I want to take this opportunity to discuss the topic of “Every Day Carry”. For me my EDC is probably the most important thing I have, for the simple reason it’s the one piece of kit I carry everywhere (well almost everywhere) and as such will be the first thing to hand in the event of an emergency however big or small.
My Every Day Carry has taken many sizes and shapes over the years starting as a shoulder bag, then be reduced down to a small pouch before finally upgrading to a small backpack, and i’m sure it will continue to evolve as my life and daily requirements change and therefore like many, I consider it a work in progress that will likely never be finished.
For those of you that carry an EDC already this may not be anything new, however for those you that don’t my hope is that it will give you some food for thought. You may work in an office and keep your GHB in the car and want something smaller to hand throughout the day, you may be a driver and have a GHB in boot and therefore don’t see the need in another pack.
The first point I want to make is that this is NOT a Bug Out Bag or a Get Home Bag, it is simply a bag that is designed to make my life easier on a day to day basis whether that be a run of the mill Monday or an emergency! And in the event of an emergency get me to one of my other bags.
An EDC as the title suggests is simply your Every Day Carry, a selection of items which you have on your person everyday, this could be as simple as a mobile phone, keys and wallet, or it could be a bag of selected gear if you are happy to carry it. The point is it really depends on your individual wants and requirements.
I’m going to break my EDC up into a number areas so you can see exactly what I carry on myself as standard.
KEYS: Assorted keys, mini pry bar with integrated bottle/can opener, seatbelt cutter, phillips and flathead screwdrivers, peanut lighters, Spyderco Grasshopper Knife (UK Legal Folder), Peanut cash stash, LED Lenser K2 mini torch, paracord lanyard, Carabiner.
MOBILE PHONE: Internet, downloaded survival books and documents.
WALLET: Fresnel lense, credit card survival tool, UKSN coin, water purification tablets, storm matches, plasters.
2 x Paracord Bracelets (on my wrist), 1 with an integrated ferro rod, whistle and compass.
BAG (5.11 Rush 12) See below for contents.
CARRY STRAP – Attached paracord bracelet.
5.11 DUMP POUCH – Folded and empty.
MOLLE SIDE POUCH – Basic first aid supplies (plasters, bandages, antiseptic, alcohol wipes etc), paracetamol, Ibuprofen, heartburn tablets, hayfever tablets, dental floss, sewing kit.
LARGE FRONT POCKET – Sawyer Mini, wind up radio, pocket binoculars, Bushnell Backtrack, all weather note pad, sharpie, pen, deck of playing cards, 2x LED torches, snack bars, water purification tablets, storm matches, portable charger for phone and other USB devices.
SMALL FRONT POCKET – Farb criminal identifier spray, charger cable, hygiene wipes, chapstick, vaseline, hot sauce, spare car key, gum.
BACK PANEL POCKET – Beanie hat, shemagh, poncho, gloves
MAIN COMPARTMENT – bottle of water, umbrella, admin pouch with – eating tool, screwdriver pen and multiple attachments inc alan keys, pen torch, multi-tool, CRKT Edgie knife (UK legal folder), duck tape, paracord superglue, small fire kit, tin foil, tactical pen.
With the exception of the admin pouch small bottle of water and small brolly my main compartment is empty, which allows me to store my lunchbox, jacket or even boots if needed, its not heavy and the bag itself is quite small.
Of course you dont have to have all of the above, or you could even add more if you want, your EDC is about making your everyday life easier, most of the above has been added by me following instances where I needed something and didnt have it…. now I do, and my bag now feels like an extension of me No doubt over the coming years I will remove and add bits and pieces but for right now its perfect for my needs. I hope this has given you some ideas to consider and as always, any questions just ask.
Dan
