I’m in the process of streamlining my EDC gear, but I’m trying to save a bit of money so I can invest in the stuff I actually want–some of which is a bit pricey. So, for fun, I put together my ideal EDC that I can work toward acquiring. I’m going for a rugged, industrial look, with strong metals and sturdy materials. I want to stick to mostly neutral colors but I might incorporate something high contrast just for fun.

Here’s what I’ve been working with lately. It’s not terrible, but it’s pretty, well, feminine. As you’ll see in my wishlist pics, I definitely prefer more muted, rustic patterns, but my current EDC is a result of having a lot of things on hand already. And I do have a soft spot for hot pink.

From top:

1. Spyderco Tenacious. A pretty sexy (and inexpensive) Spyderco, I think. I love the matte black. I wish it were spring assist, but that’s okay.

2. Leatherman multitool. My boyfriend passed this along to me. It was his grandfather’s so it’s very old, but it’s in great shape. I love the case it comes with, too. This is definitely going in my ideal EDC kit, so it’s one less thing I have to buy.

3. Columbia Blue Carabiner Keychain. This carabiner works well enough–for $5–but the pain it starting to chip, which is kind of annoying.

4. Zippo. Got this at Walmart for like $10, since I’ve wanted a Zippo for a long time. But I plan to switch it out for a different colored one.

5. Sunglasses. I think I got these in Paris three years ago? They are kind of crappy, but they were only a few Euros. They are also too dark so I don’t like wearing them while driving. Which kind of defeats the point of having sunglasses, I think…

6. Wallet. This is probably from Claires, but I’ve had it for a long time so I don’t remember. I’m using it because I like that it is sturdy, and the colors go better with my gear than the PacSafe wallet I was using. It’s honestly not a bad wallet at all, but I’d like to have something with better material.

7. Eos chapstick. I am addicted to these little chapstick balls. They smell good and they look really cool. I’m in love. I could have done an entire post just on these, but that may have been silly.

8. HTC Evo phone and case. The case is from Best Buy and I think it’s just a generic brand. I had been using the Ottercase which I liked a lot but it was a little bulky. Plus, I liked the pop of color this case provided to my EDC. But it’s starting to chip as well, so I might start looking around for another one.

Not pictured: Small faux leather bag from TJ Maxx, reporter’s notebook, bobby pins, lockpicks.

Out of my current EDC, I plan to keep the Leatherman, chapstick and most likely phone case. All of my other stuff I’ll definitely use around the house or while traveling, but it won’t be what I have on me at all times.

So, here’s what I’m looking at getting:

1. Alex Polarized Aviators by Fossil. I just ordered a pair kind of like this a few days ago but they were out of stock so I’m getting these ones instead. I’ve wanted a pair of aviators for a while since everyone in the post-apocalyptic movies I like seem to enjoy them, and you know, I have to be one of the cool kids.

2. Albatross by Boker. Ideally, I want an actual Anso Mojo (so. awesome. drool.), but Anso knives are rare and freakin’ expensive, so I like this cheaper model by Boker (and designed by Anso). I love the style and size, and I get a little giddy about titanium. This is very high on my wishlist.

3. Carabiner Accessory by Leatherman. This is only $5 ($2 shipping)! I just ordered it. I’m thinking about blasting it with a faux titanium finish to make it match the knife and pry bar I want. What do you think? In any case, I really like this one! I like that it’s square, rather than round–it looks more finished. And I like that there is a separate hole for keyrings. I use my keys a lot so this is a necessity. Plus, I love Leatherman. Score! I guess I can check this off the list, technically…

4. Orange Matte Classic by Zippo. I guess I don’t really need a new Zippo, but they are pretty inexpensive and I thought it would be nice to have a bit of color. I can’t decided between this one or the green one.

5. Ti-Pri Titanium Pry bar by George Knives. This is a little pricey so I might keep hunting, but it’s by far the best size and design I’ve seen. I really want a decent sized pry bar since I have room in my bag for one, and I’d like it to function as a bug out tool, so as much as I like the mini-ones, this is more what I’m looking for. I’ll keep my eyes out for one a bit cheaper. I might just splurge, though, once I get the rest of my EDC gear and if I can’t find anything else. Have I mentioned I like titanium yet?

6. Fairfax ID Bifold FPW by Fossil. I really like that this wallet is a bifold and money clip. I like the combination of materials, too. I think it fits the aesthetic of the rest of my picks. Fossil makes some awesome stuff. This is part of their men’s line, but their women’s wallets are very nice too.

7. Solid Titanium Pen + Stylus by chadwick parker & joe huang. This is freakin’ genius. It’s no wonder they made so much money on their Kickstarter project. As a journalist and a techie, it’s important for me to have good writing gear and a good stylus. Refillable pens are awesomely sustainable. These are sleek and simple and I’m pretty much in love. I should contribute to their Kickstarter to grab me a few…

8. Trail Messenger by Fossil. I could easily buy all of the bags on Fossil’s site. They are all very stylish but still practical. I love this particular bag, but it’s definitely more than I would normally ever spend on a bag. This will probably be the last purchase I make out of all of this EDC stuff, so I hope it stays on their site for a while. I love the size and the pockets–I need a bag that fits my DSLR, my notebooks, the rest of my EDC and sometimes extra things like my tablet or books. This would serve me well for both work and grad school, and it’s not quite as bulky as the tactical bag I was using.

Some other things I’m on the lookout for: sunglasses case, a new reporter’s notebook with refillable paper, and perhaps a bottle opener or something fun like that.

What’s in your bag? (Or pockets, for you truly minimalistic fellows!)