Your Browser is Outdated
EDC stands for Everyday Carry. Phone, keys, and wallet are the standard items most people check their pockets for before heading out of the house. Among different crowds, EDC gear has a completely different meaning. It includes several other essentials that ensure you’re prepared for anything and everything you encounter throughout the day. In this guide, we’ll cover a variety of everyday carry items you should consider owning and incorporating into your EDC loadout.
What Is the Purpose of EDC?
Your everyday carry arsenal is all about preparation. The meaning of EDC varies from person to person. Someone set for an outdoor adventure will have a much different EDC kit than your common commuter. You may not need all the items on this EDC checklist, but it’s important to know what you should carry and why. Let’s break down some of the most important EDC gear to consider incorporating into your lifestyle.
EDC Backpack
An everyday carry backpack or bag isn’t just part of your loadout—it determines how much gear you can actually carry on your person. The best EDC backpacks will be lightweight and comfortable to wear while providing ample storage space and organization for your items. A concealed carry backpack is an excellent option for discreet protection, with a dedicated CCW compartment to securely store your self-defense firearm.
EDC Knife
To figure out the best knife for everyday carry, you need to consider why you’re carrying one in the first place. Folding knives, or pocket knives, are a good place to start since they are compact when not in use. Assisted opening knives allow for quick and easy access to the blade with a simple push of a button. For most, a blade size of 3-4in is perfect, as the blade will be strong enough to handle most everyday tasks without adding much bulk to your pockets.
Browse our Knife Guides for tips on buying the best pocketknife and how to choose the right blade for your needs. These in-depth guides will cover everything you need to know to choose the best EDC knife based on application, materials, and blade type.
Multi Tool
Multi-tools are an essential EDC tool every prepper should consider. They basically encompass the purpose of EDC, providing you with countless essential tools in one compact package. With multi tool blades, wire cutters, pliers, screwdrivers, bottle openers, and more, you’ll have an entire toolkit to handle any task right in your pocket.
Read our guide on What to Look for When Buying a Multi Tool for tips on buying the best EDC multi tool and to help you decide if you just need a standard multi tool or a specialized option like an AR 15 multi tool for field adjustments or a camping multi tool with fire starters and other outdoor essentials.
Tactical Pen
With phones ready to jot down our notes, most people don’t carry pens on their person like they used to, but that doesn’t mean you should leave it off your EDC checklist. Technology can fail at any moment, so having a reliable writing utensil can always come in handy. Tactical pens offer more than just ink. They usually have a glass-breaker for emergencies and can even be used as a self-defense tool in dire situations.
EDC Flashlight
Again, phones with flashlights have quickly replaced the need to carry a torch everywhere, but tactical flashlights are still an everyday carry essential. EDC flashlights have much brighter beams that illuminate dark areas much better than a phone flashlight. Plus, several tactical flashlights have important features like strobe modes for disorienting attackers or alerting others to your position if lost in the woods.
Flashlights with tail-cap activation offer one handed operation so that you can wield your concealed carry gun at the same time. Some even come with strike bezels that can be used in self-defense scenarios. You can learn more about the benefits and features of everyday carry flashlights in our Tactical Flashlight Buyer’s Guide.
Watch
When it comes to EDC watches, we’re not just talking about checking the time. Tactical smartwatches, like several Garmin watches, offer useful features like 24/7 health & fitness monitoring, extreme durability, and multi-band GPS navigation. That’s enough for most folks, but you can even opt for diving watches built to withstand deep depths or tactical watches with stealth mode kill switches that eliminate all wireless activity. Overall, a tactical watch is quick and easy to use and won’t fail you in the field.
RFID Wallet
Everyone needs a good wallet for daily use, but RFID wallets, like the ones from SLNT, block card skimmers and scammers from swiping your data. With NFC and RFID-blocking technology, you can ensure your digital footprint is safe and secure wherever you go. While this type of digital theft is rare, RFID-blocking wallets offer extra peace of mind, especially when traveling in high-risk areas.
Portable Power Banks & Chargers
If you’re able to use a backpack for everyday carry, portable power banks and compatible charging cables can always come in handy, especially if you solely rely on your phone for communication and navigation. Plus, it feels good to be that dependable person who can lend a charge to others who aren’t so prepared.
First Aid Kit
First aid kits and Individual First Aid Kits (IFAK) are a must if you have a pack or EDC pouch for storage. With important items like nitrile gloves, tourniquets, gauze, and other essential medical supplies, you can quickly attend to injuries before first responders arrive. Those crucial minutes can make all the difference in saving a life. Like a lot of these EDC items, hopefully you never have to use these medical supplies, but being prepared for the unexpected is what everyday carry is all about.
Concealed Carry Firearm & Self-Defense Weapons
Last, but certainly not least, is your concealed carry gun and other self-defense tools. A reliable CCW is essential, where permitted. Our guide on the Best Concealed Carry Positions can help you determine the best method of holstering your firearm. Beyond firearms and knives, there are other personal protection products like TASERs and stun guns and pepper spray that can incapacitate threats and allow you to escape or subdue the attacker.
Stay Prepared with EDC Gear at OpticsPlanet
Hopefully, this everyday carry checklist will help you decide what EDC items you need in your arsenal. OpticsPlanet.com sells high-quality EDC accessories from top brands to ensure you’re always prepared for whatever the day brings. Make sure to check out all of our How-to Guides for more in-depth tips about these items to help you buy the best gear to get the job done right.
