Asklemmy

Less.

I was the guy with all my keys and fat wallet with all cards and phone + Multitool knife.

Then I got inspired by my sister that travels a lot and tries to optimize for what she REALLY needs.

First I realized that most of my wallet is useless. I started carrying a smaller flip style one with my most used cards and some cash.

Then I reduced my keys to a carabiner with sorted keysets on keyrings, so I carry only the needed ones. Home + bike + cellar for daily use. Home + family keys for vacations. Home for going out. Added a very small key knife and a bottle opener that is part of my daily driver but left when not needed/forbidden.

The current setup is a phonecaee with space for 4 cards and maybe 3-4 bills. And my key setup. Yes you have to remember to take some Special thing. But usually I have my old wallet in my backpack when traveling or when needed.

Sometimes less is more.

A knife. I use mine about once a week.

A Victorinox Manager. It contains a small blade, a bottle opener with a magnetic Phillips screwdriver, a pen, a nail file, scissors and tweezers, all in a very compact form factor.

1. Leatherman. I carry a Wave. Got a Gerber and a couple others, but the original (this replaced my 1st gen) is best.
2. Pen & notepad. Always having your own pen that is kept full, and some paper to write someone a physical note, is an amazing superpower.
3. Face masks. COVID is still a thing, don't be dumb. Also carry hand sanitizer or alcohol wipes.
4. Flashlight. I have a small tube 9-LED that's usually in there, but also a 1-LED watch battery thing for the keychain, and I've got a few more around here. Yes your phone has a flash that can be kept on, but it burns battery, and is often awkward. Having light whenever is magic.
5. Switchblade, survival knife, folding knife, etc. Defensive uses, but also heavier utility knife than the Leatherman.
6. Pepper spray, derringer, etc. if you live in a dangerous area.
7. Survival kit. This is more of a backpack item. Get a tiny survival, first aid, etc. kit, there's a million uses for having some cord, bandages, shiny foil blanket, etc.
8. Cigarette lighter or box of matches. Even if you don't smoke, being able to make fire is another magic skill. I keep this with the survival kit.
9. Headphones, I have slightly-better-than-earbuds tucked in my coat. Noisy annoying people just stop being a problem.

And then my phone, keys, wallet, shades. Yes, I buy clothes with a lot of pockets.

I always carry a pepper spray with me just in case!

Victorinox knife; FIDO2 key with USB-A, USB-C and NFC; small USB-A to USB-C cable with magnetic cable tie thingy

Edit: I regularly throw in a bootable Linux drive, too

I was gifted a tiny refillable keychain lighter. I didn't think I needed it at first but it's turned out invaluable to always have some fire handy. I don't smoke so I don't normally have a lighter with me otherwise.

Like this: https://sdjsports.com/products/true-utility-firestash-mini-tool

Is there a reason to carry both some kind of lighter and a bottle opener? A bic does both…

I keep CarMex on my keychain

My kit:

• pocket knife
• flashlight
• wallet
• folding phone stand
• phone
• earbuds
• pen (with a cap, not a clicky)
• sharpie
• breath mints
• 4' multi-end charging cable
• thumb drive
• lightning > 3.5mm (aux)
• USBC > 3.5mm
• bandaids
• OTC drugs (Advil, Tylenol, Aleve, Benadryl, lactase (I'm lactose intolerant))

Everything on that list was added because I needed it and didn't have it on multiple occasions. There have been plenty of other things that I would love to carry, but found too bulky to justify.

A note to everyone recommending condoms: they do expire, and can wear through if carried in an environment with friction (wallet, pocket, etc). I prefer to play it safe and make a stop at a drug store should the need arise.