Everyday Carry Essentials: Backpack, James Brand Palmer & Burwell Review

Your everyday carry is more than just the items in your pockets or backpack—it’s a reflection of your lifestyle. These are the tools that move with you through the routine, the unexpected, and everything in between. In this post, I’m sharing my complete workday setup: the backpack I rely on daily, the wallet with sentimental value, and two refined essentials from James Brand—the Palmer utility knife and Burwell pen.

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Nomatic Backpack

My day starts with coffee, and right after that, I grab my Nomatic backpack. This bag has been my daily driver for over a year, and it’s still holding up beautifully. It carries my lunch, laptop, charger, cables, power bank, and USB hub. When I have a quick lunch, I’ll often use that extra time to edit or write for The Texas Trailhead, so having my tech gear ready to go is essential. Watch the full review here.

Along with tech, I keep my Field Notes journal, the book I’m currently reading (The Mask of Fear by Alexander Freed), and a few writing utensils. My American Optical Saratoga sunglasses ride in the side pocket, and my keys live in the top pocket. After daily use, the Nomatic still looks almost new—no loose stitching, no fraying. A worthwhile investment.

Coach x Basquiat Wallet

I’m not a cash carrier, so I prefer a slim wallet. A few years ago, my wife gifted me a Coach wallet set from their collaboration with Jean-Michel Basquiat. The cardholder has been my daily go-to ever since. It’s slim, functional, and has developed a worn-in patina over the years that makes it feel unique.

James Brand Palmer Review

For years, I carried a pocket knife daily—mainly outdoors. But at work, I realized it was mostly being used as a box cutter. That’s when I discovered the James Brand Palmer, a utility knife designed with intention.

The Palmer is compact at just under 2 ounces and three-and-a-half inches closed, making it easy to slip into a coin pocket. I went with the OD Green version—refined but still giving off some outdoor vibes. It features a three-position sliding mechanism (closed, extended, and locked), making blade swaps simple. It uses standard utility blades, which you can find through James Brand or at any hardware store.

This isn’t a multitool—it’s a single-purpose tool, done well. That precision is exactly what drew me to it.

James Brand Burwell Pen Review

Even in a tech-heavy job, I still need to write things down—customer notes, order numbers, end-of-day slips. Too often, I was reaching for a cheap disposable pen. Enter the James Brand Burwell.

I picked mine up in the color “Bone,” which immediately reminded me of *American Psycho*. Weighing in at 1.2 ounces, it feels far more substantial than a plastic pen. The machined dot grip adds texture without being distracting, and the stainless steel clip is sturdy enough to hold onto a pocket or notebook cover. At just under five-and-a-half inches, it’s the perfect everyday size with an elevated feel.

Final Thoughts on My Everyday Carry

That’s my everyday carry setup: a durable backpack, a slim wallet with meaning, and two refined tools from James Brand that make daily routines smoother and more enjoyable. Every item serves a purpose, and each has earned its spot in my lineup.

What are your everyday carry essentials? Share them in the comments—I’d love to compare setups.