Everyday carry
Encyclopedia
Everyday carry or Every Day Carry refers to a small collection of tools, equipment and supplies that are carried on a daily basis to assist in tackling situations ranging from the mundane to the disastrous. The term EDC also refers to the philosophy or spirit of 'preparedness' that goes along with the selection and carrying of these items. Implicit in the term is the sense that an EDC is an individual's personal selection of equipment, arrived at after deliberation, rather than a standardized kit.
EDC items will normally fit in a pocket, or small pack, or be attached to clothing. Emphasis is placed on the usefulness, accessibility and reliability of these items. As an example, the core elements of a typical EDC might include a folding pocket knife, a flashlight and a multi-tool. These items will often be collected into a pack or organizer.
There are an increasing number of venues online for sharing and comparing EDCs where the merits of particular equipment can be debated and useful tips passed on.
There is a spectrum of situations for which an EDC might be devised which range from the predictable and mundane to the rare and serious. Some EDCers focus very much on unthreatening, day-to-day situations and are principally interested in ways to efficiently organize common items like pens, keys, cell phones and cash/credit cards. However, the EDC mindset leans towards tackling problems or dealing with challenges so it would be rare to find an EDC which didn't also include tools of some kind, such as a Swiss Army knife
or Multi-tool
. In addition, many EDCs will include some provision for tackling less common situations or emergencies, such as an injury or finding oneself lost or stranded. Thus, an EDC kit could include an emergency whistle, a way to start a fire or a small first-aid kit.
Some EDCers include personal protection in their selection criteria when choosing equipment. Their EDC kits may include small firearms, knives suitable for defence or items such as pens which can also function as kubotan
s. In addition to the usual criteria for assembling an EDC, local regulations and legislation then become a factor. Many countries have imposed restrictions on carrying knives
and all will govern ownership of firearms. In countries where civilians may be permitted to carry firearms, such as the United States, there may be additional rules relating to the circumstances under which one may carry a concealed weapon (CCW) or openly carry a firearm. Various advice is available for those seeking to carry firearms as part of their EDC.
At the far end of the spectrum of emergencies which would be considered when devising an EDC are major disasters, such as those for which one might construct a Bug-out bag
. Or beyond that, a few EDCers are also survivalists
who might envisage a longer-term breakdown of society. However the typical EDC emphasis is on dealing with day-to-day challenges combined with some preparedness for more common emergencies such as injury, outdoor survival or personal protection.
While some simple EDCs can be distributed efficiently among pockets in one's clothing, for many people their ideal selection of gear will be at odds with the way they prefer to dress. For that reason, carry options are frequently expanded by the addition of clothing accessories like a fanny pack
, purse
, small day pack, or even footwear like long boots or a vest with pockets. The multiple large pockets of cargo pants
make them a popular EDCer choice.
Frequently the kinds of pocket knives, flashlights and other items selected for EDCs tend to be expensive. EDC items may also be items designed for so-called 'tactical' use, meaning that they were designed for military, police or similar organizations. The justification for the expense and the 'tactical' bias of many EDC kits is that these are items that might be carried for long periods of time before they are finally required, at which point they may be called upon to perform in extreme situations. The thinking is that these are circumstances under which EDCers might regret opting for inferior or budget items. The converse argument can also be made, arriving at the same conclusion, in that items in routine and heavy use will also need to be of superior construction if they are to survive the regular demands placed upon them.
or nitrile
gloves can be the difference between life and death for the individual who requires your immediate medical assistance.
Disaster Minded: If you already experienced a natural disaster or live in a disaster prone area you know that having a flashlight and a communication tool is essential until the conditions become more favorable. Having a Bug-out bag
and the proper amount of food and water ready and accessible is part of the disaster readiness mindset.
Complementary Minded: If your partner or someone you are close to everyday carries a weapon of some kind, carrying a first aid kit or extra ammunition for them is complementary minded to assist your partner in case of an incident or accident.
Health Minded: If you or someone you are with everyday requires or might need medical attention or prone to have sudden ailments you will carry their prescription drugs or common over the counter medicine to cure from simple ailments to life threatening conditions.
Time Minded: Some people do not wear a time piece to keep track of time but for EDC sometimes having a time piece is not necessarily for fashion and looks but used for critical everyday actions that must be timed or required to be on schedule.
Safety Minded: Personal safety can be very broad and complex term but in EDC it usually means carrying a weapon of sorts. Firearm, knife, tactical flashlight, tactical pen, pepper spray, stun gun, or a small impact weapon can all be used as defensive weapons.
Environment Minded: Carrying a snake bite kit does not sound unusual if you live in snake country or having an air horn while jogging to scare off aggressive wild life are common in rural areas. Having a compass will prevent being lost and know ones direction of travel may it be in a crowded metropolis or out in the wilderness. Example: A game warden or forestry ranger will always carry a compass and rope on them for their daily field work, and depending on distance they might also carry fire starting and water purification items as well.
Nowadays EDC is becoming more popular and big manufacturers are jumping in to fill the pockets of millions of tactically minded individuals. Although one must remember that EDC has been with us ever since the beginning of history but back then it was more for survival necessities rather than possible use in tactical situations nowadays. Danger and risk of activity and environment dictates the need to EDC accordingly. A person who is prepared and has the right tools will have a higher inclination to help others in need. The idea of having EDC is to eventually have the opportunity to use it so people who EDC have the mentality to jump into action and be self reliant before real help arrives. People who EDC tactically have a mindset for surviving, controlling the situation, and being prepared for events that will happen but faced with the unknown of not knowing when will it happen. Like the saying goes: "Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it."
EDC items will normally fit in a pocket, or small pack, or be attached to clothing. Emphasis is placed on the usefulness, accessibility and reliability of these items. As an example, the core elements of a typical EDC might include a folding pocket knife, a flashlight and a multi-tool. These items will often be collected into a pack or organizer.
There are an increasing number of venues online for sharing and comparing EDCs where the merits of particular equipment can be debated and useful tips passed on.
There is a spectrum of situations for which an EDC might be devised which range from the predictable and mundane to the rare and serious. Some EDCers focus very much on unthreatening, day-to-day situations and are principally interested in ways to efficiently organize common items like pens, keys, cell phones and cash/credit cards. However, the EDC mindset leans towards tackling problems or dealing with challenges so it would be rare to find an EDC which didn't also include tools of some kind, such as a Swiss Army knife
Swiss Army knife
The Swiss Army knife is a brand of pocket knife or multi-tool manufactured by Victorinox AG and Wenger SA. The term "Swiss Army knife" was coined by US soldiers after World War II due to the difficulty they had in pronouncing the German name....
or Multi-tool
Multi-tool
A multi-tool is any one of a range of portable, versatile hand tools that combines several individual functions in a single unit...
. In addition, many EDCs will include some provision for tackling less common situations or emergencies, such as an injury or finding oneself lost or stranded. Thus, an EDC kit could include an emergency whistle, a way to start a fire or a small first-aid kit.
Some EDCers include personal protection in their selection criteria when choosing equipment. Their EDC kits may include small firearms, knives suitable for defence or items such as pens which can also function as kubotan
Kubotan
The Kubotan self-defense keychain is a close-quarter self-defense weapon developed by Takayuki Kubota. It is essentially a derivation of the stick, usually 5.5 inches long and 0.56 inch in diameter, slightly thicker or the same size as a marker pen...
s. In addition to the usual criteria for assembling an EDC, local regulations and legislation then become a factor. Many countries have imposed restrictions on carrying knives
Knife legislation
Knife legislation is defined as the body of statutory law and/or case law promulgated or enacted by a government or other governing jurisdiction that prohibits, criminalizes, or restricts the otherwise legal manufacture, importation, sale, transfer, possession, transport, and/or use of knives.The...
and all will govern ownership of firearms. In countries where civilians may be permitted to carry firearms, such as the United States, there may be additional rules relating to the circumstances under which one may carry a concealed weapon (CCW) or openly carry a firearm. Various advice is available for those seeking to carry firearms as part of their EDC.
At the far end of the spectrum of emergencies which would be considered when devising an EDC are major disasters, such as those for which one might construct a Bug-out bag
Bug-out bag
A bug-out bag is a portable kit that contains the items one would require to survive for seventy-two hours when evacuating from a disaster. It is also known as a 72-hour kit, a grab bag, a battle box, and other popular names include "Personal Emergency Relocation Kits" GO Bag and GOOD bag...
. Or beyond that, a few EDCers are also survivalists
Survivalism
Survivalism is a movement of individuals or groups who are actively preparing for future possible disruptions in local, regional, national, or international social or political order...
who might envisage a longer-term breakdown of society. However the typical EDC emphasis is on dealing with day-to-day challenges combined with some preparedness for more common emergencies such as injury, outdoor survival or personal protection.
While some simple EDCs can be distributed efficiently among pockets in one's clothing, for many people their ideal selection of gear will be at odds with the way they prefer to dress. For that reason, carry options are frequently expanded by the addition of clothing accessories like a fanny pack
Fanny pack
A fanny pack , belt pack , belly bag , Buffalo pouch , hip sack , waist bag , hip pack , bum bag , cangurera , banano or moon bag is a small fabric pouch secured with a zipper and worn by use of a strap around the hips or...
, purse
Purse
A purse is a small bag that may refer to:* Coin purse, in British English* Handbag, in American English* Money bag* WalletPurse may also refer to:...
, small day pack, or even footwear like long boots or a vest with pockets. The multiple large pockets of cargo pants
Cargo pants
Cargo pants are loosely-cut pants designed for tough, outdoor activities distinguished by multiple cargo pockets.A cargo pocket is a form patch pocket with accordion folds for increased capacity closed with a flap secured by snap, button, or Velcro common on battledress and hunting clothing.Cargo...
make them a popular EDCer choice.
Frequently the kinds of pocket knives, flashlights and other items selected for EDCs tend to be expensive. EDC items may also be items designed for so-called 'tactical' use, meaning that they were designed for military, police or similar organizations. The justification for the expense and the 'tactical' bias of many EDC kits is that these are items that might be carried for long periods of time before they are finally required, at which point they may be called upon to perform in extreme situations. The thinking is that these are circumstances under which EDCers might regret opting for inferior or budget items. The converse argument can also be made, arriving at the same conclusion, in that items in routine and heavy use will also need to be of superior construction if they are to survive the regular demands placed upon them.
Choice of Items and Mindset
Occupation Minded: If you work in a warehouse or outdoors, having a pocket knife or box cutter and work gloves in your pockets is required to have an efficient and productive day. If you are in the medical field, having emergency latexLatex
Latex is the stable dispersion of polymer microparticles in an aqueous medium. Latexes may be natural or synthetic.Latex as found in nature is a milky fluid found in 10% of all flowering plants . It is a complex emulsion consisting of proteins, alkaloids, starches, sugars, oils, tannins, resins,...
or nitrile
Nitrile
A nitrile is any organic compound that has a -C≡N functional group. The prefix cyano- is used interchangeably with the term nitrile in industrial literature. Nitriles are found in many useful compounds, one example being super glue .Inorganic compounds containing the -C≡N group are not called...
gloves can be the difference between life and death for the individual who requires your immediate medical assistance.
Disaster Minded: If you already experienced a natural disaster or live in a disaster prone area you know that having a flashlight and a communication tool is essential until the conditions become more favorable. Having a Bug-out bag
Bug-out bag
A bug-out bag is a portable kit that contains the items one would require to survive for seventy-two hours when evacuating from a disaster. It is also known as a 72-hour kit, a grab bag, a battle box, and other popular names include "Personal Emergency Relocation Kits" GO Bag and GOOD bag...
and the proper amount of food and water ready and accessible is part of the disaster readiness mindset.
Complementary Minded: If your partner or someone you are close to everyday carries a weapon of some kind, carrying a first aid kit or extra ammunition for them is complementary minded to assist your partner in case of an incident or accident.
Health Minded: If you or someone you are with everyday requires or might need medical attention or prone to have sudden ailments you will carry their prescription drugs or common over the counter medicine to cure from simple ailments to life threatening conditions.
Time Minded: Some people do not wear a time piece to keep track of time but for EDC sometimes having a time piece is not necessarily for fashion and looks but used for critical everyday actions that must be timed or required to be on schedule.
Safety Minded: Personal safety can be very broad and complex term but in EDC it usually means carrying a weapon of sorts. Firearm, knife, tactical flashlight, tactical pen, pepper spray, stun gun, or a small impact weapon can all be used as defensive weapons.
Environment Minded: Carrying a snake bite kit does not sound unusual if you live in snake country or having an air horn while jogging to scare off aggressive wild life are common in rural areas. Having a compass will prevent being lost and know ones direction of travel may it be in a crowded metropolis or out in the wilderness. Example: A game warden or forestry ranger will always carry a compass and rope on them for their daily field work, and depending on distance they might also carry fire starting and water purification items as well.
Nowadays EDC is becoming more popular and big manufacturers are jumping in to fill the pockets of millions of tactically minded individuals. Although one must remember that EDC has been with us ever since the beginning of history but back then it was more for survival necessities rather than possible use in tactical situations nowadays. Danger and risk of activity and environment dictates the need to EDC accordingly. A person who is prepared and has the right tools will have a higher inclination to help others in need. The idea of having EDC is to eventually have the opportunity to use it so people who EDC have the mentality to jump into action and be self reliant before real help arrives. People who EDC tactically have a mindset for surviving, controlling the situation, and being prepared for events that will happen but faced with the unknown of not knowing when will it happen. Like the saying goes: "Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it."
List of common items
- A folding knife, multitool or Swiss Army KnifeSwiss Army knifeThe Swiss Army knife is a brand of pocket knife or multi-tool manufactured by Victorinox AG and Wenger SA. The term "Swiss Army knife" was coined by US soldiers after World War II due to the difficulty they had in pronouncing the German name....
- A wrist watch
- A Flashlight (may be on a key-chain, headlamp, and "tactical" flashlight which normally has a brighter output to blind and stun assailants.
- Whistle or Airhorn (Noise Makers)
- Cell phones or other media devices like digital camera to record evidence. (Sometimes satellite phones if in remote areas)
- Sustainment items (e.g. Bottled water, High energy foods)
- PenPenA pen is a device used to apply ink to a surface, usually paper, for writing or drawing. Historically, reed pens, quill pens, and dip pens were used, with a nib of some sort to be dipped in the ink. Ruling pens allow precise adjustment of line width, and still find a few specialized uses, but...
, pencilPencilA pencil is a writing implement or art medium usually constructed of a narrow, solid pigment core inside a protective casing. The case prevents the core from breaking, and also from marking the user’s hand during use....
, or a tactical pen similar in concept to a kubotanKubotanThe Kubotan self-defense keychain is a close-quarter self-defense weapon developed by Takayuki Kubota. It is essentially a derivation of the stick, usually 5.5 inches long and 0.56 inch in diameter, slightly thicker or the same size as a marker pen...
for striking and stabbing. - Medicine for common ailments and maladies that besets individuals like allergies and gastrointestinal problems or prescription medicine that has to be taken daily.
- First aid kitFirst aid kitA first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving first aid, and can put together for the purpose , or purchased complete...
or trauma kit. - Rope or paracord
- Handkerchiefs or other utility cloth.
- Keys containing key chain and accessories like light, nail clipperNail clipperA nail cutter is a hand tool used to trim fingernails and toenails.-Design:Nail cutters are usually made of metal but can also be made of plastic. Two common varieties are the plier type and the compound lever type. A third variety of the push-button type has also been introduced. All are common...
, pill bottle, folding scissor, carabinerCarabinerA carabiner or karabiner is a metal loop with a sprung or screwed gate that is used to quickly and reversibly connect components in safety-critical systems. The word comes from "Karabinerhaken", meaning "hook for a carbine" in German.-Use:...
, kubotanKubotanThe Kubotan self-defense keychain is a close-quarter self-defense weapon developed by Takayuki Kubota. It is essentially a derivation of the stick, usually 5.5 inches long and 0.56 inch in diameter, slightly thicker or the same size as a marker pen...
or similar impact/piercing self-defense weapon. - Gloves can be latex, nitrileNitrileA nitrile is any organic compound that has a -C≡N functional group. The prefix cyano- is used interchangeably with the term nitrile in industrial literature. Nitriles are found in many useful compounds, one example being super glue .Inorganic compounds containing the -C≡N group are not called...
, leather, or synthetic. - Pepper SprayPepper sprayPepper spray, also known as OC spray , OC gas, and capsicum spray, is a lachrymatory agent that is used in riot control, crowd control and personal self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears...
/OC spray or Stun GunStun gunStun gun may refer to:*Electroshock weapon, an incapacitant weapon that momentarily disables a person with an electric shock*Directed-energy weapon, a weapon that emits energy in an aimed direction without projectile, if it causes unconsciousness...
/Tazer
See also
- CCW Concealed carryConcealed carryConcealed carry, or CCW , refers to the practice of carrying a handgun or other weapon in public in a concealed manner, either on one's person or in proximity.-In Canada:...
- Bug-out bagBug-out bagA bug-out bag is a portable kit that contains the items one would require to survive for seventy-two hours when evacuating from a disaster. It is also known as a 72-hour kit, a grab bag, a battle box, and other popular names include "Personal Emergency Relocation Kits" GO Bag and GOOD bag...
- Emergency managementEmergency managementEmergency management is the generic name of an interdisciplinary field dealing with the strategic organizational management processes used to protect critical assets of an organization from hazard risks that can cause events like disasters or catastrophes and to ensure the continuance of the...
- Open CarryOpen CarryIn the United States, open carry is shorthand terminology for "openly carrying a firearm in public", as distinguished from concealed carry, where firearms cannot be seen by the casual observer....
- PreparednessPreparednessPreparedness refers to the state of being prepared for specific or unpredictable events or situations. Preparedness is an important quality in achieving goals and in avoiding and mitigating negative outcomes...
- PrepperPrepperA survivalist or "prepper" is an individual or group that prepares or makes preparations in advance of, or prior to, any change in normal circumstances or lifestyle without significant reliance on other persons , or without substantial assistance from outside resources A survivalist or "prepper" is...
- Self preservationSelf preservationSelf-preservation is behavior that ensures the survival of an organism. It is universal among living organisms. In some vertebrates, pain and fear are parts of this mechanism. Pain causes discomfort so that the organism is inclined to stop the pain...
- SurvivalismSurvivalismSurvivalism is a movement of individuals or groups who are actively preparing for future possible disruptions in local, regional, national, or international social or political order...
External links
- MDTS Modern Defensive Training Systems articles
- Disaster Survival Guide on Multi-Tiered Strategy in emergency kits