An everyday carry or EDC is an item you consistently take with you everywhere you go. As the name implies, you carry them always so you’re prepared for your day-to-day needs or whatever emergency comes your way. Most of you will be surprised to find things in this list that you’re already carrying with you each time you go out. This just proves how important these everyday carry items are even if you don’t give them much thought. However, forgetting them usually comes with dire effects. To quote a certain credit card commercial, when it comes to everyday carry, you “don’t leave home without it.”
1. Wallet
Never forget your wallet. It’s not the actual wallet that’s important but what’s inside it. You have your identification cards (with your current address), emergency contact information, ATM cards, credit and debit cards, insurance cards, money, and photos of your cat.
2. Keys
It’s a no-brainer that keys are among your everyday carry items. What preppers do is make the most out of their key chains. Add some basic survival tools such as a mini pry bar, flashlight, fire starter, handcuff key, car escape tool, and a whistle.
3. Phone
Ever since telephones became mobile, they’ve become part of our everyday carry list. Before, phones were necessary for communication purposes only. Nowadays, you can use your phone to call, check the time, light the way, search for information, check for directions and maps, calculate, pay for goods and services, play music and games, take photos and videos, send messages, spread fake news, and a host of other cool and necessary stuff (well, except the last one).
4. Watch
Don’t make the mistake of not wearing a watch just because there’s a clock on your phone. It’s easier and faster to look at your wristwatch than to get your phone and turn it on. The phone also runs out of juice every few days while your watch will keep going until the battery dies, which is around four years.
5 and 6. Pen and Paper
You can jot down notes on your phone but if you need to do so quickly, it’s way better to use pen and paper. Plus, you could go for a special kind of pen to add to your everyday carry. A tactical pen does more than just help you get the number of the cute guy/gal at the bar. You can also use it to protect yourself in case that guy/gal turns out to be a serial killer.
A tactical pen is made of sturdy material making it useful in self-defense and emergencies. Use the striking point to foil attackers and the glass breaker to break car windows and such. Some preppers prefer tactical pen over pepper spray because of its seeming innocence. An attacker can get hold of your pepper spray and use it against you. A tactical pen hides in the shadows waiting for its opportunity to pounce on evildoers. Word of advice: get training on how to use a tactical pen for self-defense. Also, it doesn’t shoot lasers.
7. Folding Knife
A folding knife is another everyday carry meant to protect you from people or animals out to harm you. A tactical pen can cause minor injuries but a folding knife can do more damage if the need arises. It’s also great for cutting and slicing.
While it’s listed as an everyday carry, you should check with the law first if you’re allowed to bring a knife everywhere you go. Some countries and states do not permit people to carry a folding knife. Also, it is not allowed on planes so you need to be aware of the necessary process regarding bladed weapons.
8. Multi-tool
Among all the everyday carry items in this list, the multi-tool is perhaps the most versatile. The most common multi-tool is the Swiss Army knife, which usually comes with a blade, bottle and can opener, screwdriver, reamer, scissors, tweezers, nail file, wire stripper, and even a toothpick. Folding multi-tools have most of those features plus pliers, a package opener, and sometimes a magnifying glass. To choose the perfect everyday carry multi-tool, pick one that has the most features but is still portable.
9. Flashlight
You need a flashlight separate from the one on your phone. It’s faster to use as you only have to flick one switch to turn it on. Tactical flashlights will come in handy if you have to walk through a dark alley, when the power goes out, or when you have to defend yourself. Like the tactical pen, the tactical flashlight is made of high-grade material so it’s sturdy enough to use as a weapon. The light can also distract any would-be attacker if you flash it right in their eyes. This may give you enough time to get to safety or to call for help.
10. Paracord Bracelet
A paracord is a prepper’s favorite and should be on your everyday carry list. It’s available in bracelet form and other types of wearables that make it easy to carry.
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