I’m not entirely sure why, but in 2022 I didn’t participate in the Fratello EDC (Everyday Carry) series. That’s great because I can all go outside this time. Some of the things I mention today have been with me for quite some time, while others are recent acquisitions. However, for sure, I love using all of these EDC items every day, so I sincerely recommend all of these EDC items.
When I started listing what I have together every day, I realized that some of these purchases were inspired by my fellow peers. For example, while searching for something similar to Mismo’s Rex’s Camouflage M/S Canvas Shopper, I found a Borealisto bag on the north face. The fountain pen below would probably not be there if it weren’t for all of my Fratero teammates who have invested heavily in pens. It’s okay, let’s dive in.
North Face Borealisto (Khaki)
In fact, my daily bag was heavily influenced by Rex’s grand canvas tote by Mismo. However, I wasn’t ready to drop over 300 euros in one, as I wasn’t sure if the tote bag was mine or not. At the time, I used Peak designs on my daily backpack as a daily career. It’s a great camera bag, but if you don’t have a camera, it’s a bit bulky and I’m not a backpacker either. As I began looking for a more affordable tote bag as an alternative, I stumbled upon the North Face borealisto.
Borealis backpack with elastic strings on the front is a legendary bag in TNF’s collection. It makes sense that the brand now offers other kinds of bags inspired by it, but I certainly didn’t know them. The look of the khaki tote variant surprised me with a positive outlook. On top of that, the 50 euro discount price (from 70 euros) has made me the perfect candidate to see if the tote bag is pointing at me. I’ve been using it since January now and it was great.
It holds 22 liters, with a large zipper pocket, a lightly padded laptop sleeve, a large water bottle pocket on each side, and a small zipper pocket on the outside, but not much tissue. Honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air after using a daily backpack with a peak design. Space is there when you need it, but not bulky when it’s not full.
Bellroy Desk Caddy (Eucalyptus)
But what I missed was the space to store all the cables, USB hubs, airpods and other electronic accessories. I’ve started looking for what’s called a “technology pouch.” Again, there are some great options for Peak Design, as well as the Evergood in Cap 2. However, I had a very good experience with the Belroy 10L camera sling (side note: I also use it as a camera cube inside the Boreasto). So I saw what the company could use from a high-tech solution perspective. I ended up getting a desk caddy with eucalyptus green for 65 euros.
I like that it’s not that big, it can stand on its own wherever I decide to do the job, and that shows me everything inside when I open it and turn its front inside out. It holds all the cables and plugs needed to charge your Apple MacBook Air, iPhone, AirPods, Battery Pack and more. There is also a great place to store your passport, including the cover, and multiple pens are stored inside. The elastic mesh pocket is perfect for small adapters, spring bar tools and other small items.
Another thing I like is that every time I switched bags, I just grabbed my pouch and it ended up being the last one. RJ teases me every time he sets up a “toilet bag” on his desk, but he uses many of the items I keep there. I almost feel like a Fratero Desk Caddy.
So, what’s inside? – Orbitkey Multitool V2
I always have a key in my left pocket of my pants. That way, when I leave the house I will never forget them. In the past, I have tried to put them in key organizers, but I have always found people who are easy to use and needlessly bulky. However, what stayed was Orbitkey’s MultiTool V2. The mine is a stainless steel version with a black titanium coating. The coating is already quite worn out, but the tool is still very functional.
The company says it includes nine tools. However, what I use most is the sharp edges that open the box, the bottle opener, and its driver features. It’s very convenient to have something like this with me all the time. It was worth the 12 euro I paid for it.
Apple Magsafe (Leather!) Wallet
Another thing that always comes in my pocket is Apple’s Magsafe wallet. I’m not using the cover on my iPhone 16 Pro. But I love Apple leather magsaf wallets. It holds three of my most important cards. My driver’s license to identify myself at any time, along with my debit card and Teslakey card, in case my phone options don’t work for any reason.
Aside from my driver’s license, I don’t think I used the card because they were there. But the reason I love Apple leather Magsafe wallets is because they improve grip on the phone. Especially the leather options that the company has stopped making are great because it ages well. What I like is that it’s there when you need it, but it’s also very easy to remove, for example, when you want to charge your phone wirelessly. You can find leather versions of Apple’s Magsafe wallets at various retailers. What’s great is that it’s often discounted at around 30 euros, rather than the original 65 euros, and is rich in prices.
Serengeti Geary sunglasses (orange turtle acetate and light gold metal)
Now we finally get to what is actually in my bag. One thing I always have with me is a pair of Serengeti sunglasses. If you are not familiar with this brand, we highly recommend checking out. The company lenses are really amazing. Wearing polarized lenses was a lot of fun to remove reflections. However, Seregeti’s lenses also offer Photochromic and high resolution technology. The first one will dim or brighten the lens depending on the situation, and HD technology will provide the sharpest image possible.
As a result, the eyes do not have to work hard. These lenses really relax my eyes, especially when driving. Some people don’t want to wear polarized glasses when driving, but I’ve been doing it for years. Also, the lens cancels most of the reflections so I don’t feel like I’m missing out on things.
The only thing is that Serengeti’s frame is very large. The brand lenses are so great, I don’t really care. I already own two variations of the Raphaelle model, but my latest addition is the bolder gear model of orange turtle acetate. Officially it’s sold for 430 euros, but these glasses can be significantly less.
Watch: Rolex Explorer Ref. 114270
You may have noticed, but I took the photo myself for this article on my iPhone 16 Pro. That’s not because I didn’t like Max’s photos in articles by Rex, Thomas, and RJ. However, I was in my mother-in-law’s place in Spain in the summer, so I tried to manage everything myself. This also means that I had to choose a watch to take me on this trip. I brought two – my Moonswatch mission to Saturn, and of course, the Rolex Explorer 114270 since 2004.
Moonswatch is available for those who are new to Rolex on the wrist. Explorer is a really nice Gada (go anywhere, do whatever you want). I watch it. That 36mm case won’t get in the way. The oyster bracelet looks sturdy and feels good. It has been recently maintained so you can wear it anywhere, such as a pool, the ocean, or the lake.
Pen: Pilot, Carandace, Montblanc
A few years ago, I wouldn’t have thought I’d get into the pen. But while working in the Frater’s office and listening to so many things about so many different pens, it is difficult to resist the impulse.
My First “Real” Pen: Pilot Capless/vanishing point
I remember asking RJ. I was budgeting somewhere around 50 euros. But he pointed me towards the golden pen pen that started at about 200 euros. That’s when I realized I needed a little more time to research. It’s not that steel nib fountain pens aren’t great writers, but writing golden nibs can make you feel special. Of course, some of the things are mental, but I think there are real differences too.
Anyway, after trying many different pens at PW Akkerman in Amsterdam, I chose between the Lamy 2000 and Pilot Capless (also known as Vanishing Point). In the end, the pilot’s excellent grip, 18K gold nib and ballpoint pen-like mechanisms won me. This may seem a bit troublesome at first, especially as you grip the clip while your fingers are writing, but this is a very useful pen. I got used to it very quickly, but I think that’s one of the advantages of the pen, as it makes it so easy to get the same grip every time.
The storage mechanism also feels very sturdy. I love that I don’t have to remove the cap and hold or post before I start writing. I am not excluding the possibility that more pilots will disappear in my home in the future. Luckily, the price of 229 euros is a bit hampering me.
Caran D’Ache 849 XL Rollerball
However, one of the drawbacks with fountain pens is the fact that you can spill ink when traveling by plane. So I looked for a nice rollerball alternative. Found it on a Caran D’Ache 849 XL rollerball. Like Lex, I also enjoy the hexagonal design of the 849. However, these ballpoint pens are extremely thin and prefer the thick grip that pilots are used to. Next, I found the Caran d’Ache 849 XL rollerball, 10.4mm thick and 28% thicker than the slim ballpoint version. The cost is 54 euros.
What’s great is that it works with hoodie style refills. The standard Caran d’Ache Cartridge has been replaced by Monteverde USA with fine black/blue ceramic gel refills. It offers a similar experience to the Fountain Pen experience, making it a great option when traveling.
Mont Blanc 242 (Grey Tiger Eye)
My most recent acquisition is the 1950s grey tiger eye Mont Blanc 242. It was offered at the Dutch Watch Forum and I asked the seller if he was interested in trading with my Seiko SPB317 diver. I recently purchased a vintage Seiko 6105-8000 (more on this in a separate article), and its modern counterpart has become outdated. Surprisingly, the seller agreed and we concluded the transaction.
As you can see in the photo, the Montblanc 242 is slightly smaller than the other two pens. It’s been around since the 1950s, but the pen and its fantastic 14K gold nib are still in great condition. It took some attempts to fill it up, but now I write very softly and smoothly. I love the grey tiger eye pattern on the body and I love the cap in pairing it with gold hardware. The Mont Blanc logo with a slight patina is the cherry blossoms on the cake. This is probably the most used on my home desk.
What’s in your bag?
There you have it – take a quick look at my EDC items. In the comments section, always tell us what you think and what you carry around with you.
