"Everyday Carry" (or EDC) ... What You Don't Leave Home Without

[Moondance]

Looking through some old New York Times Style Magazines, I came across an article called "The Politics of Preparedness" in the March 6 edition. It was about "everyday carry" (a phrase I'd never heard before) or "EDC," which is simply what you carry wherever you go. Supposedly this is "a niche preparedness culture that is lately becoming mainstream."

 

The writer (who lives in NYC) reveals that he has started carrying "a gentleman's pocketknife, first-aid supplies and a small high-powered flashlight" with him every day. Apparently things like seatbelt cutters and small multipurpose tools are also popular everyday carry.

 

Me? ... I think I am good to go if I make it out of the house with (a.) keys, (b.) wallet, (c.) phone ... and, honestly, I don't care all that much when I forget "c" ... even though it was recently pointed out to me that my phone includes a flashlight (who knew), which I suppose I'd be most likely to find handy on one of the days I forget the phone. I also own some pocketknives, but I have no idea where they are, or how to tell if they are the "gentleman" variety.

 

Just curious about what constitutes "everyday carry" for the rest of you if anyone would like to share.

[+ Funguy]

The old spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch.

[whipped guy]

The old spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch.

Ditto, but I also make sure that I have a bat to go along with my balls...

[+ Phactor]

I never leave home without a pocket knife, as it can have multiple uses. Other EDC include with state-issued ID card (not driver's license) and one credit card.

 

My car, on the other hand, is loaded with lots of holy-shit-be-ready items in a backpack: small toolbag with basics, small LED flashlight, first-aid kit, small bottles of water (easier to carry than a gallon jug), a couple high-calorie energy and protein bars, AM/FM hand-crank radio, portable charger for devices, matches, space blanket, small spade and a handgun.

 

Go ahead and laugh, it's OK

 

No, I am not a doomsday prepper. Back in the day before I grew short, fat, and old with grey hair, my career was first response and emergency/disaster management. It's amazing what one can learn from observing others in times of despair.

[craigville beach]

1) a leatherman multi-tool

2) a credit card size multi-tool I got from "Grommet"

3) my nitro pills

[+ WmClarke]

Spectacles, testicles, wallet, and ... uh ... phone.

[whipped guy]

Seriously, to my list above I must add a second pair of eyeglasses or at least readers or I would be totally out in left field without a clue! That and my phone. There was a time when I left the house to get away from the phone, now I feel totally helpless if I reach for it and it is not there! Also, if I am going away for more than just a day I also take a spare watch as I am the type who always needs to know what time it is.

 

As you can guess I have been placed in situation where I ended up being without glasses, phone, and a watch. Never going there again! Now that I think of it I probably should take a spare charger for the phone. If I add any more items I'll need a man bag and I ain't goin' there!

 

[+ Truereview]

Being a road warrior, I travel light but I have a discreet leather accessory bag with all sorts of goodies including a tiny tampon...great for nose bleeds or saving a lady in distress.

[Moondance]

Being a road warrior, I travel light but I have a discreet leather accessory bag with all sorts of goodies including a tiny tampon...great for nose bleeds or saving a lady in distress.

 

OK ... "LOL" is overused ... but for this: yeah, it happened.

[AdamSmith]

Beyond wallet+phone+keys, one thing I have to think before going out "Will I need these?" are the electric ears. Joys of aging!

[gallahadesquire]

I never leave home without a pocket knife, as it can have multiple uses. Other EDC include with state-issued ID card (not driver's license) and one credit card.

 

My car, on the other hand, is loaded with lots of holy-shit-be-ready items in a backpack: small toolbag with basics, small LED flashlight, first-aid kit, small bottles of water (easier to carry than a gallon jug), a couple high-calorie energy and protein bars, AM/FM hand-crank radio, portable charger for devices, matches, space blanket, small spade and a handgun.

 

Go ahead and laugh, it's OK

 

No, I am not a doomsday prepper. Back in the day before I grew short, fat, and old with grey hair, my career was first response and emergency/disaster management. It's amazing what one can learn from observing others in times of despair.

 

The handgun is a little scary ... but, then again, an escort in Orlando carries one (concealed).

[gallahadesquire]

Seriously, to my list above I must add a second pair of eyeglasses or at least readers or I would be totally out in left field without a clue! That and my phone. There was a time when I left the house to get away from the phone, now I feel totally helpless if I reach for it and it is not there! Also, if I am going away for more than just a day I also take a spare watch as I am the type who always needs to know what time it is.

 

As you can guess I have been placed in situation where I ended up being without glasses, phone, and a watch. Never going there again! Now that I think of it I probably should take a spare charger for the phone. If I add any more items I'll need a man bag and I ain't goin' there!

 

 

a.k.a. Herrentaschen auf Deutsch.

[+ Funguy]

As you can guess I have been placed in situation where I ended up being without glasses, phone, and a watch. Never going there again! Now that I think of it I probably should take a spare charger for the phone. If I add any more items I'll need a man bag and I ain't goin' there!

 

No glasses, no phone, no watch - sounds like I'm with a certain guy we know! No clothes either!

[whipped guy]

No glasses, no phone, no watch - sounds like I'm with a certain guy we know! No clothes either!

Yeah! All of what you said... and a veritable god to boot! Now if you recall there is another guy. A really good guy! However, definitely you want him to be wearing glasses! And especially if he is wielding a flogger!

[Mo Mason]

Seriously, to my list above I must add a second pair of eyeglasses or at least readers or I would be totally out in left field without a clue! That and my phone. There was a time when I left the house to get away from the phone, now I feel totally helpless if I reach for it and it is not there! Also, if I am going away for more than just a day I also take a spare watch as I am the type who always needs to know what time it is.

 

As you can guess I have been placed in situation where I ended up being without glasses, phone, and a watch. Never going there again! Now that I think of it I probably should take a spare charger for the phone. If I add any more items I'll need a man bag and I ain't goin' there!

 

 

That guy is carrying a purse. That's worse than a fanny pack.

[+ azdr0710]

It was about "everyday carry" (a phrase I'd never heard before) or "EDC,"

 

wondering if this phrase is a play on CCW (concealed carry weapon)......

[klifhangar]

Depends on if you mean on my person or in my car. On me - always keys, iPhone, ID, debit card, credit card and some cash.

 

I'm a bit OCD.. so my car is clean but always has: bee kit (I'm allergic), first aid kit, Altoids, deodorant, blanket (to spread out in the back if I buy something messy like plants), sunscreen and lotion. I think that's it.

[Mo Mason]

Depends on if you mean on my person or in my car. On me - always keys, iPhone, ID, debit card, credit card and some cash.

 

I'm a bit OCD.. so my car is clean but always has: bee kit (I'm allergic), first aid kit, Altoids, deodorant, blanket (to spread out in the back if I buy something messy like plants), sunscreen and lotion. I think that's it.

 

 

A bee kit.

[luvshairyguys]

Vodka.

 

I don't even think about it anymore. But I always have a small 50ml bottle of vodka in my backpack - and pain medication. I retired in my late 40's so I could travel and go back to university while I am still young enough to enjoy it. I live in a city and don't have a car and I never know if while I am out and about something might go wrong such that I have a need (or desire) to medicate myself. And if adding some vodka to my Coke Zero allows me to sit through a 9 am Latin class why the hell not?

[+ VeryHappyCustomer]

A small zippered pouch containing: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, sunscreen, moisturizer, small LED flashlight, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, condoms, lube, one day supply of prescriptions, epi-pen, & emergency cash. It's the size of a small glasses case. Fits in briefcase, day pack, or jacket pocket.

[+ Keith30309]

Wallet & phone

[+ poolboy48220]

On my person, just my keys (with a mini swiss army knife on the chain), phone, wallet. I have reading glasses sprinkled liberally in places I might need them; a pair that stays at work, one in my car, one on my nightstand, one in the bathroom...you get the idea.

 

I don't carry much on my person, but my car tends to have lots of stuff I might need - jumper cables, inflator, leatherman, condoms/lube in the glove box.

 

A few things others haven't mentioned:

• I always have a book with me. Waiting if someone is late, stuck in absolutely-not-moving traffic; it makes it much more tolerable.
  
• And I took hitchhiker's guide to heart and I always have a few small hand towels (at least) in my car and at my desk at work. It's true - they are useful for SO many things.
  
• and unless it's completely impractical, my dog goes with me wherever I go.
  

[+ Charlie]

ID, credit card, cash, phone, Kleenex, handkerchief, reading glasses, keys. Since I live in the desert, I usually wear a hat, and if I am going anywhere in the car, I have a water bottle. If the dog is with me, plastic sandwich bags to clean up you-know-what.

[+ poolboy48220]

just my keys (with a mini swiss army knife on the chain)

Which I have had to replace numerous times when I forget to take it off my keychain before going through airport security.

[Lookin]

I hate schlepping stuff around so, for me, it's le minimum: iPhone, and a little cash.

 

Add water if I'm going on a hike.

 

Add keys and a book if I'm driving somewhere. Wallet is in the car.