Organizing and storing your EDC gear is just as important as picking out the best items. We picked out and reviewed a selection of the best EDC pouches and EDC pocket organizers to help you find the one that fits your style and needs.
The 8 Best EDC Pouches and Pocket Organizers
You’ll find a wide variety of EDC pouches and tactical packs with a wide selection of features for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a compact pouch, hiking pack, day trip bag, tech kit, or something to pocket carry, you’ll find something useful on this list of the best EDC pouches and pocket organizers.
1. Aer Cable Kit 2
The Aer Cable Kit 2 is a stylish little pouch that packs many useful features a smart internal organization into a compact, easy-to-stow package. It leans hard into organizational support with three dedicated mesh pocket incorporating webbing and dedicated spots for critical items.
What we love most about the Aer Cable Kit 2 is its versatility and accessibility. The quick-access front pocket is great for keeping frequently needed items right at hand while the top zip pocket offers a soft lining and protective padding that helps keep valuable electronics or other things safe.
The main internal pockets are some of the best we’ve seen on an EDC pouch organizer. It has a clamshell design and incorporates multiple webbed pockets and even a pair of bungeed cable slots (that also fit a compact flashlight or pocket knife very well) to keep everything you need for your day perfectly organized.
Specifications
- Capacity: 1.8L
- Weight: 11.2 oz / 317.5 g
- Material: 1680D Cordura Ballistic Nylon
Multiple pockets and padded protection to keep your accessories organized in or out of your main bag. 840D nylon face with a durable, weather-resistant, carbonate polyurethane coating. YKK® zippers and Duraflex® hardware. Dual compartments for spacious storage. Interior pockets and organizers for smart organization. Soft lined device pocket. Quick-access back pocket. Convenient carry handle.
2. Magpul DAKA Takeout Pouch
Magpul is best known for their range of tactical products and shooting sports gear, but in the DAKA pouch they’ve developed a seriously capable EDC pouch. It’s made from high-tech polymer-infused textiles with RD welded seams and a YKK Aqua Guard zipper to provide a tough, highly water-resistant pouch that can keep all of your essential items safe.
The styling of the Magpul DAKA pouch is stripped down and all business. It has a single 3.5L pocket accessible through a zippered opening and a double buckle system to give you easy ways to attach it to your bag or act as a reinforced closure when needed.
The combination of high-end materials and sleek, minimalist styling make the Magpul DAKA one of our favorite options for general-purpose everyday carry use. What’s even more surprising is how approachable the price is. The DAKA comes in at barely more than half the price of our number one pick.
Specifications
- Capacity: 3.5L
- Weight: 5.6 oz / 160 g
- Material: Polymer Infused Textile
Perfect as a range bag, gear bag, tool pouch, etc. Rugged and durable construction methods and materials mean its durable in hard-use applications, yet stylish. Easily access your gear through the full-length zipper. Release the quick release buckles for a bigger opening. Buckles double as handles for easy transportation. Water-resistance keeps your items dry.
3. Travelon Tech Accessory Organizer
If organizing cables, plugs, ports, and other tech accessories is your main goal, the Travelon Tech Accessory Organizer is one of the best tech pouches and cleanest organizational pouches we’ve ever seen. Its innovative and efficient design solves the problem of keeping your cords and tech gear safe and organized far better than most we’ve reviewed.
The Tech Accessory Organizer most resembles an old-fashioned tool roll. It’s made up of three zippered/bungeed mesh pocket sections that fold together and buckle securely closed. The design made it incredibly easy to organize your gear by type, device, or any other way you need and made for a smaller overall footprint inside your bag.
Specifications
- Capacity: N/A
- Weight: 2.4 oz / 68 g
- Material: 190T Ripstop Nylon
Keep your laptop, tablet and smart phone accessories organized with 2 zippered and 1 flap close pockets that keep mouse, cords, adapters and USB devices secure. Pack flat or fold for compact travel and storage. Adjustable closure strap with side release buckle. Lightweight, water- and stain-resistant ripstop.
4. Osprey Ultralight Zip Organizer
The Osprey Ultralight Zip Organizer is an innovative pouch that combines some of the best features of storage pouches and traditional fold-out Dopp kits. It opens up in a clamshell configuration to multiple internal pockets. It is designed to allow you to easily hang it up to access everything you have stored inside.
Each side of the pouch has a main zippered pocket for organizing your gear, plus it includes a removable see-through pouch for quick access to high-use goods. We give it our top rating for frequent flyers and others flying or traveling as it can double as both an EDC pouch and a Dopp kit to minimize wasted space and maximize efficiency.
Specifications
- Capacity: 2.65L
- Weight: 4.2 oz / 119.1 g
- Material: 40D Nylon Ripstop
A removable see through pouch allows small items to be seen so it is not necessary to dig around in the pouch. A multiple pocketing system ensures dedicated space for certain items. Hanging clip loop allows the organizer to hang from bathroom hooks or tree branches. Four interior zipper pockets and two slip pockets. One exterior zipper pocket.
5. Hitch & Timber Card Caddy + Wallet
The Hitch & Timber Card Caddy + Wallet is a classically stylish pocket organizer made from high-quality American leather. Each one is handcrafted in the U.S.A. and offers a way to comfortably carry and organize a pocket knife, a pen, a few cards, other basic everyday items.
It lacks the gee-whiz features, capacity, and space-age materials of some of the other pocket organizers on our list, but makes up for it in pure panache. We’ll be blunt here: Plenty of pocket organizers offer better features or greater capacity, but few can match the Hitch & Timber Card Caddy in style.
Specifications
- Capacity: 1-6 Cards / Small Pocket Knife / Fisher Space Pen (Or similar)
- Weight: 4 oz
- Material: American Leather
An EDC utility wallet, built as the best option to keep your everyday carry organized and accessible. Keep your knife & tools protected in this American made leather wallet. Handcrafted leather made to order. Fits 1-6 cards, 1 small pocket knife, and 1 Fisher Bullet Space Pen or pen of similar size. Dimensions in inches: 2 3/4" x 4 1/4."
6. Condor Pocket Pouch
Condor makes a ton of high-quality, affordable tactical and shooting sports gear, so it makes sense that they’d also offer one of the best EDC pocket organizers out there. The Condor Pocket Pouch is undeniably tactical looking, offering simple internal organization with MOLLE compatible webbing and heavy-duty nylon construction, but it also an excellent organizer pouch without too much bulk.
It’s sized to fit into a jacket or cargo pocket rather than a standard pant pocket. On the inside there are slots for pens, knives, flashlights, and anything else of a similar size plus two larger slots, a main bungeed pocket, and a pair of clip-on straps for keys and other such small kit.
Given its very reasonable price compared to similar pocket organizers we highly recommend it if you’re looking for more of a substance over style EDC.
Specifications
- Capacity: N/A
- Weight: 4.9 oz / 140 g
- Material: Ballistic Nylon
Color matched USA flag patch. Three internal pockets. Fold-out Vinyl sleeve. MOLLE compatible. Overall dimensions: 7.25"H x 5"W x 1.5"D.
7. Urban EDC Supply Pocket Caddy
Another stylish leather pocket organizer, the Urban EDC Supply Pocket Caddy combines the features of a classic leather wallet with space for essential EDC gear. It’s handmade from various colors of leather and offers space for a surprising variety of gear.
There are two slots designed for a pocket knife and pen, but flip it around and there’s a generous tab that lets you slip bills or cards in securely. The main body of the Pocket Caddy has space for a small Field Notes notebook or even your passport if you’re traveling.
It’s definitely on the pricey side for a pocket organizer, but if you’re looking to replace your wallet while also better organizing your daily carry it’s a good option.
Specifications
- Capacity: Small Pocket Knife / Pen / Passport or Notebook / up to 4 cards
- Material: Handstitched Leather
Can carry most folding knives, flashlights, pens, passport, Field Notes sized notebook, writing tools, folded bills, cards, and receipts. Strong and supple full-grain Dublin leather from Horween Leather Company. Overall dimensions: 5.75" length, 4" width. Slot widths: 1.6" left, 2.3" right. 30-day guarantee.
8. Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer
Maxpedition is well known for producing quality gear at a very affordable price. The Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer hits the sweet spot in terms of size, price, organizational support and ability to pocket carry. It’s the perfect size for someone who doesn’t carry bulkier items or needs extra space.
It’s just a bit smaller than the Condor Organizer above, but that allows it to fit easily inside standard pants pockets even when pretty well filled up. The clamshell design combined with the common-sense organizational features makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for without a fuss.
Specifications
- Capacity: Under 1 L
- Weight: 1.6 oz / 45.4 g
- Material: 800D Ballistic Nylon
Main compartment: 3.5"(L) x 1"(W) x 5.5"(H). Fits the iPhone 6. 800-Denier water and abrasion resistant light-weight ballistic nylon fabric. Teflon fabric protector for grime resistance and easy maintenance. Triple polyurethane coated for water resistance.
What to Consider When Buying an EDC Pouch or Pocket Organizer
EDC pouches are one of those rare pieces of kit that have almost universal appeal. If you regularly carry around just about anything, you can probably benefit from having a solid pouch with exterior pockets and internal pockets to help organize it.
Let’s face it, everyone reading this has a phone. That means you’re packing at least a charger and cables plus all the little extras that go with EDC. For the writers and editors like we here at Gearscape, we’re seldom without our laptops.
That means we need a charger, a mouse, flash drives, portable hard drives, SD cards, and all kinds of other peripherals and “that’ll come in handy” little bits of gear every day. Keeping them organized without a pouch or dedicated tech organization with ease of access is a nightmare.
EDC pouches for tradesman
If you work in the trades, you’ve probably got plenty of essential little tools, measuring devices, gloves, notepads, and pens that you need constantly. The best EDC pouches and pocket organizers offer the perfect blend of high-quality materials, ample space, and convenience to keep you organized. An EDC pouch is one of the best and most affordable investments you can make to improve your organization and minimize stress generally.
A pocket organizer is similarly broad in its appeal. As a prepared individual, a flashlight, pocket knife, pen/pencil, keys, and a wallet doesn’t sound like a lot, but it can feel that way if it’s loose in your pocket. A pocket organizer helps wrangle that essential everyday gear into a single easy-to-access piece of equipment you can quickly pull out when needed and tuck away when not.
How to Choose the Best EDC Pouches and EDC Pocket Organizers
We’ve given you our list of the best EDC pouches and the best EDC pocket organizers, but at some point you’ll need to choose your own. Before you start examing external pockets, elastic straps, paracord zippers, exterior materials, and organizational features, read this quick guide on choosing the best EDC pouches.
Purpose of your EDC pouch
You should carefully consider what role it will play for you before you compare different EDC pouches. The best EDC pouch for holding cables, peripherals, and SD cards is significantly different than the best one for carrying a spare magazine, flashlight, first aid supplies, and gloves.
If you want it to act as an EDC pocket organizer, you eliminate some of the very best packable organizers are MOLLE-compatible pouches. Remember what you plan to carry and how you plan to carry it (backpack, suitcase, sling, pocket) as you consider different options.
Capacity
Pouches come in a variety of sizes and extra layers. Some have lots of space, but the largest EDC pouches aren’t always the best. More often than not, you want a pouch that hits the Goldilocks zone and fits your EDC like a glove.
Think about what you need to carry daily, anything you occasionally carry, and anything you might want to leave space for. An excellent way to figure out what capacity EDC pouch you need is to put the things you need to hold together on a table so you can visualize just the right amount of space.
For pocket organizers, the capacity is secondary to convenience. They’re primarily to keep your keys and other basic stuff organized in your pocket so they’re pretty small.
If your organizational needs are serious, consider upgrading to a full backpack. Check out our review of the Nomatic backpack for a great option. It offers lots of cargo space, convenient access, plenty of storage and organization, heavy duty zippers, and other practical features. It’s also made from awesome materials.
Organizational support
Sometimes all you need is an open pouch that closes tight and is big enough to hold your stuff. If you’re someone who prefers a more “place for everything, everything in its place” kind of lifestyle having dedicated organizational tools such as slots, sleeves, zippered closures, and special-fit spots for pens, knives, mouses, and other miscellaneous stuff is the way to go.
Check out the internal and external organizational features of pouches you’re considering and think about how your stuff would fit into them. We’re always fans of a “general things” section of any storage solution, but being able to organize your EDC effectively can be great.
Durability
Durability is a critical quality of EDC pouches. They’re storage and organizational tools you carry every day, so they need to be durable enough to get the job done reliably.
That doesn’t mean you need to go for a ballistic nylon fabric with kevlar reinforcement, but you should consider what conditions you’ll carry it in and how long you want it to last. If you’re looking for a pouch you can take into the backcountry holding essential gear, you should go for a durable pouch that’s more rugged than if you need to store your pens, pencils, and other everyday essentials on your daily commute.
To maximize durability look at the type of material used, how the seams are joined (stitched, glued, RF welded), and what kind of hardware they use. RF welded seams are commonly found on highly water-resistant gear and have excellent durability. However, plain old-fashioned stitches on a heavy-duty fabric can still give them a run for their money.
Water resistance
Whether or not you need water resistance depends on what you’re carrying, how you’re carrying it, and what conditions you expect to face. If you’re traveling internationally with high-end electronics or other valuables and expect to do a lot of walking, a water-proof EDC pouch isn’t a bad idea. The same goes if you’re looking for a pouch you can take out into the backcountry or on the water.
For those looking for a solid, attractively styled EDC pouch good to toss in your daily backpack and take to work water resistance is a “nice to have,” but not an essential feature.
Material and style
There are a lot of seriously rough and ready military-inspired pouches available. We’re talking heavy-duty canvas, high-denier nylons, and double-stitched seams with PALS webbing in colors such as OD green that wouldn’t seem out of place in a combat zone.
Those are some great, durable, and seriously functional pouches. Still, they don’t fit everyone’s style and often have way too much tactical functionality and not enough day-to-day usefulness to be the best fit.
Those with a different focus and aesthetic for their EDC can look at pouches made from high-end leather, brightly colored synthetics, and even some seriously state-of-the-art hiking fabrics usually found in top-quality packs and coats.
Best EDC Pouches and Pocket Organizers Final Thoughts
Organizing your EDC gear is an essential part of keeping yourself prepared at all times. You should always keep your wallet, keys, phone, and other essentials close at hand. This list of the best EDC pouches and EDC pocket organizers that will fit any lifestyle and budget.
