What’s In Your Pocket? Keep Your EDC Realistic

[Talyn]

EDC, or Everyday Carry, is a vast subject, with tons of rabbit holes to chase down. At first glance, it might seem like just another way to spend money and collect shiny baubles. And, I mean, that’s not entirely incorrect for a lot of people.

At its core, though, EDC is the foundation of a preparedness mindset. Evacuation kits, Get Home Bags, Bug Out Bags, and whatnot are all great. But when an emergency occurs, you might not have easy access to any of them. You might be limited to the gear and supplies you have on your body or within arm’s reach.

Let’s look at a few guidelines to consider if you want to keep your EDC focused on practicality and actual usability.

What’s In Your Pocket? Keep Your EDC Realistic

What you add to your EDC, or Everyday Carry, load out is very subjective and should be based on your actual needs.

gatdaily.com

Setting Up Realistic EDC​

• It’s a Menu, Not a Checklist
• Carry What Works
• Convenience is Critical

 

[Grayfox]

Always carry a pocket knife and a lighter. With the most basic of tools and a means to make fire, a smart man has a good chance of surviving just about anything.
I also carry a small micro flashlight. You'd be surprised at how handy that is.

 

[Anchorite]

Pocketknife, small flashlight, Bic lighter, chapstick, bandana (holdover from the China-flu).

I will add that my EDC is in my truck more than on me, because I spend up to 3 days in court every week so I cannot carry the lighter or pocketknife into the courthouse anymore (sigh)

 

[HayesGreener]

My usual EDC setup. Switch up the P220 for a 1911 TRP and that's it. Add my wallet and keys. I have to be careful around boat docks, if I fall in I am going straight to the bottom.

 

[OldGrunt]

When going to town, a S&W J-Frame in a Sticky pocket holster shoved into the front pocket of my cargo shorts. A couple of speed strips in the other pocket. When at home and outside in the yard (I live out in the country), a S&W Governor in a Kenai chest holster. Clutch your pearls now, yes, I do open carry on my own property. I know, I'm foolishly letting those rattle snakes know I'm armed!

 

[PieterCoetzee]

Im into shoulder holsters now so I dont need to carry spare mags or a holster on my belt

A Leatherman in my front left pocket, a Surefire 6P light on my belt, a 3" fixed blade on my belt, a set of foam ear plugs, cuz you just never know when somebody is gonna say lets go shooting. 3 pre 65 silver dollar coins, cuz silver will buy a lot when paper wont

.....and a couple heavy rubber bands in both pockets because I had a dream that somebody handed me a grenade with the pin pulled. IF only dreams would come true

 

[KillerFord1977]

When going to town, a S&W J-Frame in a Sticky pocket holster shoved into the front pocket of my cargo shorts. A couple of speed strips in the other pocket. When at home and outside in the yard (I live out in the country), a S&W Governor in a Kenai chest holster. Clutch your pearls now, yes, I do open carry on my own property. I know, I'm foolishly letting those rattle snakes know I'm armed!

.and Tarantula’s !!!
Better get to blastin ….

 

[OldGrunt]

.and Tarantula’s !!!
Better get to blastin ….

Time is on my side. It will eventually go away!

 

[Condition1]

Hellcat Pro AIWB, extra mag front left pocket both magazines are loaded with 135gr+p Hornady Critical Duty Blue flame torch lighter ( never know when I might want a cigar) and small flashlight that I use almost daily. Front right pocket Shirgorov Flippin Tanto, SpyderCo Shaman, back right pocket Benchmade Bugout and left boot Chris Reeve Backpacker fixed blade.

 

[BarryinIN]

I carry way too much in my pockets. I wear carpenter jeans for the extra pockets, in fact. They weigh a ton with all my pocket junk. I suppose it’s a carryover from my previous life as an airplane mechanic and getting used to having tools and hardware filling my pockets all the time.

So yes, I really do carry all of this, in addition to the guns:

Starting with my right front pocket:
Keys, car key fob, smallish pocket knife, tiny Bic lighter, three speed strips with four rounds each.

Watch pocket: Spare motorcycle key, broken case extractors for .223 and .308, small Marbles brass compass.

Side carpenter pocket: Leatherman, pen, mech pencil, silver and black Sharpie.

Right rear pocket: Cheap folding knife that uses box cutter blades for utility tasks, small sap.

Lef rear pocket: Wallet.

Left carpenter pocket: Torniquet, Emerson CQC-15 knife.

Leff front pocket: Surefire Fury light with Thyrm finger ring/pocket clip, Tarani Karambit knife, short phone charger cable.

Around my neck is a light cord with the smallest Swiss Army Knife on one end and a Surefire Sidekick light on the other. I use these multiple times everyday.

I need to weigh all this someday.

 

[somorris]

Thanks for the link, Talyn.

I am pretty minimalist. I carry a pocket knife, small stream light, chap stick, wallet, and car keys.

 

[Anchorite]

I am so jealous of you guys ..... today I was in Montgomery, AL, and had to be in the Fed court building.

I empty out my pockets all the time .... Ugh.

 

[1canvas]

Although I have many, this is my minimum.

 

[Condition1]

Although I have many, this is my minimum.View attachment 112462

Is that a SpyderCo Manix?

 

[1canvas]

Is that a SpyderCo Manix?

I think it’s a Spyder Enduro, I have that size and the larger size.

 

[bc22wm]

I'm not a minimalist, just too lazy to carry around all that crap. In pockets: wallet, tobacco pouch, pipe, zippo, pocketknife, reading glasses, truck, house key, P38 on the key ring. Sometimes the NAA otherwise the 638 is on the belt. I'm not out after dark so no flashlight. (It's dark under the table time for bed) If you want to talk leave a message on the answering machine I'll call you back when I get home.