Bellroy All-Conditions Card Pocket

Read More

In the ceaseless hunt for the perfect wallet, I veered from the treacherous shores of disappointment, ditching the chintzy allure of Chum’s Surfshort for the rugged promise of Bellboy’s All-Conditions Card Pocket. A leap from one end of the spectrum to the other, one might say, but such is the nature of this odyssey.

Bellboy, known for their meticulous craftsmanship, didn’t disappoint in the construction of this zippered marvel. With its aquaguard zipper and pre-molded structure, it’s a fortress for your cards, cash, and keys, boasting two card slots and a pocket with a built-in key loop. On paper, it ticks all the boxes for functionality and sleek design.

Yet, as I delved deeper, I found myself at odds with Bellboy’s polished aesthetic. It exuded an air of propriety that clashed with my wilder sensibilities. It lacked that spark of personality, that rugged charm I crave in my gear. It felt as though it rolled off an assembly line, pristine and perfect, devoid of the human touch that gives an item soul.

And the battle with the aquaguard zipper? A relentless skirmish, a daily struggle against the forces of waterproofing. While it may suffice for occasional card access, the constant jousting for my keys left me weary, longing for a more intuitive solution.

In the end, Bellboy’s creation stands as a testament to quality and functionality, but it’s not the companion for my journey. The search presses on, fueled by a relentless quest for that elusive blend of form, function, and untamed spirit.

More details here.

Chums Surfshorts Wallet

Read More

My current wallet stands as a testament to modern craftsmanship – the Matter Bifold by Pioneer Carry. Constructed from a material that straddles the line between refinement and ruggedness, it’s weathered five years with the grace of a seasoned veteran, still boasting a sheen that defies its age.

However, winds of change have blown my way. The daily driver car I now pilot demands a minimalist approach to my carry. With my car’s keys now integrated into my phone, my once bustling key organizer finds itself with only two companions. Thus, the call for consolidation echoes through my mind.

In pursuit of this elusive amalgamation, I embarked on a quest for a wallet that could house not only my cards and cash but also these lone keys. A minimalistic marvel with a key ring or organizer within easy reach became the Holy Grail of my search. Yet, such treasures prove scarce in the realm of consumer goods.

Enter my first acquisition in this odyssey: the Chums Surfshort Wallet. A relic of adolescent design, its origins in China lend it a craftsmanship of middling quality. Yet, despite these shortcomings, its design exudes a magnetic allure that has garnered a fervent following.

Compact in size, it belies its capacity, accommodating up to 15 cards and a bounty of bills. But what truly sets it apart is its exterior key ring and dedicated pocket, a godsend for my pared-down carry needs.

Indeed, the Surfshort Wallet checks all the boxes, save for one. For when I draw it forth from my pocket, a sense of youthful nostalgia washes over me, reminiscent of family vacations long past. It makes me feel like a 12 year old again… and not in a great way. So, the hunt continues… But at only $12, it’s hard not to reccomend this offering from Chums.

Details.

Memobento

Read More

A system of nesting modular lunch boxes for meal preparation. Never has a lunch box been so dope.

Details.

Liquid Wallet

Read More

I am on the hunt for a slim wallet that also features a Key organizer for two keys. Surprisingly, there aren’t a lot out there, but I did find this. Ordered… and will report back.

Details.

Anker Solid X1

Read More

Whole home energy backup with an expanding ecosystem of modules… This system is pretty dope. I especially like the fact that the modules are only 5.9″ deep and are wall mountable.

Details here.

cote&ciel

Read More

Another day, another bag… I’m in love with the way this bag handles variable loads. Gives it a space suit vibe of sorts.

Details.

The Cargo Works EDC Backpack

Read More

Cargo Works is tiny bag company that makes bags and sleeves aimed towards the Mac user. I’ve used their sleeves on my MacBooks and iPads for years and they are unbeatable in both utility and build quality. Great prices too…

Anyway, they recently dropped a new EDC backpack and it looks to be pretty damned great.

Check it out.

Nanuk 935

Read More

If you need a hard case carryon but don’t want to spend $1000, this is your best option. For just over $200, you get a bag that is more durable than any fancy aluminum job and only a tad bit heavier. I’ve been traveling with mine for a bout a year now and it’s pretty damned hard to beat. Fits GoRuck packing cubes fine.

Details.