15 Must-Have EDC Travel Essentials (Updated 2025)

Aviator Slide Wallet with Carbon Fiber Cash Clip

Bulky wallets and travel just don’t mix, which is why I swapped mine for the Aviator Slide Wallet with Cash Clip—and I haven’t looked back since. Its slim, minimalist profile slips neatly into a front pocket, making it both more comfortable to carry and less of a target for pickpockets when navigating crowded markets or public transit.

Accessing cards is effortless thanks to the clever pull-tab slide mechanism: one quick tug and your cards fan out, ready to use. It’s smooth, intuitive, and makes every transaction a little easier. Paired with the carbon fiber cash clip, you still have room for local bills without adding bulk—especially handy in countries where cash is still king. Looking at you, Germany.

What really sets the Aviator apart from similar minimalist wallets like the popular Ridge Wallet is its discreet coin tray, which doubles as storage for coins, SIM cards, SD cards, or even a spare key. For me, that little compartment has been invaluable for storing the foreign SIM cards I’ve collected over the years, since I often return to the same countries and like to keep them close at hand. Add in the built-in RFID-blocking protection, and you get a wallet that combines smart security with everyday practicality.

Durable, lightweight, and designed with travelers in mind, the Aviator Slide Wallet isn’t just a slimmer way to carry your essentials—it’s a true upgrade you’ll appreciate every time you hit the road.

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Alternative: Bellroy Card Sleeve

If you prefer a more classic look, the Bellroy Card Sleeve is a fantastic minimalist alternative to the Aviator Slide Wallet. Slim, simple, and crafted from premium leather, it’s designed for travelers who just want the essentials—cards and a few folded bills—without the extra features.

It holds up to eight cards total: one in each of the front and back quick-access slots, plus up to six in the main compartment, which you can access via a handy pull-tab. It doesn’t have storage for coins, but that’s also the appeal: it’s sleek, elegant, and about as low-profile as a wallet gets.

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Orbitkey Multi-Tool v2

Travel has a way of throwing little curveballs at you—a loose screw on your suitcase or a stuck battery cover on your camera gear. That’s where the Orbitkey Multi-Tool v2 earns its place. About the size of a standard key, it slips easily onto a key ring or tucks into a wallet pocket (like the coin tray in the Aviator Slide Wallet mentioned above), so it’s always within reach without adding bulk.

Despite its tiny footprint, it packs nine functions: box cutter, bottle opener, pry bar, flat-head screwdriver, PH2 Phillips-head screwdriver, letter opener, metric ruler, imperial ruler, and a coarse file. None of these are flashy on their own, but together they cover the small, everyday fixes that pop up while traveling.

On my own trips, it’s solved problems I didn’t even realize I’d face—tightening up a pair of sunglasses in Croatia or cracking open a bottle on the beach when there wasn’t an opener in sight. And because it doesn’t have a blade, it’s TSA-friendly, so you don’t risk losing it at airport security.

It’s not a tool that demands attention, but that’s the beauty of it. The Orbitkey Multi-Tool v2 disappears into your setup until the moment you need it—and then you’ll wonder how you traveled without it.

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Alternatives Picks:

Matador ReFraction™ Packable Backpack

One of the biggest challenges when traveling is having a bag that can adapt to whatever the day throws at you. That’s why I always pack the Matador ReFraction™ Packable Backpack. It folds down small enough to disappear into your luggage, yet when you need it, it unfolds into a full-featured daypack that feels surprisingly sturdy.

Made from recycled, weather-resistant materials, the ReFraction doesn’t feel like the flimsy packable bags you might have tried in the past. Padded shoulder straps and multiple compartments keep everything organized, with enough space for essentials like a water bottle, camera, or jacket—perfect for sightseeing, hiking, or daily city adventures.

I’ve pulled mine out countless times: carrying my laptop and gear between cafés while working remotely, holding extra layers while hiking in the Dolomites, or simply having a lightweight daypack for wandering through a new city. When I don’t need it, it compresses back down and slips into my main pack, taking up almost no space.

For me, this bag is all about freedom. It gives you the flexibility of always having a reliable backpack on hand without committing to carrying one everywhere—a small luxury that makes travel so much easier.

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Alternative Picks:

Olight i3E EOS Keychain Flashlight

The Olight i3E EOS proves that a flashlight doesn’t need to be big to be reliable. About the size of a car key and weighing less than half an ounce, it clips onto a key ring or slips into a pocket so discreetly you’ll forget it’s there—until you really need it. Despite the tiny form, it puts out an impressive 90 lumens, more than enough to light up a path or dig through a dark bag. Its anodized aluminum body feels solid in hand and shrugs off drops, rain, and daily wear without issue.

I’ve found it useful in more situations than I expected—navigating dimly lit hostel hallways, unlocking doors late at night, or dealing with a sudden blackout. One evening in Belize, all the power went out while I was having dinner, and this little light turned out to be the difference between fumbling in the dark and carrying on without stress.

It runs on a single AAA battery, which makes it easy to keep powered anywhere in the world, and with no complicated settings, it’s just on or off—exactly what you want in a pinch. Tiny, tough, and dependable, the Olight i3E EOS is the kind of tool you’ll never regret carrying.

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Alternative Picks:

Native Union Voyage 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger

Keeping devices powered on the road can be a headache, and that’s where the Native Union Voyage 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger makes life easier. Compact and foldable, it charges an iPhone and either AirPods or an Apple Watch at the same time, cutting down on the jungle of cables and adapters most of us carry. Advanced Qi-2 charging ensures fast, efficient power delivery, while the magnetic alignment snaps your devices into place so you don’t waste time fiddling.

Unlike other multi-device chargers I’ve tried, this one actually feels built for travel: slim, lightweight, and sturdy enough to handle life in a backpack.

If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, it’s an especially smart upgrade. By consolidating charging into one sleek little unit, it frees up space, reduces clutter, and keeps all your essential devices ready to go—whether you’re hopping between cafés, coworking spaces, or just catching your next flight.

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Alternative Picks:

MOGICS Super Bagel Universal Travel Power Strip

One of the most frustrating parts of traveling is juggling outlets in hotels, airports, or cafés—especially when you’re carrying multiple devices. The MOGICS Super Bagel Universal Travel Power Strip solves that problem in a clever, compact package. Shaped like its namesake, it offers five AC outlets compatible with U.S., U.K., Australian, and European plugs, plus two USB-A and one USB-C port. That’s enough to keep a phone, laptop, camera batteries, and headphones charging all at once, without a mess of adapters.

The real genius is in the design: the universal adapter tucks into the center “hole” of the bagel and pops out when you need it, while the sockets around the outer ring are always ready to use. The included extension cord gives you extra reach in hotel rooms where outlets are inconveniently placed behind furniture (a situation I’ve run into more times than I can count).

I’ve leaned on it most in places where outlets were scarce, like when I shared a tiny hostel dorm with four other travelers and we all had phones and laptops to charge. Having my own compact hub meant I never had to fight for socket space—or worry about leaving gear scattered across the room.

For anyone carrying multiple devices, the Super Bagel isn’t just handy—it’s a genuine stress-saver, and easily one of the smartest pieces of travel tech I’ve added to my kit.

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Alternative Picks:

Aerocrafted Fairing Keychain Stash

For travelers who need to carry daily pills—or for people like me who prefer to keep a bit of emergency cash tucked away (which I highly recommend)—the Aerocrafted Fairing Keychain Stash is a sleek, reliable solution. Machined from aerospace-grade titanium, it’s watertight, virtually indestructible, and built to keep whatever you put inside safe and dry.

Unlike the flimsy aluminum capsules you see online, the Fairing feels purpose-built: precision-machined, featherlight, and designed to last a lifetime. It disappears on your key ring yet adds real peace of mind. Whether it’s a couple of important pills for the day or a rolled banknote for emergencies, you’ll always have them close at hand. It’s one of those small pieces of gear that proves its worth the moment you actually need it.

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Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Water Bottle

No matter if I’m at home or out traveling, I always carry my Hydro Flask with me. The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps water cold for hours (or coffee hot on an early train ride), and the wide mouth makes it easy to refill at airports, cafés, or even straight from a hostel sink.

What I like most is its durability. Unlike cheaper bottles that dent or leak after a few months, the Hydro Flask feels built for a lifetime of travel. I’ve dropped mine on cobblestone streets and stuffed it into overpacked bags, and it’s still going strong. Pair it with a reusable filter bottle on hiking trips, and it becomes even more versatile.

Beyond the practicality, carrying a sturdy, refillable bottle just makes travel smoother—you save money, avoid single-use plastics, and always have water within reach. The Hydro Flask doesn’t try to do anything flashy; it just does its job perfectly, which is why it’s earned a permanent spot in my travel kit.

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Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

If there’s one piece of clothing I never travel without, it’s a lightweight rain jacket—and for me, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L hits the sweet spot. It packs down small enough to disappear into a daypack, but when the skies open up, it’s a true lifesaver. The 3-layer H2No® Performance Standard shell is fully waterproof and breathable, which means it actually keeps you dry without turning into a sweaty sauna.

I’ve used mine everywhere from misty hikes in Iceland to sudden downpours in Southeast Asia, and it’s always delivered. The pit zips come in handy when you’re active, and the hood adjusts snugly enough to stay put in wind. Plus, because it’s Patagonia, you get the added bonus of sustainable materials and long-term repair support—a big plus if you believe in buying once and keeping gear for the long haul.

It’s not the cheapest rain jacket out there, but if you want something that works equally well in the city and on the trail, the Torrentshell 3L is worth the investment.

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Alternative Picks:

Anker Zolo Power Bank

One of the few things that can throw off a travel day is seeing your phone dip into the red when you’re nowhere near an outlet. That’s why I always keep the Anker Zolo Power Bank in my bag. With a 10,000mAh capacity, it holds enough juice to recharge a phone two to three times, and the 30W output is powerful enough to top up tablets or even give a laptop a boost when needed.

Its slim, pocketable design is what makes it a true travel essential. It slips into a backpack or jacket pocket so easily that I barely notice it’s there—until I need it. I’ve relied on it everywhere from long-haul flights with scarce outlets to days of nonstop navigation with Google Maps draining my phone in new cities.

Anker also gets the details right: fast recharging for the bank itself, multiple ports for powering two devices at once, and a solid build that feels dependable rather than disposable. It’s one of those pieces of gear you buy once and then stop worrying about.

For me, this little power bank isn’t just backup—it’s peace of mind. Knowing I won’t be left scrambling for a socket halfway through the day makes traveling so much smoother.

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Apple AirPods Pro

The first thing I reach for when I board a plane isn’t my book or my neck pillow—it’s my AirPods Pro. The new generation takes everything I loved about the earlier versions and refines it: better active noise cancellation, smarter adaptive transparency, and sound quality that makes music and podcasts feel full and detailed, even in noisy environments.

The fit is secure yet comfortable, which means I can wear them for hours without fatigue—whether that’s on a transatlantic flight, a train ride through Europe, or a long work session in a bustling café. And when I do want to stay aware of what’s happening around me, the adaptive transparency mode keeps conversations and announcements clear without overwhelming background noise.

Battery life is another win. With up to 30 hours of total listening time in the case, I can get through multi-day trips without stressing about recharging, and the MagSafe/wireless charging support makes topping them up effortless.

For me, these aren’t just headphones—they’re a way to carve out calm in the middle of chaotic travel days. Whether it’s tuning into a podcast at the airport or just blocking out cabin noise on a red-eye, the AirPods Pro are a permanent fixture in my travel kit.

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Alternative Picks:

Peak Design Packable Tote

The Peak Design Packable Tote is one of those little extras that ends up being surprisingly useful on every trip. It takes up virtually no space in my backpack, but when I need to do a grocery run or haul souvenirs back to the hotel, I just pull it out and instantly have a sturdy 12-liter bag ready to go.

It’s also more eco-friendly than relying on single-use plastic or paper bags, which many places—especially in Europe—charge for. The ripstop nylon construction is tough enough to handle heavy loads, and the zippered top means I don’t have to worry about items spilling out while walking around.

It’s not flashy, but that’s what I like about it. Simple, reliable, and built to last.

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Alternative Picks:

Moleskine Classic Notebook & Bullet Space Pen

For all the apps and digital tools I use, there’s still something irreplaceable about putting pen to paper. A small Moleskine notebook has been part of my travel kit for years—it’s where I jot down trip notes, quick sketches, or just thoughts I don’t want to lose to a forgotten Notes app folder. The hardcover makes it durable enough to survive being tossed around in a backpack, and the elastic band keeps everything tidy.

Paired with it, the Fisher Bullet Space Pen is the perfect writing companion. Closed, it’s barely larger than a key, so it disappears into a pocket or pouch. But when posted, it extends into a full-sized, perfectly balanced pen. Its pressurized ink cartridge writes on almost anything—greasy receipts, damp paper, even upside down—so it never lets me down when I need it most.

This combo isn’t a must-have for every traveler—many people are perfectly fine relying on their phone. But if you’re someone who values the tactile feel of writing things down, or you like having a reliable backup when tech fails, a notebook and a good pen can be surprisingly liberating.

Phone with Travel eSIM

Gone are the days of scrambling to buy a SIM card at the airport or getting hit with outrageous roaming charges. With travel eSIMs, staying connected is as simple as downloading an app and activating a plan.

I use Airalo, which offers affordable data plans in just about every country or region you can think of. You install the eSIM before your trip, and the moment your plane touches down, you’re online—no fumbling with SIM trays or hunting for a kiosk. Need more data? Just top up in the app. For those who want unlimited data in specific destinations, Holafly is another strong option.

Over the years, this has completely changed how I travel. I can keep my regular SIM in place for banking texts and calls, while Airalo handles the data. It saves time, money, and stress—three things every traveler could use a little more of.

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Hand Sanitizer & Tissues

Not everything in your everyday carry has to be high-tech or made of aerospace-grade titanium—sometimes it’s the simple stuff that saves the day. I never travel without a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a pack of tissues, which have doubled as a lifesaver more than once when I’ve run into restrooms without toilet paper (something that happens more often than you’d think).

Depending on where you’re headed, it’s also worth building out a small “comfort kit” of other everyday essentials: lip balm for dry flights, sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny days, or bug spray if you’re venturing into mosquito country. These aren’t items you’ll use every single day, but when you need them, you’ll be glad they’re within reach.