Each person must decide for themselves what is best when considering what to EDC. When you leave the house each morning are you spartan in nature, maybe a pocket knife and a lighter complete your loadout? Or do you reside on the other end of the spectrum and have what essentially amounts to the contents of a Bugout bag stuffed into all of those handy 5.11 pockets?. Whatever your persuasion is with regards to an EDC philosophy there are a few items which I hold in high regard and believe should be on everyone’s “must carry” list (where legal of course). Keep in mind that I carry these items in addition to maintaining a survival or get home bag in my vehicle at all times, thus lessening the necessity to tote a bunch of gear around on my immediate person. Having stated all of that what follows are the 5 essential EDC items which I never leave home without.
Personal Protection Loadout (Pistol, IWB Holster, Spare Mags).
I realize that this technically isn’t one item but rather a collection of items, however they all still fall within the singular category of personal protection and concealed carry. I prefer IWB holsters (Crossbreed especially) along with a Glock 27 and a few spare mags (in a FOBUS rig).
Knife
I have a simple Gerber folding knife which costs around $20. It gets the job done and has a nice clip on it which allows me to secure it to the inside of a pant pocket. I realize that there are much more expensive options out there but I’ve never had an experience where I thought to myself: “you know if I just had that $250 knife versus this $20 one I’d be much better off.” Your results may vary.
Flashlight
It’s just too easy to toss a nice little red lens flashlight into your pocket and you never know when you might need that light to accomplish an important task. I’ve had to use mine during power outages which occured while I was away from home.
Lighter
I don’t smoke but I always carry a lighter, this piece of equipment really needs no justification to carry.
Multi-Tool
When you need more than a knife this is the item to have. I’ve used the pliers on mine quite a few times in addition to the various screwdriver heads and most recently the saw tooth blade. An extremely versatile piece of equipment.
So there you have it, the 5 items I never leave home without. What do you carry?
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This is a big difficency of mine… I generally carry none of the above items but should really make an attempt to start.
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Obviously some people have constraints as to what they can and cannot carry (teachers can’t carry guns to work etc) but I would try to formulate a good EDC strategy whenever possible. I bet the people who went shopping yesterday in Oregon didn’t think someone with an AR15 would be opening fire into crowds of people. You simply never know when things could get sideways.
Your EDC is almost the same as mine! I also carry 1 one oz. silver eagle in my wallet so that I always have “real” money as opposed to paper and plastic.
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JD,
Great minds think alike! Good call on the silver eagle, might have to add that to my EDC.
PJ, we are there together on our EDC. I carry a Glock 27 (with one extra mag) a Gerber folding knife (identical to yours), a Gerber multi-tool (Suspension), a Bic lighter, and a small flashlight. My light is a Colman brand I picked up at Wallyworld for $14 and has 105 lumen. I also have some para cord on my key ring. Great minds………………
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JM
Great stuff, glad to see we are on the same page! Paracord is another great EDC item.
On the body is a SW M&P 9C, 1 extra mag, Kershaw Blur folding knife, and 550 bracelet…don’t forget a good watch. Normally have the get home bag with me as well.
Great post PJ
Author
Thanks GA, glad to see we are on the same page!
I’m in one of those “can’t carry at work” situations…. but…. I keep same list in my car. During the winter months I add a bag with warm hiking boots, wool blanket, ski warmth clothing, and a 2 hr candles.
I do want to add that I also carry a Glock 40cal in a gumcreek holster that also holds an extra mag.
Author
Ryan,
Thanks for the comment. Many people are restricted by work rules which do not allow CCW. I’m glad to see you are taking other precautions when able.
PJ