Premium EDC Slider – Magnetic Gear Box, Hidden Compartment, & Altoids Tin Alternative

The Altoids tin has been an EDC staple for years, but it has limits: weak hinges, no real structure, and not much personality. The EDC Slider is a 3D-printed answer to those complaints, offering roughly the same footprint with a two-stage sliding design, a hidden compartment, and a magnetic closure system.

What It Is

The EDC Slider is a maker-designed carry box built as an alternative to the classic Altoids tin. It's aimed at people who want to organize small everyday-carry items with more structure and visual character than a stamped metal tin provides.

Key features called out in the video:

• Roughly the same capacity as an Altoids tin
• Two-stage sliding opening that can be fully decoupled
• A hidden compartment behind the opening/press slot
• Magnetic closures throughout (around 11 to 12 magnets)
• Debossed Topo-style pattern on the exterior

Build and Materials

The box is 3D printed, with two main material paths depending on your priorities.

• Carbon fiber filament: Available in black and a gray "space" color, both with a matte finish. This option is described as offering heat-resistance capability.
• Standard color filaments: If you don't need the heat-resistant material, the maker can print in a wide range of colors, including custom requests.

Approximate dimensions mentioned in the video are a little under 4.5 inches in length, around 3 inches wide, and about 1 inch thick.

Color Options

The Slider comes in single and two-tone combinations, including:

• Military brown and coyote (light coyote)
• Neon orange
• Fire orange (described as a Polymaker tough filament)
• Army green
• Gray and coyote two-tone (Polymaker)
• Glow-in-the-dark green, which absorbs light and glows

Custom colors are available on request.

Organization

The Slider opens in two stages and holds items across two levels, with magnets helping keep the structure together and contents in place. The maker demonstrated several different pack-outs to show its flexibility.

Examples shown in the video:

• Tool kit: A 711L ratchet that takes 1/4-inch bits, a bit set, a Nextool multi-tool, and a compact knife.
• Compact EDC: A pry bar/bottle opener/hex multi-tool, a compass, a flashlight, a Leatherman Squirt PS4, and a Clipper lighter.
• Medical/first aid: Cough medication and band-aids.
• Urban tech: A data blocker, a small Tau EDC power bank, and a modular charging cable with an interchangeable tip (micro USB, USB-C, or Lightning).

The Hidden Compartment

Behind the press-and-open slot is a concealed space for items you'd rather not display. In the video it's shown holding a rolled-up bill secured with a magnetic closure, alongside small first-aid items. It's a simple way to stash a bit of emergency cash or discreet essentials.

Comfort and Carry

As a pocketable box, carry is straightforward, and items are shown fitting snugly inside. The maker mentioned plans for a future version with a carabiner and belt-clip attachment, though that isn't part of the current design.

Who It's For

The EDC Slider suits people who already like the Altoids-tin format but want:

• A sturdier, more structured build than a stamped tin
• A distinct look, whether that's an adventurous, minimalist, or urban aesthetic
• A hidden compartment for discreet storage
• Custom color options, including heat-resistant carbon fiber

It's a good match for tool carriers, small first-aid kits, and compact tech/charging setups.

Availability

At the time of the video, the EDC Slider was described as not yet for sale, with availability planned for later. The maker also mentioned giving units away to community members who engage in the comments, and teased a separate project: a higher-end plastic Altoids-tin alternative with a stronger hinge and closing mechanism.

You can find the listing here: EDC Slider Box Organizer on Etsy