10 Best Minimalist EDC Wallets [2023 Insider Guide]

[@Nomads.Nation]

Do you want to see the backpack that I'm making? 👉🏼 nomadsnation.com/building-a-backpack

[@ikhwanayob4585]

Just bought Bellroy Note Sleeve. Very slim and comfortable for my trousers pocket. Satisfaction guaranteed

[@Nomads.Nation]

Kick ass wallet - can never go wrong with a wallet from Bellroy

[@adadsalloum3640]

The Frenchie mini comes with an AirTag-ready option as well, and it's RFID protected. Combine that with the sleek design and the fact that you can get your cards out without exposing your cash, and you have an almost perfect wallet. Been using it for a few months, and I absolutely love it so far.

[@Nomads.Nation]

our video editor Margaret owns it, we used hers for the shooting, she's OBSESSED lol and I can't blame her

[@XxThePh4ntomxX]

RFID is in itself a scam

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@XxThePh4ntomxX so ive heard

[@highdesertheathenry2572]

🎉🫡😅😦 bb

[@jpmccarthy33]

Love this review. I went crazy looking for the perfect wallet, but settled on the Frenchie mini. Been using it for years, and love it. Two other story of features, some coins will attach to the magnets, but super secure but keeps a coin or two with your wallet. Also, only one side is RFID protected... I sometimes will put a hotel key in the back part so I can quickly get room access without even opening my wallet or digging for the key.

[@Nomads.Nation]

good to know Jeff! I think the Frenchie is next level, it's so well designed and ticks so many boxes at the same time

[@yudao7191]

Slimfold Soft Shell Micro!! Using since 2018, everyday! A little worn because sometimes I carry keys in the same pocket, the card compartments are flawless, it didn’t loose a milimeter! The price went from 45 to 57 usd in these 5 years. Thinking in get a new one but mine is perfect yet, and the price is not attractive 😢. But I think it is the price for a made in US, high tech & high quality thing. The soft shell fabric is amazing.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks, I’ll be sure to check it out

[@bryanfunk4151]

⁠@@Nomads.NationI would echo this. I’ve been using it.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@bryanfunk4151 awesome

[@theinquisit0r]

0:51 Saw a 20 ringgit note from my country (Malaysia), thanks! 😊

[@Nomads.Nation]

🥰 🇲🇾

[@littlebigcubing6062]

On the axwell wallet you can push on the groove on the edge of the wallet and it will push the cards up and put them in a place to grab the one you need

[@Nomads.Nation]

🙏🏽

[@heyg7819]

Goody elastic hair bands. Truly minimalist.

[@Nomads.Nation]

cant argue with that lol

[@SolomonLi]

I use the Decadent Minimalist titanium wallet. It’s served me well and I got the titanium money clip to go with it. It’s actually much more comfortable than one would think a couple pieces of metal would be.

[@Nomads.Nation]

yea the metal wallets aren't as bad to carry in terms of comfort, but the weight can be noticeable imo

[@chargerman165]

First one I purchased was black leather with Air Tag ability. Love it and then saw the aluminum in gray with Air Tag and ordered it. Then the Carbon Fiber and then the Brushed Black. When ordered the Brushed Black was some kind of shipping issue that became a problem. Elster finally refunded and sent replacement using my original payment. Day before replacement arrive original arrived. Advised Ekster and asked how to send original back since they refunded it. They did not have to but advised me because of the problem keep both. Now they don’t only make GREAT they offer GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE! Cannot recommend them enough! By the way I can swap the Air Tag strap on the gray aluminum and use it on the Carbon Fiber and Brushed Black.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks for the comment!

[@neilattuk]

What about the Pacsafe RFIDsafe V100 Anti-Theft RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet? Has all the feature you need, plus the loop to attach a chain? Used one for years, wore it out and have now bought a replacement. Excellent wallet.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Great suggestion! I’ll be sure to check it out :)

[@VictoriaStobbie]

Yay! My wallets in there. But I bought my Note Sleeve 9 years ago and it’s still going strong.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Bellroy wallets are so freaking good

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

Never carry a wallet in your trouser pockets. When I first visited China and travelling on a crowded bus with my friend the bus driver called out that she saw a passenger who was just getting off put his hand into my empty pocket. She also told us that some pick pockets cut the trousers across the leg so that the wallet falls out. You can not give chase having to deal with a bleeding leg. I carry things in a bag, preferably with no easy to get to zips. Sure these can be grabbed and pull off you and you are then loosing more than just a wallet. I lost a shoulder bag when travelling to Kanpur in India when an empty compartment suddenly became so over crowded I couldn't move to secure my baggage. It can happen anywhere particularly where there are more crowds and so more to target. It never happens to you until it does even if that is only twice in a life time. The move towards more minimalist wallets made me consider what I carried. I now have three cards bank account, credit card and driver's licence. The rest are in another wallet which most of the time I can leave at home or in the car. Throw in the need for coins for parking meters (not all can use a phone to pay) and to get access to shopping trolleys (or carry a coin size token). Part of my every day kit includes a x4 magnifying lens and Victorinox Swisscard. They don't have to go in the wallet even being credit card size. It is still easy to add loyalty cards, medical cards for Covid-19, donor cards and discount cards and other accounts and you end up with a pile over 25 mm thick.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Epic points Gerald! I’m with you, I only carrry a few cards in my EDC. The other 15+ cards stay in a backup wallet at home

[@chrisland6287]

Have you tried the Kore slim wallet money clip? Worth a review, have had it it for 6 years now and love it.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I haven’t - I’ll def check it out though 💪🏾

[@chineseasianperson]

Great review and great selection. Loved the inclusion of the everyday usage section and the card shake. Important but under appreciated inclusions.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Always gotta check the card shake - thanks for the love!

[@nlmaster9811]

Ekster is hands down the best, fastest access, and arguably the best looking.

[@Nomads.Nation]

great brand

[@cloudlandsst6032]

I personally love Bellroy the most. 🤩

[@Nomads.Nation]

such a great wallet - it was my go-to for years

[@JeffTheHokie]

For me the biggest risk with a slim, card-only front-pocket wallet isn't pickpockets. It's pulling the wallet out of my pocket with my cash, and then forgetting to pick it back up (because I didn't use it. I used cash). Unless I'm going back to a billfold, I need a wallet that is big enough or uncomfortable enough that I won't accidentally pull it out of my pocket.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I see what you are saying, it definitely requires you to build the habit

[@justinrogers4465]

Ive always used cheap bifold wallets in my back pocket, my issue is i work construction and my cards last a year usually before theyre cracked, what would you recommend?

[@Nomads.Nation]

that's a tough one. A metal wallet like Axwell will keep them safe, but might not feel very comfy in the back pocket. Only one way to find out...

[@justinrogers4465]

@@Nomads.Nation Thanks for the reply, I'll check them out and let you know!

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@justinrogers4465 glad to help!

[@Moosekeys]

no grip6 wallet? love mine

[@Nomads.Nation]

Haven’t heard of them - I’ll check it out tho 💪🏾

[@jberts3141]

Not any trayvax? Lost Dutchman? Opensea leather? Tempered trail?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Never heard of them, but I’ll be sure to check em out!

[@dandogamer]

Great list but after watching I decided to go for the vaultskin city wallet. Simple, elegent and RFID protection

[@Nomads.Nation]

Nice, I’ll be sure to check it out!

[@martinharkin4211]

Have you heard of the slimpuro znap wallet ? Its the best design I’ve ever seen as a wallet

[@Nomads.Nation]

I haven’t but I’ll have to check it out - thanks for the rec!

[@jonuiuc]

I like the big skinny curve (hybrid leather), I'm on my second one, first one lasted about 13 years. I haven't found anything that is as slim while holding the same amount of cards. Nothing else fits better in the front pocket (no edges to wear on fabric), and I'm a front pocket guy. Plus cards don't fall out even if you shake it upside down.

[@Nomads.Nation]

great rec! I'll be sure to check it out

[@go2ferdie]

I have the Vaultskin City Wallet..... It is small, thin, compact and holds a shit ton.... Just get it!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Will do!

[@denakelley4363]

I'm a minimalist. What I've found works best for a wallet for me is actually a little leather business card holder. It's a clamshell design with pockets on both sides of the interior, and has plenty of room for a little cash and the cards I like to carry on a daily basis. The only downside really is it's not RFID protected. But I love how small it is. The Frenchie Mini looks similar in size (a bit thicker) and has the RFID protection, that may be my upgrade.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Great tip! Do you have a specific brand?

[@baratrion]

Did you release the next video yet? What is a great all rounder?

[@Nomads.Nation]

oops! Thanks for the reminder, I have now updated. I currently use the Peak Design Stand Wallet. All of these wallets are great all-rounders lol you just gotta pick one that you like best

[@meekrodriguez6438]

Dope video

[@Nomads.Nation]

dope comment

[@takadud]

Hi Aaron, love your videos. Was wondering if you were aware of the newly reissued Pakt Mojito? Seems like it would fit nicely into this list. Hope that you review it some day. Keep up the good work.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks so much! And yes actually I just got the mojito in the mail a few days ago - just missed the cut to make it in this review but I think it’s a cool wallet so far!

[@repairman99]

I own the SECRID single and holds 6 cards. The cover holds an extra slot for extra cards and cash up to 10 bills. For less than 50 bucks.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Nice! I’ll have to check it out

[@repairman99]

The Ekster can’t hold the same cards that the Secrid holds. It only takes 5.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@repairman99 yea ive heard good things about it

[@repairman99]

I have the Grip6 with wing man and the Ekster Parliament. I keep going back to the Secrid. Smaller a true minimalist.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@repairman99 can’t wait to get my hands on one 💪🏾

[@FA7ALtheGOD]

I have the Nomatic wallet and while its great in ease of use, your cards can get damaged over time due to the exposed edges. 😕

[@Nomads.Nation]

Good point

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

Nice update on current wallets. I notice less of the metal card holders that were seen every where a couple of years ago e.g. Ridge wallets (£80-150) and alternatives. The cascade types are still around. If the wallet is metal and you live in or travel to a colder climate they can be very uncomfortable in your pocket even just handling when below 5 C and terrible when it is -17 C. They don't handle coins or only a couple. For storage and capacity it is hard to beat a bi-fold with a zipper compartment for coins. But empty they are 20-30 mm thick yet will take yet another card (20-40), bank notes and over 30 coins of any size and just expand and bloat. Many interesting wallets have now disappeared eg DJIN from Koala Gear and Tru Virtu flip Wallet (only do a cascade style now). The Zenlet 2 Plus is still around if you have NT$3,600, (£97) to spend on a wallet. The smallest card holder is the ÖGON DESIGN Card and Cash Clip at £53 for carbon fibre and £14.90 (was £11 on Black Friday) for the iC3 polycarbonate card holder but then add £15 for postage (France to UK). ÖGON have a number of very well built card case wallets including the code wallet and also a Euro coin purse. Leather is a traditional material that wears every well and lasts. Many companies now offer vegan leather (Esty), cork leather (Moral Origin) and other materials like Tyvek®(paperwallet with cool art work designs and interesting innovation coin pouch).

[@Nomads.Nation]

Gerald, you are a wallet master! Thanks for all these suggestions too, I'll have to look into them and maybe do a V2 of this video sometime soon ;)

[@davidchrisnando5613]

why do you prefer Bellroy note sleeve rather than their hide and seek?

[@Nomads.Nation]

thinner, Hide and Seek is much bulkier in comparison

[@Almanleatherco]

Does leather wallets have or can be patent?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Not sure to be honest, if you find out do let us know

[@centenoj85]

Calidad y humildad Saludos y bendiciones

[@Nomads.Nation]

gracias!

[@itzcain81]

i really think you need to check out the wallets from dango products amazing quality and great wallets. definitely need to take them on a test ride.

[@Nomads.Nation]

damn those wallets look really interesting!

[@itzcain81]

@@Nomads.Nation yeah they are worth the money and quality is par with everything that's reviewed on this channel

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@itzcain81 💯

[@OdesiusKrosa]

Maybe I’m missing something, why such an emphasis on AirTag wallets nowadays? Wouldn’t they just empty the wallet and dump it? Or get the AirTag alert and know to ditch it then?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Probably likely, but still gives you a bit of extra security, maybe even could buy you a bit of time. Or maybe also just helpful for ppl who are forgetful and lose their wallet

[@OdesiusKrosa]

@@Nomads.Nation See now that I can understand as far as losing it or being forgetful. That seems much more useful in that case. Thank you for the insight.

[@bikegeist]

You already got a good reply, but I have another thought. Here in Japan, it's not uncommon to drop a wallet and not have it instantly snatched by some scumbag. Retrace your steps and you'll likely find it right where you left it, or someone will have handed it in somewhere. In this situation, the airtag would be pretty useful. I'm a jealous Android user. 😊

[@Lenduya]

The Ekster Wallet's card deployment is a one-of-a-kind if you ignore literally the most famous card-holder wallet, the Secrid wallet.

[@Nomads.Nation]

good to know!

[@AFGixxeR88]

I’ve been wanting to try the Ekster senate. Been using the secrid and ridge for awhile

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@AFGixxeR88 if you give it a shot let us know what you think

[@DalvirSinghNarula]

You should have a look at the Haber London Leather Bifold Wallet with RFID Protection. Let me know what you think compared to these bro. 😀

[@Nomads.Nation]

I’ll give it a shot, thanks for the rec 🙏🏽

[@saedo9723]

I used the Bellroy for many years. It was easy to pull cards out without unfolding it, and i also spent years not knowing there was a coin pouch in it. But my current minimalist wallet is the Rustic Heirloom Hitchhiker. Carries the few cards and backup cash. I haven't used it for travel, and likely won't if I need to carry a wad of cash around. Might still go back to the Bellroy unless I find something interesting.

[@Nomads.Nation]

never heard of Rustic before - their branding looks a bit loud for my taste, but the wallets look serious af

[@markhowells3835]

You can tell which company is giving kickbacks

[@Nomads.Nation]

basically every brand has an affiliate programs these days :)

[@MouseCIick]

are you in HK? why are you there? do you speak Cantonese? just curious

[@Nomads.Nation]

Yup! Lived here for 6 years. My canto is terrible but I can order a dong lai cha so I get by 😉

[@MouseCIick]

@@Nomads.Nation That’s cool man. Only been there once, but don’t remember much. Love your content.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@MouseCIick appreciate it!!

[@paocivic]

no Secrid wallets?

[@Nomads.Nation]

ive heard great things, will review soon

[@paocivic]

@@Nomads.Nation great! 👍😀🇵🇭

[@mkphilly]

IMHO, it's more your appearance and where you put your wallet is more a security evaluation: wallets on their own rarely says anything about being "rich" or not. Even a designer logo might or might not indicate anything. Location or circumstances determine where on my person I put my wallet and I never carry cash in my wallet- too cumbersome- and I rarely carry a lot of cash, in the US, anyway.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I’m with you - I rarely carry cash (and really don’t like to if I don’t have to)

[@justinbrewer6899]

now this is a damn wallet review

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks so much!!

[@aidan9931]

still waiting for the harber london card wallet review

[@Nomads.Nation]

Sry.. It’s gonna be a long while… feel free to ask me any questions here tho and I can answer

[@OreoDave]

Vaultskin Chelsea for $30 is a sleeper.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I'll have to check it out!

[@seamusrafferty]

Never heard Medellín pronounced like Aegean 🤣

[@Nomads.Nation]

I’m a gringo lol

[@BRONZALiVE]

The secrid wallet is also another extremely minimalist wallet, however to burst the bubble it’s overrated imo, as to me I had one for about a week and the build is terrible, the leather is rough and unfinished on the edges, stitched to a cheap plastic piece where you store your bills and then that is glued a lousy strip onto the metal card ejector, it’s poorly constructed and feels cheaply manufactured for quantity over quality. I used their recommended amount of cards and bills and even then the glue was lifting and exposed, I though it in the trash, when purchasing a wallet, like you said in the video it’s always good to look at the specs and how it’s made, and Secrid sadly doesn’t pass, it needs a complete overhaul

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks for that feedback!

[@wick3dheathen]

I was literally saying to myself “ I’m in the market for a new wallet LOL

[@Nomads.Nation]

meant to be ;)

[@wick3dheathen]

@@Nomads.Nationima be one happy broke bitch after everything is bought and paid for too bad I don’t have any packs to re sell am I right 😅

[@meekrodriguez6438]

Hi

[@Nomads.Nation]

salutations!

[@Viktor007]

Have you ever heard about coins?

[@Nomads.Nation]

What is this word?

[@eduardcoster]

No Secrid? The original

[@Nomads.Nation]

hopefully in the next roundup!

[@daniel2946]

Seems like you’ve been to malaysia. I see malaysia ringgit 😂

[@Nomads.Nation]

never been but always wanted to! All this was shot where I live (Hong Kong)

[@0f556]

No more Nomad's Nation?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Nomads nation is still the channel / brand, just testing a few things out 😏

[@ricdonato4328]

Your round-up is very good. Thank you for sharing. It is beyond me why a guy wears his hat backwards. Makes them look like a uneducated Bubba, Bubba not knowing the bill is for protecting his eyes, not his neck. Also, wearing the hat backwards produces that goofy half-moon suntan on the forehead.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks Ric! I think backwards hats are comfy, looks cool, and means I don’t have to style my hair 😀

[@Manishhkumar999]

Except the 1st one rest all are okaish

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks for the feedback! What are some better options?

[@iParaShane]

All these minimalist wallets that cater for notes but not coins

[@Nomads.Nation]

Bellroy Note, Axwell, and Aviator all have coin pockets/trays

[@MrJed_s]

​@@Nomads.Nation none would be ideal for frequent/daily use of coins, which is still the norm in some countries. Would love to see a "travel wallet" roundup (fits international currency and can handle coins)!

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@MrJed_s great call! I’ll be sure to add a round up like that to our to do list 💪🏾

[@mattaraya]

PM me bifold wallet.

[@Nomads.Nation]

$750 USD and it’s yours

[@temudjin5740]

Making review about minimalistic wallets without "Big Skinny" is like to say nothing. Big Skinny is there since 2005 they maybe actually invented the slim wallets.

[@Nomads.Nation]

cool, never heard of them

[@temudjin5740]

​@@Nomads.Nation Then you just have to check them, and make a new review ;D My BigSkinny favorites are "Tri-Fold" and "L-Shape". But there are also some ultra-minimalistic models...

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@temudjin5740 awesome, i'll check em out :)

[@ermal6157]

This list doesnt have Trayvax, Aviator or XSTO. Horrible list.

[@Nomads.Nation]

We actually do mention Aviator at the end of the Axwell mention - thanks for watching! ❤️

[@wick3dheathen]

Peak wallet even without the clip looks like it’s my jam Another banger video nomad team 🫡

[@Nomads.Nation]

cheers dude!

[@wick3dheathen]

@@Nomads.Nation i returned because peak designs is no longer cutting it im leaning towards the harbor london or belroy

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@wick3dheathen 🔥

[@Unborn8436]

i cant believe ekster is here but not secrid. the og?!?!

[@Nomads.Nation]

I haven't experienced them myself, maybe I'll check them out and include them in V2!