When I first started on my preparedness journey, like many others, I was eager to be ready for anything. I read articles, watched countless videos, and listened intently to experts in the field. My focus gravitated towards bushcraft and wilderness survival, which heavily influenced my initial approach to everyday carry (EDC). Looking back, I realize how much my perspective has evolved, and I’d like to share those insights with you.
The Early Days: Overloaded and Underutilized
My first EDC kit was a testament to enthusiasm rather than practicality. It contained a veritable survival arsenal:
– A Mora knife
– Multiple fire-starting tools
– Cordage
– A flashlight
– Various other “essential” survival items
I carried this kit everywhere—from home to work, in my truck, and back again. It was always within reach, ready for that moment when survival skills would be desperately needed in the urban jungle of my 9-to-5 office job.
The Reality Check
Time passed, and a realization slowly dawned on me: I never used any of it. Well, almost never. There was that one time the lights went out at work, and I triumphantly produced my flashlight. But beyond that solitary moment of usefulness, my EDC kit remained untouched, adding unnecessary weight to my backpack.
The one component that did prove its worth was my “boo-boo kit”—a small first aid kit housed in an Altoids tin. It contained:
– Advil
– Benadryl
– Band-Aids
– Bee sting treatment
– Assorted minor medical supplies
Even then, I found that I primarily used the medications for headaches or allergies, and occasionally a band-aid. The rest remained untouched.
The Shift: Personalizing My EDC
This realization marked a turning point in my preparedness philosophy. I began to understand that an effective EDC isn’t about carrying everything you might conceivably need in a worst-case scenario. Instead, it’s about having the items you’re most likely to use in your day-to-day life.
My New Approach to EDC
1. First Aid Essentials:
I’ve streamlined my medical supplies into a small pouch containing:
– Insect bite wipes
– An ample supply of band-aids
– A separate tube with essential medications (primarily ibuprofen and allergy medicine)
2. Portable Battery Charger:
In our digital age, a dead phone can be more than an inconvenience—it can cut you off from vital information and communication. I always carry a portable charger to ensure my phone stays powered through long meetings or busy days.
3. Smartphone:
While not traditionally considered part of an EDC kit, I’ve come to view my cell phone as a crucial tool. It serves as a:
– Flashlight
– Navigation device
– Storage for important documents and emergency information
– Communication device
– News source
Even without internet access, many of these functions remain available.
4. Compact Umbrella:
Living in an area where sudden rain showers are common, a small umbrella has proven invaluable. It’s easily accessible in an outside pouch of my backpack and matches its color for a discreet appearance.
5. Multi-tool:
I carry a Leatherman Wave, which I use frequently for small repairs or to open packages. It’s either clipped to my belt or stored in my backpack, depending on my attire.
6. Cash:
A small amount of emergency cash is always good to have on hand for unexpected situations.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of regularly reassessing your EDC. Your needs may change based on your lifestyle, job, or even the season. Don’t be afraid to add, remove, or modify items in your kit. The goal is to have a useful set of tools, not to win an award for the most comprehensive survival kit.
Tailoring Your EDC
Your EDC should be as unique as you are. Consider your daily routines, the environments you frequent, and the challenges you’re most likely to face. For example:
– Parents of young children might prioritize snacks, extra diapers, or specific medications.
– Those who work outdoors might need sun protection, insect repellent, or weather-appropriate gear.
– People with medical conditions may need to carry specific medications or devices.
The key is to be honest about what you actually need and use regularly, rather than what you think you should carry based on someone else’s advice.
Balancing Preparedness and Practicality
While it’s important to be prepared, it’s equally crucial to be practical. Carrying too much can be a burden, both physically and mentally. It’s about finding the right balance between being ready for likely scenarios and not overloading yourself with items you’ll rarely, if ever, use.
That said, there are exceptions to the “use it or lose it” rule. For instance, while you hopefully won’t need to use a firearm often (if you choose to carry one), it’s not something you’d eliminate from your EDC just because it’s infrequently used. The key is to critically evaluate each item’s potential value against the likelihood of needing it and the burden of carrying it.
Your EDC should evolve as you do. As you gain more experience and your life circumstances change, don’t be afraid to reevaluate and adjust your kit. What worked for you five years ago might not be the best solution today.
While personal experience is invaluable, it’s also beneficial to continue learning from others. Keep reading articles, watching videos, and discussing EDC setups with like-minded individuals. However, always filter this information through the lens of your personal needs and experiences. Use others’ ideas as inspiration, not as a mandatory checklist.
Final Thoughts: The Path to Effective EDC
In retrospect, my journey from an overloaded, rarely-used survival kit to a streamlined, practical EDC has been good. It’s taught me that true preparedness isn’t about having everything—it’s about having the right things.
Your EDC should be a reflection of your daily life, challenges, and needs. It should contain items you use regularly, complemented by a few carefully chosen emergency items that make sense for your specific situations.
Remember, the most effective EDC is one that you actually carry and use. It should make your life easier and give you peace of mind. By regularly assessing and adjusting your EDC, you’ll develop a kit that truly serves you, rather than one that simply checks boxes on someone else’s list of “must-have” items.
So take a look at what you’re carrying. Are you using it? Is it meeting your needs? Don’t be afraid to make changes. Your perfect EDC is out there—it just might take some time and experience to find it.
What is your go-to EDC Item? Drop a comment below.
This is the 4th Article in a Series of What I Would Do If I Was Starting in Preparedness Today! Read the Other Articles:
- Changes I’d Make If I Began Prepping Today!
- Backward Engineering Your Preparedness Plan
- Start Your Preparedness Journey: A Beginner’s Guide to Two-Week Emergency Readiness
- Your EDC – Having the Right Things!
- How to Stock Up Your Emergency Food Supply Today!
- Essential Water Storage for Beginners: 7 Steps I’d Take If I Were Starting Over
- Critical Decisions: Firearms or Home Security for Self-Defense and Safety?
- Rethinking Preparedness: Beyond Doomsday Scenarios
- The Importance of Backup Power – Start Here Now!
- You’ll Never Have Enough! What Should You Do?
Being in Arizona, having a case of water in the car is essential if you break down, not only for the radiator, but so you don’t die from dehydration or heat stroke.
Diana,
So true! How do you deal with how hot the car gets during the day?
Todd
I too fell into this trap. I carried a bunch of stuff that I never used because someone online said I should. I made this switch to stuff I actually use and it drastically reduced the amount I carry. I am also able to change based on season when necessary. This is why we come to you, Todd, for practical non-sensational advice. My go-to items have become the portable batteries and cords. I have been able to charge various devices and even bail out friend more times than I can count.
Kyle,
I agree, in this day and age, having your phone always available is important!
Todd
As a suggestion to the first aid. I work as a industrial/commercial electrician. A pair of flat nose and needle nose Tweezers are essential for wood/metal slivers. Some slivers you can scrape out with a utility knife but those have become invaluable for the deep ones.
That’s a really great suggestion Chris! I think many of us have had those slivers that we couldn’t get out!
Todd
When we lived in the mountains of San Diego County in Southern California in the 1980’s, we always had bottled water & things like jerky, snack packs of nuts, trail mix or granola in the mighty Aerostar. It was 30 miles to a store or work, 45 to the military Hospital or Commissary. Long trip for little kids. Having those & a few little distractions like Hot Wheels or the magic drawing pad were crucial, especially if the 405 had another hour long traffic jam. I just replaced the food & water every week or two in summer, assuming there was anything left still to be used.
I worked at a veterinary clinic, so in addition to a small first aid kit & a good pocketknife, I carried tweezers & a good flea comb for pulling foxtails or cactus spines out of skin or fur, bandage scissors & forceps & a really nice harness leather one size fits all leash/collar combo that I’m still using every day. I tied things to a stroller or bicycle, used it to tie a door or tailgate shut, hauled the neighbor kid up off the face of a boulder he had slid down, caught the runaway pony. Had no idea I was a prepper back then. I just had useful stuff handy or in my pockets.
The leash/collar combo seems interesting. I’ve never heard of anyone putting one of those to use.
Todd
EDC to me is what u have on you at any one time.
A multitool, mobile phone in a case with a pocket containing a metal mirror, credit card, $10 cash, license’s, collapsible life straw. For those able to carry, a suitable weapon.
That’s my definition of EDC.
Extend to your car carry, a couple of MRE’s, torch (don’t need to edc one as the phone has one on it), 1st aid kit and other things mentioned.
Just wondering, in your “boo boo kit” what was the bee sting treatment? I have an old prescription container in my car that has baking soda in it. With a little water to make a paste or solution, it is VERY good at preventing or eliminating pain when applied to a bee sting, the sooner applied the better. The baking soda neutralizes the venom, which is acidic, the bee injected into you. BS is also good for heart burn or acid reflux.
Alan,
I remember my mom and grandmother putting baking soda on a bee sting when I was a kid. The wipe I used was Safetec Sting Relief Wipe. I purchased it from Amazon.
Todd