Everyday must-have carry options for iPhone, wallet, and watch

I test many cases, wallets and watch bands over the course of a year. So much so, that my default EDC can end up being a rejection of all guesses and third-party options.

Not so this year.

I spent the last few months with a unique load that has proven to be versatile, durable and impressive. If you want to give the techie in your life a unique gift that will make them stand out, these are all great options. Plus, with all the holiday sales going on right now, it’s a great time to refresh your gear!

Nomad Goods Rocky Point Band

Nomad Goods makes some of the best third-party cases and watch bands for the Apple iPhone and Watch, period. They are always at the top of any list of cases I build because they are reliable, high quality and look great. Their latest limited edition is no exception. The Rocky Point Band in Magma is a great alternative when you want an orange Apple Watch Ultra band that won’t get dirty or sweaty when you’re on the go. Made from FKM rubber, all you have to do is wash it occasionally to keep it in top shape. The color is also incredible. Not just orange, but sliding towards red, with deep hues that complement the titanium of the Apple Watch. There’s also a black hardware version (which also looks incredible). Since this is a limited edition, the Rocky Point Band won’t be around forever. Starts at $80 at Nomad Goods website. Oh, and if you want a matching holster, be sure to check out Nomad’s Sport holster, also available on Magma for a limited time.

UAG Pathfinder strap

If I’m not wearing the Rocky Point band, then this Pathfinder strap from UAG is on my wrist. It’s a little less flashy than the Magma, but the olive and rust soft silicone reversible belt is the perfect travel companion, allowing you to change your look with a flip (it even comes with two loops in any color so you can keep it consistent or add a dash of contrast). The Pathfinder’s band is fully magnetic, so there’s no hardware to deal with. This means adjusting the strap isn’t as easy when you need to loosen or tighten the fit on the go. However, it’s a minor inconvenience when you have a strap that can go anywhere, do anything, and completely change its look with a swipe. For $59 on the UAG websiteit’s one of the best deals I’ve found when buying Apple Watch bands.

MagSafe Wally distilling compound

Two years in a row, the wallet I turn to when I need a slim carry is the MagSafe Wally from Distilling Union. This leather wallet has a convenient strap for when you need to access your cards (instead of fumbling around trying to push them up through a cutout). It can also hold four sheets and a folded bill instead of the three cards and nothing but the official Apple MagSafe FineWoven wallet. It has a steel sheet laminated to the front so your iPhone remains compatible with a car mount even when the wallet is attached. The magnet is also compact, and requires more than a simple tap to detach. Get one for $55 at site of the distilling association.

Ridge MagSafe

If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, my favorite metal wallet from Ridge now comes in a MagSafe version! The Ridge Wallet for Magsafe is made of double aluminum plates, anodized with various finishes (although not as many as the non-magnetic wallet), with an elastic band around the outside to keep cash and RFID-enabled cards (the wallet blocks the RFID tags). The MagSafe magnet is strong, but due to the material, the magnets have to be attached to the outside of the wallet, making it much easier for the wallet to come off. For the most secure option, attach the included reinforcement plate to your favorite case (or directly to your phone), this covers the small gap between your phone and the wallet and creates a extremely secure magnetic connection. With the plate open, it’s practically impossible to accidentally knock the wallet off your phone. I like the MagSafe Wallet because it’s expandable, so you don’t have to go on a card diet when you switch to a slim wallet solution. Of $125 at Ridge location.

OrbitKey Key Organizer Pro

As much as everything in your life can be operated or opened from your phone, at the end of the day you still need keys. To tame this messy mess in my pocket, I’ve been using OrbitKey’s basic organizers for years. Now they’re back with the Key Organizer Pro—the next generation of their flagship product that features several quality-of-life upgrades that make this essential pocket organizer even better. Instead of spacers, there’s now a built-in spring mechanism that keeps your keys tight. The micro-adjustment system is also better, ensuring your keys don’t fall inside the organizer and preventing over-tightening. And for that one key you always need, there’s now a quick-flip attachment so you can access it in a second without even looking. Made from premium Napa leather, it can hold up to nine keys and is slightly longer to accommodate any key length. Grab one for $64.90 at OrbitKey and I wonder how you ever lived without it.

Mofi juice pack

My absolute favorite battery case is back with an iPhone 16 version and it’s better than ever! The latest version is a bit slimmer, but still has the same 50% battery boost for the iPhone 16 (or Plus, Pro or Pro Max). The smooth surface feels great in the hand and the rounded corners nicely complement your phone’s design. What I’m most excited about though is that there’s finally a built-in magnet in the battery compartment! That’s right, you no longer have to sacrifice MagSafe accessories just to use the mophie juice pack. Especially if I’m going to travel, the juice pack is always part of my load. The security that my phone won’t die in the middle of a trip is worth the extra bulk the battery adds. It’s sold out on the mophie website, but you can get one at Best Buy for $100.

OrbitKey Star Wars Collapsible Bag

Okay, so maybe it’s not going to fit in your pocket, but it is certainly it can be hung on your center console for those times when you need a reusable bag. OrbitKey’s ultra-convenient Collapsible Tote Bag has been given a galactic makeover with four unique Star Wars designs (the blue Droids bag is my favorite). These impressive bags fold up to fit almost anywhere, even in the side pocket of your backpack. The bags have built-in elastic loops so you can store them between uses. Whether you’re going to the grocery store or somewhere far, far away, these bags are very handy to have on hand. They are $20 each or you can save 20%. buying all four at once (you know what you want).