EDC Survival Gear Everyday Carry Item Ideas
Lets come up with a list of EDC survival gear items /ideas (every day carry), as well as ordinary items of convenience for day to day.
EDC or everyday carry is an individual thing. The things /items that you might have in your pocket or somehow somewhere on your person. Those items may depend on what you’re doing, the type of work that you typically do, where you’re going, the environment you’ll be in, and all sorts of other factors.
EDC Survival Gear Items
Here are some thoughts and ideas. Add your own opinion in the comments below.
Folding Pocket Knife
I would almost guarantee that this is the number one thought that comes to mind for EDC survival gear. A knife. Most likely a pocket folder. There’s one in my pocket right now.
There sure are a LOT of choices when it comes to a pocket knife. When we’re talking ‘survival’, maybe the knife is just a bit more than a small folder. It depends, right? For a hike in the wilderness, I would likely carry a substantial full-tang attached at the belt. However for normal EDC, it’s a small/medium folder.
A Cell Phone
Most people do carry a cell phone. But it is an important technological piece of survival gear for every day carry. Why? I’m sure you can come up with some reasons… not the least of which is calling someone for help! There are a zillion ‘apps’ that you can install on your phone, some of them are VERY helpful. Maps /Navigation, GPS, Flashlight, Weather /Radar, Text, Email, Clock, etc..
Firestarter /FireSteel
Some sort of fire starter, such as an ordinary BIC lighter. Maybe a Zippo. You might consider a FireSteel (Firesteel.com).
I don’t ordinarily carry this during my typical day around here on the homestead. But I would EDC a fire starter if out on a hike (for example), or out camping, fishing, etc.. I do have access to multiple ways to start a fire, given my various kits (in my vehicle, small day-pack kit, etc.).
[ Read: Fire Starter Kit List ]
Pocket Flashlight
The benefits of a flashlight are obvious. I keep a very small flashlight on my keychain. It’s also perfect for your pocket. I love this mini flashlight for any situation where I might need to shed some light. Perhaps surprisingly, the mini Olight (I have this one) can be had for ~ $10.
Olight Mini AAA Flashlight
(view on amzn)
Here’s another one that I have. It’s a pen light. It can clip on your pants pocket or shirt pocket, etc. It’s slightly brighter than the mini Olight, however it accepts an additional (AAA) battery for longer runtime (8 hours). It also comes with a holster. I have the white LED version, and the Green version (preserve night vision).
Streamlight Stylus Pro Penlight
(amzn)
Multi-tool
A multi-tool is just that – a tool with multiple uses. They come in a very variety of configurations depending on what you like. That’s what is nice about it… pick the features /model that works best for you.
Small Writing Instrument (Bullet Space Pen)
Maybe it’s not exactly EDC survival gear, but I love this little pen! I’m sort of old-school when it comes to taking notes and remembering stuff. This little pen coupled with a small little pocket notebook. Write it down, so I don’t forget!
Field Notes: Original Kraft 3-Pack – Graph Paper
(amzn)
[ Read:
Fisher Space Pen For Everyday Carry Writing Convenience
How To Remember Things The Easy Way
Pocket Compass
Assuming the ability to use a compass and understand a sense of direction, perhaps some map reading skills… a compass could become an asset for survival, depending on the situation. Ordinarily I would not need this for my normal day-to-day. However I do recall one dark night tracking a bear deep into the woods behind our property after the hunter took the shot just before sunset. We eventually got all sorts of turned around, and a compass would have helped since I knew we needed to head West to get back, based on my knowledge of the property and where we had headed… Ultimately, we got back while using the moon for direction that night.
I do keep a good quality compass in my kits. However while we’re talking about EDC every day carry survival gear, I’ve seen paracord bracelets with a small compass on them (you can get them separately too). Some watches (dual and triple sensor) have compass functionality built in. Your ‘smart’ phone can do it too with the right compass app. But here’s a neat little pocket compass that I found…
Handmade Brass Push Open Compass On Chain with Leather Case
(amzn)
Now I’m sure that some of you are saying, where’s the firearm in the EDC list? Well, I didn’t want to get into that subject, since it’s really it’s own separate topic.
Okay, your turn, let’s hear from you. What might you add to your own EDC survival gear list? Or, EDC for ordinary day-to-day activities…