The Essential Urban EDC List For An Easier Life

Real talk – life in the city moves fast. Jobs, appointments, kickbacks, classes, and so on. The schedule almost always seems packed! With all those obligations, no doubt you crave an easier flow sometimes.

Well, sometimes, having it easier doesn’t entail changing everything that’s happening around you. It could be as easy as having your everyday carry items easily accessible.

For the city dweller, those must-have items vary based on lifestyle. But we’ll be dropping a few EDC essentials that make the urban grind a little smoother.

Gear up right and you’ll be walking the streets with ease!

1. Portable power bank

In this world where a dead phone battery can feel like being stranded on a desert island, a portable power bank ought to be one of your staple carry everyday items. And we’re not saying that lightly.

Statista shows that in 2022, people spent an average of four and a half hours on the phones. Mark you, this didn’t include talking time. The report further estimates that in 2024, the time spent will increase by nine more minutes.

So, imagine you’re out exploring the city, taking photos, using maps, maybe playing some tunes, and your phone’s battery starts to run low. No panic! Just whip out your power bank, and you’re back in action. This is one important item to always have in your EDC bag.

2. Smart wallet

According to a study by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, 28% of payments made in the US in 2021 were made by credit cards. This shows that these items are most likely a key part of your day-to-day living, too.

That being said, how you carry and store one could go a long way in protecting your finances. That’s why a smart wallet is a great idea. It helps keep your cards and cash neatly organized, which is a godsend in itself. 

But many come with RFID-blocking technology. It protects your cards from those sneaky digital thieves who can steal your information wirelessly. Plus, some smart wallets even come with trackers, so you can find them using your phone if they ever get lost. 

It’s a way to carry your essentials while adding a layer of security and peace of mind.

3. Water bottle with filter

You’re out and about in the city, and you’re getting thirsty. Instead of buying a plastic water bottle (not great for the environment, right?), you have your own stylish, reusable bottle. Many people are taking these bottles up to help protect the environment.

But here’s the cool part: it’s got a built-in filter. So, you can refill it from any tap and the filter takes care of any nasties in the water. Plus, staying hydrated is key to feeling great throughout your busy day.

4. Compact umbrella

You know how it is in the city – one minute it’s sunny, and the next, you’re caught in a downpour. That’s where the compact umbrella comes in. When the clouds gather, just pop it open and you’re good to go.

And it’s sturdy too, so it won’t turn inside out with the first gust of wind. No more getting drenched on the way to meetings or while running errands!

5. Noise-canceling earbuds/headphones

City life is loud, right? Between the traffic, construction, and the general hustle and bustle, most cities can be aptly described as “decibhells.”

Matter of fact, data from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) shows that one in five citizens in the European Union suffer the effects of noise pollution. Not only that. It also leads to the premature loss of about 12000 lives each year.

So, since making changes to the cityscape in a day may be well out of your scope, noise-canceling earbuds or headphones can go a long way. 

Whether you’re listening to your favorite tunes, catching up on a podcast, or taking a call, these little wonders help you focus and enjoy what you’re listening to without all that background noise. Plus, they’re a lifesaver for commutes on noisy trains or buses.

6. Key organizer with multi-function tools

Okay, so we’ve all been there – rummaging through our bags for keys, right? A key organizer changes the game. Not only does it keep your keys neatly sorted (no more jingling or scratching stuff in your bag), but it also has some handy built-in tools.

Need to open a bottle? Check. Tighten a loose screw? Got it. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference in keeping things streamlined and efficient in your day-to-day city life.

In closing

And there you have it! A few key EDC gadgets that’ll make big city life mad convenient. However, feel free to inject your own ideas into the list to customize your EDC and match your flow.

So, look at your situation and go for items that you feel will make the most difference. This is one cool way to make your life a whole lot easier.

Members of the editorial and news staff of Mediaite were not involved in the creation of this content.

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