The 13 Best EDC Wallets for Survival and Tactical Reasons

Guys are lucky in a way because, from a young age, they are conditioned to carry a wallet, every day, in their pants pocket. They are in the routine of carrying something with them, every day.

A man’s wallet many times becomes a part of him, something he never leaves home without. For women, routine more likely includes a purse, sometimes with a wallet or coin purse that is kept inside. But whether you are male or female, a wallet can be an essential part of the EDC kit.

Yes, your wallet needs to hold your cash, ID, and credit cards, but with a bit of creativity, a good EDC wallet can carry many other items for survival as well that other bags can’t or shouldn’t.

These items you keep on your person at all times make up your EDC kit. Consider items from this EDC list for your EDC kit, and be sure not to overload your pockets and bags with them – only carry the essentials that make sense to you.

The goal of such a kit is that if you are stranded, with (nothing to assist you such as a BOB or a get home bag), you’ll be able to signal for help or get to safety using these essential EDC items for wallets and pockets or from elsewhere on your person.

Traits of a Good EDC Wallet

Choosing a wallet is a very individual and personal selection process but there are some characteristics that most preppers look for when choosing the best wallet.

Preppers are understandably concerned with ease of pocket carry, quality, efficient storage space, and accessibility of items in their wallet. Women may face additional challenges finding a pocket carry wallet since women’s pockets are often smaller than pockets in men’s clothing.

Ease of Carry

A wallet is typically carried in a front or back pants pocket or in some cases a front shirt pocket. For this reason, most people look for a wallet that looks slim once it’s filled with your essential items. Weight and size of the wallet can be crucial.

A wallet carried in the back pocket that is too thick can cause sciatica and lead to chronic pain. A wallet that is too large to fit easily and securely in a pants or shirt pocket can become a frustrating daily struggle to pull in and out.

Wallets that protrude from your pocket can be more vulnerable to theft too.

Quality

The second thing most preppers look for is a wallet that is sturdy and well-made. A good quality wallet means that you won’t have to be searching for a new wallet in a couple years. It can also mean that become a well-loved heirloom for the next generation.

Many prefer a wallet made of genuine leather or other natural material with solid stitching. New generation or modern preppers may see the value in having a hard sided wallet made of tough polycarbonate or other material with sturdy clasps or hinges.

Efficient Storage Space

One of the crucial things about a good EDC wallet is its capability for efficient storage of your most needed items. Some preppers prefer a minimalist wallet, that holds cash and credit cards, maybe an ID.

They keep the other components of their EDC kit on their keychain or in a pants or shirt pocket. Other preppers prefer a wallet with lots of extra space to hold additional EDC items such as a SAK, pen, mini-flashlight, and some basic first aid or fire starting tools.

Accessibility

Getting things you need in and out of your wallet is something you do frequently on any given day. Most people prefer a wallet that provides easy access to items inside.

Credit cards that can be taken out and put back quickly and a secure place for currency are two must have features for most people.

It’s also great to have a clear window for your driver’s license or other identification so you don’t have to take it in and out all the time.

Although keeping everything secure in your wallet is important, many preppers don’t like the loud noise that accompanies most Velcro closures on tactical wallets as it draws attention from others nearby.

Those preppers who live in a more rural area may have different EDC needs than those who live in the city.

For those who reside in an urban area, there are literally hundreds of wallets to choose from on the market today. We’ve listed several of those that are more popular with urban preppers below. In an urban area, help in some form is never too far away so your wallet may not need to hold as much.

If you intend to carry just your credit cards in your wallet and simply carry a few other EDC items on your keychain or in your pockets, you can also consider one of the many, many “minimalist” wallets that are on the market.

Living in a more rural area may mean that you work outdoors more frequently, and are doing more physical work, getting on/off farm equipment, fixing fences, tending to livestock, or even riding horses daily.

You may be further from home and from some type of help and may be in a more isolated area when something goes wrong. It’s more likely that you could run into a predator animal or find yourself stranded or injured in a remote, wooded or mountainous area.

Therefore, it’s important for your wallet to carry a wider array of EDC items for signaling, fire starting, etc.

Disclosure: This post has links to 3rd party websites, so I may get a commission if you buy through those links. Survival Sullivan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure for more.

Maxpedition Gear Urban Wallet

• Available in black, khaki, green, or foliage green
• Water resistant triple layer of polyurethane
• Water repellant fabric
• Rugged and top quality YKK complete zippers
• Webbing, straps, and attach points made of nylon, military grade
• ID window pocket and additional currency or slip card pocket
• Will hold some ultra-thin cell phones

Get the Maxpedition Gear Urban Wallet on Amazon

Flipside Wallet with RFID Blocking

• Available in various colors including black, white, and trooper green
• Made of polycarbonate and aircraft grade aluminum alloy
• RFID blocking design
• Locks automatically when closed
• Pops open at the push of a button
• Four slots to hold 8 cards; pop out with thumb
• Sort and count bills while in slots!
• Detachable external clip system to hold extra items
• Made in America

Get the Flipside Wallet with RFID Blocking here

Victorinox Men’s Altius Grenoble Leather Bi-Fold Wallet

• 100% imported Leather
• Six credit card slots
• Four storage pockets
• Micro-mesh screen window
• Just under 4 inches wide and 5-inches tall
• Will hold larger notes and almost hold a passport

Get the Victorinox Wallet here

Big Skinny Tri-Fold Wallet

• Double fold over design
• Full size currency area
• Clear window pocket for ID
• 4 slots for credit cards
• 2 hidden pockets
• Rubber coated lined pockets prevent card slippage
• Top grain leather outside and nylon microfiber inside
• 50% slimmer than traditional leather wallets
• Smaller size sits deeper in back pocket to prevent falling out
• Sturdy stitching to last for years

Get the Skinny Tri-Fold Wallet on Amazon

Rogue Bison Leather Front Pocket Wallet

• Curved edge for comfortable front pocket carry
• Made of genuine Bison leather and cow hide
• RFID blocking
• 3 card slots
• Clear ID window pocket
• 1 currency or stash pocket

Get the Rogue Bison Leather Front Pocket Wallet

Maxpedition C.M.C. Wallet

• Available in black, foliage green, OD green, or Khaki
• Well-made
• Velcro closure
• Bi-fold wallet
• Coin pocket on back side of wallet for easy access
• Large zipper pull for coin pouch can be bulky but is easy to remove
• Velcro is loud.
• 3 elastic pouches inside
• Front and rear cash slots
• Better load distribution than a tri-fold wallet
• 3 deep credit card slots and 2 miscellaneous slots

Get the Maxpedition C.M.C. Wallet on Amazon

T.H.E. Wallet by Spec Ops

• Coyote Brown, Black, or Camo
• Tactical wallet
• Large cash section
• Long pocket can hold passport
• Zippered pocket
• Double stitched seams
• Mesh zippered pocket
• 8 card slots potential for more than 1 in each slot
• Shark bite closure mechanism won’t pop open
• Pocket carry or neck carry using built-in grommets
• Outside clear window pocket quick view of badge, ID, etc.
• Available in a T.H.E Wallet J.R. version that is smaller

Get T.H.E. Wallet on Amazon

Big Skinny Compact Slim Wallet

• Double fold over with full-sized billfold section
• ID pocket with clear window
• 4 credit card pockets
• 2 hidden pockets
• Rubber coated lined pockets prevent card slippage
• Thin light durable microfiber, nylon, machine washable,
• Available in blue, brown, or black
• Only drawback—remove logo on right corner

Get the Big Skinny Compact Slim Wallet on Amazon

Craft & Lore Port Wallet

• Made of saddle leather, hand cut and hand dyed
• Burnished leather edges
• Weighs five ounces
• 3 card slots plus inner pocket which holds 3 cards
• American made
• Available via Craft & Lore website

Get the Craft and Lore on Amazon

Machine Era Wallet (Stainless)

• Holds up to 5 cards
• Made in USA
• Manufactured from single piece of metal
• Durable and holds up to everyday use
• Great price for the value

Get the Machine Era Wallet (Stainless)

The Ridge Authentic Minimalist Wallet

• Optimal size
• Durable
• Lifetime guarantee
• Cash strap or optional money clip
• Ideal for credit or debit cards, currency, business cards (up to 12)
• RFID Blocking
• Perfect for front pocket or jacket pocket carry

Get the The Ridge Authentic Minimalist Wallet on Amazon

Trayvax Armored Summit Wallet

• Holds up to 8 cards
• Made in USA
• Steel Frame
• Adjustable Webbing Strap
• Melonite Finish
• Top notch workmanship
• Simple and lightweight
• Front or back pocket carry

Check out the Trayvax Summiton Amazon

Dango Tactical Wallet

• RFID Blocking
• Included Multi-tool
• Stunning leather exterior
• Excellent customer service
• Holds up to 6 cards in RFID section
• Additional room for ID, insurance card, fishing license
• Super compact

Get the Dango Tactical Wallet on Amazon

Final Words

There are many different “wallet accessories” out there that you can use if you choose in order to expand the efficient storage capacity of the wallet you choose.

Some people choose to add a plastic sleeve to hold additional cards, others may add an insert to carry their phone or checkbook. If you plan to use a wallet accessory to expand the storage capability of your wallet, make sure you pay attention to dimensions and try it out to make sure it works the way you think it will.

For the most part, choosing a wallet is a very personal preference. Finding the best EDC wallet for you will mean considering how you will use the wallet, what items will make up your personal EDC kit, and your personal choice for ease of access, pocket carry, storage, and quality.

The final thing to consider when searching for the perfect EDC wallet for you will be the cost. Most preppers are willing to pay more for a high quality wallet because they know that it will last them for many years.

Before buying a lower priced wallet, make sure that you research reviews from users and inspect the stitching and closure mechanisms to ensure they will hold up to daily wear and tear.

If you take all these things into consideration, you should end up with an EDC wallet that will be right for you.