Being prepared for any situation life throws at you isn’t just a smart move your dad taught you, it’s a way of life. The Every Day Carry, or EDC, community is prevalent all over the globe. We’re obsessed with gadgets, pocket knives, flashlights, multi-tools – anything we can stuff into pockets to tackle problems on the fly. The never-ending rotation of tools and gear always presents one question. How do you carry them?
Today I’m looking at EDC pouches. These are sometimes referred to as EDC Organizers or bags. Specifically, we’re reviewing the Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer. Despite the size, there is plenty to dive into here. To see the final verdict, keep reading.
What is an EDC Organizer anyway?
If the name doesn’t give it away, an EDC Organizer is simply a small bag. Typically it has a zipper closure to store and carry your pocket knives, flashlights, multi-tools, and more. They can be save lives. Literally. Many people arrange their EDC organizer depending on what they do most or the type of environment they live or work in. You could have an EDC pouch for the car with simple tools for roadside emergencies, an EDC bag for a day out in the field or camping, or a gadget-oriented bag that you take into the city when you need electronic devices secure.
Most EDC organizers have a few elastic slots, a zipper pocket, and different sized spaces to accommodate various types of tools and gadgets. They should be able to carry 3 tools to cover the basics, at the very least. This could be a pocket knife, a flashlight, and a pen. For others it might be a multi-tool, a headlight, and a portable battery.
Lastly, the fun part is deciding what to fill yours with. It’s easy to rotate tools in and out so this part is up to you. If you’re like me, you might swap out tools or gear when you’re in the field vs when you’re heading to work.
Maxpedition has a great reputation in this category line. They also offer different sizes and styles for various uses and tools. I opted for the ‘Micro’ size option. Let’s at what makes a great EDC pouch and how the Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer fits into each aspect. It all comes down to the following 5 attributes:
- Size
- Accessibility
- Tool slots
- Durability
- Price
Size matters
The first thing you want to decide on is the size of the EDC pouch. Most people have in mind a specific use case. It might be an organizer to keep in the car, one you need to fit in a pocket, or simply an EDC pouch that you want in the house that can store most, if not all, of your Every Day Carry tools. The largest would be the latter. The middle size might be a pouch to keep in the car. Lastly, a pocket EDC organizer is typically the smallest.
For me, I set out to find an EDC organizer that could fit in my pocket on a hike, but still hold enough tools so I’m not limited to only two. At 5.5″ tall, 3.5″ wide, and 1″ deep I knew I was in the right ballpark for what I was looking for. Most of my EDC tools are under that height, so it would be a matter of their varying widths that would determine how many I could fit. At the very least, I wanted to be able to carry a quality flashlight, a pocket knife, and a multi-tool.
Every scenario is different
This size would cover me in most situations. I knew having a flashlight, a quality blade, scissors, sturdy pliers, and a corkscrew most of the time would ease my mind.
The Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer is just about the perfect fit at this size. I can fit it into my coat pockets. It fits into the chest pocket of the Relwen Windzip Jacket (typically used as a tech pocket). The pouch slides into my smaller pockets of backpacks and sling bags, and even shoved into my rear jeans pockets if needed.
Maxpedition offers a next size up in the Mini Pocket Organizer. The Mini comes in a half inch both taller and wider. I’m sure that doesn’t seem like much, but when we’re talking about centimeters of a difference in real estate, pockets quickly become too small. I think for me, the size of the Micro is just right.
Access to EDC Tools is Key
If you can’t get to your tools, what good are they? Very little. Furthermore, having an EDC pouch that provides quick and easy access can be crucial. Not every situation is an emergency, but in the same way you keep a fire extinguisher in the house (which you certainly should be) an EDC tool can be a lifesaving item at the drop of a hat.
A flashlight during a blackout, a knife to cut a rope if you’re tangled somewhere dangerous, maybe you keep an extra mag for your sidearm in there – the possibilities are endless. But time isn’t endless. Emergencies aren’t anticipated or planned, if you need to solve a Rubik’s Cube just to open an EDC pouch it can be a problem when you are looking for a solution.
The Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer is simple. It has a clean, smooth zipper all the way around it, opening completely flat. Some other pouches open up on the top only, like a mini dopp kit would. This can be beneficial for some, but for me I prefer a lay-flat pouch when open that displays everything. I have yet to have the zipper get stuck, catch a thread, or operate any way but as expected. No complaints there.
Organization is a huge part of accessibility
An EDC organizer also needs to be…you guessed it…organized. This pouch has 3 elastic slots on one side, and two larger slots on the other. These elastic holders keep various items secured while visibly displayed. I like this design a lot. Again, it’s not ground breaking and it isn’t rocket science. But it’s practical, simple, and effective. Just what I’m looking for.
There are also two pockets on the interior, one on each side. Lastly, a mesh elastic pocket is on the outside for quick access. Items like cash, tickets, or other small things you need quick access to without opening the pack fit. I’m actually able to fit my slim wallet in there. Naturally, this turns out to be a great spot for it as often I’m able to slide a credit card out of the wallet without removing the wallet from the pouch.
EDC Tool Options
Aside from size, the various ways that brands assemble the pockets and slots for tools is one of the more wide-ranging aspects of an EDC pouch. Some pouches have a lot of small slots for mini tools, others have 2-4 pockets for somewhat bulkier items. Of course, many pouches have a combination of the two. There isn’t a ‘right’ way to do this. Again, it all comes down to what you need it for and what tools you plan on filling it with.
The Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer has 3 thin elastic slots in front of one pocket on the left interior side. On the right side it has two slightly larger slots in front of another pocket. Additionally, the front of the organizer has a mesh, elastic pocket for easy access to items without opening the pouch itself.
Admittedly, most days I fill it as follows. A pocket knife, my key organizer, a pen, in the 3 left slots and a credit card sized multi tool in the pocket behind those. The right side has my flashlight, and a multi-tool in the elastic slots with the pocket containing an AirTag and some over-the-counter medications for on-the-go pain relief. Many times I use the exterior pocket to hold my wallet.
Of course, there are times where I slide in a phone charger, a larger single blade pocket knife, some Paracord, extra camera batteries, a lighter, and much more. It all depends on the day and where I’m going. The key is that there are so many combinations to fill this EDC pouch with gear. It’s truly comforting knowing that wherever I go I can have the essentials to cover me in emergencies or slight inconveniences.
EDC Pouch Durability
I won’t dive too deep into the rabbit hole of materials that other brands use. Although, what I will talk about here is how this EDC pouch is just plain tough. Nylon is the only material listed for the product. The nylon is definitely durable. It’s not too thick that it won’t bend and adjust to different tool arrangements. It’s a thick enough nylon to provide protection that has so far prevented scratches, tears, and any wear.
The zipper is smooth and doesn’t require heavy pulling. Furthermore, It doesn’t get stuck or have any threading in the way to stop the zipper from closing and opening. The elastic in the slots holds things in secure but hasn’t become stretched and loose after about 8 months of use. I’m very satisfied with the quality of this construction and wouldn’t change a thing.
Price
The Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer was about $19 when I purchased via Amazon and still is today. Other options on the market are anywhere from $13 to as high as $40+. This EDC pouch is right in the middle of the pack, even slightly below the median, and for me it’s justified.
I don’t see any signs that would make me think this thing should be cheaper. And I don’t feel like I’ve overpaid. Moreover, often times EDC tools that are twice to three times as expensive as the pouch itself need to be protected. Protecting these tools for $19 is more than worth it.
You could lose the pouch itself too. And it is a perfect reason to again highlight that I keep an AirTag in here at all times. Technically, when my wallet is in the pouch there are two AirTags in the overall organizer since I have one in my wallet as well. Double the tracking!
Bonus features
Lastly, I’d feel this review would be incomplete if I didn’t mention a few ancillary features as well. I love the color, it’s a nice khaki, almost forest green. It goes well with most of my bags and gear and has a great look to it. There’s also the hand strap that allows you to hang it from a tree branch, on a hook, or attach a carabiner which can then be attached to a larger backpack etc. This addition can prove useful.
Overall
This is an ideal EDC organizer for most people when taking into account the five aspect and bonus features above. Anyone heading into the woods, on hikes, into the city or needing to throw it into a backpack will get a lot of use out of it. If you like carrying your knives, flashlights, and other multi-tools but don’t want them loosely thrown into a bag or multiple pockets this pouch is a great addition to your gear.
I haven’t felt like I am missing anything while carrying this pouch. Go out and get an EDC pouch if you don’t have one already. You will be happy if you have the Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer.
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