The wallet is one of the most carried accessories today. Everything a guy needs (outside of his smartphone) can be stuffed into one easy-to-access accessory that fits perfectly in his back pocket. In the early 1950s, the bi-fold wallet started to become a standard when the first credit cards were introduced. If you carried a wallet back then, it was a staple of manliness, especially if you had a credit card and a few bucks in it.
The Wallet Evolution
The wallet, billfold, pocketbook, or as the French call it, le porte-monnaie, has evolved considerably over the past 70 years, but the classic bi-fold and tri-fold wallets haven’t changed too much. This style is for sure the most popular. There is enough room for your cash, a few credit cards, your ID, and a picture of your dog. Although these wallets are most likely to be pickpocketed, they are still the preferred choice for most guys.
Over the past 15 years, pickpockets have upped their game and now use smartphones to “skim” credit cards. They hold their smartphone close to where your wallet is and voila! They can get your credit card numbers with expiration dates. Want to be one step ahead? Allow me to introduce you to Ekster.
A Smarter Wallet
Ekster was founded by two Dutch college students who wanted to create a more secure wallet. The wallet has your standard RFID-blocking built into it, but it goes a step further. A credit card-sized tracking device fits inside so you always know where it is by using GPS and the mobile app on your phone.
The tracking device is solar-powered and can last up to three months on a single charge! If you lose your wallet, just hop on to your mobile app to find out where it is. If you’ve misplaced it in your home, there is a feature to connect the device to your Amazon Echo and you can ask Alexa to find your wallet! It’s pretty damn cool. I’ve tried it and it works beautifully.
Another super cool feature of the tracking device is smartphone tracking. If you have your wallet but can’t find your phone, just press the button on the tracker and your phone will start beeping.
A New Level of Functionality
We all have fumbled through our wallets at one point or another trying to find a card. If you have an Ekster, there is no more fumbling. I own the Vachetta Parliament Ekster wallet. Ekster takes a minimalistic approach by having just enough for what you need. It offers the following features:
- Two inside pockets for 2 cards
- An elastic band to hold your cash
- An outside pocket to store your tracker
- A credit card compartment for up to 6 cards
The credit card compartment is the most innovative and probably the most attractive feature (outside of the technology) of this wallet. The compartment is designed to hold up to 6 credit cards. I say “up to 6 credit cards” because if you have the old-style cards with the raised numbers you won’t be able to fit as many. With a simple squeeze of the trigger on the bottom of the wallet, all your cards pop up and are layered so that each individual card is easily accessible.
Function Meets Elegance
The Ekster wallet is not only the smartest wallet you will ever own, but it’s the most elegant too. All Ekster wallets are made with premium leather and come in a variety of colors. They are competitively priced with other premium wallets, like Coach, but include all the fun tech stuff that no one else has!
Making the Transition to an Ekster Wallet
If you are like me, you may use the same wallet for several years. After carrying my Coach for over 10 years, the insides were falling apart and I knew that it was time to get a replacement that was more secure. My decision to go with Ekster was easy considering it’s packed full of technology in such a stylish wallet. Seriously, what guy doesn’t like technology and style?
Wrapping Up
The Ekster wallet is the most innovative, stylish, and sophisticated wallet you can get your hands on. It is the must-have upgrade to your current one and with so many features, why wouldn’t you want it? Plus, it will help you to stay organized by keeping out the crap and carrying only what you really need.
Don’t be that guy who has a 3-inch-thick wallet and uses rubber bands to keep it closed. If you like carrying a lot of cash with you, get yourself a money clip (Ekster has those too) and carry it in your front pocket.
Follow this link to browse the smartest wallets on the market!