Update: We’ve published a newer guide with more recent product recommendations here.
Even if you’re not a germaphobe, pulling a pen out of the cup at the doctor’s office isn’t exactly something we’d put at the top of our to-do list. Besides helping you avoid the flu, bringing your own everyday carry pen has its benefits.
You’ll never know when you’ll have to leave a note, take down directions, or write an important reminder. Sure, most of us have smartphones that can handle all that. But swiping through menus and app folders while an idea’s still fresh in your mind just isn’t as convenient as picking up a pen. We don’t necessarily mean a fancy luxury pen, either.
All you need is a pen that’s durable, easy to carry, and reliable enough to get the job done. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in our top 10 picks for the best EDC pens available today.
The Best Everyday Carry Pens Available Now
Zebra F-701
EDC pens don’t have to be expensive, and the Zebra F-701 proves it. This all-metal pen is a favorite with readers because of its solid construction and knurled grip. It may look like pens that are many times its price, but the F-701 comes in at right around six bucks.
Fisher Telescoping Space Pen
As an everyday carry pen, The Fisher Telescoping Space Pen doesn’t get the attention it deserves. While it’s often overshadowed by the massively popular Fisher Bullet Pen, the TLP has a few key advantages. It’s around the same size as the Bullet Pen, but instead of a cap (that can be lost or misplaced), the TLP’s body extends to expose the pen. The grip is a little bit wider too, making it more comfortable to write with. And the Telescoping Pen is still a space pen after all. It uses the same write-anywhere refill that Fisher is known for, letting you jot upside down, in the rain, or in space.
Tactile Turn Slider and Glider
Bolt action pens are great for EDC. They’re easy to operate with one hand and don’t have a cap to lose or break. The bolt mechanism is also less likely to accidentally open in your pocket than your standard clicky pen. The all-metal Tactile Turn Slider and Glider pens take several different refills, letting you customize your writing experience. The deep carry clip lets the pen sit nice and low in your pocket, so you’ll hardly notice it’s there.
Pilot G2 Limited
The Pilot G2 is one of the most popular pens out there, and for good reason. It might even be your all-time favorite. You probably already know how its gel ink glides onto the page nice and smooth, leaving a deep, dark line that doesn’t fade as it dries. But the biggest thing holding the Pilot G2 back is its flimsy plastic build. The G2 Limited comes with a premium metal body compared to the standard plastic one, giving you a heftier feel in hand and overall improved durability.
Machine Era Solid Brass Pen
If you like a hefty pen, look no further than the Brass Pen by Machine Era. This heirloom-grade pen is built to last for years. Although it’s heavy, the machined brass is nicely balanced so that it’s both satisfying and comfortable to write with. The pen ships with a Pilot G2 refill to get you writing right out of the box.
BigiDesign Ti Arto
If you’re the type who loves trying out different pens and ink refills, the Ti Arto is the upgrade you’ve always needed. It accepts over 200 different ink refills thanks to its unique clutch design. The insert in the grip securely holds the tip of nearly any pen refill for a seamless writing experience. EDCers will appreciate the titanium construction and sturdy pocket clip.
Karas Kustoms EDK
When one of the most trusted names in machined pens creates something specifically for EDC, it’s hard to ignore. This short rollerball is built like a tank. It’s made from thick metal with precise threads and a stainless steel clip. The Karas Kustoms EDK is available in several combinations of brass, copper, and anodized aluminum for a unique, two-tone look.
Uniball Jetstream
The Uniball Jetstream makes an ideal EDC pen for both lefties and those on the go because of its fast-drying ink. The unique hybrid ink is as smooth as gel, but dries like a ballpoint. Unlike a ballpoint pen, which can blob up with ink, the Jetstream leaves a consistently crisp line on the page.
Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen
The Gerber Impromptu does more than your average pen. It’s a tactical pen, meaning you can also rely on it in an emergency to break glass or for self defense (with proper training, of course), thanks to its tempered steel tip and grippy metal body. It features a click mechanism and Rite in the Rain ballpoint refill that’ll still write even if your notebook gets wet or dirty, which tends to happen in the field. Pick one up in black, flat dark earth, or grey at the link below.
Lamy 2000 Multi-Pen
When we said you don’t need a fancy luxury pen, we meant it. But if you’re looking to splurge on a luxury pen, get one that’s well-designed and fully functional, like the Lamy 2000 Multi-pen. The unique color selection mechanism makes this pen stand out from the rest. Simply rotate the pen so the color you want is facing upwards, and click. It accepts common D1 ink refills, so Zebra Gel Pen and Uniball Jetstream refills will fit with no problem.
Did your favorite EDC pen not make the list? Let us know what it is in the comments below!
