Everyday Carry Essentials: Todd Vorenkamp

Fluidity is the key to my everyday carry (EDC). Besides my day job as a writer and photographer here at B&H Photo Video, I also teach sailing on the Hudson River, do freelance commercial architectural photography, teach college photography, commute to Manhattan from Brooklyn by bicycle, and ride commuter trains to Rhode Island on weekends.

While my bicycle pannier has its own EDC items (bicycle multi-tool, air pump, patch kit, first aid kit, etc.) and my life jacket has its own gear (knife, whistle, signal mirror), I carry a core EDC kit on my person and adjust as needed based on what the workday and after-workday brings. Some of the items below only become EDC when relevant to the task of the day.

Fujifilm X-T3 and Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R lens with Peak Design SLL-AS-3 SlideLITE Camera Strap

More often than not, the Fujifilm X-T3 rides shotgun in my bike pannier (or in my weekend backpack) armed with the amazing XF 35mm f/1.4 lens. I own the fantastic Fujifilm 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS zoom lens that would make complete sense as a single-lens EDC companion, but, since switching to Fujifilm, I have been mostly shooting prime lenses and the 35mm f/1.4 is a special lens. Also, the prime is smaller and lighter, and two stops faster, for those low-light moments.

Omega X-33 Speedmaster Professional Watch 3291.50.00

Yes, my smartphone tells me the time, but I feel naked without a wristwatch on. The Omega has my name and Naval Aviator Gold Wings engraved on the back and keeps perfect temperature-controlled quartz time. When going in the ocean with my bodyboard, I switch to a simple Timex Expedition digital. And, when I feel nostalgic, I also have a Hamilton Khaki Mechanical Field Watch. I personally don’t need a training watch to tell me how much I sweat on my bike ride or how many steps I take during the day, nor do I want to read text messages on my wrist.

Apple iPhone 6S

I am holding out hope for a 3.5mm audio jack in a future iPhone.

Victorinox SwissTool X Pocket Knife

I have owned many multi-tools. This Victorinox example is still my favorite. Don’t think about stealing it—it is engraved with my name because I used to carry this same tool in my survival vest when I was flying helicopters in the Navy and Coast Guard.

Wallet

This double-ID trifold wallet is approaching 15 years of service. It replaced another trifold wallet that I carried from my high school days until I was in my early 30s.

Keys

The Italian brass swivel bolt snap and 3rd Mate/Stateroom 33 key tag from the M/V President Adams C-10 containership harks to my nautical roots.

Road iD Bracelet / Dog Tags

Depending on the activity, I will have some sort of ID on my body. The military-issued dog tags are worn anytime I fly because I have never been in a plane or helicopter crash while wearing them. The Road iD bracelet is worn when on the bike or in the surf.

Klipsch R6M In-Ear Headphones

When I don’t have my over-the-ear headphones on me, I use the Klipsch R6M’s for music and hands-free phone talking. I love the flat cable design—it doesn’t get tangled and feels much more robust than traditional cords.

Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones

After reading a ton of online reviews, I decided it was time to drone out the “What quiet car?” crowds on the commuter trains. I still dig my Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones at the desk (home and office), but these Sony ’phones are my newest travel companion.

Nitecore SRT3 Defender Multi-Color LED Flashlight

The SRT3 is small and powerful, running on one CR123 battery, but is now discontinued. The Nitecore SRT7GT is still available. B&H Photo Video is your source for high-end awesome flashlights.

Fisher Space Pen

We don’t sell this Fisher Space Pen—it is larger and beefier than the traditional “Bullet” Space Pen—at B&H, but we do sell a Nitecore Titanium Pen that takes the same Fisher Space Pen refills and can be used for breaking glass or self-defense. You never know when you’ll need to write upside down or underwater.

Titanium Spork

Duh. The real question here is: “Why the heck don’t you have a titanium spork as part of your EDC?”

What is your EDC? Let us know in the Comments section, below. To read more articles about everyday carry solutions, click here.