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The Best Tech Pouches and Organizers to EDC 2022
Delve into some of the best tech pouches and organizers to carry every day…
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who open up their bag, briefcase, or sling to find an abominable maelstrom of pens, chargers, flashlights and sundry loose items, and those who use pouches to carefully organize their lives and bags. We assume, dear readers of Carryology, that you have chosen the moral high ground and are the second kind of person.
Thus, we will not waste time convincing you that you NEED more organization in your life. Rather we will guide you in choosing the correct pouch, organizer, or Dopp kit that fulfills your wildest OCD and EDC fantasies.
But first, here are some things to consider in your search for the best tech pouches.
Use Case
When hunting down the best tech pouches for your EDC, you should always start with three questions: What are you carrying, how are you going to use it, and what’s important to you?
To answer the opening question, we recommend placing all of your EDC on a flat surface to take stock (pro tip: if you haven’t used something in a month, then it might be time for at-home storage; there’s no need to be weighed down). Once you get a fix on how much you need to carry, and what array of shapes and sizes you need to pack, you’ll be one step closer to pinpointing the size and shape of the best tech pouches for your setup.
Now, how are you going to use it… do you need it for your tech cables, medicine, or pencils? Will you need it as a quick grab at the office or something that acts more like a tray for continuous pillaging over the day – illustrators, we’re talking to you!
Does your favorite everyday bag have a cavernous wide space to store a thick pouch, or do you need a slim-figured zip-up to fit into a smaller side pocket? Or will you need MOLLE / PALS attachments on the back panel to snugly attach your pouch to your tactical pack, high up and out of crush zones?
And lastly, what’s important? Do you want added protection to fend off bumps and drops? Or waterproofing to keep the wet out? Or quick access to your essentials at all times? So, let’s dig into this stuff a little deeper…
Level of Organization
While many companies make some version of a simple and cheap(er) pouch to throw little knicks and knacks inside, these can quickly become unwieldy and disorganized. On the other hand, some pouches can be overly specific with their layouts, meaning if you don’t carry EXACTLY what the manufacturer intended, your loadout might not work well in the pre-measured spaces provided in these highly organized Dopps. Again, knowing what you want to carry and finding the right balance is key when determining the best tech pouches for your needs.
Durability
Most of us probably don’t need to worry if our items are protected from a 100-foot fall or can be submerged underwater for an hour, but having a bit of water resistance or padding can add peace of mind when riding your bike home in the middle of a storm or if somebody accidentally spills a Big Gulp on you in the subway. Many of the best tech pouches already offer a bit of protection just inherently by adding an extra layer of fabric, but if you want to go the extra mile, you might also have to take a bit of a weight or size penalty.
Weight and Size
If all you want to do is organize the four ballpoint pens you bring with you to work every day, you probably don’t need an organizer that also fits a laptop sleeve. However, if you’re carrying a mobile office, or traveling to a client, you might want to have a bit more on hand. While shaving a few grams with materials like Dyneema can be a cool touch to your EDC, be prepared to pay for that weight saving with your wallet.
Versatility and Adaptability
Some of us are focused (or obsessed) enough to have a pouch for every application. While I’m a huge fan of having my “Hiking First Aid” always set aside for a quick grab and go, and my “Tech Pouch” ready to be thrown into whatever bag I decide to carry that day, it’s sometimes nice to have a vessel (or two) that can be customized to whatever I need. Today it might be “Taking the dogs for a walk in the hills” and tomorrow it might be “I’m running late so here’s a bunch of stuff I need”. Having the ability to change your loadout without having to buy a new bit of gear can be priceless.
…Although we won’t fault you for wanting to buy a new bit of gear…
Price Point
Sometimes you need to pay a premium to get what you want, but other times you can get by with a bit of a budget kit that suits your needs perfectly. The best tech pouches below range from $25 to $80 so you’re guaranteed to find something that fits your needs and your wallet.
So, keeping in mind all of the things above, we’ve hand-picked a few (or more) of the best tech pouches, travel organizers, and Dopp kits to really scratch that EDC itch.
Best in Show
EVERGOODS Civic Access Pouch 2L ($75)
The good folks at EVERGOODS always seem to knock it out of the park with their packs, and their first foray into accessories was no exception. While the design works best with one of their own home-grown packs, it seems to work in almost every bag I own. The immense amount of thought that went into the design and manufacture alone makes it worth giving it a look in person.
Pros
Excellent, imaginative design
Adaptable to many different kinds of carry
Cons
Doesn’t fit all bags, works best in EVERGOODS
Best Build Quality
ORBITGear MOD-01 “THE CUBE” ($78)
Hailing from Jakarta, ORBITGEAR is a techwear brand that gives you a crazy amount of craftsmanship for your money. The MOD-01 is meant to integrate into a plethora of their other bags and slings, but can be carried on its own as a small sling or be used separately as an organization accessory. This is a solidly constructed piece of kit that can take a beating and the mix of highly technical fabrics and construction makes it a piece worth drooling over.
Pros
Will probably outlast you
Techwear is cool right now
Cons
Sometimes too many choices in where to put things
Recent buyers have reported delays in shipping and response times
High Fashion, High Function
The “Classic” pouch from Bellroy is honestly anything but. Offered up in a bunch of different colorways and materials, from sustainably harvested wood pulp and cotton offcuts to recycled PET bottles, this pouch has a unique look and feel unlike any other material I’ve handled. Couple this with my favorite design accessory for ANY use (magnets!) and you get a pretty solid little pouch that also looks fantastic.
Pros
Modern looks
Small but spacious
Cons
Can be difficult to pack flat
If you want to carry everything
Since its release a few years ago, the Peak Design Tech Pouch has been hailed for its modularity and expandability and is certainly one of the best tech pouches around. The accordion-style opening isn’t just functional, but also beautiful in the way that only an immaculately designed piece of kit can be. Make no mistake, this is definitely a pouch that rides on the larger side, but if you “roll deep“ with your tech, this will have a place for everything, and everything in its place.
Pros
Flexible design adapts to fit almost any need
HUGE amount of space
Cons
Can be TOO much space
Best for on-the-go Tech
Bellroy Tech Kit ($60) and Tech Kit Compact ($55)
Both sizes of Bellroy’s Tech Kit offerings have just enough external structure to provide some much-needed protection, but not enough to make them overly stiff. This high-fashion design conceals minimalist but well-thought-out organization and the two different sizes allow you to buy exactly the amount of size that you need.
Pros
Different sizes to customize your kit
Fits exactly what you need, and how you need it
Cons
Zippers need some time to “break in”
If you hate being limited by organization
If you’re looking for a pouch (or set of pouches) without all the bells and whistles, you might as well have the option to get it in a ton of awesome materials and crazy colors. Defy has tons of options ranging from Ballistic Nylon to X-Pac to Dyneema. They can be bought as a set or à la carte to scratch your pouch-nerd itch.
Pros
Plethora of awesome materials and sizes
Basically bombproof
Cons
Expensive for “just a pouch”
For Travel and Tech
Drawing on inspiration from your dad’s old hanging travel kit, the Aer version includes an integrated hook, but raises the stakes with a slim design, carefully thought-out spots for everything from toiletries to tech, and the classic modern look that Aer always loves to convey.
Pros
Ideal for bathroom essentials
Concealed hook makes it easy to stow or keep out
Cons
Hook is unnecessary if not using as a toiletries kit
If life has taught me anything, it’s that you never know when you’ll need to have your toothbrush with you. The Aer Dopp is a relatively compact pouch that may be ideally suited to carry your toiletries, but can easily pull double duty with anything from travel essentials to a compact first aid kit.
Pros
Highly adaptable
Water-resistant
Cons
External toothbrush holder only good if you’re staying somewhere
100% Protection from the Elements
Nite Ize RunOff Travel Pouches ($25-$30)
Nothing ruins a trip faster than a water-logged pack, but the RunOff line of pouches uses a TRU Zip waterproof zipper to keep all your most important items out of harm’s way. The front window is handy for quickly checking on your contents, and the RunOff can be purchased in several sizes and colors for the perfect organizational portfolio. Definitely one of the most innovative options on the scene for the best tech pouches around.
Pros
Waterproof
Clear window for seeing what you stashed
Cons
Zippers can be finicky and difficult to open at times
If you don’t conform to squareness
Tom Bihn Handy Little Thing ($70)
Let’s face it, if you’re a member of the Cult-of-Bihn, you probably already have one (or multiple) of these. The HLT keeps the classic “round-ish” Bihn styling with multiple internal and external attachment points for all your bits and bobs. While it’s definitely more of a “misc” pouch than a tech-oriented one, it definitely deserves a second look for anyone needing a “do it all” solution.
Pros
Ideal for someone with lots of writing utensils
Highly adaptable
Cons
Reminds me of my old JanSport
Tactical but Functional
Cargo Works EDC Tech Kit V2 ($39.90)
This dual-sided zipper pouch has an incredible amount of versatility when it comes to toting around your tech. Features include two internal zips, mesh and fabric elastic pockets, multiple sizes of internal elastic bands, and hook/loop compatible external webbing, giving you the ability to change your loadout depending on your needs.
Pros
High build quality
Tons of options for stowage
Cons
Heavy and stiff
Other Great Options
The Cable Kit 2 very much caters to the tech-oriented Carryologists. Two quick-access external zips allow you to quickly grab your most used items, while a third clamshell zipper has a cleverly concealed padded pouch to protect any fragile items you wish to carry.
Pros
Padded pouch
Quick access
Cons
Relatively large compared to others of similar capacity
Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer ($50) and Organizer with BIONIC ($50)
Incase is basically a household name when it comes to organizational accessories and laptop sleeves. The Accessory Organizer is a soft and lightweight case that fits into any EDC with plenty of internal organization. Their Bionic line basically keeps the same smart design, but utilizes a yarn made from recovered ocean plastic that looks great and feels really cool.
Pros
Trusted brand with excellent track record
Lightweight
Cons
Construction seems flimsy
You know that mess of charging cables you have shamefully stuffed in the bottom of a drawer or clumped in your bag somewhere? They need to go in this. It’s a double-sided pouch for literally everyone reading this because I know that you have that terrible cluster-freak of cables that needs to be tamed. Read this, then get your life together.
Pros
Easy to stash cables
Mesh to see your stuff
Cons
No internal organization
Boundary Supply Port Kitt ($79)
Boundary’s family of modular products allows you to customize your bag by quickly interchanging internal and external accessories. While the Port Kitt works best if used as part of the Boundary Supply system, their sleek, water-resistant, double-sided pouch looks super high-tech and fits pretty much everything you would need to take on the go.
Pros
Water-resistant
Excellent modularity
Cons
On the more expensive side, works best within Boundary’s ecosystem
Cargo Works 13” MacBook Sleeve ($39.90)
Although tailored to the MacBook, this laptop sleeve offers a bit of extra space for chargers and dongles as well as some webbing attachment points (not PALS compatible). The main compartment is well padded to protect your laptop or tablet while in transit.
Pros
Keeps your laptop safe
Extra storage for tech
Cons
Might be overkill if you just want a laptop sleeve
Cargo Works ADM Pouch Pro ($40)
The ADM is a slim-profile pouch with an external hook and loop pocket for quickly grabbing essentials. The inside is packed to the brim with elastic and various sized pockets. An optional strap can convert this pouch to a small sling, or you can mount it on PALS-compatible webbing with the included quick-release buckles.
Pros
Quick-access Velcro panel
Easily attach to PALS webbing
Cons
Velcro can be difficult to open quickly
This guide was written by Jeff Wayland.
This article was published in January 2021 and recently updated.
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