How To Build The Ultimate Everyday Carry

How to Build the
Ultimate Every Day

Carry Kit
Can You Survive With
Whats in Your Pockets?
Experienced preppers will tell you yes! Thats
because they understand the importance of a well
thought out Everyday Carry. This report will
lead you through the process of deciding what
items you need in your pockets, and why you
need those items with you every day, without fail!
Inside This Report

CAN YOU SURVIVE
WITH WHATS IN
YOUR POCKETS?
WHAT IS EVERYDAY
CARRY AND WHY DO
I NEED IT?
THESE EVENTS
DONT CHECK YOUR
SCHEDULE
REFERENCES
35
A while back, I was working on my own Everyday

Carry Kit and I asked a fellow survivalist what his
EDC (Everyday Carry) items consisted of. I was a little
baffled by his answer because he is known to have
some of the coolest geara lot of it was made and
customized with his own hands.
I was surprised to learn that his most important
Everyday Carry item was as he said ithis inner Paleo
self or caveman. Next to his inner determination to
survive, his next important EDC item was his multi-tool
that he could rely on for almost anything.
We went further into the conversation, and what he
said really made an impression on me. It wasnt just
the gear(even though it helped). It was the mental
preparedness to accept the realization that you will
have to do whatever it takes to survive. No hesitation
or second guessingjust primal instinct.
When you make a decision, youll do it by instinct
and then execute your choice:
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If you have to eat, then you find foodwhether you

scavenge, eat trash, or take it from some one else.
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If you need shelter, you will find anything that

will work as a roof over your head.
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If youre threatened, you will meet that threat

with dangerous and effective resolve.
Surviving a disaster doesnt really have much room

for a conscience. However, acts of evil and cruelty
should never be confused with a primal survival
instinct. If that is what happens when you rely on
instinct then you probably need to see a therapist!
In a survival situation its dog eat dogkeep your
head low, and do what you have to do to make it
home alive.
Survival Life Special Report
How to Build the Ultimate Every Day Carry
Chapter 2:
What is
Everyday Carry,
and Why Do I Need it?

Everyday Carry, or EDC, generally refers to small items or gadgets worn, carried, or made available
in pockets, holsters, or bags on a daily basis to manage common tasks or for use in unexpected
situations or emergencies. Many times these items blend in with your every day life and anyone that
saw the contents on your person would be none the wiser that this is a full survival kit.
In a broader sense, it is a lifestyle, discipline, or philosophy of preparedness.everyday-carry.com
To ensure that you will always have a minimum level of preparedness for any event or
disaster that life throws your way, your Everyday Carry items should include basic survival
items carried on your person on a daily basis.
Your EDC should not be confused with your Bug-Out Bag (BOB). That is a completely separate
set of survival items (more on that later).
If you think about it, virtually everyone already has an EDC. Most people carry a wallet or a
purse to hold identification, credit cards, money, special licenses and emergency information.
With modern technology, the vast majority of Americans carry a cell phone every day.
According to a Pew Internet Research poll, 87 percent of adult Americans have a cell phone.
These cell phones often have emergency
happen to instantly separate you from the
contact information programmed into them
safety we all take for granted.
such as your emergency contact under the
Consider the Boston marathon bombing. Do
name ICE, which is an acronym for In Case
you think those competitors and spectators
of Emergency. This is not to be confused with
were ready for a disaster? Luckily they
Immigration and Customs Enforcement! Its
were at an event that was well staffed, and
also fairly well known that a cell phone can
had scores of emergency personnel nearby
dial and reach 911 even if there is no active
to handle the situation. You cant count on
service plan for that phone. It just has to have
having that kind of immediate support in an
a semi-charged battery and a SIM card.
event that affects you.
Having ID and a way to communicate is
Although violent attacks should certainly be
important to your EDC , but you shouldnt
prepared for, a bigger, much more common
rely on those items to save you in a real
concern should be natural disasters.
predicament. Yes, police and rescuers can

probably locate you from your cell phone
Sometimes storms can come out of nowhere,
signal, but theres no guarantee that the
causing massive destruction. CBS reported
delicate electronics of a cell phone will be
that over 7 million people were without
there for you when its life or death.
power after hurricane Sandy blew through

the East Coast. People in many areas spent
EDC is an Always Prepared approach to life:
weeks waiting for the power to come back
Even though I wasnt a Boy Scout for very
on. Some spent months
long, their motto, Be prepared fits the idea
Even more recently, the tornadoes in Moore,
of EDC perfectly.
Oklahoma should be a lesson in the impor-
Your normal day to day life can be challenged
tance of preparedness.
at any moment, and you never know when

or where a certain event, disaster or crisis is
going to take place. No matter how well you
schedule and plan your day, something can
Chapter 3:
These Events Dont

Check Your Schedule
You may say that you dont leave home often enough to hassle with an EDC. All it takes is
one trip to the grocery store across town to separate you from the survival supplies you have
worked so hard to stock up on. Your EDC helps you with the survival basics and get you far
enough out of harms way that you can get to your gear, supplies, and hopefully back homee.
There are countless reasons you could need to leave your home under normal circumstances,
and each time you do it carries the risk of being away when the SHTF (Sh*t Hits The Fan).
We leave our homes daily for many different activities:
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Commuting to work or
school
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Childrens events
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Family gatherings
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Shopping
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Vacations
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Dining
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Entertainment (movies,
shows, concerts)
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Errands
Take a minute and try to count how many times you have left the house in the last month.
That number is equal to the number of times you may have needed to rely on an EDC to make
it back home.
Personally, Im never very far away from one
Aron Ralston.
of my vehicles, but the gear stashed in your
He is very well known for surviving a 2003
vehicle could do little good if you cant get
canyon accident in southeastern Utah.
to it. Sustained injuries, flash flooding, and
During his ordeal, he amputated his own
gun battles can come between you and your
right arm with the dull blade of his multi-tool
vehicle, making your gear unreachable if thats
in order to free himself from a dislodged
where you keep it. Even auto-theft can prevent
boulder, which had trapped him there for
you from accessing your survival tools.
five days and seven hours. After freeing
The FBI estimates that a motor vehicle is stolen
himself, he had to rappel down a 65-foot
every 43 seconds in the United States. Thats a
(around 20m) sheer cliff to reach safety.
total of 737,142 vehicle thefts in 2010 alone.
While Ralstons story is one of very extreme
During a disaster, its not advisable to rely on
circumstance, it should help you begin to
having access to your vehicle.
see just how important it is to have the right

mindset and basic survival gear available at
Even a simple walk around your own
all times.
property or a local trail can become a

survival situation. Every year many hikers
Before we can get into what you should
are attacked by wild animals and dangerous
include in your Everyday Carry Kit, its
criminals or injured by accident.
important to understand that EDC is about a

minimalist approach. Its only minimalist
Although it would seem highly unlikely, a
because there are some very important and
short walk in a highly populated area can go
definitive limitations. Its not about what
bad quickly. Many people get mugged and
you can carry; its about what you will carry.
beaten on the streets every day.
Here are some things to consider before
By having an EDC and never leaving home
building your EDC.
without it, you ensure yourself the best

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possible chance of survival if things take a

turn for the worst.
You only have so many pockets to fill,

and only a few places on your body to
You can have all the survival gear on the
stash your EDC items. Even if you want
market, but itll do you little good if you cant
to expand to a small bag, it needs to be
get to it, or if you dont have it with you on
compact and light enough so it wont
the day you need it most.
burden you during your daily activities.
Take the story of American outdoorsman
Limited space
Fashion designers are trying to bring
back the fanny pack by calling it a
its one that youre more likely to carry
hands-free bag or a belted satchel.
because its convenient. Take this to
While these may not be the most
heart, and find convenient gear that will
fashionable items, they can drastically
save your butt!
increase the amount and variety of items
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that you can carry.

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By picking gear and items that serve
Weight
more than one purpose, you cut down
This is the whole reason that handguns
on the amount of items you will need to
moved away from steel and began going
carry and keep track of. This will also
with a polymer-based build. At first,
increase the amount of redundancy
everyone was criticizing, saying it was
that you have in your pack. In a stark
cheap and not a real gun. However,
contrast to the rest of life, in a survival
time has showed that there is a huge
situation, redundancy is essential. In
advantage to carrying polymer guns.
survival, Two are one and one is none.
Theyre easier to carry, therefore the
When youre down in the dirt and you
likelihood youll have one with you when
need something the most, Murphys Law
you need it is higher. The same concept
says that is when things will probably
can be applied to picking the gear for
go wrong. The more redundancy you
your EDC. Look for items that are flat,
have built into your gear, the better your
thin, light, multipurpose, composite,
chances will be to get what you need.
compact, etc
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Multi-functionality
Its important to understand and keep in
Convenience
mind the limitations of your EDC.
This is a more common reason for not
Even though were talking about your EDC
practicing EDC than most people are
kit in this report, its important to remember
willing to admit. North American Arms
that there are higher levels of preparedness
has a great advertising campaign for
when it comes to your gear. The purpose is to
their miniature .22 caliber revolvers:
have a plan and the gear to accompany that
A North American Arms in the hand is
plan. Your Every Day Carry is a compliment
worth a LOT more than ANYTHING
to your entire plan. Without the plan, the
thats not at hand when you need it.
EDC wont get you very far because thats not
They basically state that it may not be
its design or purpose.
the most ideal gun for self defense, but
This is how your different levels of gear

7
Depending on where you live and where
should be designed to work together:
you travel on a daily basis, youll need to
1. Every Day Carry: This is what you carry
determine the types of items for your EDC.
with you every day. Its purpose is to help

you get to your next level of preparedness.
First, consider your environmental risk
This kit is to get you to your Get Home
factors by asking yourself these questions:
Bag. This kit is meant to be the minimum
What season is it?
amount of gear you will carry on you.
Whether its Spring, Summer, Fall or
It is extremely important, but dont go
Winter, each season has specific factors
overboard with it. When it comes to your
you should consider when building your
EDC kit, remember the acronymK.I.S.S.
EDC kit.
(Keep It Simple Stupid).
Whats the regional climate?
2. Get Home Bag: This gear bag should
If you are in the desert, an important
be kept close by in your vehicle or other
inclusion to your EDC would help you
quickly reachable location. Mine never
stay hydrated. A small flask with water
leaves the car, and I check the supplies
is a good idea. Perhaps you could even
often to make sure that they are still good
make your EDC kit fit in a water bottle.
since the heat and cold can affect their
On the other hand, if youre in the Pacific
lifespan. If you use public transportation,
Northwest, you may want to carry a
you can keep this bag at your desk at
poncho to keep you dry.
work or school. Its purpose is to store the
What type of population area will I be in?
gear you need to get home.
In an urban environment, food can be
3. Bug-Out Bag: This is the last gear bag in
found everywhere, but risks of violent
your arsenal that you want to have ready.
encounters increase. In areas with low
When you cant stay at your home
population density, you may have to rely
location and its safer to leaveits time
on your nature skills for sustenance.
to bug-out to a secondary location, or

any other safer place. This is the gear bag
Whats the social climate?
to use during that transition. This bag
In areas with unstable social conflict you
should have a 3-day supply of water, food,
may want to consider carrying more gear,
shelter and anything else you need to
especially in war-torn countries and populated
reach your bug-out location, or your next
areas with low economic development.
supply cache.
What are the local laws?

Some municipalities, depending on
where you live or travel, often may have
Cabelas has a reasonably priced line of
stringent laws on carrying weapons.
tactical clothing that is very functional and
Know what laws you need to follow based
not obviously tactical in appearance.
on where youre location is going to be.
Tactical clothing often has extra

hidden pockets that are arranged more
Regardless of where you live, travel, work, go
ergonomically than fashionable clothing.
to school or run errands, the best EDC items

are the tools that will help you scavenge.
Should You Carry a Bag so You Can

Have More Gear?
Tools that have multiple uses, are light

weight and thin are the easiest to carry.
These will ensure you the best chance of
Most preppers dont carry a bag for their
having them on your person when you need
EDC. Part of the challenge is to see what
them the most.
items you can carry in your pockets. Its

not a bad idea to be over prepared, and its
Where you carry your EDC items
ultimately up to you to decide what makes

you comfortable.
How you carry your EDC kit is another factor

to consider when picking out your items.
Women have been carrying excess EDC gear
This is a very flexible factor that is based on
for as long as the purse has been invented.
your personal preferences. If you find a need
Not many women leave home without one,
for more items than you currently carry,
and its usually packed full of stuff!
you can solve that issue by modifying your
You wont catch me with a European man
carrying method.
purse but if you carry a backpack, laptop
Your clothing is your first method of carrying
bag, or courier bag you have a great place
your EDC items. The number and size of
to store extra survival itemsspecifically
pockets available limit what we carry. To
for items that would be difficult to carry on
maximize your carrying ability, cargo pants
your body.
are a great solution. They come in different
If you do carry a bag of some sort on a daily
styles, from tactical to dress casual. Dockers
basis, its recommended to stay away from
makes a nice dress casual cargo pant.
anything that is unusual or may stand out.
Woolrich clothing now has an elite tactical
Military-style bags can make you a target for
series of clothing that is well suited to EDC
theft. These bags can alert desperate people
gear. They manufacture everything from
that you are prepared and may have items
blue jeans to dress pants that have flexible
they want. Try to carry inconspicuous bags
waists and hidden pockets.

Should You Include Food in

Your EDC?
that blend in with the types primarily used

where you will be most often. If you are
a college student, then a standard school
For most people the answer to this question
backpack is the best recommendation. If you
would be no. Its not easy to carry food with
work in a professional environment, then
you unless you carry some type of bag on a
a messenger or laptop bag would blend in
daily basis.
most effectively.
We all know that hunger is not enjoyable,
When a little extra gear is needed and you
but it takes days for the effects of hunger to
dont want to carry a bag, a small belt pouch
leave any lasting physical damage. Hunger is
can work very well. Theyre small, attached
a wake-up call to feed your body and its a
to your body and fairly unnoticed by most
strong survival mechanism not to be ignored.
people. These are like the slightly cooler

cousin to the fanny pack that wont cause
Lack of food can cause low blood sugar levels.
strangers to point and laugh at you.
This can negatively affect the brain since

glucose (sugar) is the brains only fuel. Low
This photo below is a small belt-worn
blood sugar can impair cognitive function,
pouch that can store a surprising amount of
leaving you unable to think properly in a
survival gear:
survival situation. Bad decisions lead to a

poor survivability outlook.
The best EDC items to carry are those items
that can help you get food. Small barter items
such as rings, jewelry, cash, gold and silver
coins can be traded for food and water.
Useful survival items such as wire for snares,
fishing line with hooks, folding military can
openers, and multi-purpose eating tools
should be considered when picking your EDC
items in case you arent able to barter for the
food you need.
During a survival situation, the best, most
important item to prepare is your own mind.
Small Pouch with Belt Loops (Photo by Nick

Gillick) mini-Bic lighter for size comparison
Learn what the native edible plants in your
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area are. Test them out and know where
You can use the tools that you have with you
they are likely to be found ahead of time. If
in your EDC kit to help with your water needs.
its gardening season, look for community
Keeping a few water purification tablets
gardens that you can scavenge from.
in your EDC could work for you if water

purification is one of your main concerns.
If you do have the extra space and wish to

carry food with you, I recommend something
Not everyone carries water purification
that is small and not thirst-inducing. I carry
tablets or filters in their EDC. Some
Millennium food bars inside my car kit and
survivalists choose to rely on their ability
water bottle kits. They are small (about the
to find clean water. I have 2 LifeStraws and
size of a candy bar), provide around 400
some water purification tablets in my Get
calories each, and last about 5 years.
Home Bag and my Bug-Out Bag at all times.
Diabetics should consider keeping energy or
If my travels take me to a harsh environment
protein bars in their EDC because low blood
without a ready supply of water, Ill carry
sugar can quickly cause major health concerns.
a decent size water bottle. There are many

water bottles you can clip on your belt, or
Water, Water Everywhere and Not a

Drop to Drink
stick in a pocket on your backpack. Extreme

environments call for extreme preparedness!
Staying hydrated is the first necessity in

any disaster situation. Water is almost
Exposure is Deadly, Take Shelter.
everywhere we look but most of it is unsafe
Shelter is well known as one of the most
to drink.
basic human needs. Every Boy Scout

learns the basic skill of emergency shelter
If you cant get potable water directly from
construction and practices it over and over.
a municipal water supply like tap water

from the faucet in your home, then youll
Everything you need for shelter should be
need to get resourceful and think outside the
fairly easy to find, no matter where you
box. Stagnant water that has been sitting in
are. If youre in an urban environment, you
the sun is the last water source you should
could most likely find enough debris, pieces
utilizeeven if you boil and filter it! Clear,
of wood, plywood, pallets, tarps, canvas,
cool running water is the easiest to purify
newspaper, cardboard or just an empty or
and filter. Small streams and creeks with
abandoned structure.
moving water are the best sources, even
WARNING: Seeking shelter in abandoned
though the water still has to be treated.
structures can be very dangerous. In
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populated areas vagrants, criminals, drug
Great tools do many different things.
addicts and the homeless can occupy
Leatherman style multi-tools cant be beat,
abandoned buildings. Use caution and avoid
and there are some very small versions on
confrontation if at all possible.
the market. The Swiss Army knife is the go-to

tool for the most compact gadgets you can fit
If you find yourself out in the wild, a shelter
in one pocket.
can be made from what nature provides.

This is especially easy in wooded areas.
Some things to consider when choosing your
Grasslands and desert areas often are sparse
EDC tools:
when it comes to vegetation for building
How many functions does this tool
materials. Luckily, most American deserts and
perform? Is there another that is
grasslands still have enough plant life to build
comparable but has more functions?
a lean-to shelter or debris hut. If you find
Is this tool usable? Get it and try it out, if
yourself in these areas often it would be wise
it doesnt work for you just return it and
to add Mylar survival blankets to your EDC.
pick another one.
Many people die every year due to exposure

to the elements. From 2003-2008, there were
How much should I spend? Quality gear
263 deaths reported among Texas residents
costs more than sub-par gear. Do your
with exposure to excessive natural heat as
research and remember that this is an
the underlying cause of death. During this
investment into your survivability. If you
same time period, there were 115 deaths
dont have the budget, simply get whats in
reported among Texas residents with
your price range now and upgrade soon.
exposure to excessive natural cold as the
Is this the lightest, most compact
underlying cause of death.
version I can find? As the tools get

lighter and smaller the chance that you
What Tools Are Important to

Include in Your EDC?
will actually carry it with you on a daily

basis goes up. We naturally dont like
This is a question only you can really answer.
being burdened by unnecessary weight,
You want to choose tools that are easy to carry
and EDC weight ads up fast.
and will make the situations you encounter
Will this tool help provide me with
easier to deal with. These decisions have to be
what I need to survive? If a tool does a
made based on the environment that you are
thousand functions but cant help you do
exposed to on a daily basis.
what you need then its useless. If the only
Good tools do a couple of different things.

food you can find is in cans and youre

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multi-tool can pick a safe but not open a
At this time go ahead and start thinking
can, youre going to be hungry.
about the types of weapons that you have

training and experience with, or that you
Is this tool useful to the region in which
may feel comfortable carrying on a daily
I live? If your daily route is in town, thats
basis. Well come back to this subject later so
where you live and work then picking a
we can decide if its right for you.
multi-tool because it has a compass is not

ideal. This would be a tool for someone who
Should You Add Medical Care to

Your Everyday Carry?
lives and frequently travels in rural areas.
Not everyone is accident-prone, but its never
Should Your EDC Include a

Self-Defense Weapon?
a bad idea to address medical care in your

EDC. It can be as simple as a few Band-Aids,
Just like the previous conversation about
duct tape to adhere dressings, unflavored
survival tools, this is something that is really
floss, a stitching needle, and a few NSAIDs
that is up to you. Everyone will have a personal
(non-steroid anti inflammatory drugs) like
preference and can feel very strongly about
Advil or Ibuprofen.
their choices. Some people may prefer to rely

on whatever primitive weapons they can pick
An increasing number of adults and children
up and findlike sticks, rocks, pieces of pipe
rely on medications on a daily basis. If you
or tube, chains or anything else that can be
rely on a daily medication then its probably
physically threatening.
a good idea to include a 72-hour supply

of your medication in your EDC. Consider
However, I choose to rely on something that
how important your medication is to your
can level out the playing field if I have that
survival to determine if you should carry
choice. If other people carry rocks, then
your medication with you or not.
Id rather be carrying a bigger rock! Youll

have to consider what youre comfortable
Remember that many medications can
with and then find the best balance of size,
become unstable with temperature changes
weight, cost, lethality and safety.
and are highly susceptible to moisture in the

air. Change out the medication in your EDC
Whatever weapon you choose to carry daily,
often and check the labels and information
make sure you become intimately familiar
included with your medications to find the
with exactly how it works. Training, practice
sensitivity to light, moisture and temperature.
and maintenance are the best ways to know

how to use your weapon safely without
Theres Too Much to Think About,

Ill Just Get a Pre-Made Kit.
hurting yourself in the process.

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While there are a lot of great kits on the
and more compact. Sometimes it can be a
market (and other great kits that you can
little more expensive, but you are definitely
copy), they may not be the best kit for your
getting what you pay for. I may have some
individual needs.
cheap gear in my EDC, but I upgrade it when

I can. It is better to have cheap, low quality
If you do get a pre-made EDC kit it can take
survival tools than to have none at all! The
some of the hassle out of building your own,
most important item to spare no expense with
but if you choose that route please only
is with your multi-tool and/or pocket knife.
use it as a starting point. As you familiarize
You want these to hold up to some severe
yourself with its contents, take a little time and
punishment when your life is on the line.
customize it to your own personal needs.
MISTAKE #3 Relying on your cellphone
The Biggest Mistakes You Can Make

When Building Your EDC
While a cellphone is one of the most

important EDC items ever, its very important
Throughout this report weve talked about the
to remember that technology and electronics
important considerations you need to think
can be easily compromised. All it takes is
about when choosing your Everyday Carry
one little slip and that cell phone is a useless
items. At this stage of your EDC build, lets
chunk of plastic.
take a moment to outline the biggest and most

common mistakes made in Everyday Carry.
MISTAKE #4 Not maintaining your gear

Your survival gear needs routine
MISTAKE #1 Carrying too much gear
maintenance and inspection. If you carry
Carrying more gear than is reasonable for
perishable items, its important to replace
your situation will burden you on a daily
them routinely. Its important to keep your
basis. It gets easier and easier to make the
tools sharp and in good working order as
conscious decision to leave your gear at
well. Rusty and worn out parts can cause a
home the day you may need it most. Also, the
failure when needed the most.
more items carried means more items you

have to keep up with. Keeping it simple is the
MISTAKE #5 Not knowing how to use
best way to combat this common mistake.
your gear
Being familiar with the function of your
MISTAKE #2 Cheap, low quality gear
gear is always important. If you decide to
Better gear is going to be lighter, stronger
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include a lock-pick in your gear and have no
Granola bars
idea how to use it, you may be S.O.L. during
Glucose tablets (for diabetics)
a disaster. Read the information that comes
Military rations
with your chosen gear and learn how to use
Freeze dried astronaut food
it properly.
If you need to utilize your EDC during a
Weve Discussed Why and How to

Choose Your EDC Items Now its
Time to Discuss What to Include.
major crisis, a good food item may be a great

bartering tool as well.
Most EDC kits dont include actual food
Learning why we pick the gear we do is more
items. Most people carry the tools that will
important than what we pick. These specific
help them obtain food during a crisis. Having
items arent the only things you can consider
the preparedness and tools to find and access
for your EDC, but its a darn good start:
food is a much more reliable EDC approach

than actually carrying food.
You Want Food in Your EDC

Heres What You Should Include
Give a man a fish and he eats for a day.

Teach a man to fish and he eats for life.
If youve decided to include food in your
Here are some tools to consider including in
EDC because of a medical condition,
your EDC for accessing food.
exposure to rural areas or youre just a

really hungry person, then there are fairly
P38 and P52 compact military
easy options for you.
can openers
Prepared foods items that are compact and
These can openers are compact

and lightweight. Theyre durable and
easy to store are your best choice. Think
can be used to strike Ferro rods (fire
about temperature exposure and pick
starter), as a small screw driver, pry
items that wont spoil easily. Its also good
bar, cutting instrument and spent round
to choose a food that has a high energy
extractor just to name a few. If you carry
densitywhich means more calorie intake.
a multi-tool that serves this purpose
Pure sugar foods arent always the best
then you can skip carrying one of these.
energy foods. Some good ideas are:
But they can also be easily added to key
Trail mix
chains making them easy to carry.
Candy bars
A lock-pick set
Energy and protein bars
This compact toolset can help you

15
gain access to structures and locked
will also help you keep warm, which can
containers that may have food items
save your life.
inside them. I dont promote theft, but

extreme action.
How Can You Include Water in

Your EDC?
A wire snare or Speedhook
There are a variety of ways to include water
Wire snares are easy to carry for
in your Everyday Carry. Since water is
trapping small animals. They are a
actually fairly heavyand theres no way to
smart addition to your EDC if you are
make it lighterit all depends on how much
frequently in rural areas. A Speedhook
water you want to carry. If you frequent dry
is a great trapping tool for emergency
desert environments, youll want more water
use. Its so effective that some areas have
in your EDC. I like to have a plan ahead of
outlawed their use unless its a survival
time depending on where Ill be. Here are
situation. The Speedhook is included in
some great ways to carry water with you in
the military fishing survival kit. It can be
your EDC:
used to catch fish and small game.
Camelback Hydration Packs and Bladders.
in dire circumstances it may be time for
Native Edible Plants Guide
Camelback is a manufacturer of hydration
Information about the edible plants native
backpacks, water bladders and water
to the region you live in should already
bottles. This is a flexible carrying solution.
be in your home library. I recommend
The bladders come in different sizes and
having a concise pocket version that you
can be tucked into virtually any bag.
can at least keep in your car and Get
Water Bottles come in many different
Home Bag as well as your Bug-Out Bag.
varieties, sizes, shapes and materials.
It may not be needed in your EDC if you
There are even water bottles that have
are in an urban environment, but its
their own filtration units that can purify
knowledge that we should all learn. Ive
virtually any water as you drink it. If you
found many small guides that fold up and
want the empty bottle in your EDC and
fit inside a wallet taking up no more room
know youll find water when you need it,
than a credit card.
you can use the bottle as a container for

extra EDC items.
Fire starter or lighter

These items can be your best friend in a
Canteens are just another type of water
crisis. They can help you build a fire on
bottle that were used before the water
which to cook the food that you gather. It

bottle was popular. Canteens are usually

16
more rugged and made for ease of carry
water disinfecting tablets. There are also
often with a shoulder strap.
many other options, including iodine

tablets that are common potable water
Lock Sacks are waterproof bags originally
treatments as well. Even plain iodine
developed for people who are active in
liquid can be found in any pharmacy and
water sports. They keep important items dry
can be used to disinfect water. In a crisis,
so well that they have become very popular
keep an eye out for iodine to scavenge,
in the emergency preparedness community
but you should be aware if you or anyone
to protect everything from emergency food,
youd be supplying water to has an iodine
to electronics. You can use one of these to
allergy. These tablets often do nothing
contain your EDC items, or even keep a
to help with particles suspended in the
folded one in a pocket. In a pinch they can
water and dont aid in the taste of water.
serve the opposite functionholding water
Theyre purely for disinfecting water and
in! If you keep your gear in this bag to keep
making it safe to drink.
it dry, then you can easily rely on having dry
2. Straw water filters come in many compact
fire starters.
sizes and are great as a point-of-use water
Since a water bottle and other water carrying
purification device. Not only do they
devices can be bulky and cumbersome, there
remove bacteria and other dangerous
are many survivalists who prefer to rely on
elements that can potentially be in the
their ability to find water when they need
water, but they help filter out bad tastes
it. Most preppers that I know dont carry a
and materials suspended in the water.
water container in their EDC, but keep one
No one likes drinking nasty tasting water,
nearby when at all possible.
unless youre extremely dehydrated and
However, many still carry some way of
in a life-or-death situation.
purifying the water they find. One of the
3. Other water filtration devices, such as
easiest and smallest water purification
Katadyn water filters, can process more
systems you can carry are point-of-use
water than a straw style filter. They make
water purification devices and field water
an ultra light product line of filter
disinfection techniques.
bottles and mini pump filters that may
1. Water purification tablets are the
work well for you in your EDC.
smallest and easiest to carry disinfection
4. Remember to use your survival
technique. Aquatabs are the worlds most
knowledge as your main EDC
recognized and largest selling brand of
water-supplying tool. Think about what

17
you have that can help you harvest water
if you risk being exposed to the sun for
from your surroundings. Water is all
extended periods of time.
around us as long as we know how to get
2. A Mylar blanket is one of the smallest
it and how to make it safe to drink. Think
and lightest forms of shelter that anyone
about rain catching, dew collection, and
can carry. These blankets typically weigh
the various places that water is likely to
only 3.5 ounces and fold up to just a few
collect naturally.
inches in size. These survival blankets are

fairly insulative, reflective and flexible in
If Youre Exposed to the Elements

on a Daily Basis, What Items Should
You Carry to Aid in Finding and
Making Shelter?
their use. You can curl up in it, suspend it

over branches, stretch it over rope, para
cord or debris. The silver, shiny Mylar
blankets can be used to signal for help as
We cant ignore the importance of shelter.
well. If you dont include one in your EDC
Humans arent designed to handle extended
then please put a few in your vehicles
exposure to the elements for extended
and emergency bags. Mylar blankets and
periods of time, and many survival situations
tarps are often used not only for shelter,
hinge on whether you can find adequate
but as rain-catchment devices to collect
shelter. Lets look at the ways you can include
water.
shelter into your EDC kit:
3. A tube tent is a very compact emergency
1. Your clothing is the first resource that
tent that is made of polyethylene for
you have to provide yourself with shelter.
strength and water resistance. Theyre
Choose clothing that is durable and
also commonly made in blaze orange
paired to the climate in which you are
for high visibility. Simply run a string
going to encounter. If its cold and wet,
between two trees, drape the tent over the
dress in layers that can be shed if needed.
string, stake it to the ground and you have
If its extremely hot and dry, loose cotton
an emergency shelter. Its lightweight and
clothing is often preferred because it
can serve many purposes. This is great to
breathes easily. You may be tempted to
add to your EDC kit if you are going on a
wear shorts and t-shirt while traveling
day hike, or if your daily travels take you
through the desert, but lightweight cotton
through the wilderness.
pants and long sleeve shirts can help
4. An emergency bivvy is another
shield you from the sun. Dont forget
emergency shelter product that is
about covering your head, face and neck
basically a reflective and insulating body

18
bag that reflects up to 90% of your body
situation. He survived because he carried a
heat back to you. While this product
cell phone with him every day.
fits into a very small pouch that can be
Not only can a cellphone with an active
clipped onto your belt or added to a small
plan save your life, but a cellphone without
daypack, it probably isnt best for your
service can save your life as well. In the U.S.
EDC unless youre in the backwoods daily.
all cellphones retain their ability to call 911
Regardless of whether or not you decide
for emergency situations, even if they are not
to carry shelter, your EDC must have tools
connected to an active plan.
to aid in the construction of emergency
Even the survivalists who want to stay
shelters. Its also fairly easy to piece together
completely off the grid can carry a cell
emergency shelters from objects that are
phone to call for help. You can just keep it
found all around us. Learning how to be
turned off, not have it in your name, and no
resourceful and inventive is your best EDC
one will know you have one.
preparation for providing shelter.
Since this technology is cheaply available, it
The Most Important EDC Items Are

Your Tools. Which Tools Should
You Carry?
doesnt make much sense to not carry one.
The first tool to consider carrying in your
Now that weve gone over the importance of
EDC is your primary communication device.
carrying a communication device, lets move
For most people this is would be a cell phone.
onto all the other tools that youve been
However, like I mentioned earlier, you cant
waiting to read about.
Even the most stubborn old timers I know

are finally starting to carry cellphones.
rely solely on your cellphone to save your
What Should You Carry to

Stay Warm?
life. Sometimes when a cell phone doesnt

have a signal to make calls, the ability to
send and receive text messages is preserved.
For fire, the basic tools that you can expect to
This feature sometimes remains because
find in someones EDC would be a fire stick and
cellphones send and receive text through data
strikerusually consisting of flint and steel.
connections and not the voice connection.
Youre also likely to find lighters and matches.
Recently, a Texas police chief fell into a well
Humans have been carrying fire strikers since
and couldnt make a call on his cell phone,
the beginning of the Iron Age (around 1200
but was able to use the text feature to notify
BC), and some evidence shows iron being used
others that he was trapped in a deadly
as early as 3000 BC! I guess we cant go wrong
19
with such a time-tested technology. Luckily our
home and shelter construction. The uses for
modern fire strikers are much more effective
rope and string are virtually limitless, and in
than their ancient counterparts.
my opinion there is no other more versatile

survival tool.
Lighters are quick and easy to use. Many of

them are windproof and waterproof. Ive even
Ropes are great to save your butt in a life
found lighters online that are small enough to
or death situation! Here are some common
be used as zipper pulls on your jacket or other
emergency situations for which you may find
clothing! Now thats EDC ingenuity
yourself wishing you had rope:
There are also a variety of waterproof
Climbing is dangerous even when help is
matches that can be added to your survival
nearby. If you fall, you can break limbs,
and EDC kits. One advantage that matches
sustain internal damage, severe cranial
have is their longevity. Ive heard of matches
damage, and die. Ropes help secure you
that were easily 40-50 years old still striking
against falls.
easily and lighting a fire. However, they can
A tourniquet is sometimes the only way to
be highly susceptible to watereven water
stop heavy bleeding. Rope and string can be
resistant and water proof matches can be
easily used for an impromptu tourniquet.
ruined over time by moisture,
To help build emergency shelters, a
A great trick to combine some of your
rope can be stretched between objects
survival supplies is to wrap some of them
to suspend your covering. It can also tie
around a lighter and hold them in place
your covering to anchor points, and it can
with tape. One example I saw had a small
even be used to lash together objects to
fishhook laid against the lighter, then they
make a frame work for your shelter.
wrapped it in fishing line and covered all of
Sometimes its necessary to make a
it by wrapping it with multiple layers of duct

tape. This combined many different things
carrying device for yourself or an injured
into one convenient little package.
person. Rope can aid in the construction

of a carrying device such as a stretcher or
Whats The Most Flexible

Survival Tool?
a-frame style drag.

Do you need to find food? Small ropes,
Rope and string have been crucial to every
strings and cords are what youll need to
society thats ever existed. Rope and string
make a snare.
have been used to bind together devices used
Rope and string can be used in some very
for everyday living. Theyre also used for

20
ingenious ways to repair broken objects
is useful, and each cord contains 7 inner
that will help aid in your survival. Ive
strands. Each inner strand is not much
seen it used to hold boats together to get
bigger than a piece of floss, but can hold 50
back to shore, as impromptu throttle
lbs of pressure without breaking.
cables on ATVs and other motorized
This dramatically increases the amount of
vehicles, and to hold emergency rain
useful cord you have on hand (which can be in
catchment devices in placejust to name
serious shortage when you actually need it).
a few.
In recent years the popularity of paracord
Whats the Best Rope and String

For Your EDC?
survival bracelets has dramatically

increased. Not only are they nice looking
bracelets, but they can also be made to
Rope and string come in many different sizes
contain fishing kits and fire strikers! Most of
and materials. Different ropes are made for
these survival bracelets contain anywhere
many different purposes, and for Everyday
from 8 to 10 feet of paracord that you can
Carry its best to pick one that is small, strong
unwind and use in a crisis.
and fills multiple uses.

Dental floss can be used for many different
applications besides cleaning your teeth, but
sometimes a dental emergency can be pretty
bad as well. I can use floss as a thread for
repairing clothing, stitching up bad cuts and
even as a wire snare for birds and other small
animals. It can also replace my fishing line for
catching fish as well. Just make sure you carry
the unflavored type as the flavored scent can
scare off animals or irritate stitching.
To me, the best all-around rope or string
is military grade 550 paracord. Authentic
military paracord is rated to hold 550 pounds
per square inch without breaking per strand!
This is some heavy-duty stuff. Its small,
lightweight and easy to work with.
Paracord bracelet and lanyard

(Photo courtesy of Nick Gillick)
With paracord, the entire length of cordage

21
If you go online you can even find people who replace watch bands with paracord bracelets
and add small compasses. Paracord can be used to make other daily carry objects such as key
chains and lanyards, as well as full size rifle slings and even belts. Imagine how many feet of
paracord you could have in just one belt 100 feet? Maybe 150 feet or more!
Another great little hiding place for paracord is your shoelaces. Most shoelaces wear out and snag
easily anyways. By switching to paracord your laces will most likely outlast any shoe you own.
When you get paracord, make sure that you are getting real paracord. Many places are now
selling knock-of emergency bracelets, which are more fashionable than useful. Many of
them will only have the outer sheath and not the inner strands.
What Is the Best Utility Tool for EDC?

The best utility tool for your EDC would be a compact and high quality multi-tool. The
Leatherman multi-tool has been around forever and it was fairly revolutionary at the time
it was first introducedand rather expensive. Now, just about everyone I know owns one
and uses it often due to its handy nature. Most survivalist and preppers rely on this style of
multi-tool for their go-to carry tool.
The Swiss Army knife was one of the first true multi-tools because it was one of the first pocket
sized knifes that had many different functions. Its hard to beat the compact design and the
usefulness of a Swiss Army knife! But the Swiss Army wasnt the first multi function pocket tool.
There are many folding pocket knife style multi tools that date back to the early 1900s sitting on
shelves in antique stores. This antique multi-tool pictured below even has full size eatery.
(Antique multi-tool from 1960s of unknown maker) Photo by: Nick Gillick
22
A utility tool for EDC doesnt have to be crazy complicated to save your life. Some multi-tools can
have hundreds of functions, but their size increases with each additional tool.
In the world of Everyday Carry, smaller
Some people may say your utility tool for EDC
is better.
should be a simple razor blade. This probably

wouldnt be highly recommended as razor
Your utility tool can be as simple as a quality
blades are difficult to hold and the metal is
lock-back folding pocket knife. Simple tools
thin and brittle making it prone to breaking.
like this can serve many different purposes
Now does a razor blade have a place in your
with just one simple blade. Here are some
EDC? It sure does as long as you find a safe
ways Ive seen a pocket knife used for other
way to carry it and you have room for it. A
than cutting:
good trick is to tuck a razor blade away safely
Screwdriver (the tip for phillips screws,

the backside for flat head)
inside an Altoids tin in your EDC kit.
Pry bar
What About All the Random

Survival Tools You Get
at Christmas?
Spear tip
Fighting weapon
If your family is anything like mine, they
Eating utensil
know that you are into that survival stuff.
Barter Item
Wed spend entire evenings around the
Shaving (gotta be super sharp!)
Christmas tree exchanging pocket knives,
Completing an electrical circuit on a car
flashlights and random little survival tools
starter (hotwiring)
that can be stashed in cars, desks, backpacks

23
and just about anywhere else.
like AAA, and many mini-flashlights

use tiny 3-volt watch batteries that are
Some of them are just novelty items, but some
harder to find in an emergency.
of them are pretty darn useful. Youll have to

determine yourself if one of these has a place
If You Dont Want to be a Victim of

Violence or Theft, What Weapon
Should You Carry Daily?
in your EDC because everyones situation is

different. Ill list out a few and mention who
may consider carrying one daily.
The first category to determine your weapon
WINDOW BREAKER AND SEATBELT
of choice is to choose whether you want to
CUTTING TOOLS
carry a weapon that is LETHAL or
This is something that you should
LESS-THAN-LETHAL.
probably only need to use if youre inside
LETHAL
a motor vehicle. If you ride in a friends
This is a measure sufficient to cause
car often or maybe you carpool over a
death. A weapon is lethal because it is
large body of water daily, you might want
designed to cause deathits the nature
to include one of these. Also, if youre a
of the device. Some examples of lethal
professional truck driver or courier, one
self-defense weapons are firearms,
of these would be highly recommended
knives, swords or any weapon designed to
to carry daily.
primarily cause death.
PERSONAL ALARM/ WHISTLE/
LESS-THAN-LETHAL
PEPPER SPRAY COMBINATIONS
This category didnt exist until fairly
If youre often alone in an environment
recently. Before, they were considered
that is ripe with crime then you may want
non-lethal but the name was updated
to carry one of these tools in your EDC.
since sometimes their use can cause death
Women are most often victims of crimes
albeit unintentionally. Some examples of
that one of these tools could have deterred.
these weapons would be rubber bullets,
MINI FLASH LIGHT COMBINATIONS
beanbag projectiles, tasers, pepper spray,
There are so many different little
tactical batons, clubs and brass knuckles.
flashlights given as gifts, and some of
When deciding whether you want to carry
them are actually pretty cool. A little
a LETHAL or LESS-THAN-LETHAL weapon,
keychain flashlight might just be what
you need to be able to use it without
you need in your EDC. Some people only
hesitation. The best defense is one that you
carry ones that take standard batteries
know you can and will use.

24
If you know in your heart that you cant kill
respond with a knife, taser or pepper spray
another human being even if they will kill
the odds are definitely not in your favor.
you, then a LESS-THAN-LETHAL weapon
If you know that you can kill another human
would be better suited for you. However, a
that is coming to kill you, then a LETHAL
LESS-THAN-LETHAL weapon may not be able
weapon is your best choice. A LETHAL
to deter your attacker, especially if they have
weapon is not a weapon that you would
a weapon that is more effective than yours.
ever use to intimidate an attacker. If it
Most gun stores, sporting good stores,
works that waythen youve gotten lucky.
and self-defense sites offer a variety of
Any reputable self-defense instructor will
LESS-THAN-LETHAL self-defense items and
confirm that you only pull out a LETHAL
can help you pick out the perfect one for
weapon when you have intent to use it on the
you. Pick one that is easy to carry daily and
other person.
fairly effective. We wont spend much time
Its obvious that a personal defense firearm
on less-than-lethal weapons because they are
is the best defense for yourself and your
insufficient to deter violent crimes.
property. In most states, you can get a
Make sure you know how your weapon
concealed firearm license so that you can
operates and make sure you are familiar
have a personal firearm with you most
with it. Just because its LESS-THAN-LETHAL
places you go.
doesnt mean you can use it anytime you feel
If Youre Considering a Firearm,

What Should You Carry?
threatened. Just like with a firearm, youll get

in trouble if you cant prove it was used in
reasonable self-defense. This is a last ditch
WARNING! As with most things in life, you
effort when you have no other option, and
get what you pay for. There are a lot of cheap
the use of a LESS-THAN-LETHAL weapon has
pistols on the market that may be tempting
been proven to cause death in some instances!
due to their price point. Reliability and
What if you use a taser on someone with a
quality should never be overlooked when
heart condition that was just going to ask you
purchasing a carry pistol!
directions and they die because you made a
The best caliber for self-defense is a hotly
bad judgment call? You have to realize that
debated subject among concealed carry
you can and might possibly take a lifeeven
permit holders, but these are also the
though its less likely!
people you should really listen to. A retired

policeman once told me that it didnt really
If a robber or rapist pulls out a gun and you
matter what firearm you carried, how big it

25
was or how powerful. It was about what you
developed in 1906 by John Browning, this
would carry on a daily basis so that you were
caliber isnt very common and is seen
always armed and ready to defend yourself.
more as a novelty in the modern market.
This retired law enforcement agent carries
.32 ACP This caliber while only having
two firearms almost everywhere he goesa
a short effective range has been fairly
.380 caliber Walther PPK and a mini .22
popular among concealed carry and
revolver. The Walther in the small of his
compact pistol buyers. In the past it
back, and the little mini .22 revolver in his
has been one of the few automatic
left-front pants pocket.
cartridges that could be used in a very

small firearm. Modern ammunition
Any firearm is better than no firearm,
makes it fairly effective, but the ability
but size does matter. You need to pick the
to manufacture comparably small sized
smallest quality firearm in the largest caliber
firearms in more powerful cartridges has
that you can carry. Nowadays there are some
caused it to become less popular than it
pretty powerful firearms in small packages.
was just years ago.
You CAN carry a .45 auto caliber pistol with
.380 ACP The .380 is one of the most
a double stack magazine and have some
popular concealed and compact handgun
serious firepower, but were talking EDC, and
calibers to date. It packs a fair amount
a full-size handgun is NOT reasonable to carry
of punch and is often considered the
on a daily basis. Keep in mind as the caliber
smallest caliber to be effective for
increases so does the knock down power
personal defense. Ammunition is fairly
and the recoil. These are common compact
easy to find and available in many
handgun calibers and offerings below:
different self defense loads. This caliber
.22 caliber These little pistols can
was the most popular caliber in the famed
be easily concealed. They dont weigh
Walther PPK because of its low recoil and
much and can be just enough to save
decent stopping power.
your ass in a life or death situation. Just
9mm auto The 9mm is probably the
make sure you have the muzzle against
most popular handgun cartridge ever
your intended target. Its only effective
introduced for the pistol market. Its a go-to
for self-defense with point blank shots. I
caliber for many police departments and
wouldnt rely on it for my main defense,
militaries around the world. Now with
but instead as a back up just in case.
advanced manufacturing technology, gun
.25 caliber automatic Originally
makers have been able to chamber very

26
small handguns in this caliber offering a
be ready for follow up shots. This isnt the
compact package with substantial stopping
time to be the toughest guy on the block.
power. The 9mm bullet is barely larger than
The best way to find the right fit for you is to
the .380 but it has more weight and more
go try them out. Many ranges have a variety
gunpowder behind it. It will penetrate
of self-defense pistols that you can test out.
farther but this isnt always good for
Ask your friends who have concealed carry
self-defense when there may be bystanders.
pistols how their chosen caliber handles, and
.40 ACP This is a very popular and
if youre really good friends they might let
powerful round for self-defense. Some
you shoot theirs.
manufacturers are now releasing
Most experts that Ive consulted with say
a sub-compact pistol for concealed
that the .380 is the best self-defense pistol for
carry in this round. It packs a lot of
daily carry. Now that the 9mm is available
punch, and like the .45 it would only be
in a pistol that is virtually the same size and
recommended for an experienced and
weight, you may consider it over the .380 if
strong shooter.
youre able to handle the extra recoil.
.45 ACP Just recently a few firearm
The Best Pistol is Useless Without

the Right Ammunition
manufacturers have started offering a

sub-compact pistol that shoots the massive
.45 automatic round. Springfield has been
Not only do you have to pick out the right
able to design a pistol shooting this great
pistol for your needs, but you need to make
round that weighs only 21.5 ounces. It is
sure you have it loaded with the correct
only 1 inch wide and it holds 6 rounds. I
ammunition. Purchasing a quality pistol is
would only recommend this caliber in a
expensive, and so is the best ammunition
sub-compact pistol for the seriously expe-
for self-defense. There are a lot of great
rienced and confident shooter!
ammunition manufacturers who are

producing superior products.
Although it may sound great to have a

sub-compact handgun in the most powerful
Hopefully your local gun store has a good
caliber you can getthere is a downside.
selection of ammunition for you to pick
These little guns have one hell of a kick.
through, and Im sure that they can make
Its important to remember that there is a
a good recommendation for you. When it
delicate balance between power and size
comes to self-defense ammo, the only choice
with handguns. You need to be able to
is a quality round made for that purpose.
handle the gun well, manage the recoil and

Manufacturers such as Golden Sabre,

27
Hornaday, Powerball and others are industry
well. There are many purpose made
leaders in self-defense ammunition.
pocket holsters, even some where you

dont have to unholster the weapon to be
How Do You Carry Your Self-Defense

Pistol in Your EDC?
able to fire.
Inside the waistband
First and foremostknow and follow the
This is one of the most common forms of
laws for where you will carry your firearm.
carrying a concealed firearm. This carry
A concealed carry permit will most likely be
style should use a slim holster that protects
required. Each state has different rules and
your skin from the gun. The holster
processes for getting a concealed permit,
usually clips onto your waste band or your
and some large cities may ban concealed
belt. The gun can be located anywhere
carry entirely.
inside your waistband, including the small

of the back.
Everyone who carries a firearm struggles
Outside the waistband
with this question. It usually just takes a bit

of experimentation to see what works best
This is exactly what it sounds like. A holster
for you. You want to make sure your carrying
is attached to your belt and the gun is
method will have your firearm completely
carried outside of your pants. A long shirt
concealed and secure at all times. You NEVER
or jacket is used to conceal the firearm.
want to accidentally flash your firearm or let
Accidental exposure of the firearm is more
it fall out in public.
common with this carry option.
There can be legal consequences to
Mexican carry
accidentally showing your firearm in public.
This method is where the gun is tucked
Know your local laws and stay up-to-date
inside the front of the pants with no
with changes. Also know where and when
holster. Carrying a pistol this way is often
you can and cant carry a concealed firearm.
uncomfortable; the gun slips around
This is serious business and shouldnt be
and can fall out fairly easily. It can also
taken lightly.
make it difficult to get a good grip on

the firearm when you need to pull it out
Heres some firearm carry techniques you can

test out to see which one works best for you.
quickly. You can use a String Holster to
Pocket
is a string or cord tied around your belt
help when using the Mexican carry. This
If you have large pockets and can conceal
with a loop going inside your pants to
the firearm without it showing through
slip the muzzle of the pistol through. The
the fabric, this carry method can work
British OSS came up with this idea to help
28
resistance fighters conceal their pistols
your bicep. There are many concerns with
effectively in World War II.
this carry, and I would only use it when there

is no other option. (It comes with a warning
SmartCarry
about shooting yourself in the underarm!)
Is a brand name holster that is basically

a flat fanny pack that is worn inside the
Keep testing and experimenting with your
pants. There is an open pocket where
preferred method of carry and find the best
you insert the firearm to hold it inside
that works for you. For the beginner, the best
your waistband. This is a very secure and
recommendation is inside the waistband
comfortable way to carry a sub-compact
using a comfortable holster that covers your
pistol. With a little practice, accessing the
trigger well.
firearm is actually quite easy.
Whats the Best Medical Kit for EDC?
Shoulder holsters
When it comes to medical kits in your EDC,
Are notorious in gangster movies where
the best kit is one that you have put together
they pull a pistol out from underneath
yourself consisting of only what you believe
their suit jacket. A quality shoulder
you will need the most. Medical kits can be
holster can be fairly comfortable and
made small. Some are even small enough
useful for someone who has to sit down
to fit inside a small pocket tin such as an
or bend over often. Its easy to conceal
Altoids container.
under a jacket or coat.
Complete First Aid Kits are sold in
Ankle holsters
almost every store. These kits are
Have a time and place but most people I
available from a full-size duffle bag
know whove tried them didnt like them.
stuffed with every goodie imaginable to
The firearm can be difficult to access and
a little kit that can fit in your bag or even
the holsters tend to be uncomfortable.
your pocket. The Sawyer Pocket First Aid
You can test this out by putting on
Kit is a small package that is only 5 inches
two tube socks one over the other and
square and 1 inch thick. This would fill
inserting your pistol between the two. If
an entire pocket if you decide to carry
it seems like a possible option to you then
one. Most EDCs will consist of only a few
try out an ankle holster.
specific medical items that take up very
New holsters and methods of carry are
little space.
being developed all the time. Recently, in
Its a good idea to consider a
Concealed Carry Magazine they ran a story
disinfectant in your EDC. Alcohol wipes
about a new upper arm holster that is
and hand sanitizer can help you avoid
basically an ankle holster strapped around

29
getting a bad infection if you sustain an
to survive. If you rely heavily on glasses or
open wound. You may not have room for
contacts then you should consider adding
these items in your EDC, so remember
related items into your EDC. Carry extra
places that you can likely find antiseptics.
contact lenses, back up glasses, tools to
In an emergency situation, many types of
repair your glasses with and other items of
liquor can be used as an antiseptic and
that nature. Consider a pair of sport style
almost every home and store has alcohol
glasses that have shatterproof and scratch
somewhere. First aid kits are also stored
resistant lenses.
in most businesses and in the trunks of
The more active you are in sparsely
their cars.
populated areas, the more you are at risk to
Bandages are extremely useful for small
needing more medical gear. Consider your
cuts and scrapes. Most times that you
daily risk and exposure to needing medical
would want a bandage arent going to be
gear and carry the appropriate items in your
life-threatening injuries. Big absorbent
EDC. Remember most medical needs can be
bandages are bulky and unlikely to be
scavenged from many common places.
carried daily. Be prepared to utilize clothing
Sample Everyday Carry Kits
and other items as bandages in the case of

a bad wound. Bandages are also available
Now weve gone over what you should
with antibiotic pre-applied to help avoid
consider when choosing the gear for your
infection. A small gauze roll may fit your
EDClight weight high quality gear that can
EDC needs as well. The more active you are
help you access what you need to survive.
in low populated areas, the more you are at
Also weve gone over specific gear and
risk to needing more bandaging.
reasons why you may or may not choose to
QuickClot produces a clotting bandage
carry those items. If youre thinking there is
for injuries. It is compact and a great life
no perfect EDC kit that would suit everyones
saving tool. Even the U.S. military issues
needsyoud be right. Everyone will have
these in their field medical kits. I would
different concerns and skills that determine
at least have one of these in my Get Home
what they will carry.
Bag, and my Bug-Out Bag.
Lets look at a few samples of real life EDC kits.

The first one well look at is from a contrib-
For Those With Glasses

and Contacts!
uting writer on survivallife.com. Ill tell you

about the items he carries and why he carries
Your vision is very important to your ability
each one. Hes chosen to carry minimal gear

30
that will help him access what he needs to survive. If youve seen his writing, you know that he
is experienced in adapting whatever he finds to his survival needs.
EDC carried by Nick Gillick, contributor on Survival Life
Items in this kit:
4. .380 caliber sub-compact concealed

carry pistol. This is his pistol of choice
1. Cabelas Multi-tool. This was a gift that
because its reliable, accurate, and
replaced his full-size Leatherman. It is
powerful. Above all, it is small and light
aluminum, stainless steel, and very light
making it easy to carry every day. It also
weight. This has a built in mini-flashlight
has a built in laser for ease of sighting.
as well.
5. The silver ring pictured is not his
2. Business card sized multi-tool. This tool
wedding ring. This is an extra ring that he
stays inside the wallet and is a nice back
wears to use in a barter situation.
up if the other multi-tool gets lost.
6. Toothpick tin containing important
3. The leather wallet contains ID,
items. There are Band-aids, fishing line,
emergency contact info and other
floss, a fish hook, allergy medication, anti-
important items common to most wallets.
inflammatory medication, water purifica31
tion tablets and a few toothpicks stashed

in this tiny tin.
7. Cellphone for communication. He
charges his phone fully every night to help
ensure hes not caught with a dead battery.
8. The keychain lanyard is made with
nearly 10 feet of paracord and uses a
carried easily in a backpack or on a belt loop.
carabineer to attach to belt loops. He

also has a key shaped multi-tool on the
Heres a little breakdown of what is in this
lanyard which has many uses included a
EDC emergency kit.
single bulb LED light.
A folding pocket knife
9. Since you never know when you may
Paracord bracelet (roughly 10 feet of cord)
need to start a fire, he carries a small Bic

lighter wrapped in duct tape. You also
Aqua Mira: Frontier emergency water filter.
never know when some duct tape can
8 LED flashlight with batteries and adapter
come in handy.
(takes either 1 C Battery or 3 AAAs)
10. (Not Pictured) Watch with compass
Bright yellow emergency poncho
function and bands made from
Mylar survival blanket
paracord.
Stainless steel water bottle (also used as a
Some items in his EDC may change
container for the kit).
occasionally, but the purpose stays the same.

Your EDC doesnt have to be the exact same
Not pictured is one 400 calorie ration bar
all the time. You can adjust it by removing
from Millennium simply because it was
and adding items based on where youre
time to rotate it out and I was hungry.
going and what youre doing.
Millennium makes a great compact energy

bar that fits just about anywhere.
Heres another approach to an EDC for

someone who may have more concerns about
I also created an EDC tin from an Altoids
weather and supplying water. I originally put
container that I keep in my desk. Aside from
it together to go in the car, but it could be
the odd look I get when politely refusing a
32
CRKT Eatn Tool (Its a spork with wrenches,
mint to a coworker, this fits effortlessly in my

pocket or my deskor just about anywhere,
a pry tip and a bottle opener. It seems they
and no one will ever be the wiser. Inside the
overlooked the can opener however)
Altoids tin I keep an array of items.
Swiss Army knife (They do almost
The most common items are.
everything!)
Small screw top pill holder filled with
Small Leatherman
Vaseline: Vaseline has a variety of uses. It
Tactical Extending Baton (Easy to carry
can be used to prevent and cure chapped
and legal some places concealed carry
lips and hands, can be put on cuts and
firearms arent)
scrapes to help prevent infection and is
3M shatterproof prescription safety glasses
extremely effective as a fire starter.
(They have many fashionable styles!)
Cotton balls
Tactical Pen (Not just for writing!)
Weatherproof matches
CellphoneWith or without service! It
A small wire saw
will still dial 911 and help triangulate
A small assortment of fishing supplies
your location.
A few hard candies and or bouillon cube
Paracord cant be stressed enough. It is
if there is room, a small amount of sugar
the most flexible item you can carry daily.
can give you a great energy and moral
Sub-compact or mini pistol with a valid
boost after a crisis.
Concealed Carry Permit! Check out North

American Arms for some of the smallest
Great Gear Recommendations

for Your EDC
on the market.
Tactical clothing helps you stash all your
Universal Handcuff Key
EDC goodies and theyre durable.
Mini Lighters (Some are small enough to
Fire strikers
use as a zipper pull!)
Self-defense Ball Capthese caps have
Quality Pocket Knife (A strong lock-back or
metal weights in the top so you can use it
lock-blade knife is highly recommended)
to strike an attacker.
33
Extra valuables like small silver and gold rings can be bartered for things you may
need.
Water purification tablets are small and easy to carry.
Speedhook for trapping small game and fish.
Unflavored floss can be used to catch fish and to stitch a wound.
Small clips or carabineers are handy to hold your gear and plunders together.
A mini-flashlight cant be more highly recommended. Ive dropped stuff in low-light situations and really wished Id had one with me!
Regardless of the gear you choose the best Everyday Carry that you will ever have is your ability
and experience. Learn your survival skills and take advantage of the resources around you.
By carrying the most versatile and useful compact tools, you can ensure that you have the best
chance of surviving a crisis. What makes humans so adept at surviving is our ability to use
tools. Not many other creatures have figured this out, and those that have are very limited in
their use of them. We shouldnt take this for granted.
Whatever you carry in your EDC, dont get caught unprepared!
To your survival!
Above Average Joe
Survival Life
34
REFERENCES
http://pewinternet.org/Commentary/2012/February/Pew-Internet-Mobile.aspx
source: http://everyday-carry.com/
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57542015/superstorm-sandy-more-than-7-millionwithout-power/
http://www.rmiia.org/auto/auto_theft/statistics.asp
http://woman.thenest.com/hunger-affect-health-9707.html
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/chs/vstat/Hotcolddths/hotcolddths.shtm
35
Copyright 2014 by Survival Life, LLC

Published by:
Survival Life, LLC
P.O. Box 91074
Austin, Texas 78709
Website: http://www.survivallife.com
Mail: support@survivallife.com

How To Build The Ultimate Everyday Carry

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How To Build The Ultimate Everyday Carry

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How to Build the

Ultimate Every Day

Inside This Report

A while back, I was working on my own Everyday

If you have to eat, then you find foodwhether you

If you need shelter, you will find anything that

If youre threatened, you will meet that threat

Surviving a disaster doesnt really have much room

Survival Life Special Report

How to Build the Ultimate Every Day Carry

and Why Do I Need it?

These cell phones often have emergency

happen to instantly separate you from the

contact information programmed into them

safety we all take for granted.

such as your emergency contact under the

Consider the Boston marathon bombing. Do

name ICE, which is an acronym for In Case

you think those competitors and spectators

of Emergency. This is not to be confused with

were ready for a disaster? Luckily they

Immigration and Customs Enforcement! Its

were at an event that was well staffed, and

also fairly well known that a cell phone can

had scores of emergency personnel nearby

dial and reach 911 even if there is no active

to handle the situation. You cant count on

service plan for that phone. It just has to have

having that kind of immediate support in an

a semi-charged battery and a SIM card.

event that affects you.

Having ID and a way to communicate is

Although violent attacks should certainly be

important to your EDC , but you shouldnt

prepared for, a bigger, much more common

rely on those items to save you in a real

concern should be natural disasters.

predicament. Yes, police and rescuers can

Sometimes storms can come out of nowhere,

signal, but theres no guarantee that the

causing massive destruction. CBS reported

delicate electronics of a cell phone will be

that over 7 million people were without

there for you when its life or death.

power after hurricane Sandy blew through

EDC is an Always Prepared approach to life:

weeks waiting for the power to come back

Even though I wasnt a Boy Scout for very

on. Some spent months

long, their motto, Be prepared fits the idea

Even more recently, the tornadoes in Moore,

Oklahoma should be a lesson in the impor-

Your normal day to day life can be challenged

at any moment, and you never know when

Survival Life Special Report

How to Build the Ultimate Every Day Carry

These Events Dont

Personally, Im never very far away from one

of my vehicles, but the gear stashed in your

He is very well known for surviving a 2003

vehicle could do little good if you cant get

canyon accident in southeastern Utah.

to it. Sustained injuries, flash flooding, and