One of the most important preps you can make as a prepper is your everyday carry (EDC). After all, emergency situations don't always happen when you're at home -- you never know when an SHTF situation will arise.
Your EDC consists of all the things you should have on your person at all times, in case a disaster or emergency happens when you're away from your home and your bug-out bag. This kit is more available to you and you're much more likely to use it.
Planning your EDC kit
When planning your EDC, you need to think of which items you'll need the most without going overboard. After all, if you put too much into your EDC, it might become difficult to carry around every day, defeating the purpose of having an EDC.
EDC items should be small enough that they can fit in your pocket. At the same time, they should be useful in the SHTF scenarios you might face.
Some of the most important things you can pack in your EDC are small emergency medical supplies, such as bandages, gauze pads, alcohol swabs and the like that you can use to treat minor injuries. In addition, you can also opt to take supplies such as batteries, tape, a small amount of paracord as well as a multitool and knives.
One thing to consider is where you'll be bringing your EDC and whether that would preclude you from bringing certain items. For example, if you're flying on an airplane, you may want to remove any knives, multi-tools and, of course, firearms from your EDC as these are prohibited from being carried aboard aircraft.
Items to add to your EDC
If you're still not sure about what to pack in your EDC, here are some items you should bring with you.
- Wallet - In addition to carrying your cash and IDs with you, your wallet can also be used to carry some useful items. These include things such as a Fresnel lens or a credit card knife. For added versatility, you can get a phone case that can also act as a wallet for at least some items. Take note that these types of cases aren't a good fit for carrying change.
- Cellular phone - Another item you may be taking for granted, your phone may actually be one of the most important survival items you own. As long as you have access to service, not only can it let you make emergency phone calls, it can also connect you or be loaded up with tons of survival information. While a rugged phone is ideal, a regular smartphone with a good phone case will do.
- Folding pocket knife - Folding pocket knives can save you from more emergency situations than you think. Just make sure that you get a good, solid knife that won't break the bank. After all, the last thing you want is for your trusted companion to fail when you need it the most. Take note that there are some places, such as aboard commercial aircraft, that you won't be able to bring your knife.
- Mechanical watch - While you're surrounded by devices that can tell time, these can fail when power runs out or there's an EMP disaster. A mechanical watch on the other hand will keep on ticking through these situations. In addition, if your watch has automatic winding, you won't even need to wind it as your own movement will keep it wound.
- Compass - While you probably won't need this in an urban setting, it's always good to have a compass to help orient you in case you get lost.
- Small flashlight - Flashlights are useful, especially if you get caught in an emergency situation in the dark. In addition, some flashlights are small enough to attach to your keyring, making them ideal EDC items.
- Bandages - No survival kit should be without an assortment of bandages. Even outside of emergency situations, cuts and bruises can still happen after all
- Water purification tablets - You might not have immediate access to clean water when SHTF. With this in mind, you should try to have a few water purification tablets in your EDC.
- Multi-tool - This saves you from having to carry multiple tools with you. In addition, some are credit card-shaped and can be stored in your wallet. Others can be added to your key ring.
- Fresnel lens - These are useful if you need to signal someone and your flashlight is out of batteries or even starting a fire. They're also small enough that they can fit in your wallet.
- Lighter - You never know when you'll come into a situation where you'll need to start a fire. As such, you should consider carrying a lighter with you wherever you go.
- Paracord - If you have the room, you should carry paracord in your EDC. This is a very versatile item with an endless number of uses in emergency situations.
You never know when you'll find yourself in an emergency situation. As such, you should always be prepared and make sure your EDC can help you survive even if you're away from your home.
Consider adding the above items to your EDC so you won't be caught off guard when SHTF, regardless of where you are.
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