Putting Together an EDC – Rogue’s 31 Days To Readiness [Day 15]

When it comes to picking our everyday carry (EDC), it’s very personal. Right down to the exact placement on our body or in our bags; it’s all personal preference.

The items that we carry with everyday should be of use to us either occasionally, everyday or in a survival situation.

I certainly don’t use every single item that I carry, every single day. I certainly rely on them, though and when I need it, I need it.

If I use it a couple times a week, it’s been worth it to carry it with me. If I find that I haven’t used it ever and it won’t even come in handy during a life or death survival situation, then I’m certainly not going to be carrying it anymore.

Think of your EDC like this: if you were stranded somewhere and all you had were the things in your pockets (or in your EDC bag), could you get by, at least for short term?

Here’s how we can decide our EDC:

• Do you have kids? Kids really up your EDC game. I carry extra diapers, wipes, clothes and lots of snacks in my EDC bag.
• How about first aid? I carry a full first aid kit in my EDC bag, another in my vehicle and then I carry a boo-boo kit in my pocket. I’ve used the first aid kit on myself and my kids many times.
• What do you do on a daily basis? Do you use pliers on a regular basis? Then a multitool would definitely be a great EDC item for you.
• Self-defense? What kind of self-defense options do you carry with you? I suggest more than 1, but at least 1 is a good idea. Train with it regularly, especially when it comes to deploying it from the holster, pocket, etc.
• What are your fire needs? I carry a lighter in my pocket then a ferro rod and some fire starters in my bag. I’m also aware of how to rub chapstick onto some dried plant material in order to get a fire started.
• Occasional needs? Sometimes I need quarters or a $1 bill. Not all the time, but when I need them, they’re nice to have easily available.
• Random needs? I carry a notepad and pen and use them quite often. I also carry a bandana and, well, in this day and age, use it more often, but a bandana is always good to have around.
• Not good with directions? Maybe carrying a whistle would be a good idea?
• Work with your outfit. If you don’t have a lot of pockets, you may have to get creative by carrying off person, just make sure the items you’re carrying are as easy to access as possible. Carry some things on your keychain, maybe carry a small pouch inside of your bag that’s just for EDC stuff.

When it comes to our EDC, change it up! It’s a good thing to change things around, make it better and always letting it evolve to fit your exact needs everyday and for survival situations.

Some items might be personal or religious. Thinking about your EDC in the sense of helping others or getting information out of others is an idea, as well. For instance, I mainly carry a lighter for fire starting, but I could always offer my lighter to a stranger, or use my bandaid for someone else who’s gotten hurt.

You never know when you might need these items. You don’t need to pack your pockets or bag full of stuff, but it certainly helps to have a few things handy when you’re out and about away from the safety and comfort of your home.

See you in day 16!