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Like regular work pants, they’re strategically reinforced: knees, belt loops, crotch. Unlike regular work pants, the fabric stretches and wicks sweat. Worth wearing for the dedicated phone pocket alone.

half as fast as plugging in. But for a top-off, or an overnight charge, Qi charging is simpler and more elegant than slapping a fraying cable across the table. The only problem with it is that the charging bases aren’t that attractive. Ikea ( ikea.com) makes its own version of a charging table, but we wanted some- thing more seamless, subtle and available locally. Any cheap hollow- core side of coffee table makes for perfect prototype material. If the top isn’t hollow, you’ll just need a router (keep the amount of wood between the charger and the phone as thin as possible). And a lot more patience.

GERBER CENTRE-DRIVE

Gerber’s new Centre-drive solves the problem of the multitool screwdriver, where the bit sits off-centre. This makes it awkward to twist and slower than a real screwdriver. Here, the tool bit is aligned on the central axis for the feel of a standard driver. Even better, it retains our favourite Gerber feature – a flick-of-the-wrist-opening pliers – and adds an 8 cm blade. The Centre-drive’s 12 tools include a 6 mm magnetic bit driver and an 8 cm blade. The Q3’s slim baton shape eliminates the cumbersome feel of a wider multitool.

SOG KNIVES Q3

To redesign the classic multitool structure, SOG Knives partnered with IDEO, a design firm with clients as varied as Fender guitars and the government of Singapore. Instead of a butterfly foldout, the baton shape makes a pocket-friendly accessory that won’t look out of place next to your smartphone. The ten tools on either end are available in the closed position, letting the Q3 operate like a driver. Pull the halves apart, and the spring-loaded pliers unfold with a satisfying bolt-action click.

The Kickstarter-driven STK was imagined as a minimalist everyday carry. The sliding 43 mm blade is forged from high-grade stainless steel (extra niobium and molybdenum) to resist chipping and wear. The lightweight titanium case reinforces the blade for enough prying leverage to open the rustiest paint tin. The bottle opener doubles as a 6 mm-bit driver and a backside holder replaces a money clip.