In the midst of a frenzied hunt for the elusive key-holding wallet, my journey led me to the doorstep of Thread – a brand that seems to have conjured its very own cult of recognition at breakneck speed. Intrigued, I delved into the realm of their offerings while on my quest.

Their flagship, the Elastic wallet, is a marvel of minimalist design. Two loops of tightly woven elastic, united by a split ring, promise to cradle your cards and cash in the slimmest embrace imaginable. They boast it can snugly house up to 8 cards plus cash, which is no small feat for such a diminutive contraption.

Yet, as I grapple with its practicality, two gripes emerge from the shadows of admiration. The elastic, taut as a bowstring, demands a deft touch as the number of cards swells beyond a meager few. And alas, the seams of my own specimen already whisper tales of wear after a mere week’s dalliance. A $16 dalliance, mind you – par for the course, perhaps, but disheartening nonetheless.

But fear not, for Thread offers salvation in the form of the Vertical Wallet. A kin to its elastic sibling, but fortified with leather, structure, and the holy shield of RFID protection. This, my friends, is where the true alchemy lies. Though not as svelte as its elastic cousin, it compensates with a judicious blend of utility and elegance. The keyring loop, a masterstroke of ergonomics, and the leather’s sturdy backbone render the cards within far more compliant to my demands.

Then, there’s the Bifold Wallet, a commendable contender in its own right. While it fails to meet my particular needs (no key solution), its $30 price tag earns it a nod of respect. And craftsmanship? Like the other offerings, you won’t go out of your way to criticize it, but you won’t write home about it either.

In summation, Thread emerges as a beacon of sagacity in the tumultuous sea of consumerism. Their wares, though not without their minor flaws, exude a certain pragmatic charm. A panoply of colors and patterns beckons, ensuring that one’s allegiance remains forever fleeting. For now, the Vertical Wallet reigns supreme in my pocket, but who knows what tomorrow may bring?

In the ceaseless hunt for the perfect wallet, I veered from the treacherous shores of disappointment, ditching the chintzy allure of Chum’s Surfshort for the rugged promise of Bellboy’s All-Conditions Card Pocket. A leap from one end of the spectrum to the other, one might say, but such is the nature of this odyssey.

Bellboy, known for their meticulous craftsmanship, didn’t disappoint in the construction of this zippered marvel. With its aquaguard zipper and pre-molded structure, it’s a fortress for your cards, cash, and keys, boasting two card slots and a pocket with a built-in key loop. On paper, it ticks all the boxes for functionality and sleek design.

Yet, as I delved deeper, I found myself at odds with Bellboy’s polished aesthetic. It exuded an air of propriety that clashed with my wilder sensibilities. It lacked that spark of personality, that rugged charm I crave in my gear. It felt as though it rolled off an assembly line, pristine and perfect, devoid of the human touch that gives an item soul.

And the battle with the aquaguard zipper? A relentless skirmish, a daily struggle against the forces of waterproofing. While it may suffice for occasional card access, the constant jousting for my keys left me weary, longing for a more intuitive solution.

In the end, Bellboy’s creation stands as a testament to quality and functionality, but it’s not the companion for my journey. The search presses on, fueled by a relentless quest for that elusive blend of form, function, and untamed spirit.

More details here.

Another day, another bag… I’m in love with the way this bag handles variable loads. Gives it a space suit vibe of sorts.

Details.

Cargo Works is tiny bag company that makes bags and sleeves aimed towards the Mac user. I’ve used their sleeves on my MacBooks and iPads for years and they are unbeatable in both utility and build quality. Great prices too…

Anyway, they recently dropped a new EDC backpack and it looks to be pretty damned great.

Check it out.