Bags tend to get a lot of the spotlight in the world of carry, but we’ve got a lot of love for pouches. They make retrieving small items from your bag easy (no need to rummage in the recesses for that lost pen or multitool), some can attach to the outside of your bag when you need extra volume, plus it’s just plain fun playing with different configurations until you find a setup that suits your needs. But not all pouches are created equal, and there are definitely things to consider when scouting for a pouch of your own.

Weight

First, think about the weight. It’s tempting to go for a pouch that looks like it will survive the Apocalypse, but it doesn’t take many 600D Cordura pouches with PALS and PE stiffener before you’ve doubled the weight of your bag. Abrasion-resistant fabrics are needed on pouches you keep on the outside of your pack, but if these are living inside a bag, they can be much lighter weight.

Nesting

Next, consider nesting. If your pouch opens wide and then relies on internal pockets to keep things secure, you often end up with crush zones in the centre and voids at the sides. It’s hard to get this nesting nailed.

Visibility

Also not to be overlooked is how visible the contents are. Where the heck did I leave that blade/pen/USB stick…? Too many opaque pouches can leave you searching. Mesh pouches or transparent materials can help with this. Or fewer pouches that display their internals better when opened.

So now you’ve got some idea of what to look for in a good pouch, but how about a helping hand in picking your pouch? We’ve rounded up a selection of some of the best pouch organizers for EDC…

Need a functional organizer that comes in at a wallet-friendly price? This pouch has you sorted, featuring three internal pockets as well as a fold-out vinyl sleeve, with MOLLE straps for attaching to a bag or your belt.

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Great for: organizing your daily carry in a versatile pouch that won’t break the bank…

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Solid construction, a mix of internal pockets and loops, an external quick-access mesh pocket and a clamshell opening for easy access make these pouches versatile additions to your EDC. The Micro Pocket Organizer is small enough to carry in a trouser pocket, while the Fatty Pocket Organizer features exterior webbing for attaching to a bag.

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Great for: hassle-free access to the contents and accommodating for EDC situations both with and without a bag…

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Tom Bihn Double Organizer Pouch ($15-19) Two pockets to organize your items, a urethane window for assessing contents at a glance, plus a choice of three sizes. This handy pouch is a great way to bring order to the contents of your bag, whether you need to carry smaller or larger items. . Great for: sidestepping carry chaos and lost items in your bag and easily swapping your gear between different bags…

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. Designed for use with a backpack waistbelt that has a daisy chain or attachment point, this hard-wearing pouch helps protect your gear from the elements thanks to its taped seams and water-resistant zip. Plus it won’t weigh you down, coming in at just 0.75 ounces (21 grams).

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Great for: fast access to gear without carrying unnecessary extra weight…

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Vanquest EDCM-HUSKY Maximizer ($31.99) This pouch boasts a host of features to keep your EDC items in order. Offset-stitched elastic loops help make the most of the internal space, while additional organization features include an exterior and three interior pockets, an interior key fob and a paracord attachment loop. Plus the exterior MOLLE webbing comes in useful for securing the pouch to a bag as needed.

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Great for: a pouch that applies thoughtful design to interior organization in order to minimize wasted space…

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Cargo Works EDC Note Case ($39.90) The EDC Note Case is a wallet, passport holder and EDC organizer in one easily portable package. The case offers a choice of compartments, pockets and webbing for storing cards, a phone, passport, pens, small multitools and more. Easily access items when you need them and keep them securely in place when you don’t. Great for: all-in-one organization for travel and EDC essentials, with convenient access on the go… Bellroy Pencil Case ($39.95) Bellroy’s Pencil Case is a chic solution for keeping small EDC, travel and tech items easily accessible on the go. The case can store a variety of items, from stationery and earphones, to cables, chargers and multitools. Pull loops on either end help with opening and closing, and the case folds out flat into a tray so you can quickly access individual items without rummaging. Great for: an elegant way to store and access small essentials for work or play, with stylish aesthetics that look good in the office and beyond…

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The minimalist exterior of the Aer Cable Kit makes this pouch right at home in work environments, campuses, and a diverse range of travel environments. But take a closer look and you’ll find those pared-back aesthetics are well complemented by considered organization to store a variety of EDC and travel essentials. Dual compartments and a selection of pockets and loops let you tailor the setup to suit changing needs, from tech cables and small accessories to travel tools and EDC.

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Great for: minimalist, urban-friendly aesthetics with functional organization that adapts to a variety of loads…

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This pouch features a 6/9 PALS backing for secure attachment to a bag and offers both a full-width pocket and two half-width pockets to keep your EDC organized when you’re on the go.

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Great for: a durable pouch that’s happy on the outside of a bag and can handle demanding use…

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Tactical Tailor RRPS Admin Pouch Enhanced (US$47.25) Rich in features and rugged in durability, this practical pouch doubles up as storage for your EDC and a desk on the go. Numerous pockets, loops and a removable fold-out map holder keep your important items neat and accessible, while an adjustable cord lets you tweak the pouch from a clamshell opening to a desk setup to suit your needs. Great for: accommodating a range of EDC, protecting papers and documents, and swapping between setups to suit different environments….

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Classic looks with adaptable design and convenient access? No problem for the Bellroy Classic Pouch. This self-standing pouch opens wide to easily see and reach items, while also collapsing flat if desired for space-saving portability. And the multifunctional design holds anything from work tools and accessories to travel toiletries.

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Great for: an office-friendly aesthetic with the functional versatility to adapt to work, travel or day-to-day organization needs…

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Cargo Works 10.5″ iPad Pro EDC Kit ($49.90) Looking for tough, compact and functional carry for your tech and smaller EDC? The Cargo Works 10.5″ iPad Pro EDC Kit provides padded protection for an iPad, along with interior pockets and webbing for organizing items. In addition, exterior webbing provides handy attachment points for keeping frequently used items within easy reach. Great for: keeping your tech and small EDC safe and organized on the go in a tough and functional case…

Designed to attach to the exterior of your bag, this pouch keeps quick-access items at the ready all in a tough 500D Cordura construction. The main compartment offers pockets and loops that neatly accommodate a range of items, from flashlights to a phone, while a front zipped pocket provides slip-in storage for your most frequently used items.

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Great for: versatile organization for your EDC and reliable construction that will withstand regular use for years to come…

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The clean aesthetics of the Peak Design Tech Pouch allow this piece to slip easily into work, travel or EDC setups. And with its origami-inspired organization you can keep a wide range of items tidy and within easy reach on the go. Add in its convenient handles and wide opening and you’re all set for quick access to essentials on the go.

Great for: users who appreciate clean style paired with thoughtful organization to keep items easily accessible and avoid a jumbled mess on the move…

Need to carry a phone, pens, cards, multitool and more? No problem, the Milky Way accommodates all of these items and can be carried on a belt or in a pocket. If you’re venturing into the outdoors and looking for a place to stash your survival kit and/or other outdoor tools, the Trail Blazer is at the ready – but works just as well for urban settings.

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Great for: multifunctional designs that can be customized with optional features to tailor them to your needs and preferences…

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Built to withstand hard use, the GR1 Field Pocket serves as both a dopp kit and EDC pouch, can be attached to a bag courtesy of its MOLLE webbing, and provides mesh pockets to easily locate different items.

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Great for: partnering with the GR1 backpack, plus the padding helps protect your gear… .

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Triple Aught Design OP1 ($75) . The OP1 has a number of useful features to make your daily carry that little bit easier, including a clamshell opening for easy access to the contents, an assortment of pockets and loops for organization, plus a choice of attachment options for using the pouch with a bag or belt.

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Great for: a durable pouch that can adapt to changing carry needs thanks to a range of flexible organization and attachment features…

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With its modular and water-resistant design the Boundary Supply X-Pac Port Kitt is capable of handling a diverse range of environments and loads. Take it to the gym or on your travels, where you can stash liquids in one compartment and dry items in the other. Split work tools and EDC items between the compartments. Hang it up or lay it flat depending on your requirements. Or even separate the compartments to use them as standalone pouches.

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Great for: users who want modular adaptability and a durable, water-resistant build that handles EDC and travel use…

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Love a luxurious touch to your EDC? The Tech Dopp Kit 2 delivers, with a stylish handcrafted leather design that looks good in work, leisure and travel settings alike. The kit comes in a choice of sizes with loops and a zippered pocket to keep your tech accessories neat and tidy. But there’s no reason you couldn’t use it for other EDC items too.

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Great for: if you’re looking for an alternative to tactical aesthetics and want a chic EDC pouch that suits work and leisure environments equally well…

If you enjoyed this article, you might want to check these out too:

Our Favorite Organization Pouches for EDC Right Now

How To Stay Organized: Pouches and Packing Cubes