What’s In Our Everyday Carry: October 2023

With the holidays approaching and cooler weather settling in, we’re easing ourselves into the holiday spirit around the NutSac offices — and starting to look towards the types of gifts we’d like to give the EDC fans in our lives. For this month’s installment of our series, we’re showcasing four unique everyday carry options sure to find a place on your Christmas wish list:

• Two offerings from our friends at The Matsey, including a new edition of their classic HexBar as well as a limited edition piece that blends a set of dog tags with an EDC multi-tool.
• A fun and powerful flashlight that charges easily via magnetic USB connection.
• A miniaturized multi-tool that might just replace your keyring, too.

Now let’s take a closer look at each of them in turn.

The Matsey HexBar v2

We were first introduced to The Matsey’s HexBar a few years ago, and have been using this ingenious pry tool/bottle opener ever since. They’ve recently released a new and improved version of this classic tool, incorporating even more refined ergonomics alongside the same amazing aesthetics that drew us to the HexBar in the first place.

The hexagonal side grips give the HexBar its name, but they’re for more than just show: They actually provide a much better gripping surface than similar pry bars we’ve seen, allowing for smoother application even for tough jobs.

In addition to the refined functionality that the HexBar offers, it also comes with plenty of personalization options. Each HexBar has a swappable inlay, so you can switch between different colors to match whatever color scheme you’re going for in your current EDC setup.

The Matsey SquadTag

One other offering from The Matsey really caught our eye going into the holiday season: Their newly minted SquadTags. Inspired by military dog tags, they’re a full-service EDC multi-tool in a very small, wearable package — perfect as a gift for someone whose everyday carry kit is already fully loaded.

Small, light, and loaded with features, the SquadTags can be carried on a keychain, worn as a necklace, or packed into your wallet. They feature four tools: a flat screwdriver/pry bar, a bottle opener, a hex bit holder, and a wrench with 7 different sizes. And they’re made from Grade 5 Titanium with a matte finish, meaning that the SquadTags are both exceptionally durable and quite good looking, too.

Skilhunt M150 Magnetic Charging Flashlight

Rechargeable flashlights are always a useful tool to keep around the house, but they’re even better when included as part of your everyday carry kit. And we think we’ve found a real gem in Skilhunt’s M150 flashlight — a rechargeable light that connects via a USB-powered magnetic charger, making it quick and easy to always keep a full charge.

A few specs for the M150: It measures in at just over three inches long, and weighs about 50 grams with the battery installed, and can operate from 480 to 750 lumens. That makes it compact enough for personal use and transportation, but powerful enough to work as an emergency flashlight in a pinch, too. Oh, and it’s IPX 8 waterproof too, meaning that it’s rated to retain function even after being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes.

Overall, this is just a very neat, compact, easily rechargeable flashlight for a really great price. We think it would make a perfect stocking stuffer for the holidays, too.

Stonewashed Titanium KeyBar JR

Earlier this year, we featured the full-sized KeyBar as part of our everyday carry kit — and now, we’re really excited to show you its more compact sibling, the KeyBar JR.

Part multi-tool and part key holder, the KeyBar JR is lightweight yet durable thanks to a fully titanium construction. It measures in at just over three inches in length, and has the capacity to store four to five standard keys. Or, you can always switch out one of the key spaces for a selection of tools as well, making it a truly versatile little EDC add-on. 

If you’re going for a more minimalist everyday carry setup, the KeyBar JR is a perfect way to keep exactly what you need (and nothing more than that).

What’s Next?

We’re about ready to go into full holiday mode around the NutSac offices, making sure that everyone who wants a buy-it-for-life bag for Christmas gets one in time! But we’ll be keeping an eye out for all the latest and last-minute gear that’s perfect for gifting, and bringing you another installment or two of this series to help with all of your gift-giving needs.