EDC Checklist: What To Carry Every Day

Prepping is about being prepared. And being prepared means keeping some stuff with you all day and every day. What does that consist of? It can be summed up as your everyday carry – or EDC, as we like to call it.

Your everyday carry needs to be portable – no huge backpack or bulky carryall, just the handbag-sized pouch you’d see any man or woman carry with them or compact sling bag.

Before we get in to our list, here are a few ideas as to bags/pouches you may wish to use as part of your EDC.

Pouches

bulging pockets are irritating and downright cumbersome, so most of us are going to go for some type of pouch, handbag or so-called “man bag” (Amazon advertises a huge range of them, but make sure to pick something small and unobtrusive for your EDC);

the VIPERADE VE3 Pocket Organizer is a tough and resilient sturdy nylon pouch or space-saving pocket clip that has two open pockets for small accessories, a further pocket that holds a small notebook and pencil, and a zipper pocket in which you could carry a folding pocketknife, a small flashlight, or multitool gadgets – there is even a larger-sized pocket that can hold either a regular-sized notebook or your smartphone;

if you want something altogether plainer – an inconspicuous unisex handbag in which you can store your own selection of everyday carry necessities – you might want to consider the Native Union Stow Lite Organizer. A feature of this bag is its slim design, with a resilient textile exterior and quilted inside divisions that give 360-degree protection for all your EDC items.

What you are wearing should be multifunctional

Note that what you choose to wear can make you more or less prepared for any emergency or disaster that strikes during the day. This can include a multi-functional tactical scarf, a fleece hoodie, layered clothing, plus waterproof shoes or boots, gloves, hats, socks etc.

EDC basics

Cash
ID
Keys
Torch
Lighter
Rainproof pen and paper
Mobile phone and charger
Protein bars and a flask for carrying water, plus water purification tablets
Mini first aid kit, feminine hygiene products
Prescription items and a copy of your prescription
A swiss army knife or similar

Prepping is all about being prepared for the unexpected. And the unexpected can happen any time of the day or night wherever you happen to be when it happens. That is why your EDC will be with you at all times – and will need to contain those absolute essentials you can grab and keep with you if it looks as though you’ll be facing a challenge or two.

About The Author

Article by the Prepper Weekly editor. Prepper Weekly covers practical, UK-focused preparedness – from emergency planning, power cuts and flooding to food, water, kit and outdoor skills – without the fear-mongering. Find out more about Prepper Weekly.