If you’re tired of walking around with a George Costanza wallet, then it’s time to go minimalist. We took the Mission First Tactical Minimalist Wallet for a spin and dish.
I managed to get my hands on a Gun Owners of America branded Mission First Tactical Minimalist Wallet. A colleague got it for me when he attended the inaugural GOA GOALS event in Tennessee two years ago. I tossed it in the pile of gear for T and E and I finally broke it out earlier this year. Is it something worth using? Depends on your needs.
Mission First Tactical
Mission First Tactical is a company that manufactures and distributes firearm accessories. Their product offerings include holsters, bags, furniture, grips, clothing, off-body carry bags, magazines, sights, handguards, and more. They even have a good looking line of drinkware that’s perfect for fans of militaria.
“Mission First Tactical leads the firearm industry through innovation, quality, and collaboration,” their website says. “Our products are designed by experts for real-world applications, ensuring they meet the highest standards. We prioritize speed and efficiency, bringing new products to market rapidly while maintaining the utmost quality. Our hands-on development process and close partnerships with government agencies, law enforcement, and top manufacturers enable us to deliver unparalleled customization and functionality.”
The Minimalist Wallet
The product page for the wallet advertises the wallet as “slim, strong, and durable.”
“Stay Organized and carry only what you need with this slim and comfortable wallet,” they note. “Securely store and easily access up to 8 Credit Cards or 15 Business Cards. Designs are chemically bonded to ensure wear and scratch resistance.”
For features Mission First Tactical notes the following about the wallet:
- Slim Wallet
- RFID Protection
- EDC Every Day Carry
- Kydex Style Material
- Handcrafted in the United States
What a “Kydex Style Material” is supposed to be is not apparent. Does it seem like Kydex? Yes. Given the very sturdy construction of the wallet, we’d guess the material is BOLTARON®. We don’t know that for sure, but if we were going to bet on it, that’s what we’d say it is.
My wallet journey
Many years ago when my leg would fall asleep sitting on a bar stool with my wallet digging into my buttcheek, I decided to change my ways. Instead of no longer drinking in excess and ripping darts like it was my job at bars, I swapped out my wallet type. I no longer kept a thick wallet in my back pocket.
To fix the issues with my numb leg, I ended swapping over to what I call a smallet, or small wallet. Smallets are sized dimensionally to fit a few credit cards or IDs and some cash, all stacked on top of another, super compact.
The Minimalist Wallet is something that I’d put in the smallet category. However, it’s really a bare bones unit and it’s a commitment to use.
Taking the Minimalist Wallet for a spin
What was going to be the perfect use for the Minimalist Wallet? The first time I broke it out, I used it while on a cruise. I did not want to bebop around the ship with my regular wallet, but I did want to have some WAM — walk around money for tips — and at least one ID card.
Slamming cash into the Minimalist Wallet is not the easiest and there’s definitely a long break-in period with these units. But, by using the Minimalist Wallet for cash, it functions a lot like a glorified and more sturdy money clip.
I plopped my passport card and a pile of two dollar bills into the wallet and that’s what I carried around on a week-long cruise I took earlier this year. Since I had my “sea card” or room key on one of those lanyards hanging from my neck, the wallet really only came out for cash tips. And honestly, it worked great.
After the cruise I decided to use the wallet for business cards. Advertising that the wallet will hold up to 15 business cards might be accurate — depending on the card thickness — but I did not exactly count them. I just stuffed them in until no more would fit and then I’d have to peel one or two out because they were in there quite tight.
How’d it perform?
This thing is borderline indestructible. It’s also very stiff. Trying to work things in and out might come with some difficulty, but it’s manageable. If you have too much stuff in it, think about trying to pry open a clam — it’s not a good look when you’re trying to give someone a business card.
That all said, this is a neat little wallet. Is it something that I’d use for everyday use? Probably not. But I can guarantee that there’s folks out there who would love it for everyday use and be exactly what they’re looking for.
For me? It’s a good backup option or auxiliary wallet. Something I’d use when I don’t need everything I’d normally carry in my wallet.
Perfect for travel
Like I said, I used this on a cruise and it worked great for my needs. It’s also a wallet I’d consider using when traveling. Do you need your Costco and BJs’ card when on vacation? Well, the answer to that might be yes, but for me, it’s generally no.
What’s the bare minimum? Maybe an ID, a credit/bank card or two, health insurance card, and perhaps some cash and/or a few business cards.
Going someplace that’s cashless? Even better. You get the picture.
The quick and dirty
Pluses: Robust design. Very durable. Small and compact. Perfect for travel. Not overly expensive — but not cheap either, at $24.99 for a custom version or as low as $19.99 for an instock item.
Minuses: Can only hold so much. Difficult to pry open if overstuffed.
My overall experience with the Minimalist Wallet by Mission First Tactical is positive. Would I buy one of these? For twenty bucks? Sure. Is it the answer to all my wallet prayers and needs? No. But this is a great item that I’m going to get plenty of use out of and considering the construction of it, it’s probably going to outlive me. We’d recommend this product if you’re in the market for an item like it.
If you’re interested in getting a Mission First Tactical Minimalist Wallet you can buy them directly from Mission First Tactical HERE, or there appears to be a couple versions — One and Two — available on Amazon.
