EDC items are everyday carry essentials that come in handy when heading outdoors or in emergencies.
For instance, although the pandemic outbreak embraced remote work, around 50% of companies want their employees back in the office. Numerous US citizens are now bound to continue their jobs physically, which means traveling away from home.
Likewise, unexpected power outages or inclement weather may require homeowners to find the best places to live off the grid unless the situation becomes favorable and you need to know in securing a home while you are away.
So whether you’re traveling for work or evacuating, everyday carry items like a knife, a flashlight, and a portable charger are essential.
This guide curates an ultimate EDC gear list to cater to your everyday needs.
Everyday Carry Essentials For Your Pocket
Franz Kafka, a German novelist and short-story writer, quotes, “Better to have, and not need, than to need, and not have.”
That sums up why it’s important to prepare before leaving your home. It will keep you from relying on other people for your needs, you’ll save time, and lastly, you’ll tackle your everyday tasks better.
But because there isn’t an all-in-one solution, we curated a multi-item EDC list for your ease. So without further ado, here are 14 everyday essentials that fit right into your pocket.
1. Multitool
A multi-tool is just what it sounds like. It packs the core fundamentals of EDC, from portability to versatility and practicality. It allows you to essentially carry a toolbox in your pocket.
Steel River’s Multitool is a perfect example of a valuable, portable EDC essentail. This handy tool features 4 interchangeable bits, as well as 2 wrenches, a flashlight, a carabiner, and a bottle opener.
That’s a lot of items, given its mini size.
This multi-tool adds to your convenience by taking minimal space in your pocket, perfect for EDC, and letting you utilize the items as needed.
A flashlight, for instance, comes in handy during a sudden power outage—either at the workplace or home. Likewise, the carabiner, a tool primarily for rope-intensive activities, is especially useful for people living off the grid.
Furthermore, a mini wrench lets you grip, fasten, tighten, and loosen nuts and bolts. Lastly, a bottle opener is great for, well, opening bottles, but can also be used for a variety of other things in a pinch..
2. Pen
Though the digital world is progressing by leaps and bounds, not everything is digitized yet. Tapping your fingers on a cell phone or typing on your keyboard cannot beat the charm of writing on paper.
In fact, many writers still prefer pen and paper over computers.
A reliable EDC pen lets you jot down notes and sign important papers. And a quality pen is a recognizable to anyone who takes their writing implements seriously.
Therefore, keeping a pocket pen handy helps you complete quick workplace tasks. But apart from everyday use, a pen also helps in emergencies. You can use it to make an escape plan or trace a detailed map.
3. Notebook
Pen and notebook complement each other, and there are no two ways about it. While a pen serves your needs in the office building, you’d need a mini notebook when commuting or on vacation.
The benefits of carrying a notebook in your EDC gear list are only limited by your imagination.
To begin with, you must have a mini notebook for emergencies. The guide to Preparing for Emergencies suggests keeping a notebook in your emergency kit. It helps you write a quick note or trace a map on a complicated path.
In addition, you can use a notebook to play tic-tac-toe with your family when camping. The everyday benefits of keeping a mini journal in your pocket include enhanced creativity and boosted productivity. You can use a notebook to let your creative juices flow when traveling in a bus or car.
Lastly, using a paper to write something keeps you from digital distractions. It gives you a healthy break from your cell phone screen as you get your thoughts in order.
4. Watch
Sure enough, your smartphone helps you keep track of time on the go, but gazing at your phone while sitting with your colleagues may seem slightly unethical.
Looking at your watch, however, doesn’t look impolite. You can go for a pocket watch because keeping a wristwatch in your pocket won’t make much sense—it is meant for your wrist.
This analog watch gives off a sleek look with its striking dial. But appearance isn’t its only perk.
The watch features actual extended battery life—unlike your smartphone, which fails to display time when the battery runs out all too quickly.
5. Portable Charger
A fully charged smartphone survives for a little while, but not all day long. Therefore, it might be a good idea to keep a portable charger or power bank in your pocket. This will help you charge your devices when commuting or traveling.
This 1000 mAh power bank by Dec is portable, slim, and efficient. You can easily slide it into your pocket and charge your phone whenever it runs out of battery.
The power bank features a lithium polymer battery, which keeps the gadget lightweight, minimizing your pocket weight.
However, power banks' utility extends beyond charging your cell phone; you can also use them to power your camera, EDC flashlight, and game console.
6. Knife
Considering a pocket knife in the list of everyday carry items might sound intimidating to some, but it offers tons of benefits.
While a few state regulations portray it negatively, a foldable knife handles slicing and cutting tasks for you.
Gerber Pocket Knife offers a safe and functional way to cut open a box, slice a brisket, and more. That said, not everyone needs a folding knife every day. However, it's a must-have item to boost practicality if you’re camping or on vacation.
7. Wallet
There’s no point in scattering your credit card, debit card, cash, and ID separately in your pocket. Carrying these items in an organized way increases the likelihood of them getting lost.
Therefore, do not forget to include a slim, pocket-sized wallet on your EDC list. The FurArt Slim Minimalist Wallet enhances functionality by featuring numerous pockets to keep your cards and cash. It includes 6 card slots, an ID window, and a cash pocket.
What’s more, you can pick from over 20 colors. Additionally, it boosts security by featuring RFID blocking technology, keeping your cards safe from unnoticeable scans.
Lastly, its light weight allows you to carry it around easily.
8. Keychain
Scattering keys in your pocket is as risky as placing your bank cards in your pocket.
A keychain is one of the most essential EDC items and deserves a spot on the list. There is no better way to organize your keys and other assorted items than to arrange them in a key chain. It helps you avoid carrying your keys clumsily.
You can quickly lose your keys when heading outdoors. However, assembling them in a minimalist keychain avoids such unpleasant circumstances.
You can even attach other EDC items to your keychain if they come with a loop, carabiner, or other ring. You could potentially fit your multi-tool, wallet, watch, and pen all on one handy keychain!
9. A Portable Water Bottle
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand why you should keep a portable water bottle with you. It is crucial to stay hydrated outdoors, and carrying a standard water bottle is impossible.
KickStarter’s HYDAWAY is an excellent gadget for your everyday trips. It offers a safe, easy, and environmentally friendly way to drink water. You can easily fold the bottle and keep it in your pocket.
It is made from food-grade silicone and has a 100% BPA-free certification, testifying its quality.
While keeping a water bottle handy on the go is crucial, you must also keep filled water bottles for emergencies.
When faced with an unexpected circumstance, water storage will give you peace of mind and help you stay hydrated until the situation becomes more favorable.
10. Mini First Aid Kit
You never know when you’re going to need a first aid kit, so it’s good to be prepared. A reliable EDC first aid kit protects us in the event of sudden accidents and unexpected injuries.
The Mini First Aid Kit by American Red Cross takes functionality to the next level by including multiple small first aid kit items. Don’t let its size fool you; this small blue box contains 29 pieces and helps you prepare for emergencies.
You’ll find plastic adhesive bandages, spot plastic bandages, fingertip bandages, antibiotic ointment, alcoholic wipes, sterile gauze pads, and antiseptic towelettes in a single kit.
Next time you go to your university or workplace, do not forget to keep this item in your pocket.
11. Cash
Cash is one of the most basic EDC items you should always carry.Power outages and faulty card readers can make purchasing commodities a pain.. Cash, however, saves your day by letting you shop for essential everyday goods.
Here’s why else you may need cash as you step outdoors:
- Not all places accept debit/credit cards
- Cash helps you bargain better at some places, so you can get a better deal
- Your bank may withhold your account for some reason
- The card reader fails to detect your card, leaving no other way but to pay cash.
12. Lighter
Lighters also deserve a place in your EDC items for obvious reasons. You can use it to light birthday candles or start a campfire. Besides, it also comes in handy during unexpected power outages.
Pocket-sized lighters by Bic provide an efficient way to light a fire when a situation calls for it. They come in vibrant color combinations and endure the test of time. Moreover, the added grip enhances comfort.
While carrying this gadget offers a helpful way to light a fire when needed, you should also know how to start a fire without matches or a lighter. It helps you light up space during survival times.
13. Flashlight
You may wonder why you need a flashlight when your cell phone has a built-in torch.
To begin with, not all cell phones have a bright enough light. Secondly, mobile phones can run out of battery.
Therefore, having a pocket-sized flashlight comes in handy when camping, cycling, hiking, and other similar activities. The Hatori Super Small Mini LED Flashlight features powerful LEDs, robust enough to light up an entire room.
If you’re traveling outdoors at night, there’s no reason not to carry this flashlight. This is particularly crucial for those commuting via cycle. It will help you see clearly on rough or excessively dark paths.
The flashlight is also water-resistant, so it can withstand a drizzle. Plus, it’s battery-operated, eliminating the trouble of charging it repeatedly.
14. EDC Bag
Finally, you need an EDC bag to organize all your everyday carry items. VIPERADE VE1 Pocket Organizer offers a perfect way to hold, assemble, and protect your EDC items.
It is made from 500D polyester that stands up to wear and tear. The organizer is spacious and allows you to keep your cards, coins, cash, flashlight, and other EDC gear in one compact spot.
It boosts functionality by featuring separate pockets for your items. This ensures their safety and allows you to organize items efficiently.
So, instead of throwing your EDC items directly in your pocket and cluttering them, placing them in your EDC bag is better.
On a side note, an EDC bag won’t hold your whole emergency food supply, but can hold a snack to hold you over for a little while!
[product_render product-handle="7-day-emergency-food-supply"]
Wrap Up
The idea of purchasing and carrying all the EDC items may seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to worry about buying all the listed items—only those you find the most helpful.
Everybody has their preferences, and no two people have the same needs. You can choose the everyday carry items that suit your budget, lifestyle, profession, and location.
Keep your everyday carry item list functional, though. You’ll be at peace knowing you have all the essentials you may need outdoors or in emergencies.
