The Most Popular EDC Gear in 2020

The Aurora A2 is one of the brand's earlier models that packs a ton of functionality in one of the smallest possible packages. It comes with a Nichia 219C emitter, rare for a light of this size, able to output an eye-pleasing 350 lumens from its compact, stainless steel shell. You don't need to worry about replacing its batteries either thanks to the built-in micro USB charging slot that plays well with modern chargers and plugs. Finally, a large lanyard slot makes it easy to stow the A2 onto your keychain, belt loop, or other gear.

Despite being a slim piece of metal able to fit and--for the most part--offer leverage when it comes to certain tasks, your knife is better off not being a full-time pry bar. Sure, it worked that one time, but a chipped knife is a reprofiling headache not worth repeating. Instead, we're looking at a tool more apt for the job, the TwoSun Titanium Prybar. It's exactly what it describes, a TC4 titanium, 5.5" long, 0.3" thick pry tool with a slotted edge, letting you work both nails and narrow spaces alike. The edge also comes scored with a vertical pattern, offering a texture that gives its pry face more purchase and traction. The tool also makes the most of its body by adding functions where it can, like a bottle-opening slot towards the edge and 3 hex sizes punched into the body.

Using a tactical pen for EDC means you’re always ready to write anywhere and to handle emergency situations as they arise. Using a tactical marker like the Cold Steel Pocket Shark ensures you’re doubly so. This large black marker weighs 1.7 ounces and is 6.5" overall when closed and 0.87" thick, making it easy to grip. The high-impact polymer material, made of a glass-reinforced plastic called Grivory (also used as knife handle scales), is built up four times thicker than ordinary markers, ensuring that this pen will survive whatever you throw at it. The cap features a clip for keeping it in your pocket or attached to your gear, and is screwed-on so that it doesn’t get lost or accidentally pop off when the Pocket Shark is in use.

While a set of trauma shears might not be the kind of tool you'd initially picture when you think of a Leatherman, they can be an essential part of an emergency services personnel's carry, first aid kit, or in emergency bag. Some of our readers even vouch for its everyday functionality as well for tasks around the house or outdoors. That's because the Raptor offers a unique toolset in its 420HC stainless steel medical shears, ring cutter, oxygen wrench, rescue hook/seatbelt cutter, and carbide glass breaker tip. These US-made shears also collapse down to a compact 5" length and come equipped with a pocket clip for ease of carry. For easier access and quicker deployment, you can also carry the Raptor in its open configuration with Leatherman's included polymer holster for a belt or PALS webbing.

Victorinox's Alox line gives you the robustness of their 3.6” multi-tools while drastically reducing their weight thanks to embossed aluminum scales with anodic oxidation. What you lose in handle-based tools like tweezers and toothpicks, you gain in sleekness that make them ideal for everyday carry. Among the Alox Swiss Army Knives, the Pioneer X is unique thanks to its pair of scissors, adding much-needed utility when a blade isn't the perfect tool for the job. With 8 other tools it's a perfect pocketable multi-tool to add to any EDC.

The CRKT Squid keeps on trending on our gear charts as one of the brand’s bestselling small pocket folders. It was designed by knifemaker Lucas Burnley, known for clean and classic lines in models like the Sketch or the more recently released Tuna. CRKT’s secret to the Squid is getting its key features—size, weight, and price—"just right." The short 2.16" blade has a useful and wide drop-point shape with enough belly to make it both a capable piercer and slicer. At 3.48" closed and weighing 3.5 ounces, the knife is small and light enough to take everywhere, whether in your pocket or pack. While it may be small in the hand, grooves on the blade spine and a finger cutout in the all-steel handle help you with grip and control during use. The low-profile pocket clip leaves a small corner of the knife visible in the pocket, while the steel backspacer features a lanyard hole that you can use to attach a lanyard or cordage.

Carrying your small everyday essentials in an organized way while avoiding pocket jangle and minimizing discomfort are some of the problems that EDCers look to solve on their way to perfecting their daily carry. Fortunately, there are products like the Orbitkey key organizer that allow you to keep your keys—and some optional accessories—handy, compact, silent, and pocket-friendly. This simple yet elegant solution involves the use of a tough and weather-resistant polymer TPU strap to sandwich up to seven of your keys, held by a screw-down mechanism. Aside from your keys, there are various add-on accessories that you can fit into the Orbitkey system, from mirrors and multi-tools to GPS trackers and USB drives. The strap keeps everything snug and silent while preventing your keys from scratching other things you keep in your pockets.

Benchmade designed the Bugout from the ground up to be a lightweight, full-sized everyday carry beast of a knife. To get to just 1.85 ounces in weight, Benchmade turned to ultralight yet durable Grivory scales. The Bugout also sports a 3.24” long, premium CPM-S30V steel drop-point blade with a keen full flat ground edge. With a blade like that, you'll be ready to take on all challengers with it in hand. And whether you're on an outdoor trail or in an urban environment, you'll appreciate the solid lock-up Benchmade's included AXIS lock provides. The combination of features combined with Benchmade build quality add up to a knife well worth adding to your EDC, and sits to no one's surprise at third place in 2020's charts.

This pen sitting at #2 for 2020 needs no introduction. Zebra’s F-701 is an all-metal clicky pen with a knurled grip, rigid steel body, and strong pocket clip. The click mechanism is nice and quiet to operate and demands a firm press--excellent if you don’t want it opening accidentally in your pocket. The stepped tip of the pen is designed to stay out of the way while you’re writing so you can get a clear view of what’s going onto the page. Inside, there’s a Zebra ballpoint refill that lays down a 0.8 mm line with ease. In the past, the F-701 was not made entirely of metal, so people would mod their pens with the click mechanism and hardware from the F-401 model. The F-701 is extremely popular and is carried by students, businessmen, EMTs, and more. It has universal appeal, and for good reason.

Simple and elegant lines, great flipping action, and features that belong to more expensive models elevate the CIVIVI Elementum above other knives and dominate the sub-$100 category for 2020. This 6.99" long pocket flipper features a 2.96" hollow ground drop point blade, which clears the 3" legal restriction in many places. A simple but effective flipper tab makes for swift deployment, and locking liners keep the blade in place during use. There are lots of options for handle scales, from grippy G-10 to organic Micarta and even lightweight carbon fiber. A deep carry clip completes the package, and lets you carry this gent’s folder discreetly. At 4.03" closed and around 3 ounces—depending on handle materials—the Elementum disappears in your pocket until you need it. Carbon fiber scales and a Damascus steel blade set this particular version apart from other configurations, creating a distinct aesthetic for this limited edition run, but there are plenty of premium variants including an S35VN blade option for collectors and enthusiasts alike.