I carry a powerbank and various USB C adapters so if someone’s device dies I can help them out. It is a lot cheaper and smaller than carrying around seven different cables.
On top of that I carry Tylenol and bandages.
I used to carry a full first aid bag but kept forgetting to restock on supplies.
Water. I drink it. I’m very hydrated. You’re welcome.
I’ve got quite the collection of waterbottles I carry with me. What’s your go-to?
Phones are pretty neat. I bring mine nearly everywhere.
I guess the most unusual of the every day items is a headlamp. Much handier than a flashlight in a lot of situations. If you ever have to change a tire or diagnose a car engine in pitch black it helps to have light always exactly where you’re looking.
Also - and I realise this might be contentious - but I’d suggest one that takes normal batteries. Mine takes 4× AAA.
With Eneloops (or similar low-self-discharge rechargeables), can have a 2nd set that gets you back up and running in under 30 seconds, and if you get really stuck they’re sold in every corner store in the world (heck, throw a pack of Li-FeS2 batteries in the emergency kit, 20 year shelf life).
No worrying about having the right charger cable (commonly a Micro USB, something I don’t tend to carry anymore), or remembering to charge the thing lest it go flat right in the middle of what you need to do.
Mine tend to be AAA models, which works out since I also often have pen lights around.
One thing I have done in my car is attach a rigid MOLLE mount on the sunscreen and then put pouches with a pen light, small knife, lighter, and pens. The kinds of things you always need and often carry but sometimes aren’t quite sure where they have fallen.
I always keep jumper cables in my car. Mainly in case of my own emergency, but I have used them to help others.
Jumper cables should be in every car. I’ve only needed them for my own car once, but I’ve used them probably a dozen times for other people.
I also carry a small extendable snow shovel and an extendable snow broom. A bag of sand or oil dry (or cat litter) for winter are a good idea as well, assuming you live anywhere that snows regularly.
Second this.
I am carrying two now. One flipper with pocket clip that is so easy to use. I use it many times a day to cut duct tape, packaging, rope, string, etc.
And a victorinox…super tinkerer, I think. Recently bought a pocket clip for that too.
I also carry a lighter so it is easy to burn rope/string ends or start fires. Dont use it a whole lot but it is useful.
My flipper is a VERY cheap one: Guidesman brand from Menards. I think it’s this one. Going strong for about a year now. When it craps out, I plan to buy a Benchmade Griptilian based on Project Farm’s recommendation. Project Farm is un-sponsored reviews of all kinds of useful stuff.
Do you have a preference between the Spyderco and the Boker?
ETA: My knife is not one linked above. It is the Guidesman Fenrir and apparently not for sale any longer. YT here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoHsXiCFnfU