If you’re a hardcore survivalist, an urban adventurer or a casual outdoorsman, you probably have some everyday carry equipment without even knowing it. It’s a concept that has been gaining a lot of popularity lately, but it’s still not as popular for the everyday Joe to know what it is. After all, with the digitalisation of almost everything, we’re straying further away from our primitive, simplistic selves. So, if you’re preparing for your next outdoor trip, a zombie apocalypse, or anything in between, there are a few pieces of EDC that you should consider getting. Most everyday carry items are relatively affordable, yet they can provide utility in a variety of situations. Keep in mind that the same items I’ll talk about here can be found as “regular” pieces, but there are subtle differences between them.
What to Consider When Buying Every Day Carry?
The key factors when choosing every day carry items can vary based on your preferences and needs. What seems important to some, might be insignificant to others. So, while there’s no definitive layout, there are a few questions you can ask yourself to make sure you make the right buying choices.
What do I Deem Essential?
This is pretty self-explanatory. You need to figure out what you simply can’t do without. Just like a mechanic must have a wrench set and screwdrivers, there are some things you can’t do without, no matter whether you’re spending time outdoors, riding your bicycle on the nearby trails or working in your garage. It’s just as important to figure out what you won’t need. There’s nothing worse than carrying along equipment that you’ll never use, especially when you’re limited in storage.
What Are Your Preferences?
It’s important to think about your personal preferences. If you don’t like something, you probably won’t use it, or even carry it with you, and the whole point of everyday carry is in the name. EDC items are available in a wide range of designs, colours, sizes and so on. It’s important to think about flair on top of purpose when it comes to choice. Or, if you’re looking for functionality strictly, it’s not important at all. The choice is yours.
Must-Have Everyday Carry Items
After you’ve figured out what you need and what you don’t, what your preferences are and what you want to prepare for, you should have a general idea of what to look for. However, there are a few items that are considered must-haves for most people. These items can come in handy on a daily basis, and their sole purpose is to make certain tasks easier and more convenient.
Wallets
The most common EDC item is probably the wallet. Wallets are available in a wide range of shapes, forms and sizes. From heirloom leather-bi fold wallets to money clips, the majority of people probably walk around with a wallet in their back pocket or purse. They provide a great way to organise and store your money, credit card, ID, driver’s license or business card. Although wallets aren’t openly displayed, they can say about someone’s lifestyle and values.
Flashlights
Most people spend a fair amount of time in the dark. Unfortunately for us, we’re not nocturnal creatures, so our night vision is quite limited. Having a way to illuminate your way, brighten a campsite, look for your keys in the car, or anything in between can come in very handy. And with modern technological advances, flashlights don’t have to be cumbersome. There are pocket flashlights that are quite powerful and will provide enough light in a wide range of situations, including blinding a potential attacker!
Watches
Watches have been a staple in style and fashion for hundreds of years. Sure, everyone has a phone with a clock nowadays, but phones run out of battery in a matter of hours, and it can be rude to pull up a phone to check the time. Watches provide an easier, more sophisticated and subtle way to check the time. Plus, they’re available in countless designs, so you’re bound to find one that you really like and wear every day, no matter whether it’s a smartwatch, or a basic, rugged one.
Pens
Again, writing with a pen has been mostly replaced by typing on your phone. However, the same problem persists as relying on your phone for the time – it can run out of battery. Being able to write something down on a piece of paper is extremely underrated, in my opinion. Pens are affordable, so why not have one with you at all times? Sure, you can borrow one from a coworker, friend or stranger every time your need for a pen arises, or you can just get one yourself.
Keychains
Whether you live in an apartment, house, mansion, or have a car or a garage, chances are you own at least a few keys. Transporting your keys and having them well-organised is essential to not losing them. A good keychain can provide a lot of value, especially if you also have a flashlight, thumb drive or multitool with you.