An Every Day Carry (EDC) kit is a collection of items you keep with you on a daily basis to be prepared in case of emergencies or situations where speed is crucial. A well-prepared EDC can save the day when needed!
An EDC kit allows you to become more self-reliant, decreasing dependence on others. A pocket knife with glass breaker could come in handy during a car accident and enable escape through its window.
1. Knife
Knives are one of the most valuable items any individual should keep close. From using it to cut gauze for dressing a wound or as window glass breaker in an emergency situation to looking at quality craftsmanship and aesthetics when purchasing one, finding an appropriate knife requires meticulous consideration – from blade steel, locking mechanism, handle material, pocket clip style etc.
Ideal knives will be lightweight and compact enough for effortless carrying in any situation, while still remaining sharp enough for rapid deployment.
At all times, it’s wise to carry first aid supplies along with you – this way you’re prepared for basic first aid should anyone require it, including yourself or others. Furthermore, having multi-tool or flashlight items like an EDC trinity like this one could prove very handy in emergency situations – knife, flashlight and multi-tool being just three components that form it all!
2. Flashlight
Flashlights are essential EDC items for those working as first responders. From lighting crime scenes and searching for keys in the dark to helping someone out of ditches and helping someone climb back over them, having a quality pocket flashlight is absolutely indispensable. Over the years, flashlight technology has advanced immensely; today’s models are smaller, brighter, and last much longer than older Energizer plastic tubes.
Select a flashlight that fits comfortably into the palm of your hand and offers easy-access buttons – the NITECORE TINI is an excellent example; larger options also exist that can withstand constant abuse.
If you work in the field, consider purchasing a waterproof flashlight to protect you and your gear in challenging environments, like flooding or the great outdoors. Furthermore, it is wise to have an extra battery handy in case the original runs out; some lights include built-in charging ports while others provide faster recharging options via external chargers.
3. Water Bottle
Water bottles are essential parts of any survival kit, and especially essential when out and about. A quality plastic water bottle is lightweight, efficient and easy to transport; its wide mouth makes loading, drinking from, and cleaning much simpler. Backpackers often opt for Nalgenes as they’ve proven durable with timeless designs that haven’t changed over time – you’ll also find other sizes and colors. Metal water bottles may work better for boiling purposes but tend to be heavier and harder to transport.
4. Compass
Compasses can be invaluable tools in emergency preparedness situations; it helps provide direction when lost without GPS and can save lives if lost without one. Unfortunately, purchasing one may seem daunting due to all its options and features; to help narrow your choices down further we consulted experienced field instructors to select one best suited for emergency preparedness.
Our EDC Checklist recommends an economical yet highly functional compass that meets all basic survival compass requirements: liquid to dampen needle sway and spin, stationary index line with bearing markings and detachable locking lanyard for safe carrying over rough terrain. Jessie Krebs of U.S. Air Force SERE Specialist Instructor/ Instructor as well as civilian Survival School operator advises purchasing only compasses that contain what you require in the field; she states any extraneous features may make the experience harder so purchase only those equipped with features you require in the field!
5. First Aid Kit
An essential item for any EDC setup, the first aid kit should contain basic supplies that can help treat injuries and illness, such as adhesive tape, scissors, sterile gauze pads, elastic bandages for sprains, cotton balls and swabs, suction devices or kitchen turkey basters for suctioning up fluids, safety pins to secure bandages fastened to skin grafts or safety pins to fasten splints, safety pins to fasten them fastened to skin grafts in place, as well as over-the-counter medicines. Regular checks should ensure all content meets their expiration dates!
Multitools can also make for great additions to an EDC kit, providing access to an assortment of tools in a compact space. A basic model may feature blades, screwdrivers and pliers; more advanced ones could include pry bars and center-drive screwdrivers for even more functionality.
If you find yourself in an emergency situation, having the necessary tools can save your or someone else’s lives. Knowledge on how to use these tools effectively is also paramount; invest in training that teaches practical skills, like controlling bleeding or stopping heart attacks.
6. Portable Charger
EDC gear should be tailored specifically to you, taking into account your daily activities, location, medical needs and potential problems. Also important: personal preferences and what equipment you are comfortable using. There’s no universal EDC checklist; but starting out can be simple with just a knife, flashlight and water bottle as core items.
Being more self-reliant requires having all of the essentials at your fingertips. Doing so makes life easier in everyday situations as well as emergency ones; for example, should an accident occur, having access to pocket knives or window glass breakers could prove invaluable.
Some may view EDC (Everyday Carry) as overkill; others view it as essential in being prepared for unexpected situations. EDC can be especially useful for individuals leading adventurous lifestyles or working hazardous professions or who wish to protect themselves and others when the unexpected strikes. With this handy PDF as your guide, putting together your EDC should be simple!
7. Keychain
EDC gear can make a critical difference during emergencies. From first responders to those simply wanting to stay prepared for whatever may arise, having the appropriate equipment at hand is vitally important. How you carry this gear depends on both your profession and personal circumstances – but being as prepared as possible should always be prioritized.
Keychains can help keep your keys neatly organized and prevent them from jangling incessantly, which could become annoying to others. They’re also great places to stash small survival tools like whistles; their sound can disarm attackers or draw attention away from potentially hazardous situations and help get out of danger quickly.
Additionally, keychains can be used to securely store passwords on your computer – particularly useful if you use multiple email accounts for different services or apps. When opening the Keychain Access app, you’ll see your list of items–groups of login details connected by password–in your keychain. To delete an item simply select it and use “Delete.”
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