The term “EDC” has become fairly commonplace over the last decade or so. But what does it mean?
EDC stands for “Everyday Carry.” It can refer to everything or just one type of item. For instance, someone might say, “This is my EDC pistol.” Or knife. Or the collection of items that he stuffs his pockets with. In short, it’s the item or items that we lug around with us on most days, the core of our stuff.
These days, my life is relatively simple in that I am a full-time writer, working mostly from home. Naturally, this takes me to the shooting range frequently, although, for such trips, I have a shooting bag full of gear that’s considered “EDC” for the range.
However, for this article, we’re focusing more on normal items that various people take along with them in their everyday travels. This will vary depending on the various occupations that people have. The computer programmer will probably have a different EDC loadout than an auto mechanic or a park ranger. The list of occupations is mind-boggling, as is the list of items that people carry daily.
But for EDC items, we’re mainly talking about what’s in your pockets right this minute, no matter where you are. So here’s my list of items that I have on me at nearly all times. Some of these items are not permitted in all environments, so if I’m going somewhere with metal detectors, I might have to remove a couple of the items for non-permissive environments.
We realize that readers’ needs might vary, so if there’s something that readers carry that’s not on this list, we’d love to hear about it.
The Essentials
Keys, obviously.
I have a clutch of keys, including my house and car keys, in addition to a few other important keys. Normally, I have a small mini-flashlight attached, but my old one suffered from a leaking battery, which put it out of commission. I’m on the lookout for a new mini flashlight.
A Multi-Tool
For the past couple of years, I’ve taken to carrying a multi-tool (the one I like is from Gerber). Brands really aren’t too important, as long as it’s from a reputable maker; most are pretty similar in quality and the types of tools that they provide. And boy, do they provide tools! Mine has pliers, a wire cutter, a file, a bottle opener, a can opener, an awl, a pry bar, flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers, a knife blade, and a ruler.
There are even a couple of gadgets on there that I have no idea what they do. It’s literally a small toolbox that fits in a nylon pouch on my belt and has come in handy more times than I can count. In a pinch, there’s not a lot that a decent multi-tool cannot accomplish, and it’s one of the most usual pieces of kit that you can place on your belt.
A Pocket Knife
On a typical day, I’ll carry two folding pocket knives on my person, clipped to my right and left front pockets. That way, if either one of my hands is occupied, I can grab the knife with the free hand. I subscribe to the “Two is one, one is none” philosophy. One knife usually has a smaller blade, while the second knife will be a little larger. For the past couple of years, I’ve settled on two main knives for my EDC carry: both from Spyderco, their Native and Paramilitary 2 folders.
I’ve owned a few of both of these knives over the years, and they’ve never let me down. They function perfectly at all times. Their blades are eminently practical for utility and defensive applications. Depending on the materials, both are available at various price points.
A Handgun and a Spare Magazine
As I write this, my current EDC pistol is the Sig P365 or one of their variants in that line. I also like the P365X and XL versions. However, it’s not out of the question for me to carry a Glock 43X or S&W 642 .38 Special revolver as well. I believe in being responsible for my own security, preferring not to trust the abilities of others to protect me and mine.
A Flashlight
A flashlight is probably the most frequently used item in everything I carry. I find myself using it multiple times per day (or night, as it were). Presently, I carry a Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA light, which is powered by either a AA battery or a CR123A battery. It serves as both a tactical light and a light for navigating and looking for items because it has multiple outputs. As far as being useful, it’s hard to find an item more so than a good light.
Aside from that, I like the light for being a potential defensive weapon, especially in non-permissive environments where others try to force us to be defenseless. The light makes an excellent impact tool against those who would look to harm us. I choose lights that don’t have a sharpened bezel because those will bring attention to us and be seen as weapons.
A Tactical Watch
I’m old-fashioned and still wear a wristwatch. To me, it’s easier than opening up my phone all the time and I can glance at it easily. It’s about the only jewelry that I wear. Besides, the watches that I wear are more durable than a cell phone. Quite often, a Casio G-Shock will be found on my wrist.
Other Essentials
Get Home Bag (In My Vehicle)
This is an item for an entirely separate article. However, I thought it worth mentioning that I keep a bag with several essentials in my vehicle at all times, just in case. The bag includes elements for making shelter and fire, among other items. It could be called a Bug Out Bag (BOB), but since it’s in my vehicle and intended to get me home in an emergency, I call it a Get Home Bag.
Medical Supplies
I’ve talked with many people who carry medical gear on their person, with the most popular piece of kit being a tactical tourniquet. I don’t personally carry one, as I’m not completely convinced of their usefulness. At any rate, I’m not trained in how to properly use one, so trying to put one into action might cause more harm than good. I’m not sure whether it’s a passing fad or if this has true merit, and I suspect that quite a few of the folks carrying the tourniquets have no training to properly use them as well.
Closing Thoughts
The EDC loadout will vary somewhat from person to person depending on people’s occupations and daily activities. That said, I’m betting that many of the core items will be similar among most of us. Naturally, there will be nuances and various differences among our chosen gear.
I’m also betting that readers will sound off and let us know what they like to carry, which will be welcome. Hearing about new and different items is always fun. Feel free to go to the comments section and tell us what gear you consider to be vital!
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