My 2024 EDC: The Perfect Setup for Productivity
After years of iteration, here's my everyday carry setup that balances function, aesthetics, and minimalism.
Philosophy
My EDC philosophy: carry less, do more. Every item earns its place through daily use. No collector’s items, no backup gadgets—only tools I touch every single day.
The Core Four
1. MacBook Pro 14” M3 Max
The centerpiece of my workflow. Here’s why:
Specs that matter:
- M3 Max chip (16 CPU / 40 GPU cores)
- 64GB unified memory
- 1TB SSD
Real-world performance:
- Compile Rust projects in seconds, not minutes
- Run 50+ Chrome tabs without fan spin
- Edit 4K video without proxy
Battery life: All-day. I rarely bring a charger anymore.
Price: $3,199 (as configured)
2. Keychron Q1 Pro
The keyboard that made me love mechanical switches again.
Why this one:
- 75% layout saves space without losing arrow keys
- Hot-swappable switches (tried Gateron Oil King, Cherry MX Black)
- Wireless Bluetooth + USB-C
- Excellent build quality for the price
Sound profile: Deep thock, no ping. Sound-dampened with tape mod.
Build: Aluminum case, PBT keycaps, south-facing LEDs
Price: $199
3. Sony WH-1000XM5
My noise-canceling sanctuary.
Daily use cases:
- Focus work in coffee shops
- Blocking open-office noise
- Long flights (18+ hour battery)
Improvements over XM4:
- Better ANC (especially voice frequencies)
- Softer earcups
- More compact fold
Price: $348
4. iPhone 15 Pro
The universal remote for modern life.
Why Pro over Pro Max:
- One-handed usability
- Same camera system
- Lighter weight
Essential apps:
- Things 3 (task management)
- Notion (notes/knowledge base)
- 1Password (obvious)
- Spotify (music)
Price: $999
Carry Accessories
Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2
The bag that sparked a category.
Features I actually use:
- FlexFold dividers (configure for camera, laptop, or clothes)
- Waterproof zippers
- Luggage pass-through
- External carry straps for tripod/mat
Color: Charcoal (looks professional, hides wear)
Price: $289
Bellroy Tokyo Totepack
The backup bag. Compact, organized.
Organization:
- 16” laptop sleeve
- External phone pocket
- Key leash
- Water bottle holder
Price: $149
Charging & Cables
Anker 737 Power Bank (24,000mAh)
Power for everything. Charges laptop, phone, and earbuds simultaneously.
Spec:
- 140W output
- Smart display shows wattage
- Pass-through charging
Price: $149
Anker 100W GaN Charger
One charger to rule them all.
Ports:
- 2x USB-C (100W each)
- 2x USB-A (22.5W)
Size: Surprisingly compact thanks to GaN technology
Price: $60
Cable Management
- Anker USB-C cables (durable, fast)
- Peak Design Tech Pouch for organization
Audio (Beyond Headphones)
Sony WF-1000XM5
The in-ear complement to WH-1000XM5.
Use case: Walking, workouts, quick calls
Price: $298
The Small Things
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Not for everyone, but essential for my workflow:
- Quick timer for cooking/meetings
- Notifications triage
- Sleep tracking
- Stand reminders
Price: $799
Roost Laptop Stand
Ergonomics matter.
Why Roost:
- Ultralight (6oz)
- Adjustable height
- Stable on any surface
Price: $59
Peak Design Mobile Tripod
Always in my bag.
Compact: Folds to pen size Stable: Good for video calls, timelapses
Price: $59
What Didn’t Make the Cut
These items looked good in theory but didn’t survive daily use:
- iPad Pro: Too heavy to justify over laptop + phone
- AirPods Max: Too big, too heavy
- Kindle: Phone screen is good enough
- Multiple backup batteries: One is enough
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Computing | MacBook Pro 14” M3 Max | $3,199 |
| Input | Keychron Q1 Pro | $199 |
| Audio | Sony WH-1000XM5 | $348 |
| Audio | Sony WF-1000XM5 | $298 |
| Phone | iPhone 15 Pro | $999 |
| Wearable | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | $799 |
| Bag | Peak Design Everyday Backpack | $289 |
| Bag | Bellroy Tokyo Totepack | $149 |
| Power | Anker 737 Power Bank | $149 |
| Power | Anker 100W Charger | $60 |
| Stand | Roost Laptop Stand | $59 |
| Stand | Peak Design Mobile Tripod | $59 |
Total: ~$6,300
Philosophy in Practice
I optimize for:
- Compatibility - Everything works together
- Quality - Buy once, cry once
- Minimalism - Carry only what I use daily
This setup evolved over 5+ years. Your needs will differ. Start with what you use every day and build from there.
Questions about specific items? Let me know in the comments.