EDC, or Everyday Carry, has become a popular topic online. There are sites dedicated to guys showing off their EDC by taking a photo of a “pocket dump” where the empty the contents of their pockets. But to put it simply everyday carry is what you carry daily that can assist you with any trouble you may encounter. This goes far beyond your wallet and keys.
Everyday carry is a mindset that you will have the tools you need not only get through your day but help you deal with any unexpected problems. Each person’s EDC is as unique as they are. One man may need a comb to always be ready for the next meeting, while another man may benefit from a knife because he has to cut rope. And then there is the embarrassing question a man should never have to ask, “Does anyone have a knife?” Oh boy. No man should ever say that.
So we’ll take a look at my EDC and I’ll make some suggestions for what you may want to cover. Below is my typical EDC lineup.
iPhone 6 with Magpul Bump Case
You can’t get through a day without a smartphone. So surround it with an outstanding phone case. Magpul makes an excellent one. The Magpul Bump Case for the iPhone 6 has never let me down. I’ve dropped it from several heights and the phone has never once been damaged - neither has the case for that matter. It slides easily out of your pocket and is low profile to reduce pocket printing.
Swiss Army Knife
Good for dozens of everyday tasks a Swiss Army knife is an EDC essential. Mine features multiple pen knives, screwdrivers, scissors, wrench, toothpick and tweezers. As a younger man I became proficient with a Swiss and those skills are still in use today.
Magpul DAKA Essential Wallet
For years I went around with a “dad wallet.” You know the one that is 5 inches thick and cuts off the circulation to your right leg? I finally got wise a few years ago and went with a thin essential wallet. Recently I got the Magpul DAKA Essential Wallet and it has been fantastic. With space to hold your essentials and rounded corners for easy entry and exit, this wallet has become my favorite.
SOG Escape Knife
I rotate between two Kershaw knives and one SOG. This is the SOG Escape. It has a 3.4” clip point blade with partial serration, an essential for any EDC knife in my opinion. Making the Escape stand out is the line cutter in the handle which is just about as useful as the large blade itself. Also in the handle are three holes for strippers - which I have actually used. And on the end is a glass break if you had to “escape” a car.
Nite Ize SlideLock Carabiner
I’m a big fan of all sorts of Nite Ize products and the one I use everyday is the SlideLock Carabiner. I put my keys on one end and clip the other to my belt loop, bag or anything I need. In the past I’ve used the S Biners, but on rare occasion my keys would find a way to come off when I’d get out of a car. I solved this problem with the lockable version. No more issues. Plus in a pinch, the size 4 S biner can hold up to 75 pounds. Not bad for a key chain, right?
SOG Key Folding Knife
If you’re looking to have a knife with you but don’t want to carry one in your pocket, then this knife is for you. The SOG Key Folding Knife fits on your keychain and blends in with the rest of your keys. The folding blade is lockable, sharp and easy to use in daily applications. A word of warning though, if you pass through a metal detector, don’t forget you have this knife with you. Take it off before a TSA screening.
Fenix E05
This is an incredibly bright light that proves itself reliable time after time. I use my E05 all the time and I’m continually impressed by it’s 85 lumen output on a AAA battery. Unlike other cheap keychain flashlights, the E05 has a reliable twist switch that hardly ever turns on by accident. Put this on your keychain and never worry about it again. If you are looking to upgrade your EDC game, start with the Fenix E05.
Timex Ironman Triathlon
My Timex Ironman Triathlon offers a black face with white numbers which is great for low light. The Indiglo feature is bright enough to been seen from several feet away. While is on the less expensive side, this watch is one of my favorites. I know many people like the G-Shock watches, but they are out of my price range.
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