The best pieces of jewelry are those that come with an unexpected twist. Pendants that double as thread cutters. Vintage poison rings, perfectly sized for a single Advil tablet. Bracelets that function as aromatherapy diffusers. But my favorite pieces are the ones I can actually use; that serve a purpose in my day-to-day life. That’s where Zootility comes in.
Founded in 2012 by Nate Barr, Zootility is a Maine-based outdoor brand designing laser-cut pieces to meet everyday needs. It all started on a summer day when Barr was locked out of his apartment and had to use a putty knife to unlatch the door and get inside. The knife being there was luck, but the idea it created was all strategy. Barr realized that if he had a similarly versatile tool he could carry around with ease, he’d never have to worry about the next time something like that happened.
That idea led to the creation of the PocketMonkey, launched on Kickstarter with nearly 2,000 backers and over $25,000 pledged in just two weeks. Designed to be small and thin enough to fit in a wallet, the stainless steel tool offers 12 functions, including multiple wrenches, a ruler, a letter opener, and micro-screwdrivers.
Today, Zootility has found its home in a 3,000-square-foot shop in Westbrook, Maine. Dedicated to staffing local talent and keeping production in-house, Barr continues to design unconventional products that meet real needs. Each item is made from durable materials such as wood, leather, water-resistant fabric, and aircraft-grade aluminum, and is intended for daily use—with a lifetime guarantee to back it up.
My favorite item is the T?LRY, an 8-in-1 necklace made from 3 separate stainless steel pendants on an 18-inch chain. The first pendant offers a decorative element, featuring minimalist designs inspired by nature and philosophy. These include the mountain, hamsa, karma, and wave, though I personally prefer the last option—the bear.
The edge of the second pendant is dotted with five different hex keys, a miniature replacement for allen keys, perfect for a bolt or screw that needs a quick tightening. Finally, the third pendant includes a screwdriver, pry-bar, and ¼” hex bit, giving you the tools you need to do anything from opening a bottle to taking on a minor repair job.
Looking for a necklace without the attachments? Zootility has you covered with a stainless steel outdoor necklace boasting the same design options as the T?LRY and a constellation gold pendant with variations for each zodiac sign.
Alongside their pendants, the company carries multiple lines of outdoor gear, such as knives (many of which, of course, have their own helpful features), survival kits, and multitool keychains. And if you’d like something a little more conventional, wallets, belts, and bags are available in a variety of shapes and colorways.
While browsing the site, I was also delighted to see that Zootility produces an array of wooden puzzle toys called TekPets. These 3-D creatures are designed to be colored in and assembled (with included tools) by children over 6 years of age—or adults looking for an extra touch of whimsy in their living space. The veritable zoo on offer includes insects, ocean and woodland creatures, dinosaurs, and farm animals. A few metal TekPets are available as well, alongside an Adult Coloring TekPet featuring more complex patterns.
Through local craftsmanship, precise engineering, and constant innovation, Barr’s Zootility gives us the tools to solve everyday inconveniences with the opening of a clasp or the unfolding of a wallet. Perfect for use while hiking, in the house, or even while out with friends, any one of their products is the ideal gift for yourself or a loved one.
Pay a visit to Zootility’s website HERE, and find the gadget (or two) that you’ve been looking for.
