Preparedness Triangle 2 – Every Day Carry
As a quick overview, Every Day Carry, or EDC, refers to essential items that a person carries on their day-to-day basis. I mentioned the three items that most people carry every day in the preparedness triangle overview article. In addition to the three main components, several other factors should be considered when creating an EDC loadout.
While your EDC isn’t going to help you in a long-term emergency scenario, it should be stuff that is helpful in the short term. EDC falls into the smallest section of the triangle. Ideally, the items are carried on your person rather than in a bag. They should be primary or secondary items to a Get Home or Bug Out Bag that is carried in your vehicle.
The items listed below are what I carry with me at all times. Everyone’s version of this will be different based on personal preference.
- Wallet
- Keys
- Folding knife
- Watch
- Earbuds
- Phone (work and personal)
- Pen
- Notebook
The one thing I do not have here is a weapon. One, because I’m still trying to squeeze in my CPL class. Additionally, where I work does not allow carry-on to the premises at all. Not even in my vehicle.
In addition to the items on my person, I also carry a backpack that includes additional items. These are things that, if I had to leave, I could do without. They are not essential items, but nice to have in case I need them.
- Phone charger & cord for personal phone
- Phone charger & cord for work phone
- Battery pack
- Multi-tool
- Pens
- Pencils
- Gear ties
- Grinds coffee pouches
- Binder with graph paper
- Small first aid kit
- Gum
- Glasses case
- Contacts case & solution
Rather than scream tactical, I switched from a 5.11 messenger bag to a rather unassuming Recycled Firefighter grey backpack just recently. As of this writing, it’s an extraordinarily sturdy backpack that I would recommend to anyone looking for an everyday bag.
