Best Survival Every Day Carry (EDC) Gear, Checklist and Products

Survival Every Day Carry (EDC)

The gear you carry with you every day is called Every Day Carry gear (EDC). Most people take their phone, wallet or purse, keychain, etc with them everywhere. Some people wear a watch, carry a pocket knife or multi tool in their pocket, pens or pencils or carry other gear they use on a regular basis. We urge you to consider this your first level of preparedness. You can tackle 80% of the day's non-emergency adventures and challenges with whatever you have on your person.

Some people who are more prepper-minded will carry extra gear on their person. Some take simple first aid, flashlights, and other supplies. A woman's purse or a briefcase is perfect for moderate first aid and gear. I know a group of guys who carry pistols in their scripture bag to church, among other items. While we don't necessarily recommend extreme prepper behavior, we do urge you to be mindful of where you are, where you're going and what you might need if an emergency arises.

Recommendations:

1. Carry a pocket knife or multi tool nearly everywhere (except the airport).
2. While you don't have to carry a flashlight on your hip, make sure you phone has one or you have one in your vehicle
3. Carry a wallet that has RFID protection
4. Keep some form of basic first aid handy nearly anywhere you go
5. Some people wear paracord bracelets with tools embedded
6. Leatherman makes a tool bracelet that is super stylish
7. Pens can have tools embedded
8. Watches can be robust communication devices

Complete Every Day Carry Checklist

This checklist has everything you need for survival every day carry. We recommend you download and print out the checklist. Then below, shop for recommended products you need.

Required Survival Every Day Carry Products

Explore our recommended survival EDC products. Below we go through each checklist item and suggest highly-rated, quality products.

Multi-Tool

A quality multi-tool may be the most handy and useful tool. In an emergency you may use it to build a shelter, cut food, administer first aid, cut paracord, open cans, fasten screws, etc. 

Required Attributes:

• light weight
• blades/tools: knife. optional: pliers, saw, screw drivers

Reasons for Our Pick:

For EDC we like an option that is light weight, quality, and versatile. We've considered multiple Leathermans, Swiss Army Knives, and Gerbers. After hundreds of trail outings and Scout camps we prefer the Swiss Army Knife Fieldmaster, Leatherman Skeletool, and Leatherman Wave.

Our top pick for this Stage 0 is the Leatherman Freestyle, Leatherman Skeletool or Swiss Army Knife Fieldmaster. However, any of the three will work great. We like the Fieldmaster because it is much lighter than the Leatherman options. 

Cell Phone

A cell phone can be a great communication device if the grid is still up. It can also connect you with the internet and provide entertainment in dull periods. It can be a great flashlight as well.

Required Attributes:

• phone
• GPS
• data connectivity

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

If the grid is still up your cell phone can be used to call for help, find your location (GPS), look up first aid and edible plants, keep from boredom, etc.

We strongly recommend including a method of generating power (solar, crank or both) so you can keep the phone going. We live where there are a lot of clouds so a crank option is best.

Wallet

Carry ID, Cash, and other items needed in an emergency.

Required Attributes:

• functional
• stylish
• comfortable

Reasons for Our Pick:

We're minimalists. We recommend a wallet that doesn't require a trolley to haul around. Carry the basic needs: ID, cash, cards.

Car Keys

You can include a lot of tools on a key ring or key chain.

Required Attributes:

• functional
• stylish
• compact

Reasons for Our Pick:

When we're mobile we have our keys with us. Add items like pinch flashlights, etc.

Optional Survival Every Day Carry Products

Explore our recommended survival EDC products. Below we go through each checklist item and suggest highly-rated, quality products.

Watch

Keep time, communicate, store contacts, etc.

Required Attributes:

• functional
• stylish
• comfortable

Reasons for Our Pick:

There are a lot of options for EDC watches that can solve common problems. We'll suggest some rugged versions as well as the most popular.

Flashlight

Light up a dark room, find something in the night, or signal someone with a personal flashlight.

Required Attributes:

• long lasting
• compact

Reasons for Our Pick:

We recommend either a belt carry or key ring carry pinch flashlight. We love the pinch flashlight idea. Most people have a phone on them so a flashlight isn't super necessary. However, a small pinch flashlight can be handy in a pinch (couldn't resist).

Paracord Bracelet

Use the simple tools or unwind the bracelet to use the paracord for simple tasks.

Required Attributes:

• functional
• stylish
• comfortable

Reasons for Our Pick:

We like the whistle and paracord design. 

Lighter

Ourdoor survival sitautions require fire for cooking and staying warm. A lighter is the best fire starter. It stays lit for a long time, it provides a great flame and it starts easily. For the trade off in very low weights it's the best option.

Required Attributes:

• light weight
• lights quickly
• stays lit
• has a good flame

Reasons for Our Pick:

We like Bic lighters for this Stage. They are reliable, easy to use and very light weight. If you want a water proof option, consider the arc lighter which works by creating an electrical arc with the rechargeable battery.

Pen/Tactical Pen

Use a pen for more than just writing. 

Required Attributes:

• functional
• compact

Reasons for Our Pick:

This pen comes with the ball point, flashlight, bottle opener, wrench, glass break, compass, whistle, screw driver, knife, and ferro bar. 

We like the idea of keeping this in the glove box.

Notebook

Log first aid events, keep a journal, among other survival activities.

Required Attributes:

• functional
• stylish
• compact

Reasons for Our Pick:

Many people keep a notebook on hand for daily tasks. It can be useful in an emergency too as a communication or log resource.

Pocket Sized First Aid Kit

Treat basic first aid cuts, scrapes, etc.

Required Attributes:

• compact

Reasons for Our Pick:

Women often carry a small first aid kit in a purse or men in a briefcase. 

Personal Medication Container

Maintain your daily health in an emergency.

Required Attributes:

• compact
• waterproof

Reasons for Our Pick:

Carry a medication container to protect your required medications.