From
the content of many threads on the Internet it is apparent that there are many “styles” and
“reasons” people EDC. Unfortunately, too often a persons chosen style and
method of EDC becomes their complete definition of EDC. In reality, this leave
the person with a myopic and very closed view of what EDC is for others as well
as potential options for themselves. I have seen some very heated debates about
the definition of what EDC.
Defining EDC:
Well, I don’t think there is going to be one universal definition of EDC that will fit into every ones unique classification system. A definition of EDC varies with the person’s wants and needs. One possible, very bland, definition is:
Well, I don’t think there is going to be one universal definition of EDC that will fit into every ones unique classification system. A definition of EDC varies with the person’s wants and needs. One possible, very bland, definition is:
EDC consists of items carried either on the
person or in a multitude of external carrying and storage devices that will
provide needed items given a certain circumstance.
Yes,
a very bland definition indeed that really raises more questions relating to
“why” someone feels the need to EDC items. That is the crux of the situation
and the reason behind some very spirited debate. So, lets change the focus from
attempting to define EDC and determine the reasons for EDC. Now I won’t profess
to know every single reason why people choose to carry the stuff they do but I
will attempt to put EDC into a classification model. Each category can have
very blurred lines with overlap between the different categories. Don’t get
wrapped up in the minutia of this concept. Also, keep in mind that EDC will
vary depending on your needs, where you live, the type of work you do, if you
are alone or with family, weather conditions, political climate, etc. The point
is to always be flexible to your situation.
Following are the major categories that I believe define the “why” behind what people carry:
Following are the major categories that I believe define the “why” behind what people carry:
- Minimalist
- Preparedness
- Work Related
- First Aid
- BOB/GHB
- TEOTWAWKI
Lets look at each of these in more detail.
Minimalist
Individuals
in this category tend to carry the rock bottom basics only and seem to be very
proud as if it is some sort of enlightened accomplishment. Such items tend to
be the following:
- Keys
- Wallet
- Cell phone
- Watch
- Small knife or small multi-tool (ie. SAK, Squirt or Leatherman Micra)
- Possibly an iPod
- Small flashlight ie photon light
- Small amount of cash
- Medications as needed, prescriptions glasses, contacts and other medical devices
Generally, the minimalist will only carry
items that will be needed throughout the day with little to no preparation for
a crisis or emergency situation.
Preparedness
This
person tends to carry the same items as a minimalist but adds in other items
that may be necessary. Such items may include:
- Pocket knife and/or fixed blade knife
- Firearm with extra magazine(s)
- Full size multi-tool
- Larger flashlight with extra set of batteries (typically 2 flashlights minimum)
- Pen/paper
- Small amount of food and/or water such as Power Bars, Beef Jerky, Almonds, etc.
- Small and basic first aid kit
- Fire starting methods – lighter, fire steel, matches, along with a form of tinder
- Small prybar
- Paracord
- Extra shirt, socks, underwear
- Whistle
- Bandana
- Space blanket
- Compass and map
- GPS Unit
- Duct tape (I prefer Gorilla tape)
- Rubber bands
- Chapstick
- Flashdrive, typically encrypted, with important documents
- Poncho or other form as rain gear (ie garbage bag)
- Zip lock bags with stuff inside
- Glow sticks
- Portable radio
- Face mask for hood for smoke
Work Related
This
person will carry additional gear specific to their type of employment.
First Aid
There are many EDC’ers who like to carry a comprehensive first aid kit to cover just about any emergency be it big or small. This kit is in addition to the minimalist EDC and possibly in addition to the preparedness kit. I won’t go into this kit in detail other than to say if you have a headache this person will have aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Tylenol. If you are bleeding severely he will have a CAT tourniquet, bandages and Combat Gauze. If you have a sprain, strain or fracture he will whip out a Sam splint and possibly even a neck collar! If you have a gunshot wound to the lung he will have an Asherman chest seal. You get the point. But, be cautious of one thing when dealing with this person. Make sure all meds and gear are NOT expired. Typically this type of EDC’er will have his kit up to date and will be good to go!
BOB/GHB
Technically a Bug Out Bag (BOB) and a Get Home Bag (GHB) are two different things with two different purposes. But, many of the items overlap. Generally this kit will contain anything you might need for at least 72 hours. It is also similar to a 72 hour emergency kit. In addition to many of the items in the “Preparedness Kit” you will find the following:
Sleeping
bag
- Bivy bag
- Tarp
- Wool blanket
- Jacket
- Gloves for warmth and to do heavy work
- Wool socks
- Tools
- Stove with fuel
- Extra amount of food and water
- Stash of cash
- List of emergency phone number in addition to what might be programmed in the phone
- Map of contingency places to travel to in case of a BOB situation
- Extra method for communications
TEOTWAWKI – The End of the World as we know
it
This person is typically a survivalist with a survivalist mentality. They have thought about and planned for a “worst case scenario” for a long time and have acquired the necessary gear. This person will tend to be physically and mentally prepared for a SH*F situation whether it be civil unrest, war, terrorism, natural disaster. Oftentimes, not always, these individuals will be networked with similar type individuals that they can use as a resource and if necessary team up with to bundle their knowledge, skills and abilities.
This person is typically a survivalist with a survivalist mentality. They have thought about and planned for a “worst case scenario” for a long time and have acquired the necessary gear. This person will tend to be physically and mentally prepared for a SH*F situation whether it be civil unrest, war, terrorism, natural disaster. Oftentimes, not always, these individuals will be networked with similar type individuals that they can use as a resource and if necessary team up with to bundle their knowledge, skills and abilities.
Observations on EDC
After
reading through many posts on people’s thoughts, ideas and opinions on
everything EDC, I thought I would provide some of my observations on EDC.
EDC Levels
EDC means dramatically different things to different people. For some, EDC is just a few items that they carry and utilize everyday such as cell phone, keys, knife, multi-tool, flashlight, etc. Such items may be carried in their pockets or some type of pocket organizer.
To others, EDC may include the previously mentioned items but may include a bag to carry additional stuff in such as extra clothing, food, water, cooking stove and utensils, rope, first aid supplies, blankets, shelters, sleeping gear, emergency items, rope, poncho, rain gear, weapon(s), etc. This list can really go on and on and on…
The methodology of carrying gear is about as diverse as the gear itself. For some it is a matter of throwing stuff in their pocket, attaching it to a key ring, utilizing a pocket organizer, or carrying a backpack, Gearslinger or messenger bag.
On a side note, for those of you hell bent on using the term “man purse” I say, PLEASE STOP USING THAT TERM. Men should never use a purse in any form a fashion…it is gear, so get it right. I would like to formally make a proposal right now to the moderator(s) that anyone who uses the term “man purse” be immediately and forever banned from this forum with no chance of parole for good behavior.
EDC means dramatically different things to different people. For some, EDC is just a few items that they carry and utilize everyday such as cell phone, keys, knife, multi-tool, flashlight, etc. Such items may be carried in their pockets or some type of pocket organizer.
To others, EDC may include the previously mentioned items but may include a bag to carry additional stuff in such as extra clothing, food, water, cooking stove and utensils, rope, first aid supplies, blankets, shelters, sleeping gear, emergency items, rope, poncho, rain gear, weapon(s), etc. This list can really go on and on and on…
The methodology of carrying gear is about as diverse as the gear itself. For some it is a matter of throwing stuff in their pocket, attaching it to a key ring, utilizing a pocket organizer, or carrying a backpack, Gearslinger or messenger bag.
On a side note, for those of you hell bent on using the term “man purse” I say, PLEASE STOP USING THAT TERM. Men should never use a purse in any form a fashion…it is gear, so get it right. I would like to formally make a proposal right now to the moderator(s) that anyone who uses the term “man purse” be immediately and forever banned from this forum with no chance of parole for good behavior.
Purpose of carrying EDC gear
For some it is a matter of carrying and utilizing items that are essential and used on a daily basis. For others, it includes essential items but adds emergency type items that will cover many “what if” scenarios. This can range from a change of clothes with some extra food and water to a complete Bug Out Bag (BOB) in case you really need to hit the road. Think back to the tragic attacks of 9-11-01! Many people would have benefited from having a BOB at the ready with them. For some this might seem extreme but we live in an unpredictable world. There are natural disasters, terrorism, active shooter situations, workplace violence, riots, public demonstrations that have the potential for violence, etc. Carrying essential items may not be a bad idea. For some, this type of EDC is just too much.
Quality of Items
This is the area seems to warrant some very solid discussion and concern. More often than not people are looking for “less expensive” (read that as cheap) ways to obtain EDC gear and items. I strongly disagree with the concept of buying cheap gear. I have done it in the past and it NEVER works out well. The outcome is ALWAYS bad. And in the long run you end up spending the money for quality gear anyway. Now believe me, I understand that the economy sucks (thanks Obama, and you can stop blaming Bush) and that it is difficult to find employment these days. Many people are unemployed or underemployed. I get it. In my experience I have always ended up replacing cheap gear with quality gear because the cheap gear does not work, fails to last, or does not perform as designed. When my butt is on the line this is unacceptable. If money is tight, and it is for most of us, then I recommend buying high quality gear at a slower pace and getting what you need. This will require prioritizing what you need vs. what you want. There is not much worse than having a bag full of useless gear that will not perform when needed the most and not finding out until you use it. This leads to my next point of gear…high priced quality gear.
There are some items such as Atwood tools which are very expensive, works well and will not fail. But, is it necessary to have top of the line overpriced gear? I say, NO. There is some gear on the market that is so cost prohibitive that it is ridiculous. I am using Atwood as an example but I don’t want to bash any particular company (including Atwood). My point is that you can get top of the line gear that will last and perform when needed without having to go into debt. This is where you need to know your needs, research your gear, look at reviews and come to your own opinion. The EDC forum is a great place to do just that and very effectively! When it comes to gear get the best quality that you can afford. If it comes down to having nothing for the time being then save your money until you can get what you need so that you can not only depend on the gear but have confidence in its ability.
For some it is a matter of carrying and utilizing items that are essential and used on a daily basis. For others, it includes essential items but adds emergency type items that will cover many “what if” scenarios. This can range from a change of clothes with some extra food and water to a complete Bug Out Bag (BOB) in case you really need to hit the road. Think back to the tragic attacks of 9-11-01! Many people would have benefited from having a BOB at the ready with them. For some this might seem extreme but we live in an unpredictable world. There are natural disasters, terrorism, active shooter situations, workplace violence, riots, public demonstrations that have the potential for violence, etc. Carrying essential items may not be a bad idea. For some, this type of EDC is just too much.
Quality of Items
This is the area seems to warrant some very solid discussion and concern. More often than not people are looking for “less expensive” (read that as cheap) ways to obtain EDC gear and items. I strongly disagree with the concept of buying cheap gear. I have done it in the past and it NEVER works out well. The outcome is ALWAYS bad. And in the long run you end up spending the money for quality gear anyway. Now believe me, I understand that the economy sucks (thanks Obama, and you can stop blaming Bush) and that it is difficult to find employment these days. Many people are unemployed or underemployed. I get it. In my experience I have always ended up replacing cheap gear with quality gear because the cheap gear does not work, fails to last, or does not perform as designed. When my butt is on the line this is unacceptable. If money is tight, and it is for most of us, then I recommend buying high quality gear at a slower pace and getting what you need. This will require prioritizing what you need vs. what you want. There is not much worse than having a bag full of useless gear that will not perform when needed the most and not finding out until you use it. This leads to my next point of gear…high priced quality gear.
There are some items such as Atwood tools which are very expensive, works well and will not fail. But, is it necessary to have top of the line overpriced gear? I say, NO. There is some gear on the market that is so cost prohibitive that it is ridiculous. I am using Atwood as an example but I don’t want to bash any particular company (including Atwood). My point is that you can get top of the line gear that will last and perform when needed without having to go into debt. This is where you need to know your needs, research your gear, look at reviews and come to your own opinion. The EDC forum is a great place to do just that and very effectively! When it comes to gear get the best quality that you can afford. If it comes down to having nothing for the time being then save your money until you can get what you need so that you can not only depend on the gear but have confidence in its ability.
At a minimum what do you carry?
So, what should one carry at a minimum? This is a loaded question and one that is damn near impossible to answer because it depends on YOUR needs, not mine. We are all different, live in different locations, have different levels of training, and have different skill sets. Now, I do have an opinion on what I think one should carry at a minimum. If this works for you then great, if not then that is okay as well. As with anything, customize it to your needs.
Another area that irks me at times is the people who think the less they carry the better off they are. The bottom line is: CARRY WHAT YOU NEED. I have seen the pettiest posts where people can’t decide whether to add or delete something from their EDC set up. Please! Don’t get so wrapped up in the minutia of your EDC kit. You either: 1) need it, 2) don’t need it, 3) want it or 4) don’t want it. Lets not complicate matters.
At a minimum, I think people should carry the following on your person or in a pocket organizer:
So, what should one carry at a minimum? This is a loaded question and one that is damn near impossible to answer because it depends on YOUR needs, not mine. We are all different, live in different locations, have different levels of training, and have different skill sets. Now, I do have an opinion on what I think one should carry at a minimum. If this works for you then great, if not then that is okay as well. As with anything, customize it to your needs.
Another area that irks me at times is the people who think the less they carry the better off they are. The bottom line is: CARRY WHAT YOU NEED. I have seen the pettiest posts where people can’t decide whether to add or delete something from their EDC set up. Please! Don’t get so wrapped up in the minutia of your EDC kit. You either: 1) need it, 2) don’t need it, 3) want it or 4) don’t want it. Lets not complicate matters.
At a minimum, I think people should carry the following on your person or in a pocket organizer:
- Cell phone with fully charged battery. A spare cell phone battery is a great idea as well but how many actually carry one!
- Swiss Army Knife (SAK) or similar knife
- Flashlight – must have and I highly recommended that it is carried on you all the time. A high quality, single AAA battery will work fine. I also recommend that it be LED. I carry the Streamlight Microstream and I am very satisfied with this light. Carry an extra battery.
- Lighter - for fire (even if you do not smoke)
- Whistle – much more effective than yelling and will not destroy your throat
- Wallet – go through it and dump out all the crap you don’t need! Really…do it.
- Cash – always keep some cash on hand. The amount is up to you but I recommend a minimum of $100. During a crisis debit card and credit card machines may not function.
- Weapon – depends on your location, jurisdiction, work rules, etc. Consider: firearm, knife, pepper spray, etc.
- Medications – prescription if needed and non-prescription. At a minimum carry enough to get you through most common problems for one day, i.e. Advil, Tylenol, Benadryl, Imodium AD, Tums, Prevacid, etc. [for those of you who use the term “man purse” carry a bottle of Midol]
Potential items to add (how I could go on
and on but I won't):
- Multi-tool
- Paracord
- Duct tape
- Map
EDC Modular Carry System
I also believe in the concept of a nested EDC
Modular Carry System. This is a system of progressively more complex EDC
items/kits that can be combined with other gear to create a complete EDC
Modular Carry System. In essence, when you put it all together you really have
a great Bug Out Bag. For example: I may carry my “core EDC” items in my pocket,
I also have a “Pocket Organizer System” which has more EDC items which if
necessary I can combine with a back pack, Gearslinger or Messenger Bag to
create a whole system that will support my needs for days. I try to keep it
relatively low key as to not stand out. I DO NOT BELIEVE IN FUNKY COLORS FOR
ANY OF MY GEAR. For example, I know some people use bright colors for some of
their gear such as orange, red, yellow, etc. so that they can find their gear
if they drop it. I do not like this because it stands out too much and tends to
attract unnecessary attention. Yes, there is a risk that I will not be able to
find my dropped item and lose it forever. I am willing to take that chance.
I also strongly believe in the concept of redundancy where I have backups in case something happens to my primary. A great example is a flashlight. Each of my systems has a flashlight. I also have numerous was to initiate a fire. Redundancy is great for me but it means more weight and space. Everything has a benefit/cost ration. Again, it comes down to what works for you.
I also strongly believe in the concept of redundancy where I have backups in case something happens to my primary. A great example is a flashlight. Each of my systems has a flashlight. I also have numerous was to initiate a fire. Redundancy is great for me but it means more weight and space. Everything has a benefit/cost ration. Again, it comes down to what works for you.
Conclusion
This isn’t necessarily the “comprehensive final word” on all types of EDC. It is a solid starting point to provide people with a rudimentary understanding that EDC can and does mean very different things to different people based upon that persons needs and situation.
Feel free to add your thoughts, ideas and definitions but please don’t get caught up in the minutia of EDC. Lets not fight or argue over semantics. Let us further the knowledge and understanding of EDC. We literally have a world wide network on this forum so please provide your thoughts.
This isn’t necessarily the “comprehensive final word” on all types of EDC. It is a solid starting point to provide people with a rudimentary understanding that EDC can and does mean very different things to different people based upon that persons needs and situation.
Feel free to add your thoughts, ideas and definitions but please don’t get caught up in the minutia of EDC. Lets not fight or argue over semantics. Let us further the knowledge and understanding of EDC. We literally have a world wide network on this forum so please provide your thoughts.
So, there are some of my thoughts in a very
brief manner. I hope someone gets a benefit out of the information. What are your thoughts?
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