Man Purse, July 1, 2011

By 

M. Ross “Bacchuskitty” (Orange, CA USA) –

  

  

  

There, I said it. I may catch heck for it, but I’m just calling like I see it. I also have to say that there isn’t a bit of shame in calling it what it is. Being as much a gearhead as any man, I’ve always envied a woman’s ability to have with her in her purse nearly everything imaginable: What seems to be an entire Nordstrom’s cosmetics counter-worth of powders, make-up, and tubes of God-knows-what; a dozen pens; about $50 in loose change; at least 200 old receipts (I have no idea why); clothes, snacks, checkbooks, calendar, phone, MP3 player with sport headphones, photos, food…. and a million other things. I’ve always thought, how cool would it be to be able to carry around things that actually matter? Like multi-tools, fire starters, flashlights, knives, etc. You know, Man Things.

Enter the Maxpedition EDC Pocket Organizer.

Now, I’m a contractor and during work I carry a lot of things on my belt. During off hours, though, I have to admit that I don’t want to carry everything I consider necessary (refer to Man Things list above) on my person in various pockets. I tried that once, and confidently strode around the house in my BDU’s, pockets filled with everything I thought a responsible, well-prepared man should carry. Well, my wife asked me if it was the end of the world or something and made me feel small about being so prepared. Pffft. Women just don’t understand.

Where this EDC organizer comes in is it allows you to have with you – or very near you – all those things that are either impractical to have with you at work or when dressing casual or when your friends make you feel ridiculous for wearing them all over your 5.11 tactical vest. No, it’s not quite as good as having these things on your person if you really, truly need then RIGHT NOW. But how often does that happen? Hasn’t happened to me yet. Most of the time, it’s close enough to have them in my truck, nearby. Let’s face it, there are times – like when my wife drags me to the opera – that it’s just plain awkward to have my EDC folder, Leatherman, flashlight, etc. on my person. It can also be an advantage having everything in one place: Need to take a different car, or going someplace in your buddies car? Grab this mini go-pouch and you’re prepared.

Others have done an excellent job of listing contents and posting pictures. I’ve got all that stuff in my EDC organizer, with slight variation.

The case itself is made of high-denier nylon and opens up clamshell style with the help of a strong zipper with two pulls, useful lanyards included. The stitching is thick and nicely done throughout. In addition to two inner pockets, there are many stitched, wide elastic straps on both sides of the inside to hold all your gear. There is also a small loop on the inside and a key holder with strap. The outside has a useful see-through mesh pocket on the front with a hook and loop closure. There is also a large loop patch on the outside to accommodate a hook-backed badge or patch. The whole case has a beefy nylon strap for carrying.

While it could fit in some cargo pockets, I find it impractical to do that with mine when it is fully loaded. It is simply too heavy and bulky to do that comfortably. Besides, if I’m wearing my BDU’s, I would probably have most of the gear separately on my person, in pockets or holsters. I wouldn’t use this when hiking, or backpacking – I use it mainly for transporting from location to location with the intent of having my gear very close, when it’s not actually on my person.

One note of caution on the clamshell design: Just about everything I have in there is metal and when the unit is closed, everything rubs together. You can help solve this by having a small rag or cloth diaper to put between the halves. (Cloth diapers – another essential item. Witness your wife’s astonishment when you whip out a diaper and wipes from among your other survival tools in your man pack to tend to your infant’s wet shorts. Priceless)

So, while I consider it ideal to have all your EDC gear on your person, the ideal rarely happens for this reviewer. Instead I consider this EDC organizer essential gear. Because having all your essential EDC gear nearby is a whole lot better than having it at home where you can’t get at it when you’re out and about. Tough, useful, Manly, and priced right… and an easy five stars.

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E.D.C. pocket organizer, April 13, 2011

The pocket organizer is well made but a bit pricey. It does, however, work well for organizing small items. The numerous loops are very helpful and offer endless possibilities for arranging your “stuff”. The size is optimal for travel or for the office and it resembles a day-planner. It also easily accomodates a small pistol such as a RUGER LCP. It has the flexibility to serve a variety of needs. I haven’t found anything else that comes close to the design of this item. It’s a keeper.

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