Weijian Lin, Author at JustZan

Why I Switched to a Minimalist Wallet (and Never Looked Back)

Carrying only the essentials makes everyday life feel lighter and better organised. The Cardholder Pro nudges you to keep only the cards you actually use, and at just 1.55cm thick it disappears into a front pocket without creating bulk.

It’s a natural fit for professionals, travellers and anyone who appreciates good functional design without the bulk of a traditional leather wallet.

Premium Build Quality That Feels Worth Every Dollar

The cardholder is crafted from 100% recycled 6061 aluminium with an all-metal construction — and it hence it naturally feels exceptionally solid in hand. The precision machining gives it a premium look that stands out from ordinary wallets, and it’s clearly built to survive daily use without feeling fragile. The assurance of it lasting drops and knocks makes it feel like a genuine everyday carry (EDC) accessory than just another wallet.

Surprisingly Spacious While Staying Slim

Despite the slim profile, it comfortably holds my daily cards and cash. Ekster rates it for up to 14 cards — roughly 8-10 in the holder and 4-6 under the backplate — so everything stays organised instead of getting lost. The expandable aluminium backplate adds flexibility for extra cards or folded bills, and it eliminates the need for an oversized leather wallet.

The patented card ejection mechanism is quick, smooth and genuinely satisfying to use. A single press of the metal button with your thumb or pinkie finger fans your cards out instantly — no more fumbling through a stack at the counter. It’s especially handy when commuting, travelling or making quick purchases and makes people’s head turn.

RFID Protection That Gives Peace of Mind

Built-in RFID blocking helps protect your contactless cards from electronic skimming – a real risk in today’s connected world. It’s especially reassuring while travelling in busy airports, overseas crowded shopping malls, on public transport, adding a layer of security without changing how you use your cards — so you can focus on your day instead of worrying about digital theft.

Designed for People Who Like to Stay Organised

Due to it’s design where every item has its place, it really makes it easier to keep things to a minimal and I realise I will only carry what I need. It helps keep my everyday carry clutter-free of unwanted receipts and less used cards. The slim shape of the card holder allows me to slip it comfortably into jeans, trousers or a blazer pocket, making daily routines feel a little more efficient. Overall I do feel lighter psychologically as well without heavy loads in traditional wallets.

For those who want to carry a bit more, the cardholder has modular add-ons like a cash clip backplate, coin tray and Apple/Android tracker cards, so it grows with your needs instead of being a single use case item. So if you are someone who likes to carry coins and the 1-2 essential home keys as well, consider the coin tray add-on or the coin pouch.

The lifetime warranty from the brand reflects Ekster’s confidence in its build — a financially smart choice if you value quality over replacing cheap wallets every few years.

Trusted by High Performers Around the World

Ekster cardholders has been endorsed by entrepreneur and Diary of a CEO host Steven Bartlett, who calls it the culmination of countless improvements on the traditional wallet. As the world’s #1 bestselling cardholder, used by minimalist enthusiasts worldwide, it’s easy to feel confident you’re investing in a product with a strong reputation. Argentinian soccer player Lionel Messi also has a collaboration range with Ekster which can be purchased from the main website.

Final Verdict: A Minimalist Wallet That Keeps You Ready for Anything

The excellent build quality feels premium from day one, keeping cards and cash neatly organised in an incredibly slim package. RFID protection adds confidence on the move, and the quick-access mechanism genuinely improves everyday convenience. At S$119, it is definitely cheaper than most good leather wallets, and I think it is well worth for the awesome built quality.

If you want a wallet that’s stylish, durable and practical, the Ekster Cardholder Pro is one of the best minimalist EDC wallets you can buy today. Personally, picking it up daily on my way out the house has helped remind me to be sharp and prepared quickly for any situation that arises.

Why I Think This Is the Only Vacuum Packing Kit Most Travellers Will Ever Need

After using this bag and pump on multiple trips, it has quietly become my default packing solution. Looking back, what sold me ultimately is that it feels premium rather than cheap and disposable — none of the flimsy plastic you get with generic vacuum bags that split after two uses. The kit ships with its own USB-C air pump, so there’s nothing extra to buy, and the whole thing is clearly built for repeated packing, unpacking and recompressing without wearing out.

In my army days with the Singapore Armed Forces, we used ziplock bags to waterproof our clothes during expeditions, and compressing air out of those bags was not easy and often led to torn ziplock bags when the internal pressure proved more than the plastic seams could handle.

Premium Vacuum Bag That Actually Feels Built for Travel and daily use

The bag is made from durable, waterproof, anti-rip nylon, and that thickness inspires real confidence even when I overpack. The seams are thick and is very assuring for me. With such thick seams and the waterproof construction, my clothes are well protected from spills and damp luggage.

An air tight sealing zipper paired with a central valve holds compression the whole journey, and the seam-sealed build is durable enough for frequent business travel as well as the occasional holiday.

That central air valve delivers more even compression from every corner of the bag, and clothes stay compressed for the whole trip rather than slowly re-expanding. I rarely need to re-vacuum mid-journey, and the reduced bulk keeps my luggage genuinely organised.

Tip: I also use my bag and pump daily for gym clothes while not travelling overseas— the bag construction ensures that sweat odours from the session and liquids are well contained and do not seep out into my daily bag.

A Compact USB-C Pump That’s Surprisingly Powerful

At just 4.5 x 6.5 cm or around the size of a car remote control key, the pump slips into almost any backpack, carry-on or suitcase. The suction is strong enough to compress a full bag within seconds, and because it’s USB-C rechargeable there are no disposable batteries or proprietary chargers to worry about. Ekster rates it at around 20 uses per charge, which is plenty for longer trips.

My only gripe with it: it’s a bit loud, but like most good vacuum pumps this size, that’s a tradeoff I’m happy to make.

Compress More Without Playing Luggage Tetris

With roughly 10L of capacity per bag, I can fit 5+ days of clothing into a single carry-on. That frees up serious space for shopping or souvenirs, and it forces a tidier, more organised pack instead of stuffing clothes into every corner. The frosted material is a additional touch too, as I can identify what’s inside without opening the bag every time.

The compressed bag fits neatly into most cabin bags and backpacks. It’s ideal for 2–5 day business trips where every inch counts, and equally handy for spontaneous weekend escapes that don’t warrant a bigger suitcase. Repacking for the return leg is just as fast and hassle-free.

Final Verdict: The Last Vacuum Travel Kit You’ll Need

The premium materials and compactness of the pump justify the higher price over generic Taobao/Shopee alternatives. The bag starts at S$90 per piece, the pump at S$90 per unit; but the bundle makes the best sense with 2 bags and a pump at S$148. And if you buy the 4 bag bundle for your partner, the S$248 makes much more sense and the savings from baggage will pay for it back within 2-5 trips.

A durable waterproof bag plus a powerful rechargeable pump means you stop replacing cheap vacuum bags for good. It’s compact enough for business travel, strong enough for extended holidays, and simple enough for anyone. If you want one compression system that lasts years instead of one trip, the Ekster TravelPack™ Vacuum Kit Plus is an easy recommendation.