The Best Everyday Carry Essentials in 2024
Your definitive guide on the items that you won’t leave home without.
Last Updated: January 8, 2023
Everyone has those items that they carry with them all the time.
You do the 3-pocket-tap when leaving the house: phone, wallet, keys.
I searched through Amazon and carried out extensive product research to create a guide with the goal of making your experience with these everyday essentials a little bit better.
This page will continue to be updated as time goes on so it always stays current.
Unless a different retailer is noted, all products listed link to Amazon.
The complete list of all products available from Amazon can be found here.
So without further ado, here’s your definitive guide for the best everyday carry essentials in 2024.
1. Backpack
Versatility reigns supreme as the most important feature that I look for when choosing a backpack.
I want the flexibility to use a backpack for work, quick trips, or travel.
I did a significant amount of research on different products and brands currently available and in my opinion, Aer makes a few different backpacks that could be in the running for the best backpack of 2024.
Aer Travel Pack
Aer Duffel Pack
Aer Tech Pack
All three of these Aer backpacks feature premium materials such as top of the line YKK zippers. The Aer Travel Pack comes in as the largest with a capacity of 33L. The Duffel Pack has a capacity of 25L and the Tech Pack holds the least out of the bunch with a 22L capacity.
I want space available in my backpacks to have the flexibility for using them for weekend trips or longer travel. For that reason, if I had to pick one, I am partial to the Travel Pack and Duffel Pack. I’d have trouble picking between the two but I like the form factor of the Duffel Pack so that would probably be my choice.
The Tech Pack is perfect as a backpack focused on work and everyday carry. It’s main difference from the other 2 options is more water-resistance in the zippers and materials used. Although all three should be fine in that regard unless you are unfortunate enough to get yourself caught in a hurricane.
Aer makes some of the highest quality backpacks available that are the ideal combinations of form, function, and price.
2. Handmade Leather Wallet
Honestly, Etsy is cool. It’s my go-to destination for finding the best wallets.
It’s nice to get a handmade product from an artisan who knows their craft. I bought a handmade leather cardholder from Etsy several years ago and I still use it to this day. It’s held up remarkably well and it even came with custom engraving of my initials.
If you’re just too ingrained in the Amazon ecosystem to venture away from it, the wallet from Herschel Supply Co. is another good option.
Handmade Leather Wallets and Cardholders [Etsy]
Herschel Supply Co. RFID Blocking Wallet
3. Apple AirPods or Samsung Galaxy Buds
AirPods have experienced a meteoric rise since their release. They are one of the best products Apple has made to date.
They simply make listening to your music a more enjoyable experience.
If you own an iPhone, AirPods rank near the top as a must-have accessory.
Samsung’s counterpart, the Samsung Galaxy Buds, are also praised for many of the same reasons that AirPods have been. If you have an Android-powered device, it makes sense to opt for the Galaxy Buds over the AirPods.
Apple AirPods (Latest Model)
4. Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch
When I leave the house, 95% of the time I’m wearing my Apple Watch. No better smart watch option exists for iPhone owners.
If you own a different device outside of an iPhone, you have more options – but the Samsung Galaxy Watch is widely considered the best smartwatch for other devices.
Apple Watch
5. Portable Charger
The ability to recharge with USB-C or lightning cables hurdles this Aukey portable charger above the competition as the best portable charger.
With enough power to fast charge all of the latest phones, the smaller 10,000mAh capacity can quickly recharge phones 2-3x before running out of battery. Double that for the 20,0000mAh capacity.
Aukey 10,000mAh USB-C Power Bank with Lightning Input
Aukey 20,000mAh USB-C Power Bank with Lightning Input
6. Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife
It’s 2024, I shouldn’t have to rip open my dozens of Amazon packages like some primitive neanderthal.
This little guy looks like the Kylie Jenner of pocket knives and will slice open any box with the efficiency that a modern human can appreciate.
Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife (Stainless Steel)
7. Tile Pro
I’ve been using Tile products for a few years and I’m a huge fan.
Can’t find your keys? Simply open the app on your phone and a sound can be played for you to track it down.
What about if you can’t find your phone? That’s the beauty of Tile – it works both ways. You can double press the center of your Tile device to ring your phone.
The latest version includes a replaceable battery which fixes the only downside that Tile ever had. When the battery died, you had to order a new one.
The replaceable battery really makes it a near perfect device and must-have addition to a key ring.
Tile Pro with Replaceable Battery
8. Key Organizer
Securely holding up to 14 keys, this aircraft grade aluminum key holder prevents keys from jingling and makes it effortless to always find the right key.
Aluminum Key Organizer
9. Titanium Multi-tool
The HandyKee comes in clutch when you least expect it to (or maybe when you definitely do expect it to, when it comes to the bottle opener).
Handling over 10 everyday uses, this titanium multi-tool looks great and will definitely come in handy.
HandyKee Titanium Multi-tool
10. Water Bottle
The YETI Rambler consists of premium materials that allow it to last for years. A double-walled stainless steel interior keeps drinks (and ice) cold for hours.
YETI Rambler 26oz Stainless Steel Bottle
11. Sunglasses
One thing that I and many of my friends have learned the hard way:
Don’t buy expensive sunglasses.
Sunglasses are too easily lost and broken and for that reason I do not mind buying them cheap.
I’ve used ZeroUV several times to buy great looking sunglasses for around $10 each. They have every design you could possibly think of.
ZeroUV.com
12. Notebook
It’s always a good idea to have a notebook for writing notes or mapping out ideas. I keep a written to-do list next to my computer so it’s always in front of me.
This hardcover notebook from Lemome looks fantastic and makes a perfect journal.
Lemome Thick Classic Notebook
13. Pens
I’ve used the Pilot G2 Pens for years now and they never let me down. I love having good pens around and these are the best pens you can get for a reasonable price.
Pilot G2 Retractable Premium Pens
14. Handmade Leather Valet Tray
Now that you have this great stuff, you need a great place to put it all.
This handmade leather valet tray from Etsy creates the perfect place to throw all of your everyday items.
Leather Valet Tray [Etsy]
Summary
I hope this guide assists in finding the best everyday carry items currently available.
Have any suggestions for the best everyday carry essentials in 2024? Comment down below or send me a message and I will check them out.