Latest Review
Sure, we talk at length about what makes that perfect summer watch. Bright colors, comfortable straps, some water resistance for a splash in the pool. But what about the rest of your EDC? What’s going on there? The second I get home from work, the first order of business is to throw on a pair of shorts, and the last thing I want is a ton of junk in my pockets flopping around. Actually carrying your EDC is the hardest part. Putting together your ideal kit can be easy, but without consideration into how you’re carrying it is where we fall short. You can’t deny the utility of a full-sized Leatherman Wave, but that thing slamming you in the kneecap when free-floating in the less-than-ideal pocket of your Patagonia Baggies is a bummer. Today, we’re taking a look at some lightweight EDC essentials that I’ve been carrying around for the beginning of the summer along with a few tips and tricks to lessen the load in your pockets and enjoy the warm weather.
Sunglasses: Ombraz Classics
Ombraz takes a completely different approach to how you wear sunglasses. I’m a lifelong glasses wearer, and I’ve always just accepted that glasses have arms and that’s that. I would rather lose my glasses in the ocean and drive home blind than wear a croaky, so I’ve always been left to just hope for the best and that the prescription in my backup pair isn’t too out of date to drive in. Ombraz are unique in that they ditch the arms and integrate a strap right into the design of the glasses. They float on the front of your face and are shockingly secure and comfortable. I opted for the “Classic” model, an aviator-esque look with an open hole in the bridge. Over the past few months I’ve worn them fishing, biking, and driving, and the optical clarity of the Zeiss lenses are excellent. They take a little getting used to, but when you figure out the right tension for the shock cord, they disappear on your face. Another plus is that they’re super light and super durable, thanks to the lack of moving parts. You can wear them like a necklace when you walk indoors or hit a shaded section of the trail, keeping them nearby when you need them.
E-Reader: XTEINK x4 Mini E-Reader
I’ve had a Kindle Paperwhite for well over a decade now and it’s one of my favorite pieces of tech ever, right up there with the original iPod. Until now. I came across the XTEINK x4 on Instagram and for right around $60, they got me. The x4 is extremely small, light, and pocketable. The e-ink screen is roughly the size of a playing card, with a minimal bezel surrounding it and a bit of a chin at the bottom to hold it. There are four physical rocker buttons and a power button, each customizable for page turns. I thought it might be too small to comfortably read on, but I was pleasantly surprised when that wasn’t the case.
While the Kindle is excellent, I always found it a little bit too big to pocket. I’ve been carrying the x4 with me everywhere and instead of scrolling around on my phone, I’ve opted to read instead. Sure, you could use the Kindle app on your phone, but I’ve found that I get too distracted by notifications. As a fan of Good Eats, Alton Brown has ingrained a distaste for single-use devices into me, but an e-reader is the glaring exception.
Wallet: Bellroy Card Sleeve
This has been my wallet of choice for years and years. Able to hold 8 cards — 6 inside and two “quick draw” slots on the outside, the Bellroy Card Sleeve is slim, light, and forces you to carry only the essentials. Barely bigger than a credit card itself, the premium leather is thin and durable, ideal for everyday carry for years to come. I’ve accidentally washed mine a few times, and generally abuse it (tossing on the nightstand and sitting on it all day) and they hold up remarkably well. With tap to pay becoming commonplace, it’s easy to get away with carrying your ID, insurance cards, and a few extras without the need for a bulky bill fold wallet. I will always recommend this card sleeve since I personally swear by it.
Fitness Tracking: FitBit Air
I recently snagged the FitBit Air to get a more accurate view of my health metrics. While my phone was handling step count, I didn’t always have my phone on me. I also wanted to experiment with integrating the Air’s tracking module into a nato strap for a one wrist setup, but I’ve found that the default band and setup is so unobtrusive, that I just wear it on my right wrist and barely notice it. This screenless tracker is thinner, narrower, and overall smaller than the Whoop, and it doesn’t require a spendy subscription to get your health metrics. I’m not huge on the Google Health app, but it gets the job done. I’ve been making an effort to pay more attention to my diet and exercise over these past few months and knowing my approximate calorie expenditure and how much I’m moving has been genuinely helpful towards reaching my goals. Workout tracking isn’t as good as that on the Apple Watch, but I find it good enough for my needs and it’s way better than wearing both an Apple Watch and a mechanical watch at the same time. It doesn’t get much thinner or lighter than the Air, and that’s a win in my book.
Tip Time: If you don’t carry it, keep it close by
If being prepared for your day (whatever that looks like) is important to you, deciding what tools are in your EDC is a very personal decision. We all do different things, and our EDCs will reflect that. I’m a huge proponent of keeping the tools I use regularly nearby if they’re not on my person. At home, I know my desk will always have a Leatherman and a knife on it. In my car, I keep a pair of binoculars (never know what that morning’s Rare Bird Alert is going to say) along with a decent selection of tools that can get me out of nearly any jam. I am also usually equipped to catch any fish within a 30 mile radius, but that’s overkill. At work, I know I’m going to be opening packages so there’s a ton of stuff in my desk to help out with that. If you’re using public transportation or walking a lot, loading out your backpack or sling keeps tools at hand, but not loading up your pockets. I really prefer to have what I need where I’m going and keep my pockets light and comfortable. It’s a strategy that most of us probably already use, but it hits especially hard in the summer when pocket space is at a premium.
Do you have any lightweight gear that you’ve been enjoying? Let us know in the comments below what your summer essentials look like.
