Intentional Gear & Photography with RocketCityEDC!

For many everyday carry enthusiasts, the journey isn't just about acquiring the best gear—it’s about finding tools that help shape their lives, contribute to personal growth, and connect them to a larger community.

Chris, known in the community as rocketcityedc, shares how his passion for everyday carry has evolved beyond simple tools, and how their intentional gear choices and love for photography have created a deeper connection with others.

Through social media, they've found a space to connect with like-minded individuals and build a community of shared interests—all while pursuing mindful consumption and using gear to enhance their daily life. 

As always, we hope you find something that can help and inspire you with your own EDC journey! 

What inspired you to get into EDC?

Everyone has an everyday carry, so I wouldn’t really say it was something I got into, so much as I started thinking about it more purposefully: what can I take to work to make my day easier? It started with a Leatherman multitool that I used to snip cable ties, then a pocket knife for opening boxes, then a flashlight for seeing inside of dark trailers and cabinets, and it just spiraled from there!

What did your first setup look like? 

My first solid setup was the Leatherman Rebar, the Kershaw Shuffle, and an Olight i3e. It wasn’t much, but it got the job done!

How have the items in your EDC changed over the years?

Some items I change out of necessity. For example, I initially upgraded from my Leatherman Rebar because I needed to be able to open and use tools with one hand. Ease of use is everything. My daily carry pocket knives tend to be small and have stayed that way over the years. What I find myself carrying now more than ever is an EDC pen and notepad. My day job is in management, and I absolutely have to be able to take notes. That’s where Lochby products like the Pocket Journal have been a great solution for me. I’m looking forward to putting the new Mini Field journal through its paces.

Do you have a favorite item or accessory from your everyday carry? 

That’s a tough question. The pocket knife that made me fall in love with pocket knives was the GiantMouse ACE Riv. Its design is so intentional and precise, and it tells you exactly how it wants to be held and used. I think any great product can do that.

For Chris, EDC started as a way to simplify life but it quickly grew into a more intentional practice. 

Curating tools and gear that serves a practical purpose but also aligns with one's personal values can help enhance both productivity and personal growth. Looking at his journey so far, this kind of approach has helped Chris with the mindful shift of accumulating gear for the purpose of adding lasting value. 

It's definitely one of the many things that make everyday carry what it is! 

Was there a turning point that made you realize this was something you wanted to pursue in life through social media? 

My path into social media was a strange one. I started my Instagram because I lucked into receiving a Leatherman ARC about a month before the official release, so I wanted to share some photos of it. I had started getting into photography on my iPhone around the same time as a way to take my mind off of my grandmother passing away. It was perfect timing. Photography has been the greatest discovery of my life and now I get to talk to and collaborate with amazing people on Instagram, and I’m so grateful for that. I don’t take it for granted.

What has been the most rewarding part of sharing your journey on social media?

The people I’ve met. Being able to join and form communities around a shared, positive passion is amazing. Being able to share my journey and passions with even more people through venues like this one is an amazing privilege. 

What's a fun fact about you that your followers might not know? 

I went to the University of Alabama and hold a Master’s Degree in history! I don’t use that degree at all, but, it definitely played a part in shaping my fascination with what people carry each day. "Will someone down the line be able to look back at your EDC and draw some meaningful conclusions about your life?" That’s such an interesting question to me.

The turning point came when Chris started sharing their EDC journey through photography, which became a creative outlet following a personal loss. This led to meaningful connections with others who shared similar interests in EDC and photography, fostering a community that inspired further growth and learning. 

Despite not using his history degree professionally, it serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing personal development! This tells us that there are so many directions we can go in life and don't have to limit ourselves to what we know and have learned. 

Do you have a day job, and if so, what is it? 

I manage a retail sporting goods store! I’m surrounded by amazing EDC gear all day! It’s a struggle for my wallet.

How has your journey with everyday carry evolved over time? 

My personal everyday carry and my EDC photography are related but separate. I have a true everyday carry apart from my fascination with collecting knives and tools, and as I’ve gotten deeper into photography, my EDC has evolved. Right now, I’m interested in helping people discover great new gear that can make their daily lives easier, sharing my journey learning photography, and building a community around those two passions.

We can only imagine the struggle when constantly surrounded by amazing gear! At the same time, it's great that such a setup can also fuel the passion Chris has for everyday carry.

While it may sometimes prove challenging to choose among all the incredible gear available to him, it’s also a constant source of inspiration! Plus, it's a great exercise in practicing mindful and intentional EDC.  

How did you discover LOCHBY?

You have some of the best advertisements on Instagram! I took the bait and bought a Pocket Journal in 2023 and never looked back.

What is your favorite LOCHBY product and why?

Up until this point it has been the Pocket Journal, because it’s an all-in-one EDC solution. You can carry notepads, writing utensils, cards and tools. I think the new Mini Field Journal is going to compete for that top spot. Being able to use four notepads is a game changer that will allow me to use the Mini Field Journal for work, home life and play.

Do you have any tips for making the most out of LOCHBY products?

Use them. Keep using them. You’ll discover new ways to use them. Grab a Venture Pouch for the home, car and office. You won’t regret it. You shouldn’t feel like there’s a right or wrong way to use Lochby products. There’s just YOUR way and that’s all that matters.

So glad that Chris gave us a chance and that we've found a place in his everyday carry! We'll try even harder to create and innovate so we can consistently offer useful, functional products. 

What advice would you give to someone just starting to get into EDC? 

You don’t need the most expensive gear. Don’t buy things just because other people have them. Start small and if you love what you have and want something better, then make the jump. 

Are there any common mistakes beginners should avoid?

Buy purposefully. Don’t spend money to spend money. Whether we are talking about EDC or photography, you should purchase things to solve an existing problem. Now, if you get into collecting, then the equation changes, but you still shouldn’t succumb to peer pressure. The best gear is the gear you have.

Great advice! Choosing gear that solves everyday problems and makes life more organized is a great start when getting into EDC. 

At the end of the day, it's not about chasing trends or collecting cool-looking tools but focusing on practicality and quality. By choosing items that truly align with your needs, you’ll naturally refine your setup over time, creating an intentional collection that enhances your daily routine! 

How do you balance your passion with other aspects of your life?

If I’m not at my day job, I’m thinking about my photography and EDC work. I don’t know that I’ve mastered a balance, but I don’t feel the need to. I love what I do.

How do you stay motivated to continue your passion and sharing your EDC journey online?

Once again, the people. The people are everything. I love it when people reach out to me about their gear or photos. I’ll always take time out of my day to help if I can.

What are your future plans or goals related to this passion? 

I want to be a professional photographer. Full stop. It’s my singular focus.

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires you?

Nick Saban said this: “It’s not human nature to be great. It’s human nature to survive, to be average and do what you have to do to get by. That is normal. When you have something good happen, it’s the special people that can stay focused and keep paying attention to detail, working to get better and not being satisfied with what they have accomplished.” 

I am never satisfied. Thank you for letting me do this!

EDC has become more than just a practical choice for Chris—it’s a way to live with intention, build meaningful connections, and pursue personal growth. By mindfully curating their gear and sharing their journey online, they’ve fostered a community that values authenticity and purpose.

Thanks to photography and everyday carry, they’re living proof that the right tools can help you find clarity, creativity, and connection with yourself and others.

Don't forget to follow his Instagram, rocketcityedc, right here. Thank YOU, Chris!