multitool you’ll ever need. In fact, it might be the only tool you’ll ever need. You have needle nose pliers, standard pliers, wire cutter, hard-wire cutters, knife, large bit driver, and a bottle opener. It’s one handed operable, and it mimics the functionality of a pocket knife. One tool? Perhaps, but it’s also the best.
