My $150 Starter EDC: What I’d Buy If I Had to Start Over
If someone handed me $150 and said, “Alright, Jeremy… rebuild your entire EDC from scratch,” I’d probably panic for a second — and then I’d remember just how many amazing budget-friendly options are out there today.
This list covers five essential categories — all under $30 — plus one bonus pick that still keeps the total under $150. Every item here is something I’ve carried, tested, and trust.
1. Flashlights (Under $30)
Flashlights were easily the hardest category — not because of a lack of options, but because of too many good ones.
🔦 My Pick: ACEBEAM Pokelit AA
Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/44VaIPw
550 lumens, tail click, dual-direction clip, great ergonomics, and almost always on sale. Mine has the battle scars to prove years of use.
Other flashlights featured:
- Olight I3T EOS: https://amzn.to/3Mf8hkC
- Coast G22: https://amzn.to/48FFIV1
2. EDC Pens (Under $30)
Hundreds of pens fall under this price range, but three stand out as iconic.
🖊️ My Pick: Zebra F-701
Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/448hJfK
Stainless steel, comfortable, reliable, inexpensive, and built like it wants to fight you.
Other pens mentioned:
- Parker Jotter: https://amzn.to/44fF4fn
- Olight O’Pen Mini 2: https://amzn.to/3XF8Zde
3. Wallets (Under $30)
Three wallets, three very different personalities.
💳 My Pick: ALPAKA Zip Pouch
Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/48m9yPo
Classy, rugged, weather-resistant, hi-viz interior, and tons of storage.
Other wallets featured:
- Chums Surfshorts Wallet: https://amzn.to/4pRILjN
- Y-SHP Matrix Slim Wallet: https://amzn.to/44Iwl5A
4. Pocket Organizers (Under $30)
📦 My Pick: Maxpedition PLATY 4×6
Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4pnJeu9
Excellent pocket/pack organization, quality materials, and one of my long-time favorites.
Other organizers discussed:
- Sayram EDC Pouch: https://amzn.to/3YduAcY
- DailyCarryCo Pouch Potato: https://amzn.to/4ayvd8i
5. Pocket Knives (Under $30)
Four knives enter… only one survives.
🔪 My Pick: QSP Parrot V2
Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/48FVOhq
Micarta, D2 steel, crisp action, great ergonomics, and no blade coating — just clean, simple utility.
Other knives featured:
- CIVIVI Mini Praxis — https://amzn.to/4pzfHh2
- Kizer Nice Guy — https://amzn.to/4pro9PF
- CJRB Pyrite-Light — https://amzn.to/4oAkrSp
Bonus: Multi-Tool
🛠️ Nextool E1
Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4a2Aoxk
Adds a screwdriver and blade without breaking the $150 total.
Total Cost: ≈ $123 at regular prices
Meaning you’ve still got room to add a multitool or upgrade something if it goes on sale.
Final Thoughts
This setup is simple, capable, affordable, and extremely functional. If I truly had to rebuild my EDC from scratch today, this is exactly where I’d start.
Let me know in the comments what YOU would pick for a $150 starter kit. Did I pass up something obvious? Am I crazy for skipping coated blades? Tell me!
