SLIM PICKIN's
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As my EDC bags became more well-rounded, I began to notice the inefficiencies in some of my day-to-day items.
Naturally, I already carried a wall charger, some spare cables, a small toolkit, and a battery bank. However, the way these items fit into my bag became almost unbearable at a certain point, particularly since they were the things I reached for most frequently.
I embarked on a quest to find slimmer alternatives, and what I came up with is this list.
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Allow me to share some of my favorite things about each one of these products. I have been using all of them for over a year at this point, so I have a good relationship with where they shine and where they fall.
**ITEM 1**
This Cable adapter has everything you need for your modern connections: USB (2.0), USB-C, lightning adapters (for old iPhones), and micro USB. The thing that really does it for me about this kit is that it is capable of handling both data and charging. This kit has come in handy many times when I am trying to save info off of my Flipper Zero while away from my office or in the field, hooking up a DigiRig sound card to my radios, or just charging my HackRF Porta Pack. This one is critical.
**ITEM 2**
Wall charging blocks were one of the more difficult ones to find for some reason. They were all either too bulky or just didn't put out the amperage that I required to run Raspberry Pis, charge camera batteries, etc. I finally landed on this one and couldn't be happier with it. It takes up so much less space in my bags and is also easier to deploy due to its slim nature and its downward-facing ports. I don't have to worry about someone walking by and knocking into it, damaging my block or cables. It also supports USB-C or USB-A, making it widely interoperable with the smattering of cables we all deal with.
**ITEM 3**
This battery bank is absolutely tremendous. Perhaps the most useful part about it is that it easily fits in my chest rig when I am running ATAK or using my phone as an interface for running drones. It has the output rating I require for running Raspberry Pis and other tools. It can charge/power multiple items at once. You can even hook up your own cables to the bottom if you don't want to use the integrated cables. And, again, it is slim so it fits nicely either in the palm of your hand or the inside of your bag. Love it. Get it. Don't leave the house without it.
**ITEM 4**
This one might be a little more niche, as not everyone requires this for EDC. However, for what I do, I am always in need of some tiny screwdrivers for radio stuff or putting batteries in my nephew's toys...whatever.
Perhaps the most useful thing I ever did with this tool was this: I took my Dell Latitude 7212 on a motorcycle ride with me to go do radio stuff in the woods (digital modes). Upon arriving, my computer was torched and gave me an error that the hard drive wasn't installed. I was able to tear down the Dell Latitude 7212 laptop and repair it in the field with this kit. After taking it apart, it seemed the vibrations from the motorcycle had wiggled some screws loose and that caused the SSD to come unhooked from the motherboard in the laptop. Pushed it back in, screwed it tight, and went about my way.
**In summary**
EDC can be challenging. You're carrying a ton of stuff. You're always finding out what you really need and what you can leave at the house. Utilizing these slimmer products has made EDCing suck less, and I hope this article helps your EDC suck less as well.
-JAKE
@gridbasedotnet
*Sponsored products may be featured, but my opinions are not dependent on money.*
1 comment
Most informative. And useful. Thank you.