Apple – Connor McCurdy

The Best Everyday Carry in 2026

Connor McCurdy — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 23:06:18 +0000

Products

The Best Everyday Carry Essentials in 2026

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 2026.

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 2026.

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)

Samsung Galaxy Buds

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

Samsung Galaxy 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 2026, 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 2026? Comment down below or send me a message and I will check them out.

The Best iPhone Accessories in 2026

Connor McCurdy — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 06:15:18 +0000

Products

The Best iPhone Accessories in 2026

Your definitive guide to getting the most out of your iPhone.

Last Updated: March 1, 2020

I’ve been using an iPhone since the very first release over a decade ago.

So, I’ve been around the iPhone accessories block a few times.

I meticulously picked through Amazon, other online retailers, and personally used just about all of the products listed to create this guide and I believe it to be the best available.

This guide will continue to be updated as time goes on so it always stays current. Just like the Declaration of Independence, it will be a living, breathing document.

Unless a different retailer is noted, all products listed link to Amazon.

The complete list of all products available on Amazon can be found here.

So without further ado, here’s your definitive guide for the best iPhone accessories in 2026.

1. Apple 18W USB-C Fast Charger & USB-C to Lightning Cable

There are rumors that Apple is finally including one of these chargers in the box with the iPhone 12.

And thank goodness because it’s long overdue.

I don’t think there has ever been an accessory that has changed the way I use my phone like fast charging. Using your phone while plugged becomes a rare occurrence. Getting ready to go out but your battery is running low? Not a problem – a 50% charge is just 30 minutes away.

It is amazing.

Personally, I use the Apple branded charger and cable but there are cheaper alternatives from reputable brands that I’ll link below as well.

18W is the lowest wattage that supports iPhone fast charging (also called “Power Delivery”).

Any USB-C chargers with a higher wattage will work and these can also fast charge iPads and charge up MacBooks.

Apple brand

Apple 18W USB-C Charger

Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable (2m)

Cheaper alternatives

Anker 18W USB-C Charger

Anker 30W 2-Port USB-C and USB Charger

Anker USB-C to Lightning Cable (2m)

2. Apple AirPods

Remember when AirPods first came out and people thought they looked ridiculous? Who’s laughing now.

With very impressive sound quality for their size, simple pairing with all of your iOS devices, and a few upgrades in the recent refresh like wireless charging, these are one of the greatest products Apple has produced to date.

The lack of wires makes it easy to forget they are in your ears and they simply make listening to music a more enjoyable experience.

Seriously, if you have an iPhone, you need these.

Apple AirPods Pro

Apple AirPods (Latest Model)

3. Apple Leather Case

I’ve used several different iPhone cases over the years and for the first time opted for an Apple case with my iPhone XS Max.

I figured I just paid over $1,000 for a phone, what’s $50? As Apple users, we are required, no – predestined, to flex our premium expensive tech to the best of our abilities.

But really, this case immediately impressed me. It has a fantastic feel and the embossed Apple logo nicely ties up the premium aesthetic.

Machined aluminum buttons provide a perfect “clicky” tactile feedback when pressed.

This case can pick up scuffs and scratches if you’re prone to dropping your phone a lot. If that’s you, you might want to check out the Mous Limitless 2.0 below.

Apple Leather Case for:

iPhone XS

iPhone XS Max

iPhone 7 / iPhone 8

iPhone 7 Plus / iPhone 8 Plus

Apple doesn’t offer the leather case for the iPhone XR. However, for something more protective, the Mous Limitless 2.0 case is great for the XR or any other iPhone.

It’s the last case I used and it offers more drop-protection than the leather case. I like the more premium aesthetic of Apple’s leather case but if you need more drop-protection, this is a great option.

Mous Limitless 2.0 Case for iPhone XR

4. Qi Wireless Charger

Apple’s end game is having a completely portless iPhone and the next step towards that is wireless charging (after removing the headphone jack).

Wireless chargers can’t come close to the warp speed that the USB-C power adapters produce.

However, it’s more convenient to have one on your nightstand or desk and have your phone charging up overnight or while working.

I charge with a USB-C cable if I’m in a pinch or I forget to charge my phone overnight and am in need of some quick juice.

Any other time (and always overnight), I’m using my wireless charger.

Wireless chargers are available as stands, pads, and multiple-device chargers. The best of each type are below.

Charging Stands

iOttie iON Wireless Charging Stand – Ash Gray

Aukey Wireless Charging Stand

Bestand Wireless Charging Stand

Charging Pads

PeohZarr Wireless Charging Pad

CHOETECH Wireless Charging Pad

CHOETECH Dual 5-Coil Wireless Charging Pad

Multiple Device Stands

3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand for iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods

Bestand Wireless iPhone and Apple Watch Stand

5. Car USB-C Fast Charger

It’s the year of the fast charger. Why limit yourself to just having that fast charge at home?

I recommend the 2-meter length cable for the home charger, and in my opinion, the shorter 1-meter version is perfect for in the car or on the go.

Anker 42W 2-Port USB-C and USB Car Charger

Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable (1m)

6. Portable Power Bank with Fast Charging & Lightning Input

It’s a fast charging trifecta! Yes, power banks also now support fast charging. Even better yet, portable chargers with lightning inputs are now coming out.

Why does this matter? You now only need one cable to charge both your phone and portable charger.

No more needing an additional cable to charge up your power bank. One USB-C to Lightning cable can do it all.

Aukey 10,000mAh USB-C Power Bank with Lightning Input

Aukey 20,000mAh USB-C Power Bank with Lightning Input

7. Tile Pro

I’m going on my third year using Tile products and I absolutely love them.

Whether you drop your keys somewhere in your car or can’t find your phone around the house, you’ll never have trouble tracking down your everyday items again.

Tile works both ways: you can ring your tile from the phone app or ring your phone by double pressing on the center of your tile.

They have continued to improve with every generation and the latest model finally has a replaceable battery. I highly recommend picking up the Pro version.

Tile Pro with Replaceable Battery

8. Tempered Glass Screen Protector

I am so glad that the days of those terrible plastic screen protectors are behind us. What a time to be alive.

These all now include installation kits that make it a breeze to install and get about as close to a perfect fit possible.

Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector Install Kit (2-pack)

iPhone X / iPhone XS

iPhone XS Max

iPhone XR

Supershieldz Tempered Glass Screen Protector Install Kit (2-pack)

iPhone 7 Plus / iPhone 8 Plus

Honorable Mention: Apple Watch Stand

This Apple Watch stand from Spigen is the perfect accent to your nightstand for charging your watch overnight.

Spigen Aluminum Apple Watch Charging Stand

Summary

That wraps up the current list. I hope this guide serves useful in finding the best iPhone accessories currently available.

Have any suggestions for the best iPhone accessories guide? Comment down below or send me a message.