Every-Day Carry (EDC) includes things that are regularly used as well as things that help in survival situations. It would be cumbersome to carry around everything that might be required in the event of a catastrophe; therefore, it is a prudent plan to have everyday items that can be carried around regularly.
If something terrible occurs while you are away from home, you ought to have certain things on hand to help you survive. There is not one definitive list that specifies everything that needs to be in an EDC kit. What is carried will depend heavily on the requirements of the person carrying it, which may include their level of knowledge and the skills they have at their disposal. It is a waste of time to carry something without first learning how to use it.
Why is it Necessary for You to Have an Everyday Carry Kit?
There are several advantages to always having an EDC kit on you, regardless of whether it only contains a few necessities or a comprehensive assortment of tools and devices that can assist you in a wide variety of predicaments. You will always be ready to handle day-to-day responsibilities if you keep a well-thought-out kit on hand.
1. Preparation
When you have an everyday carry kit, you put yourself in a position to be ready for a variety of unforeseen circumstances. Even if you only had a multitool, you would be more prepared than approximately 90 percent of the population of the world. Even if you don’t believe you’ll ever require it, knowing that you are prepared for anything can help boost self-assurance and independence. It is important to work on becoming more self-reliant given the current state of the world.
2. Protection
Because of the unpredictability of the world, you would like to believe that you won’t ever require it, but you can’t give yourself any assurances about this. When you’re out and about and could potentially be bothered by strangers, having a concealed carry item like a knife and flashlight on you can prevent them from bothering you.
3. Save Time and Money
Even though we live in a world where almost everything is easily accessible or not too far away, it is still beneficial to have an EDC because it can save you both time and money. For instance, if you need a new screwdriver but don’t want to stop what you’re doing and run to the hardware store, you’ll have one on your multitool that’s already sharpened and ready to go to work for you. It makes it simple to deal with projects that arise daily as well as unexpected situations, saving both time and money in the process.
4. Assisting Other People
There are going to be some people who do not have their very own EDC kit. As was mentioned in the first advantage of being prepared, the vast majority of people do not even carry a knife or multitool with them to safeguard themselves or improve their chances of being successful. This is the case even though such items are essential.
Therefore, if you have the appropriate kit with the necessary tools, you will be able to assist others just as much as you assist yourself through the use of this kit. The sense of calm and security that comes from being prepared and always having an EDC kit on hand can take you a lot further than you might think it would. If you can get through life with fewer worries and other sources of stress, you’ll have more time to spend simply appreciating what it has to offer.
EDC Essentials to Think About
You’ll want to make sure that your everyday carry (EDC) kit has certain items, such as those listed below. Even though you have a wide variety of options and styles from which to select, the every-day-carry (EDC) items listed below will guarantee that you are well-equipped to handle any emergency that may occur during the course of your typical day.
1. Smartphone
Your mobile phone serves as your primary means of communication in the modern world. You can call for help in the event of an emergency, let loved ones know where you are, find your location if you are lost, and respond to important work emails while you are on the move if you have a cell phone. You might already be used to keeping your mobile phone on your person at all times as a matter of routine. However, if you want to be able to legitimately count this as one of your EDC essentials, you will also need to make sure that your phone is protected by a sturdy phone case.
2. Pocket Knife
A pocket knife is widely regarded as one of the most practical tools for everyday carry (EDC). You should look for something that can be easily concealed, that is not too heavy, and that can be used quickly. Folding blades are going to be your best option in this situation because they enable you to carry a blade that is significantly longer than normal while still allowing you to keep it close at hand.
3. Flashlight
Having a good flashlight on you can do a lot to ensure that you are prepared for a variety of different scenarios. Nowadays, a lot of people rely on the EDC flashlight app that they can find on their smartphones; however, what do you do if you find yourself in a scenario in which the app is useless? The simple possession of a real flashlight is going to make a significant impact. You don’t even have to carry around a large one if you don’t want to if you take advantage of the numerous high-powered models that are now available in pocket-sized formats thanks to advancements in LED technology.
Consider the fact that some flashlights are also available as penlights or as part of the manufacturer’s multitool when you are looking for one, as this may allow you to find a single tool that replaces several different items on your everyday carry (EDC) kit.
4. Wallet
The well-prepared individual has many options to choose from thanks to today’s selection of wallets. You can find anything from slim wallets to tactical wallets that are designed to keep your pockets free of clutter, and everything in between. Finding the right wallet for your EDC needs is all about ensuring that you can carry everything you require, that it can be accessed quickly, and that it can be kept secure.
If you want to go the tactical route, you should think about getting a hard shell or water-resistant features, but primary function and style should be your two primary concerns. When it comes to fashion, the good news is that today’s market offers a wide variety of options, making it possible to find something suitable for almost anyone.
Additionally, you shouldn’t put anything in your wallet that you don’t typically use regularly. Download the app if you can do so; if you are unable to do so, make sure that you are only carrying the discount cards that you use regularly. All of those discount cards are going to take up way too much space. If you want the points or rewards, most places can look up your account.
5. Lighter
Having a lighter on hand is useful in a variety of situations, and it doesn’t even need to be anything particularly flashy. You might take a look at the lighters that are designed like torches that are on the market, but a straightforward pocket lighter ought to do the trick. Because we are living in the 21st century, we do not need to bring matches with us or rub two sticks together to start a fire, rather, we can simply carry fire in our pockets.
Lighters designed for modern everyday carry are available in a dizzying array of styles and designs, ranging from simple disposable lighters to bespoke models. Be sure to pick a model that doesn’t produce any leaks when it’s being carried around or stored. Even though this isn’t typically an issue, it may occur with certain less expensive brands of refillable lighters.
You don’t want your everyday carry (EDC) bag to be flammable, and the last thing you need is for your lighter fluid to leak all over your pants while it’s in your pocket. There are models and types of electronic lighters that do not require the use of lighter fluid; therefore, this could be an option for you if you are looking for something different.
6. Pen
Even if you have a smartphone, you should never leave the house without a pen. In your day-to-day life, you never know when you might need one of these things. An everyday carry pen will come in handy for a variety of situations, including signing the receipt at lunch, authorizing the shipment, or even jotting down important information when you are unable to access your phone. It does not need to be anything out of the ordinary. Just make sure that it functions properly and won’t let you down when you need it the most.
It is recommended that you use ball-point pens rather than other types of pens because they are less likely to leak than other types of pens; however, if you have a preferred type of pen, feel free to use it. Just remember to get your pen back if you lend it to someone else or buy a new one so that you aren’t caught short of writing implements if you do lend them out. You can even buy pens in a smaller, more portable size these days, in addition to ones that have clips and other attachments that make them convenient to carry around with you.
7. Watch
Because so many people now have clocks on their smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices, watches are becoming increasingly obsolete. After all, who needs a watch in this day and age? The watch can be useful in a variety of situations, such as when you are in an area where there are no other electronic devices nearby or when you are not within cell phone range.
EDC watches available today are available in a wide variety of designs and can perform a wide range of additional functions in addition to their primary purpose of telling time. There are a variety of watches available, some of which include chronographs, date and time functions, and other features.
8. Notebook
You should also always carry a small EDC notebook with you, in addition to that pen. What are you going to write about if that isn’t the case? Something the size of a memo pad or smaller should suffice admirably in this regard. If you frequently find yourself in need of paper, you should probably select a notebook that is slightly larger than what is required of you so that it can accommodate your requirements. It does not need to be anything elaborate at all. Even something as basic as an essential notebook or a pocket-sized pad purchased from the dollar store can serve this purpose.
If you are in a line of work or situation in which it is important to have waterproof items, you may want to do some research on the various waterproof notebooks and more durable paper options that are available to include in your everyday carry kit. On the other hand, for the typical enthusiast of everyday carry, a simple notebook is usually sufficient. Do not purchase a notebook of the full size unless you are prepared to carry it with you throughout the day.
9. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must-have item for providing adequate protection for your eyes. They will also make things simpler for you when you are behind the wheel or when you are boating for the day. Even if you’re just going to play a round of golf, having sunglasses that block UV rays can make the experience more enjoyable.
Even though fashion is very important, the most important thing to consider when purchasing sunglasses is the level of ultraviolet (UV) protection they provide. After all, if their purpose is to safeguard your eyes, they need to have certain characteristics to do so effectively.
Nowadays, there are a plethora of fashionable options available to choose from. If you already wear glasses, you might want to look into getting prescription sunglasses, transition lenses, or a clip-on accessory that you can put on and take off as necessary.
10. Money
Due to the significance of always having cash on hand, we felt it necessary to separate this recommendation from the one concerning your wallet. In today’s world, a significant number of people are financially dependent on debit and credit cards alone.
However, there are situations in which having cash on hand is significantly more reliable than using your cards. If you make it a general practice to keep some cash on hand at all times, you won’t ever have to scramble to find an ATM when the time is crucial.
After getting used to the EDC way of life, you may find that you can never go back to the days when you would just walk out the door without anything and be unprepared. Choosing the appropriate EDC and positioning yourself for success are important aspects of any successful endeavor.