Everyday Carry

Fisher Space Pen Bullet

I've carried one since 2008, through every deployment, every field op, every pocket. At this point it's not a pen, it's a family heirloom.

Ridge Wallet

The first wallet I ever bought myself, ten years ago, and the last one I plan on buying.

HEYCROWN 21-in-1 Multitool Pocket Knife

Twenty-one tools in 420J2 stainless, including a compass, a whistle and a fire starter most multitools leave out.

Ridge 20W Magnetic Power Bank, 10,000mAh

Ridge's magnetic pack: MagSafe compatible, built-in cables, a kickstand, and finishes that do not look like airport gear.

Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) 4-Pack

Four IP67 rated trackers with a user replaceable coin cell, a louder speaker and second generation Ultra Wideband, for the keys, the truck, the tackle box and the gym bag.

Belkin Apple AirTag Holder Keychain with Key Ring

A hard shell AirTag holder with a twist and lock face and a key ring, so the tracker rides with the truck keys instead of rattling loose in a pocket.

Paper Mate InkJoy 300RT Retractable Ballpoint Pens, Medium Point 1.0mm, Black, 24 Count

Two dozen 1.0mm retractable ballpoints with a soft grip, the oil based answer for clipboards in the garage and scorecards at the ball field.

Pilot G2 Premium Gel Pens, Fine Point 0.7mm, Black Ink, 12-Pack

A dozen refillable 0.7mm retractable gel pens in black, the pen most dads already clip to a shirt pocket and lose in the truck console.

Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Utility Knife

A slim stainless steel folding utility knife that takes replaceable razor blades, locks with a liner lock and doubles as a money clip.

Gerber Suspension NXT 15-in-1 Multitool

A 15-tool stainless steel butterfly-opening multitool with locking tools, a 2.25 inch partially serrated blade and a pocket clip.

LEATHERMAN Wave Plus 18-in-1 Multi-Tool

An 18-tool, 8.5 ounce full-size multi-tool with outside-accessible blades, replaceable wire cutters and a saw, built in Portland, Oregon.

LEATHERMAN Wingman Multi-Tool

A 14-tool, 7 ounce stainless multi-tool with spring-action pliers and scissors, a package opener and a removable pocket clip, built in Portland, Oregon.

Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife

A 0.7 ounce, 2.3 inch Swiss Army Knife with seven functions including scissors, tweezers, a nail file and a small blade.

$59

CIVIVI Elementum C907A

A 2.96 inch D2 blade at 2.89 ounces for $59, which makes this the baseline every other Elementum is measured against.

$35

CIVIVI Mini Praxis C18026C-1

A 2.98 inch D2 folder at $35, with a pocket clip that is tip-up right hand only.

$217.6

WEKNIFE Elementum Flipper, Black Titanium, CPM MagnaCut

The same Elementum pattern as the $59 CIVIVI, built in 6AL4V Titanium with a CPM MagnaCut blade, and it weighs half an ounce less.

$180

WE Knife Kitefin Flipper 2001H

A 3.24 inch CPM S35VN blade in a full 6AL4V titanium frame lock, 2.88 ounces, $180.

$29.95

Fenix E03R V2.0 Keychain Flashlight

500 lumens for a listed 1 hour 20 minutes, and a 5 lumen red mode that is the more useful half of this light.

$119.95

Fenix PD36R Pro 2800 Lumen Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight

Fenix rates it at 2800 lumens and 415 yards of throw off 36,600 candela, in a 5.96 oz light the spec sheet puts on a belt, not in your jeans.

$74.95

NITECORE EDC23

The listing says 2500 lumens, but it never states a Turbo runtime, so the number to buy on is the listed 1100 lumens for 1 hour 30 minutes.

$59.95

NITECORE NB10000 Gen 2 Power Bank

The listing puts this 10000mAh bank at 5.29 ounces and 0.42 inches thick, so the weight is the argument here, not the capacity.

$83.95

NITECORE NB10000 Gen4 Ultralight 10000mAh Power Bank

Two USB-C ports rated 22.5W each, but the same spec sheet lists 15W max total, so on paper this 5 oz bank is a one-device-at-a-time tool.

$39.95

NITECORE TINI 3 600 Lumen Multi-Color Rechargeable Keychain Flashlight

600 lumens and three color temperatures out of a 0.71 ounce keychain light, with a 30 minute Turbo that tells you what job it is built for.

$89.99

Olight Arkfeld Pro

Three tools behind one thumb selector: 1,300 lumens, 365nm UV, and a green laser in a flat body under 4 ounces. The recon before the review.

$54.99

Olight Baton 4

1300 lumens in a light shorter than your car key. The spec sheet on the little Olight everyone keeps sold out.

$29.99

Olight Oclip

A 300 lumen light the size of a chip clip and the cheapest door into Olight. This is a recon from the spec sheet; the full review lands after it has earned time on my hat brim.

$119.95

Olight Warrior 3S

The tactical dual-switch light that took over when Olight retired the Warrior Mini 3. One press to 2,300 lumens, and the spec sheet reads like it was written for the nightstand.

Carl's Doomsday Scenario (Book 2)

Book two, and the one that confirmed I was in for the whole series. I loved it.

Dungeon Crawler Carl (Book 1)

I started this in paperback, switched to the audiobook on a friend's advice, and have not looked back.

A Parade of Horribles (Book 8)

Book eight, out now, and Amazon currently has all eight Dungeon Crawler Carl books on its own most-popular Audible list.

American Sniper

Chris Kyle's own account of four Iraq deployments and what came home with him.

Atomic Habits

The habit book that actually gives you mechanisms instead of motivation.

Band of Brothers

Easy Company from Toccoa to the Eagle's Nest, built from interviews with the men who were there.

Eberlestock Bando Bag

The bigger of my two fanny packs, from a brand I've trusted since the Marine Corps. Travel days, bigger loadouts, and carry days: this is the go to.

$329.99

NOMATIC 20L Backpack

The diaper bag that doesn't scream diaper bag. Bought in 2020 with a kid on the way, and still on my shoulder six years later.

Astro alan Diaper Bag with Changing Station

A 19-pocket backpack with a detachable changing station, a foil-lined bottle pocket and a USB pass-through.

LHI 45L Military Tactical Backpack

900D water-resistant nylon with a full MOLLE grid, compression straps and a ventilated back panel.

Mancro Dad Diaper Bag Backpack

A 14 by 18.5 inch backpack with two insulated bottle pockets and a one-handed side wipes slot.

adidas Defender Duffel Bag, Medium

A 59L gym duffel with a ventilated shoe compartment, a water-resistant base and a padded shoulder strap.

HEETA Dry Bag Waterproof Backpack with Phone Case

A transparent roll-top PVC dry bag in five sizes, with welded seams, a side handle and a waterproof phone case in the box.

Lenovo Laptop Bag T210 Messenger Shoulder Bag

A sub-one-pound top loader shoulder bag in water-repellent polyester, sized for laptops up to 15.6 inches and machine washable.

MOSISO Laptop Sleeve with Front Pocket, 16 inch

A 0.79 inch thick padded polyester sleeve for 16 inch laptops, with a front pocket sized for a mouse, a charger and pens.

Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling Bag

An 8.48 ounce sling with a dual U-zip main compartment, an ambidextrous spacermesh harness and a stretch mesh phone pocket on the strap.

SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack

A 31 liter laptop backpack that fits most 17-inch laptops and lays flat so the laptop can stay in the bag at airport security.

The North Face Borealis Sling Bag

A 6 liter, 10.6 ounce sling in recycled nylon ripstop with a sleeve for most 8-inch tablets and the Borealis bungee on the front.

The North Face Jester Crossbody Bag

A 2.3 liter, 5 ounce crossbody bag in recycled polyester that wears at the waist, across the chest or on one shoulder.

tomtoc Light-T12 Electronic Accessory Pouch

A 1.8 liter, two-compartment tech pouch in recycled 600D polyester with room for a laptop charger, cables and small drives.

$99.49

5.11 RUSH24 2.0 Backpack

The 37L flagship pack from the brand I have trusted since my Marine Corps days. Recon report: the spec read now, the full review once I have actually carried it.

$279.99

NOMATIC Navigator Pack 15L

A 15L pack that expands to roughly 20L when the day gets bigger. This is the recon read on NOMATIC's current flagship, published ahead of the hands-on review.

$79.99

NOMATIC Toiletry Bag 2.0

The dopp kit that promises leak-proof zippers and a lifetime warranty, from the same brand as the 20L backpack. Recon Report: full review pending.

$349.99

NOMATIC Travel Pack

The bigger sibling of my six-year daily hauler. Recon from the published specs; the full review lands once I have flown with it.

$9

Duke Cannon Cannon Balm 140

A combat veteran's case for taking lip balm seriously. Chapped lips are a real trigger for me, so I keep a Cannon Balm within reach at all times, and I do mean all times.

Supply Single Edge Razor

One blade, solid metal, years of daily service. The razor that ended my cartridge subscription forever.

American Crew Fiber, 3 oz

A 3 oz pliable molding creme with high hold and low shine that thickens and texturizes short hair and washes out with water.

Harperton Ultra Sharp Nail Clippers Set, 2 Pack Stainless Steel with Built-in File and Travel Case

Two hand-sharpened stainless clippers, one sized for fingernails and one for thick toenails, each with a built-in file, in a travel case.

Nautica Voyage Eau de Toilette, Men's Fragrance, 3.3 fl oz

A fresh aquatic eau de toilette built on apple, water lotus and cedarwood, in a 100 ml spray bottle most guys already recognize.

Philips Norelco All-in-One 3000 13-in-1 Trimmer, Face & Hair, Comfort Tips (MG3919/50)

A 13-piece trimmer kit covering beard, head, nose and ear hair, with nine settings from 0.5 to 16 mm, rinseable combs and 60 minutes of runtime.

Wahl Color Pro Cordless Rechargeable Hair Clipper & Trimmer, Color Guards (Model 9649P)

A cord or cordless clipper kit with ten color-coded guide combs from 1/16 in to 1 in, 60 minutes of runtime and a zippered case.

Cremo Sensitive Shave Cream

A 6 fl oz concentrated shave cream with no synthetic fragrance that uses an almond-sized amount per shave and works with virtually any blade.

Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, 32 oz

A 32 oz concentrated peppermint castile soap made from organic plant oils with no synthetic detergents, labeled for body, hands, shaving and camping.

Old Spice Aluminum Free Deodorant, Sport, Pack of 3

A three pack of 3.0 oz aluminum free Old Spice deodorant sticks in the Sport scent that go on clear.

Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Face

A waterproof hybrid trimmer and shaver with a flexing 360 blade and a 5-in-1 stubble comb that trims, edges and shaves wet or dry.

$15

Duke Cannon Cold Shower Cooling Field Towels

Menthol field towels for guys who cannot get to a shower yet. Next on my Duke Cannon list to buy and try, and here is my read on the specs before it lands.

$14

Duke Cannon Daily Hydrating Face Wash

The face wash from the brand I already give my money to on repeat. This is the label read, published ahead of testing. The real review comes once I have lived with it.

$14

Duke Cannon Ultralight Face Lotion

I cannot sleep with dry skin, and I already buy this brand on repeat. Here is my read of the specs before the tube ever hits my nightstand.

$149

Suunto Core

Two units, seventeen years, three combat tours. The watch that has been on his wrist for nearly half his life, and the warranty story that made him a Suunto customer forever.

Casio A158WA-1 Vintage Stainless Steel Digital Watch

A 46 gram vintage-shape digital watch on a stainless steel bracelet, 36.8 mm wide and 8.2 mm thick, with a green LED light and a battery Casio rates at about seven years.

Casio A168WA-1 Illuminator Stainless Steel Digital Watch

A 50 gram vintage-shape digital watch on a stainless steel bracelet, 38.6 mm wide, with a full-face blue green electro-luminescent backlight and a battery Casio rates at about seven years.

Casio F108WH-1A Illuminator Digital Watch

A 31 gram all-resin digital watch with a 44.4 mm big-digit display, an amber LED backlight, a 145 to 215 mm band and a battery Casio rates at about seven years.

Casio F91W-1 Classic Digital Watch

A 21 gram resin digital watch 8.5 mm thick, with a 1/100 second stopwatch, an LED light and a battery Casio rates at about seven years.

Casio AE1200WH World Time Digital Watch

A 39 gram digital watch with a world time map display, a countdown timer settable from 1 second to 24 hours, five alarms and a battery rated for about 10 years.

Casio Illuminator AE1500WH Digital Watch

A large-display digital watch with a countdown timer that auto-repeats, five alarms, an amber LED backlight, 100 meter water resistance and a battery rated for about 10 years.

Casio Duro MDV106 Dive-Style Watch

A stainless steel analog dive-style watch with 200 meter water resistance, a screw lock crown and caseback, a one-way bezel and a battery rated for about 3 years.

Casio W800H Digital Watch

A 37 gram resin digital watch with 100 meter water resistance, a stopwatch, dual time, a snooze alarm and a battery rated for about 10 years.

Timex Ironman Classic 30 38mm Watch

A 38 mm, 39 gram resin digital sport watch with a five-button layout, INDIGLO backlight, three alarms and 100 meter water resistance.

$899

Suunto Ocean

One watch for the gym, the trail, and the descent. A real dive computer and a real GPS sports watch in the same sapphire and steel case.

$499

Suunto Race 2

I have worn a Suunto Core since the Marine Corps. This is the modern one I am eyeing next, and here is my read of the specs before it ever touches my wrist.

$599

Suunto Vertical 2

Sixty five hours of dual-band GPS and a flashlight built into the watch. A spec sheet read from a guy seventeen years deep into Suunto loyalty.

charmast 10000mAh Power Bank with 4 Built-In Cables

Four cables permanently attached and three more ports, so nobody in the car has to go looking for a cord.

600D Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover

A 600D Oxford and TPU back seat cover with a mesh window, usable as a hammock, a flat seat or a truck bed liner.

SKYFIRE Fire Starter Tactical Flashlight

A 2800 lumen light with a lens that concentrates the beam enough to ignite tinder, plus yellow and blue lenses.

Skywolfeye 2500 Lumen Rechargeable Headlamp

Aircraft-grade aluminum at 5.2 oz, with 8 modes, a rear taillight and a 2000mAh battery that charges your phone.

AstroAI AIRUN H 12V Tire Inflator

A corded 12V tire inflator that stops at the pressure you set, with a backlit gauge, an LED light and adapters for bikes and balls.

AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge, 150 PSI

A console-size digital gauge reading 0 to 150 PSI, with a backlit screen, a lit nozzle and four units on one button.

Drop Stop Car Seat Gap Filler, 2-Pack

A two-pack of neoprene wedges that close the gap between seat and console, threaded onto the seat belt catch so they move with the seat.

EcoNour Foldable Windshield Sun Shade, 64 x 32 Inches

A 64 by 32 inch pop-open windshield shade in 240T polyester, with an overlapping panel design and a storage pouch.

Energizer 6-Gauge 16-Foot Jumper Cables with Carry Bag

Sixteen feet of 6-gauge booster cable with vinyl-coated clamps and a travel bag, rated by Energizer for trucks, SUVs and compact cars.

First Aid Only All-Purpose First Aid Kit (FAO-442)

A soft-sided, two-layer first aid kit of nearly 300 pieces that is small enough for a console or an under-seat bin.

HOTOR Foldable Trunk Organizer

A collapsible two-compartment cargo organizer with six mesh pockets and a half-fold option, rated to hold over 60 lb.

Keeper 40 to 70 Inch Ratcheting Cargo Bar

A ratcheting truck bed cargo bar that expands from 40 to 70 inches and locks between the bed walls with no tools or drilling.

NOCO Boost GB50 1500A UltraSafe Jump Starter

A 1500 amp lithium jump starter rated for gas engines up to 7.0 liters, with a USB power bank and a 200 lumen light built in.

resqme The Original Car Escape Tool, 2 Pack

A keychain car escape tool with a spring-loaded window spike and a concealed seat belt cutter, made in the USA and sold as a 2 pack.

Rhino USA Ratchet Straps Tie Downs, 4 Pack

Four 1 inch by 15 foot polyester ratchet straps rated to a 607 lb working load, with coated S hooks, soft loops and a lifetime replacement warranty.

Rhino USA Recovery Tow Strap, 3 in x 20 ft

A 3 inch by 20 foot polyester recovery strap with reinforced loop ends, a 30,000 lb minimum break strength and a lifetime warranty.

CRAFTSMAN 230-Piece Mechanics Tool Set with VERSASTACK Box (CMMT45306)

A 230-piece SAE and metric mechanics set in all three drive sizes, packed in a 3-drawer VERSASTACK box with a lifetime warranty.

DEWALT 20V MAX Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit (DCK240C2)

A 1/2 in. drill/driver and a compact 1/4 in. impact driver with two 20V MAX batteries, a charger and a contractor bag.

DEWALT 20V MAX LED Work Light (DCL050)

A 1,000 lumen handheld area light with a 140 degree pivoting head and a rotating hook, powered by any DEWALT 20V MAX battery.

DEWALT DPG82 Concealer Clear Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggle

A sealed dual mold safety goggle with an ANSI Z87.1+ rated polycarbonate lens, anti-fog and hard coatings, and vent channels.

DEWALT FlexTorq Impact Ready 40-Piece Screwdriver Bit Set (DWA2T40IR)

A 40-piece impact-rated FlexTorq bit set with magnetic holders, nut drivers and a clear-lid ToughCase+.

DEWALT Mini Wearable Bluetooth Speaker, Clip-On Jobsite Pro (Yellow)

A 1.38 ounce clip-on Bluetooth speaker rated IP56, good for up to 10 hours of run time on a 1.5 hour USB-C charge, with a built-in mic for hands-free calls.

Firecore 9 Inch Magnetic Torpedo Level

A 9 inch magnetic torpedo level with three vials at 0, 45 and 90 degrees, an impact ABS housing and rubber end cups.

Franklin Sensors ProSensor M150 Stud Finder

A 9-sensor stud finder with a 15 LED display that shows the full width of a stud, plus a live AC wire warning, made in the USA.

RAK Magnetic Wristband for Holding Screws

A 1680 ballistic nylon wristband with 10 embedded magnets that holds screws, nails, bolts and drill bits while you work.

STANLEY SL18116P 6 Gallon 4 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum

A 6 gallon, 4 peak HP corded shop vacuum with wet and dry pickup, a blower port and over 16 feet of cleaning reach.

WORKPRO 16-Inch Wide Mouth Tool Bag

A 16 inch, metal-framed wide mouth tool bag with 21 pockets, a waterproof molded base and a shoulder strap.

WORKPRO Premium Retractable All Metal Utility Knife with 10 Extra Blades

A 3.2 ounce die-cast aluminum utility knife with tool-free blade changes, three slide positions and ten spare SK5 blades in the box.

AeroPress Original Coffee Press

Air pressure and paper micro-filtration in a plastic tube that makes a clean cup in two minutes and survives a backpack.

FYY Electronic Organizer, Medium

An 8.3 inch double-layer pouch with eight compartments, in water-resistant Oxford.

INIU 10000mAh 45W Portable Charger

Amazon's best-selling power bank: 10,000mAh at 45W in a case 40 percent smaller than the usual brick.

MATEIN Electronics Organizer Travel Case

A double-layer 10.5 inch case with three removable dividers and waterproof shockproof construction.

napfun Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow

A chin-supporting memory foam pillow that stops the head-drop, with a compression bag.

SAIREIDER 360 Degree Travel Neck Pillow

Memory foam with all-around neck, head and chin support and a removable washable cover.

BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner, 4075

A spray, scrub and suction extractor small enough to live in a cabinet and solve car seats and couches.

Detail Dudes Car Detailing Brush Set, 3 Piece

Three boar-hair brushes with metal-free handles, soft enough for piano black trim and screens.

Fanttik Slim V8 APEX Cordless Car Vacuum

A 1.1 lb handheld at 19,000 Pa that also blows, inflates and vacuum-seals, with ten accessories.

PULIDIKI Car Cleaning Gel

A reusable tacky putty that lifts dust out of vents and seams no cloth or nozzle reaches.

SwiftJet Car Wash Foam Gun

A foam cannon that runs off a garden hose, with six foam settings and no pressure washer needed.

toretark Interior Car Cleaner Kit

A pH-neutral foam-or-mist cleaner with a detail brush, formulated to leave no oily film behind.

Astro alan Diaper Bag with Changing Station

A 19-pocket backpack with a detachable changing station, a foil-lined bottle pocket and a USB pass-through.

GoodBaby 5 in Baby Monitor, No WiFi

A 5 inch screen with 355 degree pan, 30 hours of battery in VOX mode and no internet connection at all.

HelloBaby HB6560 6 in Baby Monitor

A 6 inch IPS screen with 16 to 30 hours of battery and sound-level LEDs that make a cry visible when muted.

Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Baby Carrier

Four carry positions from 8 to 32 lbs, at a fraction of what the premium carriers cost.

Mancro Dad Diaper Bag Backpack

A 14 by 18.5 inch backpack with two insulated bottle pockets and a one-handed side wipes slot.

Tushbaby Hip Seat Baby Carrier

A padded hip shelf rated to 45 lbs that takes the toddler off your arm and onto your hips.