What’s In My EDC Tech Kit 2026
Let’s get into what I think is the best minimalist EDC tech kit for your run of the mill office worker (Sadly raises hand). Learn to leave out what you don’t really need!
My EDC Tech Kit 2026 Introduction
Everyday carry is one of those funny things. It’s typically wicked personal to the individual, but everyone is also wicked interested to see everyone else’s set up. It’s entertaining actually, and is one of those things that always gets you new ideas.
I’m not exactly an everyday digital nomad warrior. My stuff is based on traveling to an office, having a mix of connector needs due to work issued equipment, and I am mostly in an office or a hotel if I’m traveling with my wife. So, look at the gear here with that lens.
Keep an eye out for my Travel Tech Kit 2026 as well, which I’ll publish as a followup and link here once done. (Yes I have a separate kit for travel so I don’t need to swap things back and forth and it prevents me from forgetting things when I return home, or leave for a trip).
Also be sure to check out my full Wish List of travel accessories on the Always Wander Travel Items List.
For full transparency, all of the items on this list were purchased by me, and I have just honed this down over the years to what I really need or might need. Nothing more, nothing too fanatical in terms of “minimalism” or trimming down to a MacGuyver style kit of two soldering pins to make wires and spinning magnets to create a current for charging my phone but nothing else. None of that. This is tech for convenience and most needs, just not overboard. I do use affiliate links to help keep this site going, but you’re under no obligation to use those. Let’s get into it!
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The Tech Pouch
Admittedly, I change tech pouches A LOT. For the past year, I’ve settled on a fairly unique one so I won’t really expect most people to track this one down. I’ll provide alternatives in that case that I’ve loved in the past. I use a Porter Yoshida pouch/convertible sling. This brand is amazing, and I love the material and orange lining they always use. I picked this up in Tokyo and it was a limited edition. So if you’re over there, check them out, but I wouldn’t go nuts breaking your budget trying to find them in the West. Previous pouches I used for a long time were the Aer Slim Pouch, Evergoods .5L in Orange, and the Alpaka Elements Tech Pouch in hot orange. Also the Pioneer Carry Global pouch. (This thing rocks and is my travel tech pouch). All recommended.
The Cables
OK this is where you can really trim things down. I always carry three in this pouch. One Apple USB-C cable. One Anker, braided and long USB-C cable that works for reach and also is high powered for computers. Lastly, I also have a Google USB-C cable - no reason, other than I had it in my collection and I know it’s a good quality. I no longer search for the cheapest USB-C cables and stick to the name brand. Not always, but you OFTEN get what you pay for on cables.
The Wall Chargers
OK. I go through these things way more often than I should. If there’s one thing I’m always trying to optimize, it’s these. This is another one that I’ve found really gives you what you pay for and when I’ve tried the odd-name, low priced ones I would get some really alarming performance in terms of heat. Like one was ridiculously hot when I plugged in my Macbook Air (AIR, mind you, not Pro). So I got rid of that and settled on two. I used flat, slim styled 65w chargers as that’s more than I’d ever really need for wattage. The first is a Ruidun which is a brand I know nothing about but I bought for the form factor. I have no issues with it. The other that I would recommend is a slim, 65w GaN plug from Ugreen. This is a brand that is as reliable as Anker in my mind. I use this one in my travel kit, too. Can highly recommend this one. Again, that’s it. These are slim, none blocky, so they fit well into the pouch without adding bulk. They don’t always stay in an airplane socket, but that’s usually because those sockets are so worn out you couldn’t get a 2x4 to be tight in the holes either.
The Adaptors
This is where I like to nerd out a little and have some fun. Some of these might be overkill, but they cover every scenario I need. In-Charge multi adapter: This is a really nicely made item. Has USB A, 2 USB C, and a Lightning adapter. The magnets keep it together and compact so it saves space. This is good for plugging into a laptop when you need to charge things. It’s very short, so not convenient when you need a longer cable.
USB-A to USB-C adapter: Cheap and straight forward. In case I’m somewhere that only has USB-A like some hotels, I can use this to adapt my USB-C cables.
USB-C to USB-C female adapter: I’ll be honest I rarely use this little thing, but it’s helpful for attaching two USB-C cables together for more length, or for attaching an actual cable to the In-Charge multi adapter.
USB-C to Lightning adapter: This plugs onto the USB-C cable on one end, and turns it into a Lightning adapter. The reason I have this is because my Wife’s AirPods are still the old case, and my work phone still uses the Lightning adapter. It’s a pain having those two items, but this thing makes it a non-issue.
Bonus Items Solely For Work
OK I do keep two items strictly for work - that’s the new Macbook Air wall charger because it’s frankly smaller than the old ones and also has an extra USB-C out on it. The second is a very handy Baseus retractable USB-C cable (not pictured) that handles up to 100w. Baseus is a solid brand that I have been using for a long time with various charging and battery related accessories. I had this for my older, Intel Macbook Pro. That said, I keep it due to the space saving nature. It’s flat so it slides into any slot in your bag’s admin panel.
Lastly, I have my old pair of AirPods Pro that I keep in the pouch, just in case my main set dies or I forget it at home. I often can’t find a call room at work and if I have no earpods, I’m screwed. These fit fine. Not pictured.
Final Thoughts On My EDC Tech Kit in 2026
Yes. That’s it. No power banks. No monster USB hubs. It’s my belief that those act no differently than over packers that pack “just in case” items and over do it. For most folks. Clearly this is job specific and there are people that need bigger connection items and what not, let’s not turn into the internet Gotcha Police here. Of course there are exceptions. But for MOST people - they don’t need all the junk they carry. And more so - they can make their stuff SMALLER. Replace those bulky bricks with GaN chargers and it’s night and day.
This kit also allows me to have enough items for both me AND my wife if she needs a plug and cable while she’s dealing with clients for a full day. Or for her bedside table to charge overnight in a hotel.
So my task for you - see what YOU can do to trim down your kit. Think about the items you bring, what you can leave behind, what you can consolidate, and what might allow you to do that simply by picking up one of those tiny adapters above (rather than a Lightning cable, and micro USB cable, and another cable, and another, etc.). It really allows you to get a smaller pouch and saves on weight!
And as always, remember to wander more, and wander smarter. Thanks folks.
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