ADD1D Explorer Wallet Review: A Travel-Ready Wallet That Doesn’t Sacrifice Style

I’ve been following ADD1D for a while now, and after reviewing their Kangaroo Sling not long ago, I was genuinely impressed by the quality and design of their products. So when I got the chance to try the Explorer Wallet, I was curious to see if it would live up to the same standard — and spoiler alert, it really does.

Now, I’ll be honest — I’m one of those guys who still carries a wallet even though I pay for almost everything with Apple Pay. It’s just more convenient. But there’s something about having a proper wallet that I can’t give up — the texture of leather, the way it wears over time, and the feeling of pulling out something that’s both practical and beautifully made.

In this review, I’ll tell you exactly why the Explorer Wallet has become part of my everyday carry and share what I love about it — as well as the few things that could be improved.

Design & Build Quality

After being so impressed by the Kangaroo Sling, I was really curious to see if the Explorer Wallet shared that same ADD1D philosophy — great products, premium materials, and real attention to detail. And I’m happy to say, it absolutely does.

ADD1D chose to go with large pebbled leather, and honestly, that was a smart move. The texture feels luxurious and soft, yet durable enough to handle daily use. The moment you hold it, you instantly get that premium feeling — it’s the kind of leather that looks better with age rather than worse.

On the back, there’s a small zip compartment, perfect for coins or an AirTag. The zip itself feels incredibly solid — it’s not one of those flimsy zips that you fear will break after a few weeks. This one feels indestructible.

Inside, the layout is clever and well thought out. There’s a compartment for bank notes, another for two cards (I keep my driving licence there), and it even includes a micro travel pen — such a neat little touch that I didn’t know I needed until now. Hidden inside the banknote compartment, there’s also a discreet slot designed for a micro SD card or SIM ejector pin. It’s one of those small design details that make you realise how much thought went into this wallet.

And then, of course, there’s the star of the show — the strong aluminium card case. It can hold up to five cards, and with a simple pull of the trigger, they pop out smoothly and fan open perfectly. Everything is protected against electronic data theft (RFID blocking), which gives peace of mind when travelling. The magnetic closure snaps shut with a satisfying click, adding to that feeling of refinement.

Honestly, the build quality is outstanding. You can tell ADD1D didn’t just design this wallet — they engineered it. Every little feature feels intentional, functional, and stylish.

Everyday Use & Performance

I’ve been using the ADD1D Explorer Wallet every day for a while now, and it has completely replaced my old black wallet from Zara. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier with the switch. The Explorer is compact, lightweight, and so easy to hold — its 104 mm by 75 mm size makes it ideal to carry anywhere without feeling bulky.

Most days, I head out with my ADD1D Kangaroo Sling, and the Explorer slips perfectly inside it. It’s like the two were designed to work together — same premium feel, same practical mindset.

The magnetic closure deserves a special mention. It’s strong enough to keep everything securely shut, so there’s no risk of notes falling out, even when you’re on the move. The aluminium card compartment is also a joy to use — it feels sturdy and precise. With one click, the cards fan out smoothly, and while I pay with Apple Pay most of the time, I still love that tactile moment of pulling out a physical card.

The leather continues to impress me. It’s soft, flexible, and feels premium every time I touch it. If I had to mention one thing I’d change, it would be the colour — I personally wish it was a touch more on the tan or darker brown side. But that’s me being picky, just to find something to criticise!

If you carry a lot of cards, it’s worth noting that the main aluminium compartment fits up to five cards, and there’s room for two more inside. For my daily essentials — bank card, driving licence, a couple of loyalty cards — it’s just right.

The Explorer has now earned a solid place in my everyday carry setup. It’s reliable, well-designed, and genuinely enjoyable to use — the kind of accessory that makes daily life a little more elegant.

Final Thoughts

The ADD1D Explorer Wallet has really impressed me. It’s beautifully made, thoughtfully designed, and clearly built to last. From the soft pebbled leather to the clever internal layout and sturdy aluminium card system, everything about it feels well executed and genuinely premium.

It’s the kind of wallet that grows on you the more you use it. I love how compact and practical it is — it fits perfectly in my ADD1D Kangaroo Sling, feels solid in the hand, and adds that small touch of style to my everyday routine. Yes, it’s on the pricier side and I would personally have preferred a slightly darker leather tone, but overall, it’s a fantastic piece of craftsmanship.

ADD1D sent me the Explorer Wallet for review purposes, but as always, they haven’t read this post before publication, and all opinions here are entirely my own. If you’re someone who still enjoys carrying a real wallet — even in an Apple Pay world — and you appreciate good design and attention to detail, the Explorer is a wallet you’ll be proud to own. The Explorer Wallet is available at ADD1D (here): get 10% off using my coupon code: LIFESTYLEWITHJEROME

Jerome

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. ADD1D sent me the Explorer Wallet for review, but they have not seen or approved this post before publication. All opinions are my own.