Accessories may sometimes come across as sidekicks to larger EDC or travel pieces. But they’re often the little superheroes behind the scenes. Successfully tackling organization challenges. Protecting your gear from the elements. Making your travels easier in myriad ways. And much more. Our Best Accessory finalists cater to a variety of needs, all doing a top-notch job in their own right. But which one shines just that little bit brighter? Cast your vote below.
VOTING CLOSED
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bullbird BR2 Travel Pillow
Travel can be a pain, literally. Uncomfortable seating positions often result in minimal rest. But the BR2 Travel Pillow is designed to change that. An updated version of bullbird’s BullRest that welcomes a variety of improvements such as better suspension, better ergonomics, softer memory foam for improved comfort, and a redesigned profile to accommodate more people. Plus it comes with an integrated strap to secure it in place. bullbird worked with medical engineers to design the BR2 so it supports your skull and aligns your neck and spine. And it’s compact enough to easily store in a carry-on bag until needed.
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Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Mini
Many organizer cases are bulky in design, taking up a lot of room in your bag. But Thule’s Subterra PowerShuttle Mini takes a different approach, offering a slim and sleek design that’s easy to store in a bag without taking up much space. The slim design is also handy for stashing in airplane seat pockets so travel essentials remain easily accessible. The case provides a variety of pockets and elastic loops to store small items tidily. And with its clamshell opening you can easily reach items throughout the case.
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Matador FlatPak™ Toiletry Bottle
Even in miniature sizes, toiletry bottles can be finicky to pack and hog a lot of space in your toiletry kit. And once they’re empty, you still have their bulk to deal with on your return trip if you want to reuse them. But Matador have created a nifty alternative with their FlatPak™ Toiletry Bottle. Designed for minimalist and ultralight travel, it weighs just 11.5 grams, with a 3oz (90ml) volume. Made with welded Cordura® with a proprietary coating, the waterproof design accommodates a variety of liquids, gels and pastes, from shampoo to toothpaste and more. And it shrinks as you use up the contents, helping reduce packing bulk as your trip progresses.
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Distil Union Ferris System
Searching for misplaced EDC essentials can be a time-consuming affair. But Distil Union created the Ferris system as a convenient means to organize EDC gear and store it neatly out of the way until required. The modular, magnetic system includes a choice of accessories ranging from the KeyLoop and KeyFolio to the ModWallet. The accessories allow you to easily customize your carry setup to changing needs, accepting smaller or larger loads as you take out or add in items. The accessories incorporate a magnetic locking mechanism called MagLock that supports 5 lbs in weight, so in addition to quick access to gear you don’t need to worry about weak connections on the go. Plus with the Ferris ModStation you get a handy catch-all storage space to keep your EDC tidy yet accessible.
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Massdrop x Intern Series 1 Pockets & Packets
After successfully completing the challenge to design, pattern and sew an entirely new product every day for 30 days straight, from modular duffels to backpacks and more, it’s safe to say the Techwear Intern likes to create. And since that challenge, he’s teamed up with Massdrop (now Drop) to create the Series 1 range of pockets and packets as part of the Modular Adaptive Carry Standard (MACS) system. The system features modular pouches that come in a variety of sizes to accommodate a range of gear. They can be used individually or in a variety of configurations to suit changing gear setups. And they’re made with durable, weatherproof X-Pac fabric in a way that creates little to no raw materials waste.
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YETI SideKick Dry™ Waterproof Case
Want to keep valuables safe from the elements? The YETI SideKick Dry™ Waterproof Case is designed to do just that. Made with a durable, waterproof DryHide™ shell, RF-welded seams and a powerful magnetic HydroShield™ closure, this waterproof case is a trusty sidekick for water-based activities such as fishing, kayaking, boat trips and more. Not to mention a handy helper in travel environments when snow or rain strikes.
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Revelar Workshop Cubepacks
Packing cubes are great for organizing your travel gear. But they don’t do much beyond sitting in your luggage. So Revelar Workshop took on the challenge of creating more functional, versatile packing cubes. And they nailed it with their Cubepack range. Small, medium and large compression packing cubes that can transform into a sling pack/waist pack, shoulder bag and backpack respectively. So now you can organize gear during your journey, while having a range of day bags at the ready for exploring at your destination. Allowing you to pack less yet do more with your travel gear.
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Peak Design Tech Pouch
Plenty of pouches out there are simply black holes of carry chaos. But Peak Design takes a considered approach to organization with the Tech Pouch. Instead of a single sack-like compartment, the pouch offers a selection of origami-inspired pockets that make good use of the internal space while allowing you to easily see items at a glance and quickly access what you need without having to rummage through a jumbled mess. The pouch also opens wide for easier access, with convenient carry handles and a weatherproof build crafted with 100% recycled 200D nylon.
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Magpul DAKA™ Window Document Pouch
Want to be able to read a map or operate a touchscreen device in pouring rain while protecting the item from the elements? Magpul comes to the rescue with their DAKA™ Window Document Pouch. This tough, weatherproof pouch is made in the USA with slip-resistant polymer fabric, welded seams, a YKK AquaGuard zipper and a translucent TPU panel. So your gear stays safe and dry while allowing you to easily read documents or maps or use a touchscreen device stored inside.
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Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Collection
A truly waterproof storage solution for everything from travel toiletries and wallet contents, to small electronics and cables? Meet the Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Collection of packing cubes and pouches, which all feature an industry game changer. The Nite Ize TRU Zip waterproof zipper. A toothless, truly waterproof zipper that’s silent to use, glides smoothly and is self-healing. This highly innovative zipper features across the collection’s toiletry bag, wallet, pouches and packing cubes, giving you a variety of trusty waterproof storage options for everyday, outdoor and travel carry needs.
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Outlier Experiment 156 Supermarine Doublebag
Want an easy way to separate clean clothes from dirty laundry on your travels? Or to keep wet gear away from dry gear? Outlier’s Supermarine Doublebag is up to the task, with a two-in-one design that offers two separate compartments for storing gear. One side is made from water-resistant yet breathable Supermarine Cotton, while the other is made from mil-spec poly mesh. And a handy feature is that one side grows as the other shrinks, allowing you to easily accommodate increasing dirty laundry on your trip.
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NOMAD Rugged Case
AirPods can be fragile little creatures. But NOMAD’s Rugged Case keeps them handsomely protected when you’re on the move. Crafted with premium Horween leather, the two-piece design snugly holds the AirPods and delivers scratch and drop protection. A fine addition to your EDC or travel setup, this suave piece will also develop a unique patina over time to tell the story of your journeys together.
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Pelican G40 Personal Utility Go Case
Sometimes you simply need that added peace of mind that valuables will be protected against the elements and impacts. And that kind of solid protection is what the G40 Personal Utility Go Case provides. Waterproof, dustproof, crushproof and backed by a lifetime guarantee, the case has an IP67 rating, rubberized bumpers and an impact-proof ABS outer shell. The case has a removable tray with card slots and is a useful go-to solution for protecting items such as your phone, cash, credit cards, keys, cables and more whether you’re enjoying a day at the beach, tackling whitewater rapids, zipping through airports or commuting to work.
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Bellroy Classic Pouch
Timeless in style, functional in design, and versatile enough to straddle the EDC/travel divide, Bellroy’s Classic Pouch is a great way to corral smaller carry items. The wide opening and choice of interior pockets grant easy access to items, while the compact and chic design suits work and play settings alike. And it collapses down compactly for easy travel packing too. Add in the durable construction featuring sustainably produced fabric and environmentally certified leather, and you’ve got a worthy addition to your daily or travel setup.
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Outlery Pocket-Sized Reusable Cutlery & Chopsticks
Want to do away with utilizing single-use plastic cutlery? Outlery has an elegant carry-friendly solution at the ready. Their reusable cutlery and chopsticks fit inside a pocket-friendly tin, making them easy to carry around daily so they’re always on hand if you need them. The cutlery is made from stainless steel that’s durable and easy to clean. Functional and versatile for everyday, outdoor and travel use, they’re not only a stylish and practical tool but a step in the right direction for sustainability too.
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DSPTCH Utility Strap
Being able to store bulky, wet or quick-access items on the exterior of your bag is handy in a variety of situations. And the DSPTCH Utility Strap is a simple and effective tool to help you do that. The strap includes a Fidlock connector for quick access and reattachment and can be secured to a variety of bags as a convenient external carry option.
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Matador Transit30 2.0
Packable bags can leave a lot to be desired. But the Matador Transit30 2.0 duffel delivers a functional, weatherproof carry companion that weighs just 5oz. The duffel is made with weatherproof 30D Cordura ripstop nylon, sealed seams and water-resistant zippers. And it stores down compactly in a detachable rolltop storage bag, so you can stash it conveniently in your luggage or a day bag to keep you prepped when extra carry space is required.
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PakHook
When you have a bag you love, it deserves better than being stuffed at the bottom of a cupboard until needed. And PakHook gives it the attention it merits. The hook has been designed to store and display bags and is handmade in the USA with 5052 aluminum. The 60lb hanging weight capacity comfortably supports even full bags, while the base allows handles to lie flat to avoid unnecessary tension.
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Aer Go Pack
A packable daypack that offers urban-ready functionality, understated style and useful organization? Aer’s Go Pack ticks all the boxes, demonstrating that packable carry doesn’t have to sacrifice enticing form and function. The pack is made from lightweight, water-resistant 300D Cordura ripstop and features a quick-access front pocket secured with a Fidlock magnetic fastener and a zippered main compartment. A range of pockets are on hand to organize everyday or travel essentials too. All in a design that rolls up or packs flat for easy storage.
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Gerber ComplEAT
When you’re outdoors for an extended period of time, you want to keep carry weight and bulk down. But you also want the ability to prep for meal times. The Gerber ComplEAT provides a thoughtful space-saving alternative to bulky outdoor dining utensils. A fork, spoon, spatula, and multi-tool that can be stored together in a compact nesting form for easier transport. Plus you can snap them together to create handy tongs. And coming in at just 2.3oz for all four components, the ComplEAT won’t weigh you down either.
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