Urban or Rural: Everyday Carry (EDC)

Everyday Carry or EDC, you have read the articles and have seen the posts and then realized that everyone has their own ideas on what to carry. Everyone’s situation is different, however. Geography, threats, weather, local laws, and your own personal preferences will help determine what you carry every day.

You Can Break Up Your Gear in to Zones, Levels or Tiers, or Whatever Term Suits You Best

The first level would be the minimum needed to get through a normal day. Your normal work day, or any day away from home, and of course tailor the gear for the environment you expect to be in throughout the day.

The first level is what you would carry on your person. The second level would be carried in a briefcase, satchel, lunchbox, or even a small pack that you carry. Keep the third level in a locker at work, a desk, file cabinet or keep in your vehicle. Keep access in mind however. How quickly can you retrieve your second or third level gear?

Body items are what would be carried in your pockets, wallets, purses, clipped on a belt or on a keychain or necklace.

Level 1: Recommended Body Items

• Cash/Credit Cards Needed For The Day For Taxi, Bus, Subway, Trains, Fuel for Vehicle
• Whatever Tokens Or Cards Needed For Public Transport
• Identification
• Personal Defense Items Based On Local or State Laws, Such As Stun Gun, Pepper Spray Or Firearm
• Small Flashlight
• Lighter/Matches
• Folding Knife And/or Multi-Tool
• Cell Phone
• Daily Medications
• Pen/Pencil
• Note Pad
• Emergency Whistle

Level 2: Recommended Close At Hand Items

• Maps Of The City, Local Area And State
• Snacks And/or Emergency Rations For The Day
• Backup Battery And Charger For Phone Or Other Communication Device
• Emergency Rain Poncho
• Hat, Sunglasses, Bandana, Work Gloves
• Small First Aid Kit
• Bottled Water
• One Or Two Light Sticks
• Extra Lighter/Ferro Rod/Waterproof Matches
• Hand Sanitizer

Level 3: Recommended Items for Pack/Kit

• Compass
• Advanced Fire Starting Materials Such as a Magnesium Stick, Ferro Rod, Magnifying Glass and Tinder
• Food For Up To 72 hours
• Water For 72 Hours
• Extra Light Sticks
• Extra Clothing, Walking Shoes, Cold Weather Gear As It Applies
• Quality Poncho And/or Rain Suit
• Insect Repellent
• Quality Nylon Rope 50-100 Feet
• Thermal Blankets, Wool Blanket

Assume You May Have To Shelter in Your Vehicle

• Zip Ties, For Use As Restraints, Gear Bundling, Repairs
• Duct Tape
• More Advanced Medical Kit To Include A 48 To 72-Hour Supply Of Maintenance Medications Along With Pain, Allergy And Stomach Ailment Medications
• Communication Device, Charger For Device, Extra Batteries
• Personal Defense
• Tool Kit For Minor Repairs

Special Gear Based On Location

If you have an extended drive to work you may want to include snow chains, emergency flares or markers, jumper cables, tow straps, and an extra vehicle battery. If you use public transport, taxi, or buses you would not necessarily need tools, but you may have to walk if the transport system fails, so walking shoes are always recommend, regardless of whether you drive your own vehicle or not.

This article has broadened out EDC as it is defined by most, but there will be items, survival items, you would need during certain situations that could occur on any day while at work or even while out shopping or when out enjoying your day.

You would need these items close at hand, so take some time to plan and gather up what you think you may need based on geography, type of work you do, how you get to work, how far it is to work, the weather and based on current threat assessments.

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Source: prepforshtf.com