The Art of the EDC

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 The Art of the EDC

The Unintentional EDC

    EDC or "Every Day Carry" refers to the list of items we pat our pockets for before we leave for work and head out the door. For example, many of us carry at the very least: a phone, a wallet, and our car keys. For most of us, an EDC consists of the daily items required to operate in our jobs or lives effectively. For some of us however, the EDC acts as a force multiplier and a lifeline should we find ourselves in an emergency situation.

Styles of EDC

    There are two types of EDC styles: on-body EDC and off-body EDC. In the military, the on-body gear is mission critical and important for survival and warfare. It is often called your first-line and second-line gear. Off-body EDC is gear that is still readily carried but is contained in a day bag or assault pack.

On Body-EDC

    Although many of us do not need to conduct ourselves in warfare and therefor lack the need for primary and secondary mags, a dump pouch, and a trauma kit (IFAK); the first- and second-line gear theory still holds true. Two key takeaways that can be extrapolated from warfighting for the purposes of civilian EDC are: mission criticality, and storage efficiency.
    Because modern first world countries are places of peace, a robust warfighting rig is obviously not necessary for everyday life. Likewise, because most people do not wear LBVs (Load Bearing Vests) regularly, we must be prudent and efficient with what we carry. If we carry too few items, we will find ourselves inadequately prepared, should a situation arise. If we carry too many items, the sheer weight and space required will cause us to eventually forgo certain items, or our entire kit, for the sake of comfort.
    I personally recommend carrying the following items as first-line gear:
  • charged phone
  • keys
  • wallet
  • small multitool
  • small knife
  • pen
  • small flashlight
  • compact or sub-compact pistol
  • spare magazine
  • solar charging or automatic watch
    To the uninitiated in the EDC world, this might seem like a lot of items to tote around all the time, but there is a reason why I emphasized that these items should be compact or small. Preparedness, especially daily preparedness is a lifetime commitment. After weeks to months of carrying around the same items every day, there is a world of difference between carrying a 3- or 4-inch flashlight, and a flashlight that fits on the end of my car keys. Similarly, a full-sized Leatherman Wingman feels so much bigger than an SOG PowerPint, when it has been in your pocket for months on end. Size matters in this situation gentlemen, and if the tools you are packing are too large for comfort, you probably won't be carrying that item regularly after some time. Gear fatigue is real and will creep up on you if you choose to carry regular or large versions of all of these items.

Off-Body Carry

    The Off-Body carry should consist of gear that serves to supplement your first line gear. It is imperative that all off-body gear either remains by your side, or in a safe location, at all times. There are countless horror stories of people that have decided to off-body carry their Sig or Glock and end up having it stolen along with their laptop, tablet and everything else in their backpack. I would be weary of doubling up on first-line gear and keeping spare first-line gear in your off-body kit. The weight of carrying a second set of first-line gear can add up quickly and also provokes greater losses should your kit be taken. Likewise, off-body gear should not be mission critical. Important things should be on your person for a reason. Think of off-body carry only for items which help ease, non-emergency situations and general short term resupply.
    My personal recommendations for an off-body kit include:
  • portable charger
  • laptop/tablet
  • full water bottle
  • a waterproof pocket journal
  • a first aid kit
  • hygiene essentials
  • spare mag

The Importance of EDC Individuality

    I cannot state enough that a man's EDC kit should be personally tailored to that individual. It is counterproductive to carry a laptop or tablet if your job does not require you to have one. If you work in an area that does not allow firearms on the premises, don't carry your gun. Finally, if your income is does not permit you to purchase the most expensive gear, then obviously do not spend outside of your means. I have seen many young men in the EDC space, easily max out their credit cards purchasing Leatherman multitools, brand name watches, and battle-ready pistols. It is all well and good to own these items, but it goes against the preparedness mentality of EDC gear when these men have not yet secured enough funding for a proper financial emergency. It would be better to be financially prepared and carry budget gear, than to carry luxury gear and lack enough funds to fix a car or pay for rent.

How much should I spend on gear?

    When it comes to EDC gear, all of the listed items above can add to a substantial cost very quickly. In order to mitigate these expenses I recommend doing 2 things. Be honest with your budget and spend only what you are comfortable with losing. It is true that EDC gear is a lifetime purchase and the tools in your possession will last you your lifetime, but it is also true that a man must be prudent and money conscious if he wishes to succeed in the world. You have to also keep in mind that with every purchase, there is a separate but very real cost for gear maintenance and upkeep. I dull knife is both useless and dangerous to the wielder.

Closing Remarks

    Keep your gear close, keep your weapons ready, and your tools in working order, and you will be an effective operative for the people that you hold dear. I keep my EDC on display next to my bedside, that way when it is time to rise and take the day, everything that I should need is readily available at my fingertips.

My Personal EDC

  • Right Pocket
    • Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra fully charged in a Defender Otter Box Case
  • Left Pocket
    • EDC Tool Roll (Civivi Knife Carrying Case) containing the following:
      • Debit Card
      • Credit Card
      • Passport Card
      • Lockpick Roll
      • Mini Prybar
      • SOG PowerPint
      • Mini Civivi Backlash
      • RovyVon A3 Flashlight
  • Back Right Pocket
    • Wallet Containing the following:
      • 2 Credit Cards
      • Driver's License
      • Wallet Knife
      • Lighter
      • Kevlar Cord
      • Standard LEO Handcuff Key
  • On Wrist (either)
    • Seiko 5 Automatic Watch
    • Relic Skeleton Automatic Watch
    • Casio Solar G-Shock
    • Silver Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender
  • On Waist
    • Taurus G3C or G2S (9mm)
    • Reload
    • Winchester 9mm Hollow points
    • Car keys



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