Every day carry (EDC) is just what it sounds like; items we carry every day. We will have our keys, wallet, and cell phone, for example, with us whenever we leave our home. For people who want to be prepared, there will be other items carried that will assist us when a disaster strikes. Building you EDC kit will help you survive the short term to get where you main survival supplies are, and some items can be handy in everyday situations.
The Purpose of EDC
This kit will assist you in getting to your main supply, or a bug out kit you may keep in different places that you frequent. You may keep your main supplies at your home or even a bug out location that you must get to during a disaster, and the items in your EDC will be able to help you get there safely. If you are at work and do not have a bug out kit in your office or car, you will be dependent on your EDC to get you where you need to be and back to your family.
I do suggest that you have a kit in your vehicle that is at least a 72-hour kit, as well as your EDC, so you can get home, but having the EDC items you need will make a disaster more bearable if you do not have a larger kit with you.
What You Will Need
You will have to decide what items are best for your kit and location, but the minimum items to carry with you include a knife, multi-tool, flashlight, cordage, Mylar blankets, water purification, first aid kit and a way to start a fire.
A knife is obvious in that you can use it to cut the cordage you have as well as small trees for shelter building if you need. It can be used in self-defense, but that is not why it is in the kit.
A multi-tool has many tools built into it and is small to carry. This can be used in disassembling items that could be used in the survival situation. This is also a useful tool to have with you because you never know when you will need pliers or a screwdriver.
The flashlight speaks for itself, and the cordage can be used with the Mylar blanket to make shelter. The blanket can be used alone as a wrap to keep you warm, and the silver Mylar could be used as a signal to your location if lost.
Water purification can be just purification tablets that you keep with you because they are small, and a first aid kit is for those small injuries you may receive. If you cut yourself with the knife, keeping the cut clean and protected will limit infection possibilities. Fire is important for warmth, and can be used for boiling water if you do not have another way to purify water.
There may be other items you will want in you EDC, but remember that you want your kit to be small and easily concealed from others.
Disguising the Kit
For a woman it will be easy to add an EDC because a purse is usually carried when leaving the house, and they will always have it with them. The items can be easily placed in a small makeup bag, or other small bag that would not draw attention in the purse. For a man concealment will be more difficult. You will not want to carry all these items in pockets every day because they will add some weight to you pants, so the best way is to use your briefcase, or carry a backpack with you, especially when you go to work. I carry a backpack with me that has items for me to work on my blogs during down times, and I have a small pouch with it that I keep my EDC items in. You can also find small belt pouches that could be used for this purpose, but these might limit the items you can carry.
Whatever you may decide on, remember that you do not want to draw attention to your EDC. If your employer does not allow knives on the property then get you a multi-tool that has a knife and saw blade in it. Most people do not realize these tools have a knife in them.
Another tool I like to carry is a tactical pen. It can be used for self defense, yet it is disguised as a pen that actually works. You can get this pen in most all places knives are not allowed like sporting events, or even airplanes. I actually carried mine into the SEC football championship game last year. I was questioned about what it was, but as soon as I showed that it was in fact a pen, I was allowed to pass.
Get Everyone a Kit
I mentioned above about how women can easily disguise their EDC, and this means make sure the women in your like have EDC items they are comfortable using. Also don’t forget the kids. You will have to be age appropriate with their kit, and know what can be carried to school that will not get them, or you, in trouble. Obviously a knife, multi-tool, or lighter would not be appropriate, but you can make sure they know how to use their shoe strings to make a shelter with some type of blanket possibly found at the school. Teach you kids how to be resourceful as they get older, and you will not have to worry about them when not together.
A good option for kids is a paracord bracelet that has a few items with it that they can wear everyday.
Conclusion
Having an EDC can help in disaster or survival situations when you find yourself needing to get from where you are, and you don’t have your normal survival kit with you. Make sure your EDC will be what you need with the types of disasters you see in your area, and update it frequently. The items I have recommended here are basic items that you should have as a minimum. These are basic items that you can start with and build upon as you see the need. You will also want to periodically check you equipment just like all your other survival and disaster equipment. Get age appropriate gear for the kids, and ensure your significant other as their EDC with them at all times.
If you have any questions, or suggestions of other items that are good for EDC, please leave a comment and I will respond within 24 hours, sometimes sooner. I look forward to hearing from you.
