Since the texting craze took hold, it seems we have been bombarded with 3 letter acronyms..anything to help us avoid actually spelling out a word. Hell, even I am guilty of this, my favorite one being IMO or IMHO (In My Opinion/In my Honest Opinion for those of you who have not been on Earth the last few years).
One of the many acronyms that is applicable to the Gun/Combat Training/Survival culture is EDC: EVERYDAY CARRY. This describes the items that we always have on us, regardless of where we are. Wallet, Cell Phone, Folding Knife, Pocket Light, Pistol, Extra Mag…etc. It also describes items you might have in your vehicle (i.e. Things you can reach in a pinch).
My purpose in writing this for you good folks is not to re-hash or regurgitate the same, old boring, tired articles about always having a folding knife (or small fixed/push blade), a good light, small trauma kit and of course a firearm (or two) and a spare mag; but make you aware of some items you might never have thought of; items that can take the CO EDC principle to new heights. Think of it as the Updated Batman Utility Belt!!
Most all of these items can be bought at County-Comm, an online retailer I have spent a lot of money with and will continue too, simply because they offer products that are cool and practical for the CO at very reasonable prices.
With the current criminal trend of “Skimming” (stealing your credit card information without even having to lift your wallet via a RFID Card Reader) at an all time high , you owe it to yourself to protect them. This handy-dandy wallet is completely lined in MYLAR protective RF Shielding to keep those pesky, prying thieves out of your finances. If you are like me, and hate a bulky wallet in your back pocket, you will love this one. It has enough room to stash some cash, your DL and your CC’s plus whatever other “gear” you single guys might need.
2. Stainless EDC Pen or Williams Tactical Pen
Having a good writing instrument is just plain handy in our everyday errands, but also having an instrument that can double as something else is the essence of the CO’s EDC arsenal. The Pen that doubles as a Kubotan or Yawara Stick is just what the Dr. Ordered. Either one of the above pen’s will do the trick. I have kind of a EDC pen fetish, so I have literally boxes of different ones, but these two are some of my current favorites. Sidebar Note: The Williams Tactical Pen, was designed by James Williams, who designed the Hissatsu Fixed and Folding Knife for CRKT..both excellent knives for the money.
3. Keychain Photon Light or SO-LED
I cannot tell you how handy these things are. Let’s face it: Finding things in the dark is hard, and most humans don’t see that well in pitch black darkness. Need help finding your keys, that door keyhole or maybe you just want to light up the night..attach one or two of these things to your key chain’s and problem solved. I have had the same Photon on my key chain for 5 years and never had to replace the battery, so don’t worry about them going out on you.
4. The Stinger
James Keating sent me a few of these when I ordered a set of his DVD’s many years back and I have carried one on my key chain ever since. My wife even has a hot pink one on her key chain. The benefits of having ANY kind of impact device handy, especially on your key chain, goes without saying. The polymer construction and design makes the weight negligible, so you won’t even notice it in your pocket; but make no mistake, if you hit somebody with this thing, they WILL know it!
5. Survival Whistle or ITW Whistle
Another small and light key-chain item, I started carrying these after a rape prevention course I attended with my wife. Basically, if you want to bring attention to yourself, this shrill whistle will do the trick. Another overlooked use is in the area of search and rescue, when you need to make noise so the person can signal to you. A small piece of plastic that you may never use but just might save your life or somebody’s elses one day.
The ability to make fire has got man out of countless jams since the beginning of time, why stop now? I carry the split pea lighter on my key-chain and have a few of the others tucked away in various BOB’s and VBOB’s.
7. The Guppie
I know that a lot of you might carry a multi-tool on you (or maybe in your VBOB) but this little device, though not suited for heavy work, has actually helped me out of a few jams. I mean having a multi-head screwdriver combined with a pair of pliers, a small knife and a light can never hurt to have around. Mine also has a bottle opener, which never hurts, right?! I keep one in the center console in my vehicle.
8. 550 Cord
This stuff is handier than a shirt pocket. I use it for everything, lashing down loads, making an impromptu sling, etc. I keep 100′ ft. hanks stashed in my BOB and VBOB.
Another multi-use item. I keep a few of these stashed everywhere. Can serve as a something to pry with (obviously), scrape, flat-head screwdriver or as a nasty impact device to put an attackers eye out with.
10. AM/FM Radio
I know, I know, not your typical EDC gear, but at this price, having one in every GO-Bag you got is not a bad ideal. Every Natural Disaster I have been involved in, a Radio was one of the most crucial pieces of kit around.
11. Sunglasses
No link for this one, because taste vary in styles, but this is one of the most overlooked EDC essential IMHO (there I used it!). Protecting your eyes not only against the sun’s UV rays but also against an attempted eye jab or a bullet ricochet during an altercation is simple CO practicality.
Always Think Ahead Out There and Stay Dangerous!
Good write up. And once again, I have learned something new. I am a fan of having all those things in a BOB or VBOB and as many as possible for Every Day Carry. I keep a lighter handy, too, but was amazed at the little Split Pea lighter. That is going on the Christmas list!
Update: I added the Split Pea lighter to my EDC. Goes on the keychain. Wow…friggin awesome. Smallest lighter ever and works like a champ. CountyComm products are golden!