EDC: What it is and What I Carry
Every Day Carry. It is, quite simply, the things you carry every day. The truth is, everyone has things they always carry with them, but when discussed in the context of “an EDC” or “my EDC,” people are generally referring to a refined selection of items that is often more multifaceted than what most people would bother to carry daily in an attempt to be prepared for a wide variety of situations.
I was first introduced to EDC around 2015 in an article on the Art of Manliness website (which is a fantastic site by the way), and at the time I considered it a curiosity but not something I was interested in. Five years, one degree, and two jobs later I’m firmly on the bandwagon. EDC tools started to save my butt in college when I started to pack my bag more sensibly and make space for useful items like my calculator, sunglasses, headphones, and a slide rule. Once I started my current job I started to carry a work bag with essentials in it like my wallet, work keys, a leatherman, and a phone charger. After two years and three bags, I have refined my EDC into a discreet set of items that I expect to get me out of most sticky situations either at work or out and about. My current EDC in 2020 is as follows:
5.11 “2 Banger” Bag: My latest bag is the most versatile of the three that I have used. Preceded by a small camera bag and the “buttpack” from a set of Russian Smersh gear, this bag has plenty of subdivisions, MOLLE straps, and internal velcro to properly divide my gear into sections that makes acquisition of specific items much easier that it previously was.
British Military 40mm Grenade Pouch: I added this pouch from a set of Osprey gear specifically to carry my multitool, and the MOLLE that it’s hooked into also works perfectly to carry the trauma shears.
Tasmanian Tiger Admin Pouch: This is a simple admin pouch with elastic straps on one side and a mesh pouch on the other, which I use to carry my wallet, notebook, and pen. It also comes with MOLLE on the outside and a nameplate-sized strip of velcro that I use to secure extra patches. It’s attached to the bag via a set of MOLLE straps that come built into the shoulder strap.
Suunto Compass: The compass is dummy corded to the inside of the bag, and is my last resort for emergency navigation.
Leatherman Rebar: If you are going to add anything from this list to your EDC, make it a leatherman. It’s THE multitool for a reason.
Zippo Lighter: The lost classic of all lighters. Any fire-making tool will do, but you never know when you’ll need it.
Antiseptic Wipes: Never be caught sticky-handed again. The antiseptic nature also means you can use it to clean small cuts if you are out and about without soap and water.
Hearing Protection: An unusual choice, but I have used these ear plugs a few times and was glad I packed them every time. I carry them in a surplus German Bundeswehr hearing protection case.
Trauma Shears: Not just useful for cutting clothing, trauma shears can be used to cut tough plastic packaging, thin metal (if you have good ones), and I often use them to cut cables at work.
Keys for Jeep, Home, and (spare) Work fob: Literally can’t leave home without it.
Diva No.621 Pocket Slide Rule: This exact slide rule saved my butt several times in college when I would forget my calculator for tests. Almost half of my Strength of Materials tests and a few of my Physics II tests were taken with this, and my results were often correct, or otherwise close enough for partial credit. I still carry it because it’s fun, fast, small, and it doesn’t need batteries.
16500mAh Battery Pack: This beefy battery pack can charge my phone and headphones several times over, and holds enough charge to generally get me through a weekend without power.
Streamlight ProTac 2L-X: I have never had a Streamlight fail me. This simple tactical light can run on two CR123 batteries or one 18650 for up to 30 hours in “low” mode. The “high” setting is extremely bright, and is ample for lighting up even large spaces.
USB Micro and USB-C Cables: With these two cables, I can charge my phone, headphones, and battery packs.
Sunglasses: You only get one set of eyes. UV light can be just as harmful to them as they are to your skin, so wear sunglasses whenever appropriate. Plus, you look cool.
Wallet: Cash, cards, ID, self explanatory. I keep it in the admin pouch for easy access.
Wireless Headphones: Get stuck waiting around somewhere or doing menial labor? No problem. Wireless headphones can keep you entertained without any wires to snag and ruin your groove.
Spare 5200mAh Battery Pack: I have the extra space, so why carry one battery pack when I can carry two? This (or the full sized battery) is the first item I will displace if I need extra room, and with two around I can always loan one out and still have one for myself.
Electrical Tape: This blue tape from 3M is amazing. Not quite as robust as duct tape or speed tape, but it comes in a smaller package and is safe to use on electrical work, making it more versatile. Don’t skimp out, get the quality stuff. This tape is super stretchy, which helps it bind better.
Modestone Waterproof Field Notebook and Pen: This specific notebook is sold under Varusteleka’s Sarma TST brand, and is a fantastic all-weather record keeping option. The pages are made from a byproduct of limestone mining, and can be written on with pen, pencil, or even a key.
Spare Jeep Key, House Key, and 8GB Flash Drive: After I locked myself out of my Jeep last winter, I decided to get a spare key to keep in my bag. That way, if I leave the keys in the ignition, I at least have my bag with me and can unlock myself. The flash drive is also essential. Face it: it’s 2020. You need portable data storage with you at all times.
5V 2A Fast Charge Power Adapter: This brick can charge my phone to full in about one hour, and has multiple output modes to charge any of my other gear.
All together, this is an extensive EDC and is more bloated than most you’ll see posted by enthusiasts online, but I have the space and this is what works for me. If you’re looking for ideas or inspiration for your own EDC, the AoM article I linked above is a great place to start, as well as the r/EDC subreddit. Posts there show clear pictures of the gear like mine above, and are usually titled with Age/Gender/Occupation, which gives you an idea of the demographics of the poster and use cases for some of their stuff. As far as I know, everything pictured here is still easily available through the usual channels. Probably the only thing that would be a pain to get is the slide rule, since nobody makes them anymore, but six inch pocket slide rules are still easy to find for about $15-20 on sites like eBay and Etsy.