Less.

I was the guy with all my keys and fat wallet with all cards and phone + Multitool knife.

Then I got inspired by my sister that travels a lot and tries to optimize for what she REALLY needs.

First I realized that most of my wallet is useless. I started carrying a smaller flip style one with my most used cards and some cash.

Then I reduced my keys to a carabiner with sorted keysets on keyrings, so I carry only the needed ones. Home + bike + cellar for daily use. Home + family keys for vacations. Home for going out. Added a very small key knife and a bottle opener that is part of my daily driver but left when not needed/forbidden.

The current setup is a phonecaee with space for 4 cards and maybe 3-4 bills. And my key setup. Yes you have to remember to take some Special thing. But usually I have my old wallet in my backpack when traveling or when needed.

Sometimes less is more.

A Victorinox Manager. It contains a small blade, a bottle opener with a magnetic Phillips screwdriver, a pen, a nail file, scissors and tweezers, all in a very compact form factor.

A bottle opener, if you can’t open bottles with anything like apparently everyone else.

inb4 reply guys: Please don’t explain it to me and don’t send tutorials I am not asking for help.

1. Leatherman. I carry a Wave. Got a Gerber and a couple others, but the original (this replaced my 1st gen) is best.
2. Pen & notepad. Always having your own pen that is kept full, and some paper to write someone a physical note, is an amazing superpower.
3. Face masks. COVID is still a thing, don’t be dumb. Also carry hand sanitizer or alcohol wipes.
4. Flashlight. I have a small tube 9-LED that’s usually in there, but also a 1-LED watch battery thing for the keychain, and I’ve got a few more around here. Yes your phone has a flash that can be kept on, but it burns battery, and is often awkward. Having light whenever is magic.
5. Switchblade, survival knife, folding knife, etc. Defensive uses, but also heavier utility knife than the Leatherman.
6. Pepper spray, derringer, etc. if you live in a dangerous area.
7. Survival kit. This is more of a backpack item. Get a tiny survival, first aid, etc. kit, there’s a million uses for having some cord, bandages, shiny foil blanket, etc.
8. Cigarette lighter or box of matches. Even if you don’t smoke, being able to make fire is another magic skill. I keep this with the survival kit.
9. Headphones, I have slightly-better-than-earbuds tucked in my coat. Noisy annoying people just stop being a problem.

And then my phone, keys, wallet, shades. Yes, I buy clothes with a lot of pockets.

I have a Leatherman micra on my keychain. Carry it everywhere, and has come in handy in multiple occasions. Worth the price IMO.