Every time I think about Everyday Carry (EDC) two things come to mind. I think about George Carlin’s comedy routine about ‘stuff’ and I think about the Industrial Revolution. Why?
The Industrial Revolution gave us more leisure because the manufacturing processes went from hand production methods to machines. As a favorite writer of mine, Mortimer J Adler, opined the Industrial Revolution increased the political possibilities for democratic citizenship and the ethical possibilities for the use best of leisure.
That being said my mind then thinks about George Carlin’s humorous take on property. I dunno, with all the free time people have, they just acquire more stuff. Today EDC is all the rage. As manufacturing processes improve the consumer is able to select products that more closely meets their tastes than ever before. I just don’t want more stuff.
Today it is likely the average consumer can empty their pockets onto their nightstand at the end of the day and count more than five items. EDC trays, or what some people also term valet trays, are the way to go. EDC trays keep your items organized and minimize the chances of forgetting something.
You have a problem with misplacing your car keys? An EDC tray is a portable junk drawer for all of your gear, car keys included. Trays come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, materials and prices. They are made to carry anything you want to drop into them: keys, coins, watches, multi-tools, wallet, flashlight and whatever else you want.
Place your tray on your kitchen counter, near the front door, or on your writing desk. Place it anywhere you can get quick access to it. An EDC tray prevents your nice desk or counter from any damage.
The tactical gentleman is the dude who wants to look and be more like Jason Statham than Leonardo DiCaprio is in real life. Basically he is sussed from head to toe. He can sock you in the mouth while looking stylish in his Allen Edmunds shoes. If I didn’t want something good-looking I’d use a cardboard box instead.
If you get a tray you should have a general idea of what you’re going to be using it for. Do you want leather, wood, concrete or metal? Lots of choices out there.
When I purchased my EDC tray it was important for me to find a brand that I wanted to give my money to. I don’t like to acquire more stuff just because I might have the cash to do so. Everything I purchase should have a purpose and a place. I don’t want needless stuff in my house. I need a place for my keys, wallet, flashlight etc.
I decided to go with Guerrilla Outfitters because it’s a brand I know, like and trust. Guerrilla Outfitters is a Special Forces veteran owned outfit and has a pipe hitters mentality. They make good stuff and live by a certain creed.
I wanted something embellished into the tray that would motivate me every-time I grabbed my gear from it. My room is clean and simple. I also wanted something that had a natural hue that would complement my spartan decor while being durable and unique.
Guerrilla Outfitters can etch just about any illustration onto their product. I called Michael at Guerrilla and he told me he could definitely do my project. I was stoked! Their trays are strong yet lightweight. They use laser engraving and to cut images into their EDC trays. Custom text can be added for $5.00. Simply select “personalization” and enter the text in text box. Bam! You will receive a mock-up in about three days. The high quality handmade wood trays measure 11.5 x 8.5 inches. They are great for containing all your daily essentials.
Walnut maple or cherry wood are available and orders generally ship within four weeks. Prices from $60.00 to $75.00.
Here’s the box of goodies I received from the company. My tray was wrapped nicely in paper and placed inside a shipping box. I was expecting barbed-wire to be wrapped around it from Guerrilla Outfitters. Wow a very nice touch! Stickers and all! Classy…
My tray wrapped very nicely in order to prevent it from being damaged.
Great looking stickers, a card offering a 10% discount on future purchases and some useful info…
The Pièce De Résistance. I was very pleased to get a tray with the Spotter Up logo marked into it. MOTO! They used nice joinery that serves as a decorative element but the dovetailing makes the tray stronger.
Michael finished it with a variety of products to enhance the maple grain and artwork as well as provide a high-shine appearance. This is great craftsmanship and my money went to a good veteran-owned brand.
Cost 4/5
Comfort NA
Weight NA
Durability 5/5 Maple Wood
Functionality 4/5 Could use a divider but if you like the open box then its a 5/
Overall Rating 13/15
Material Disclosure
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.
Their stamp
Sweetness!