When preparing an Everyday Carry (EDC) kit, you need to consider how much extra weight you’re willing to carry on a daily basis. As detailed in the guide below, you can opt for a smaller belt EDC kit or a slightly larger pocket EDC kit with more useful items. (h/t to MCCreekmore.com)

If you’re not sure what to include in your EDC kit, think of common scenarios that may occur in your area or any items or gear that you may need when SHTF.

Here are some useful survival items to consider if you want to prepare your own EDC kit.

Belt EDC items

For a basic belt EDC, you can make do with a multitool. Depending on the brand, a multitool can have various features, such as:

• Bottle opener
• File
• Knife
• Pliers
• Saw
• Scissors
• Screwdriver
• Wire cutters

Multitools can cost as much as $15 to $90, so do your research to find a brand and model that suits your budget and prepping needs.

Pocket EDC items

This option depends on how roomy your pockets are. You can also store smaller items in a portable kit that can fit in your pocket for easy access.

• Flashlight – A pocket-sized flashlight is essential for any EDC kit. Consider getting a bright, compact flashlight with multiple settings for brightness and flashing.
• Mini lighter – A lighter is a useful survival item even if you don’t smoke. You should know how to start a fire using basic tools, but having a lighter makes things a lot easier.
• Small pocket knife – Like the multitool, you need to choose a pocket knife with features that are useful for you on a daily basis like a bottle opener, knife, nail file, Philips screwdriver/s, scissors, small flat-head screwdriver, toothpick, and tweezers. (Related: Items that you should carry with you every day… for the ultimate prepper.)
• Tactical blade – A tactical blade is a handy self-defense tool. It’s small enough to hide and you can easily defend yourself using a high-quality, sturdy model.
• Tactical pen – It’s up to you if you want to splurge on an expensive tactical pen, but if you’re only after the basic features, get a pen that you can write with and is sturdy enough for self-defense.
• Wallet – A prepper’s wallet isn’t just used to store credit cards, IDs, and money. You can turn it into a makeshift EDC kit by carrying some Band-Aids for minor cuts and scrapes. Additionally, you can hide a survival card with assorted prepping tools in your wallet.

Wearable EDC items

Wearable EDC items are easier to carry since they don’t need to be concealed like tactical blades or pens, especially if you work in an office setting.

• Belt – Consider wearing a light belt without a metal buckle so it won’t set off metal detectors. In a pinch, you can use your belt as cordage or as a tourniquet.
• Hat – Wear a standard baseball cap to shield your eyes from the sun and to keep warm. During winter, switch to a wool hat for extra warmth.
• Watch – A high-quality prepper watch may include useful features like an altimeter, barometer, compass, and a thermometer.
• Wearable tool bracelet – Leatherman offers bracelets that aren’t just decorative. Each link has a tool that you can easily access, like screwdriver and hex bits. However, the bracelet doesn’t come with a knife blade.

With these EDC items, you can rest easy even if you’re at the office. These small but useful items and tools may help you survive when SHTF in urban areas.

Sources include:

MCCreekmore.com

BackdoorSurvival.com