The EDC Tool Roll: Mountain Ridge Gear XS Duffel Bag

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.


I started writing this series because I built my own pocket tool kit to make my life easier around our property. My wife suggested that I write about the kit and I am glad she did because it has grown into one of the most popular features on JTT. So much so, that I have received a ton of great suggestions from readers including a few that have asked for suggestions for a tool bag that is still compact but that can carry more tools than the pocket sized options that we have already covered.

Coming up with a recommendation was easy because I already have the perfect bag. Mountain Ridge Gear (MRG) makes 4 different sized Duffel Bags that range from very large to very small. The smallest, a size MRG calls XS, is a perfect size for a compact tool kit at 9″ x 4″ x 4″. I know it can be hard to visualize dimension so think of a typical toiletry bag and you’ll understand the size of the MRG XS Duffel. I can fit every tool that we have profiled so far in The EDC Tool Roll series inside of it.

The XS size is perfect for stuffing inside of a larger bag like an EDC backpack or range bag. It has a tubular webbing handle built into one end that makes it easy to retrieve from inside of another bag.

These bags are BOMB-PROOF and super affordable. MRG sews them right here in the USA, Colorado to be specific. They use 1000D Cordura Nylon and beefy #10 YKK zippers. Every single edge is bound with tape so every seam is reinforced and there are no bare edges to start fraying.

MRG makes these bags to last in a way that few nylon companies still do and the bag still only costs $15 shipped! I am not sure you can get a cheap, off-shore produced tool bag for less than that. These bags are a bargain.

When I purchased this one, I should have bought a whole stack of them because there is no shortage of ways to use a bag like this. They are a great size for travel, vehicle first aid kits, tool bags, chainsaw tools, and all kinds of other uses.

Where to Buy: The XS Duffel is only available from Mountain Ridge Gear. It’s $18 including shipping!

Alternatives: I am sure there are other small bags out there that would work but it will be tough to beat the price and quality of the MRG XS Duffel. We have covered two smaller “tool bags” in this series already.

Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer

Triple Seven Gear Micro Kit


Do you have a compact tool bag, tool roll, or other tool that want to recommend? Tell us about it below.

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