Top 15 Affordable EDC Gear Options Under $35

Must-Have EDC Gear Under $35: Affordable Tools for Your Everyday Carry Kit

In today’s fast-paced world, having reliable EDC gear (Everyday Carry gear) is essential. From unexpected challenges to daily tasks, the right tools ensure you’re always prepared. But what if you’re on a budget? Do you need to spend a fortune to build an effective EDC kit?

The good news is, you can customize your everyday carry to suit your needs without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll discuss budget-friendly EDC gear that costs under $35. Whether you’re new to the EDC world or looking to upgrade your kit, we’ve got you covered with affordable essentials that pack a punch.

The Essential EDC Gear for Beginners

When building your EDC kit, focus on items that are versatile, durable, and practical. Whether you're preparing for emergencies or handling daily tasks, these tools are must-haves.

1. EDC Knives

A good knife is an essential piece of EDC gear. It serves multiple purposes, from cutting rope to self-defense. Here are some affordable yet reliable options for your everyday carry:

Opinel No.7

The Opinel No.7 stands out with its beechwood handle, giving it a unique look compared to the more tactical designs out there. Despite its elegant design, the Sandvik Stainless Steel blade is durable and effective. It’s small, lightweight, and perfect for carrying in your pocket.
Price: Under $20

CRKT Squid

The CRKT Squid is another fantastic budget-friendly knife, equipped with a clip for easy pocket carry. Its 2.16-inch blade is compact yet versatile, offering easy one-handed deployment with a thumb stud.
Price: Under $25

Gerber Gear Prybrid Utility Knife

Gerber is known for producing top-quality EDC gear, and their Prybrid Utility Knife is no exception. This knife functions like a box cutter, but also includes 8 other tools such as a pry bar and wire stripper, making it one of the most useful knives for any EDC kit.
Price: Under $35

Kershaw Shuffle

The Kershaw Shuffle offers an ergonomic grip and a clip for secure carry, similar to the CRKT Squid. With its compact size and robust construction, it’s ideal for everyday use.
Price: Under $25

2. EDC Pens

A pen might not be the first item you think of for your EDC gear, but it’s highly useful for both practical and tactical situations. Here are some great options:

Fisher Space Pen 400 Series

The Fisher Space Pen is incredibly compact, weighing less than an ounce, and measures just 3.75 inches when closed. It’s a reliable pen designed to write in extreme conditions, from underwater to outer space.
Price: Under $25

Rite in the Rain All-Weather Durable Clicker Pen

This pen is built to perform in all weather conditions, just like its companion notebook. It’s waterproof and can write even in the rain or underwater, making it an excellent addition to your EDC gear for emergencies.
Price: Under $20

3. EDC Notebooks

A notebook is an underrated yet essential part of any EDC kit. In critical situations, the ability to take notes or leave messages can be invaluable. Here are two options that won’t let you down: Field Notes Book Ignition

The Field Notes Book Ignition is sleek and designed to fit easily into your pocket or bag. Its waterproof cover ensures your notes stay protected, even in bad weather.
Price: Under $15

Rite in the Rain Pocket Top Spiral

As the name suggests, this Rite in the Rain notebook is completely waterproof, making it perfect for jotting down important details, even in harsh conditions.

Price: Under $10

4. EDC Flashlights

Being prepared for power outages or dark environments is crucial. Having a reliable flashlight in your EDC gear ensures that you’ll never be left in the dark. Here are some affordable options:

Lumintop EDC01 Keychain Flashlight

This small yet powerful flashlight comes with a carabiner, so you can easily attach it to your keys. Producing 120 lumens of light, it’s perfect for navigating dark areas.
Price: Under $20

OLIGHT® I3T EOS 180

Offering 180 lumens and a convenient pocket clip, the Olight I3T EOS is an excellent step up in brightness from the Lumintop.
Price: Under $30 Streamlight MicroStream LED Pen Flashlight

Weighing just over an ounce, this Streamlight flashlight is incredibly lightweight and versatile. It can be used as a handheld flashlight or clipped onto a hat for hands-free illumination.
Price: Under $25

5. EDC Multi-Tools

When you need more than a knife but don’t want to carry a full toolkit, a multi-tool is the perfect addition to your EDC gear. These tools offer multiple functions in one compact design.

Axwell Mission Multi-Tool Card

This Axwell Mission Multi-Tool Card is designed to fit right inside your Axwell Wallet. It offers over 20 different tools, from a screwdriver to a bottle opener, all packed into a sleek, wallet-sized card.
Price: Under $35

Gerber Shard Keychain Tool

The Gerber Shard is simple yet highly functional. It includes a small pry bar, wire stripper, and bottle opener, making it a versatile tool for your keychain.
Price: Under $10

Geekey Multi-Tool

The Geekey Multi-Tool is designed to look like a regular key, but it packs 16 different functions. It’s discreet and durable, making it an excellent addition to your EDC gear.
Price: Under $25

Gerber Gear Dime Mini Multi-Tool Keychain

The Gerber Dime Mini Multi-Tool includes pliers, scissors, a knife, and much more. It’s compact enough to carry on your keychain or in your pocket, making it a versatile option for everyday use.
Price: Under $20