‘Carry’ is a way of life, and that extends well beyond firearms. And sure, you might have some rather uncommon EDC gear, such as a lock pick, or a folding knife with a built-in flashlight. But occasionally, you run into someone who carries something no one else for miles around would have thought to carry. That’s when you get into ‘EDC Wizard’ territory, which is right under Inspector Gadget rank. Here are sixteen of the most interesting EDC items on the market.
1. Liquid plastic welder (pictured above): $18 via Amazon
I start with this because, after I met an electrician who carries this thing religiously, it inspired the article. Bondic is a light-activated portable superglue-like substance that supposedly allows you to do quick repairs on all kinds of materials in a pinch. The company claims it works on plastic, wood, metal, PVC, steel, rubber, wiring, ceramic, figurines, vinyl, Kevlar, polypropylene, leather, etc.
2. 130-decibel micro sound grenade: $45/dozen via BUDK
image via BUDK
The product description reads:
Nothing distracts your enemies like an ear-piercing 130-dB sonic blast, and delivering them has never been easier and more affordable, thanks to Valken Tactical Thunder Sound Grenades. Designed to mimic “flash bangs” used by military and law enforcement, these reusable sound grenades confuse and temporarily incapacitate trespassers, looters, burglars, thieves and all manner of foe, allowing you to get the drop on them before they can complete their dastardly plans. Single-use burst shells and 12g CO2 cartridges (sold separately) drive the paralyzing booms… (more via BUDK)
3. Anti-sleep driving alarm: $189 via Amazon
It’s easy to see how this weird gizmo could spare you a world of pain, if not your life. Using sensors on the inside of the bands, the company claims it will go off five minutes before you fall asleep, drift off the road and meet your doom. The Amazon description also claims that it has a “stylish design,” though, so make your own judgment call.
image via Amazon
4. Portable bite and sting poison/venom removal pump: $15 via Amazon
Many bite and venom extraction methods involve blades. Sawyer makes a small venom/poison removal pump that’s easy to use quickly with one hand and can significantly improve your treatment experience if you’ve had a nasty run-in with a snake or insect. Not a bad EDC item, depending on where you spend your time.
image via Amazon
5. Portable water power generator: $280 via eNomad
Since there’s now apparently a “yuppie prepper” market, all kinds of weird survival gadgets have been developed. This one, which began as a crowdfunding project, makes more sense than most. Here’s a video that shows you how it works:
6. The world’s smallest iPhone charger: $30 via Amazon
Next in the “power over your power” category, Chargerito makes a charger that dispenses with the messy cable, so you have more room in your pockets or pack for all your other EDC necessities.
image via Amazon
7. Selfie printer: $130 via Amazon
Remember the good old days when you could, like, take a picture and then, like, print it? Well, nostalgic millennials have figured out how to take their iPhone selfies and print them, too, with this disturbingly popular selfie printer. Over 1,000 reviews have been written on Amazon for the various versions.
image via Amazon
8. Broadhead spear survival tool card: $20 via Amazon
You’ve seen 99 configurations of the “multi-tool credit card,” but chances are, a spearhead ain’t one of them. Never fear, the same guys make an arrowhead card, too.
image via Amazon
9. Your Very Own Pocket Drone: $40 via Amazon
Look, I’m not saying you should carry this. I’m just saying it’s out there and you should know about it. This 2″ x 2″ x 0.9″ drone is remote controlled via smartphone app, records video, and transmits it in real time. It was only a matter of time.
image via Amazon
10. Stinger .22LR Pen Gun: $1,200 via Gunbroker
Why get an NAA mini-revolver when you can have a really stealthy pen gun? Well, lots of reasons… but this is an insanely cool EDC.
image via Gunbroker
Plus, if you don’t want to pay $1,200 for the out-of-production original, you could make your own:
11. 1080p video camera pen: $24+ via Amazon
In keeping with the “enhanced penmanship” theme, pictured here is the Sharpcam ‘Spy Pen’ which, apparently, really works as a hidden camera. There are many different models, including one with over 1,000 reviews. Watch out in your next meeting… someone could be watching.
image via Amazon
12. Minimalist corkscrew wine bottle opener keychain: $9 via Amazon
Curry favor with a wine lover for $9, I guess. Yeah. There exist people who carry this.
image via Amazon
13. Handgun lighter: $22 via Etsy (or $18 via lifestyle.brando)
Amuse your friends, or perhaps (in California) risk your safety by drawing one of these lighters when the opportunity arises. Lighters in the shape of handguns have been produced since at least the ’40s, and many vintage and modern variants are floating around. Not TSA approved.
Image via Etsy
Image via lifestyle.brando
14. The World’s Smallest Violin: $12 via Amazon
This won’t save lives. However, humor is known to extend them. And if the rare opportunity to use one on a snowflake arises… well, you know what to do.
image via Jessica Catinella/Amazon
15. Holstered Pool Chalk: $10 via Amazon
Shooting is a transferable skill, and many firearms enthusiasts have been known to sink a billiard ball now and again. If you open carry, your firearm may offset the nerdiness of the pool chalk holster. No guarantees. Chalk not included.
image via Amazon
16. Holstered Tabasco Sauce: $32 via Amazon
Why do they think $32 is an appropriate price for this? We may never know. At least it comes with the 2oz bottle of Tabasco. Like an EDC pocket knife, once you start carrying it, you’re sure to find uses for it.
image via Amazon
After two days Prime shipping (or 45 minutes at a workbench), this could be you:
Full disclosure: TTAG makes a small commission on Amazon sales stemming from this article.