What's your EDC? (What is Every Day Carry?)

ridesolo

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I’ve been interested in EDC (Every Day Carry) for some time and a while back it occurred to me that a discussion about EDC might make for an interesting thread on here. Sure, it’s not specifically motorcycle related, but we seem to veer off onto numerous assorted topics so why not throw it out there. everydaycarry.com is a good place to check out.

Wikki describes EDC as: Everyday carry or every-day carry is a collection of useful items that are consistently carried on person every day. The main reasons for having EDC are utility and preparedness; to help individuals overcome simple everyday problems, and to prepare someone for unexpected and possibly dangerous situations.

Some people have their EDC in their pockets, some carry a hand-held bag, some even feel the need to carry some kind of backpack, or maybe a combination of all three, depending on the situation.

Some of the carry items that are popular include flashlights, writing implements, tools and multi-tools, tech items, first aid & health supplies, keys & key rings, efficient wallets, lighters, weapons, and knives, but the possibilities are only limited by your own needs and imagination.

I thought lots of other folks on here might be interested in so I decided to hoist up this flag in a thread and see if anybody salutes.
 
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My own EDC probably isn't anything terribly special but it works for me. I'm working on a description of what I've got that will include pictures and a description of what it and, hopefully what will be.
 
Long ago I started carrying a small bag to put “wallet stuff” in because I can’t carry the usual hip pocket wallet or wear a wristwatch. Over time the bags have changed and have migrated in a more tactical direction, partly because of availability and partly due to personal taste. My most recent is by far the favorite I’ve had over the years. Over time the bags I carried got worn and ratty and needed to be replaced. Over a year ago it was time for a new one and the search started again for The Perfect Carry. After hours of searching and reading I decided on the Maxpedition MRZ because of it’s size and features. There are a few things that I need to have at hand and after getting interested in the EDC stuff I started paying more attention to additional things I like to have nearby.

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What I carry:
* Functional thin wallet that can go into a pocket when necessary. There are a huge number of these out there and what I have meets my needs well. Other examples made of leather, plastic, aluminum, titanium, rubber, carbon fiber, and more so there’s something that will be right for everybody.
* Short USB charging cable. I just switched to an iPhone so this one will be replaced.
* Small pliers.
* Pocket knife. This particular one has some sentimental value to me because it was made by Zippo in Bradford, PA near where I grew up. It is good quality, stainless, and sharp. There are better and far more expensive knives available but this one works for me for now.
* Hand-made wood pill carrier. A friend made this. It’s got a screw-on lid and his explanation is that it’s for a few asprin tablets in case you feel a heart attack coming on.
* Pen. A vintage classic German Rotring.
* Items required for my contact lens wear/care.
* Medicated lip balm. When ya need it ya need it!


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What I plan to get:
* Flashlight. It’ll go where the pill carrier is now and that will go in w/ the eye stuff. I’ve been doing lots of reading and research on LED lights and there are a vast number of examples available in a wide range of prices and sizes. I have several LED flashlights that use the 18650 rechargeable battery but they are too large so I’ve narrowed my search down to lights that use a 10180 battery or a rechargeable AAA battery. (I’ve found one made of brass that’s very cool.)
* Bolt action pen. If I get the brass light I’m going to ask @Mr.E to turn one of his handmade brass pens for me.
* Small screw driver. Appropriately sized and brass if I can find it.

And because of what's going on in the world w/ the Covid-19 thing I made a "Germ Grenade" that's pretty easy to carry around. (Yeah, I know, too much time on my hands.)


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Pocket knife, sig 938 or officers 1911, wallet, phone keys, and that's about it. I have a tool kit in my truck, and tools at work, so I don't carry a huge amount of stuff.
 
Pocket knife, sig 938 or officers 1911, wallet, phone keys, and that's about it. I have a tool kit in my truck, and tools at work, so I don't carry a huge amount of stuff.

Yeah, I've got a Sig 938, too. Nice peace, huh? I don't carry it every day, at least I didn't. The last week or two I've started carrying again when I go out, just seems like a good idea.
 
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My trusty and crusty leatherman rebar. As cliche as it sounds, I rarely walk out my door without it on my side and on the odd chance that I leave it home I feel strange without it. This particular model was the economy multi tool by Leatherman standards, but it has a main feature that I really like as a welder. The Cutters are replaceable. I snip a lot of mig wire with it and a decent amount have TIG filler. I've replaced the cutter is a couple times and at $12 a set that are not terribly exorbitant for as much abuse as they take. I've also tweaked and tightened more Fasteners on motorcycles than I could count with this thing.

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Pretty sure I've experienced at least one time where you didn't have that thing with you. It was crazy.
 
My spouse was looking over my shoulder and said "Don't open that!" Too late! This is the minimum in every vehicle:
Cordura zipper pouch
folding knife - Kershaw at present
knife sharpener of some type - preference for Arkansas hard stones
USB adapters & cords
Pens, markers and pencils
2-LED flashlights
Cell phone power pack charger
2-reading glasses
2-sun glasses
Depending on where we are going this gets augmented by a sling pack with additional items some of them for personal defense.
Small tool boxes in each vehicle have 2 more LED lights, multibit screwdriver (Klein), adjustable wrench, pliers, small socket set. Electrical tape, fuses, wire, duct tape, etc.
The truck has a custom built tactical "truck gun" behind the seat when we go to the farm. It is based on a single shot 12 gauge that has been lightened and shortened to minimum legal length.
 
Like mentioned previously, I keep tools/emergency stuff in my vehicles, so I don't keep those type items on my person.
As for "on me"... aside from the "usual stuff" like wallet, keys, etc... I always have a knife on me, and have several to choose from.
And while I'm working, I have a MrE Machine aluminum pen that doubles as a very effective Kubotan.
I can post pics if anyone is interested.

Cory, where'd you source that wallet?
 
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Victorinox Officier pocket knife, $20, a credit card and my DL. Like Redbird My vehicles are equipped for most emergency situations. I don't use a cell phone.
 
I didn't mention my vehicles. Flashlight, tape measure, pocket knife, pen, device charging cables, hand sanitizer, jumper cables, dog poo bags, dog treats, water & bowl for dog.
 
I am another light traveler. No cell phone - hopefully ever. I carry a class A CDL license, school ID to prove the long haired guy with the short haired guys license is really me, "Get out of a Ticket card" or NYS Motor Vehicle Inspectors card, Med Cert for CDL, a good and sahrp S and W pocket knife, and a worn out wallet full of lint, a hidden $20 bill, and tiny scraps of paper with bikes for sale, phone numbers, trucks and all the stuff I would/could have in a phone. In the vehicles it is bare minimum unless I am traveling. Even this is more than I normally need.
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