We talk about EDC, or everyday carry items regularly. But what is EDC?
EDC is simple – it’s a hobby that pays a little extra attention on the tools, gear, or other functional items that you carry and use on a daily or regular purpose. Simplified, EDC is about personal tools and gear.
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Or, it can be descriptive, without any hobby or personal interest connotations. The hobby aspect can be implied or ignored, depending on the context.
Your keychain is EDC. So’s your wallet. Your phone is too.
For law enforcement, military, or security personnel, or individuals with CCW permits, EDC can include their sidearm. EDC is anything that is included in your everyday carry.
My intent isn’t to convert you to an EDC enthusiast, but to help you better understand what EDC is all about.
If you carry an adjustable wrench in your bag, such as this 4″ Channellock, that counts as EDC.
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Pocket knives ( here are some ToolGuyd reviews) are an especially popular area of EDC, given how many people use them on a consistent basis.
Whether it’s a $5 knife or a pricier model, a pocket knife is part of your EDC.
Multi-tools, at least when carried on your person or a bag, can be EDC. If it’s in your glovebox? Technically, it’s not.
Flashlights are another popular EDC item, but the category can also include other personal lighting products. A worklight that has to be plugged into an AC outlet would be an example of something that is not EDC.
Watches are usually included as EDC.
Pens, pencils, and notepads can also be EDC.
A keychain tape measure also counts.
There are also all sorts of EDC market-focused gear, such as key-shaped flashlights.
EDC can be simple, or complex. One person interested in EDC might be more casual about their opinions and focus. Another might be meticulous about all aspects, with specific preferences down to the clips connecting their mini flashlight to their keychain.
Some people have preferences about what they eat or drink. Coke vs. Sprite. Whole wheat bread vs. white bread. Spaghetti vs. ziti. Apples vs. oranges. Or what they wear. Sneakers vs. shoes. T-shirts or polo shirts. Jeans vs. khakis.
With EDC, you simply focus a little more on your personal-use tools and gear.
Everybody is different. Sometimes EDC strays beyond consistently-used tools and gear, into collector territory. But that’s not always the case. You can enjoy something or share in an interest without becoming an aficionado or collector.
For some, EDC is all about maximizing functionality. For others, there are some aesthetic considerations, or personal preferences.
Consider someone interested in pocketable EDC flashlights. There are a multitude of options to consider. What size batteries does it require? What materials are it made out of? Is it weather-sealed? What color temperature is the illumination? Spotlight or flood light? How do you turn it on, with a knob that you twist, or a button that you press?
A multi-bit screwdriver can be part of your EDC.
EDC is mainly the exploration of the many choices and preferences we can have regarding our everyday carry gear. Items or preferences can be purely functional, or an enthusiast might have preferences more related to ornamental aspects.
Most EDC enthusiasts don’t get into it looking for another hobby. Speaking personally, I think I was looking for a multi-tool review or information, or something of the sort, when I came upon EDC-related forums. Maybe I was searching for reviews of the Kershaw Leek knive (reviewed here) before I purchased mine on sale.
To sum things up, EDC relates to whatever personal tools and gear are integrated in your lifestyle or workday.
If you’re a contractor, tradesman, or tech, sometimes your tool bag and its contents could be considered EDC.
If you put a lot of effort into choosing the perfect daily-use cordless drill, ratchet, framing hammer, or other tools, that’s the same spirit as EDC.
Update: I didn’t mean to ask it, but the first couple of commenters had a great idea – thank you!
What’s your EDC?
Andy Ringsmuth
My EDC items?
1. Pistol
2. Leatherman Supertool 300
3. Leatherman Squirt ES4
4. Pen
5. Flashlight
6. Cell phone
7. Wallet with bandaids tucked inside somewhere (I’m a father of boys, they’re always needed!)
8. Keys
9. AppleWatch
Kenneth Stephens
1. Pistol (Walther P99AS)
2. Spyderco Endura 4
3. Hand Tool Rescue 3in Wrench
4. Milwaukee Marker
5. Coast G20 or Streamlight
6. Phone
7. Wallet
8. Keys
9. Gshock
Popgun42
What brand pistol???
rmkilc
The article says “For law enforcement, military, or security personnel, EDC can include their sidearm.”
The author forgot the largest category. There are over 17.25 million concealed handgun permits issued in the United States as of 2018 and millions carry every day. This doesn’t include the 14 states that have constitutional carry (16 as of today).
To put this into perspective, there are about 700,000 law enforcement officers in the United States.
Stuart
I didn’t forget, I was trying to simplify the conversation. But you’re right, I probably should have mentioned it for completeness.
Mike
You did say others with CCW
Stuart
I added that in after my comment.
GabbyJohnson
Not being in law enforcement or security, and having lived nearly 70 years and never facing the need for this tool, packing several pounds of additional EDC to be put to a statistically insignificant likelihood of use seems like wasted effort.
It might be a different story if I was a woman and lived in a dense population, but neither apply.
rmkilc
Some have gone their entire life without ever needing their seatbelt either.
ToolGuyDan
True, but if my eight-year-old finds my seatbelt, I’m generally not too worried about them killing a friend with it.
In terms of preventing early death, you’re significantly better off wearing a respirator [air pollution: 71k early deaths/year in US] than carrying a handgun [homicide: 11k/year with guns in US, another 4k or so with knives and other weapons]. But you don’t get to pretend you’re John Wayne wearing a respirator, I suppose.
Wayne R.
For me, EDC specifically is minimal; wallet, keys, phone, cash.
What’s important to me is adjacency to real tool kits: A Veto Pro bag in my car with enough in it to cover more than the usual stuff with real tools. Real first aid kits with more than everything our skills can address. My computer kit/bag has software, cables & other connectivity addressed. Etcetera. I’ve got several task-specific kits.
Each has a small knife as I’ve gotten in the TSA-affected habit of avoiding losing something to them from my pocket.
The concert we attended over the weekend: Small binoculars, Etymotic & “normal” earplugs, small light. (Good thing too: Way back, super loud, couldn’t see squat around us.)
I’ve got a couple of nice multi-tools, and they’re “deployed” – but rarely, rarely used, because I’ve got much better tools available to bring to bear.
MT_Noob
Thumbs up on the earplugs. I keep a norma set in my laptop bog, but I “carry” my Alpine Music Safe Pro etymotic plugs with me if I am going to a concert. So it might be occasional carry… It might seem odd to wear ear plugs to a concert, but I treasure my hearing and enjoy music too much to put it at risk. Kweco sport fountain pen, and a random leatherman skeltool or knife round out the assortment depending on the whims of the day.
PacoH
The questions is not “What is EDC, or Everyday Carry?,” it is “WHY does something as common and pedestrian as EDC have such a cult-like following?” There are entire sites dedicated to this phenomenon that most of us take for granted. Why not have sites dedicated to tooth flossing or nail clipping?
PacoH
BTW, I have the pencil pictured and don’t recommend it. The ~1/4″ tip does not retract and gets stuck in your pocket and even the 0.9mm lead is too thin for marking lumber and the like. It breaks easily. A much better choice is this pencil recommended right here––Staedtler Metal-Bodied Mechanical Pencils : https://toolguyd.com/staedtler-mechanical-pencils/. I bought it because of this recommendation. The lead is full wood pencil (2mm) size in a convenient retractable aluminum case. I got the 2H lead because it makes finer lines and lasts longer between sharpenings. I reviewed it at Larry A, Engineer | Cool Tools : https://kk.org/cooltools/larry-a-engineer/.
Jason S.
I agree on your pencil recommendation – Staedtler
Chris
What are you even talking about?
The Graphgear 1000 DOES have a retractable tip and is one of the most popular mechanical pencils of all time.
Your welcome to your opinion about which brand you prefer, but don’t lie just to make a point.
Kenneth Stephens
For me I’m always looking to try new things and streamline my edc. Seeing what these people post on edc sites is a good way to find out about new products I never would have tried before.
Steve the Gullible
LOL
https://me.me/t/flossing
http://ironwynch.com/scrolls/tag/lesbian-nail-clipping-meme/
Stuart
Why a site dedicated to the discussion of tools – hand tools, power tools, tool storage, etc.? Some people are happy to buy whatever’s cheapest at the home center.
Some people put a lot of research into their TV purchases, speakers, microwave ovens, chef’s knives.
If you don’t understand it, try to relate by thinking about a topic you are interested in.
Preferences come from experiences and personality traits, and among a large enough group of people, there will be shared preferences and interests.
Years ago, before we got married, my wife and I had the same Sony camera. I picked it because of the AA batteries, ergonomics, and and decent reviews compared to the Canon I had also been looking at. Her reasoning was completely different.
Jim Felt
And Canon is still the best selling non cell phone camera brand in the world.
fred
Gone are the days that I carried a 35mm film camera around with me when travelling – and even longer gone are the days of lugging that Technika IV and Honeywell Flash to a basketball game (nothing like a 4×5 for trying to get an action shot)
My Canon SX700HS now fits in my pocket during much of my travel.
bobad
There’s no cult. It’s just what you carry, and people like to compare and get ideas from others.
Even “Otzi”, the 5500 year old “Ice Man” found frozen in the Alps, sported an EDC kit. He carried his bow, arrows, small axe, string, flint, and leather shoes carefully stuffed with straw. I’m sure he debated with his friends on what is worth carrying and what is just dead weight.
rmkilc
Shirt Front Pocket – Google Pixel 2 XL
Left Wrist – Huawei Watch
Inside Right Wasteband – Springfield Armory XD-S 3.3″ 9MM
Right Watch Pocket – ZebraLight SC600w Mk II L2
Clipped in Right Front Pocket – Benchmade 551-1 Griptilian
Right Front Pocket – 19 keys
Right Front Pocket – Leatherman Style PS (clipped to key ring)
Left Wasteband – Leatherman Charge+ TTI
Left Front Pocket – FourSevens Quark Pro QPLC Gen2
Left Front Pocket – Chapstick
Right Rear Pocket – Allett Leather RFID Original Wallet
Left Ankle – Ruger LCP II
Nate
Not sure why you’d limit yourself to two concealed pistols. If your 9mm gets caught on one of your 19 keys and your Ruger is fouled by chapstick, it may affect your ability to dispense vigilante justice among civilians. Better safe than sorry.
Jim Felt
But wouldn’t a “concealed carry” MP5 make it hard to like sit down?
fred
I knew a guy who carried a short Colt Python in an ankle holster (he said) in case his 9mm jammed. I guess that carrying around a couple of pounds of firearm and bullets on your ankle – does help to build up your leg muscles. He’s passed on now – and as far as I know never fired either in self defense or anger.
Corey Moore
Best comment lol
tim Rowledge
I prefer twin De Lameters,one on each hip, with a Variable Sword in a back scabbard. Oh and a Swiss Army, of course. No, not the pocket knife, the army.
Supertramp
My brain
Philip
If I had one I’d EDC it….
Dennis
Oh I have been a fan of the EDC for years.
1) Kershaw 155TI Cryo
2) Olight I1R EOS Keychain Light
3) Sheaffer Ion Black Rollerball Pen
4) Keys
5) Nite Ize DoohicKey
6) Magnetic Money Clip
7) Wallet
8) Moto X4
9) Smith & Wesson 649 or Glock 26
and lately
10) Samsung Galaxy Watch
11) Anker SoundBuds Slim+ Wireless Headphones
David F.
Beretta Compact 9mm.
Gerber Suspension Multi-Tool.
Oversize Sharpie.
CLC phone/tool holder.
Streamlight Stylus Pro.
Kershaw Speedsafe.
Challenge Coin.
1 key for each important place or vehicle.
(How I found ToolGuyd in the first place, reading knife reviews!)
Michael Gallager
Glock 43 ( in concealment express holster ) w spare magazine, Gerber multiple tool, surefire p6 flashlight, Smith & Wesson pocket light, wallet, money clip, pen Swiss knife, chap stick, fingers clip all ride in cargo pants ( short or long). Retired firefighter
erich s. knox
for the life of me, I do not understand why so many EDC pocket dumps do NOT have a firearm. When I need a screwdriver, a pocket knife or coin or something else might do. When I need flashlight, my phone might do. When I need a gun, nothing else can really meet that need, and if I do it’s an acute need.
Kenneth Stephens
I agree. Hopefully they never need one. If they do I pray a good guy with a gun is there to save them
David F.
Yup, retired LE, 44 years, never fired except on range. Live in a nice town, 9mm is always with me. It’s not to be John Wayne, it’s not to catch the bad guy, it is to allow me to extricate me and mine from the situation, or as a last resort, to end the event.
HumanZookeeper
1. Suunto Observer
2. Spyderco Manix2
3. Gerber MP600
4. Taurus PT100 (2nd gen guide rod redisigned to correct known issue)
5. Streamlight dual fuel 1L-1AA
Normal “Oh Shit Kit” bag in the truck
Phone, wallet, keys
Adam
I have been into EDC for a wile and my interests change often it seems. My main goal with my EDC is versatility. I like what I carry to have multiple uses. I carry a Leatherman surge everyday and a pocket knife (right now it’s a rat1). Part of me wants to spend some money and get a nice high-ish end pocket knife (used to carry a spyderco manix 2 xl till it was stolen) but I love Swiss Army knives and even my rat with the aus8 blade is nice doesn’t hold a edge like the s30v did but I’m under houses and in attics all the time as a HVAC tech and like having something I don’t have to worry about.
I also carry a pen, inkzall, Leatherman piranha 2, and AAS flashlight.
Mike
It’s interesting to see peoples feelings about their EDC. Some are hardcore this is what it is all the time no exceptions. Then others are more flexible, like my self and a couple of others above. Like why carry a flashlight in the middle of the day? I can use my cell phone for that 2-second need or go to my bag/truck to get a real light. Now if going out at night, of course, you add a light. Depending on what you are doing will even dictate which light. I don’t need 1500 lumens of power going out to a movie and dinner, but definitely, carry a little light of some sort. Do that many people really carry a mechanical pencil as EDC? I’m a double-sided sharpie guy usually.
I’d say my 85% of time EDC would be sidearm, Benchmade auto striker, phone, keys with pepper spray, and a sharpie. Then I’ll add on or amend from there depending on the day.
This is all assuming general life and not work. Work EDC is a whole different category.
Andy Ringsmuth
Why carry a flashlight in the middle of the day? Because invariably I end up needing it where the phone won’t work. Ever try to be up on a ladder fixing something and hold a cell phone in your mouth for a flashlight?
Martín
Hi! I’m from Monterrey México.
EDC culture Is mainly new around here, but its growing pretty fast. Before i knew everithing about it. I always had a folding knife,a poquet flash ligth and many other things. I used todo work for Seismic exploration companies, for more than 26 years,always in the middle oficina nowhere.
Yadda
My EDC stays relatively the same. Phone, keys(with a Craftsman 4 way screw driver), pocket multi tools, pen, and watch. I have several multi tool set ups, and watches so it varies according to my whims on any given day. Since most days I don’t need any of the tools it isn’t particularly necessary to plan on my carry to ensure a certain tool is present.
Mike
SOG powerlock
Mag light aa
Firestarter
JoeM
Oh Geez… Saying this ahead of reading: I Have PTSD, and carry strange items in my EDC that will make you think I’m psychotic, when they’re only for emergencies. Also, sometimes my EDC is different from Pants versus Shorts, if the accompanying depression that comes with the condition doesn’t stop me from wearing pants at all.
USUALLY… I have an incomplete EDC, I’m looking into a Flashlight that fits the rest.
Right Hip:
-Leatherman Wave,
-Leatherman Surge Black Oxide (Both in Adam Savage style home made slide holsters.),
-DeWALT DWHT00035 Folding Utility Knife,
-Modified pouch from standard Leatherman Nylon Sheath, customized to hold:
–Spare T-Shank Saw Blade for Surge,
–Leatherman Bit Kit
–Leatherman Style PS and CS mini tools, with swapped secondary tools.
–Leatherman Bit Extender
–This is where a slim flashlight would go, Thinking a Streamlight Stylus.
Right Hip:
-MOLLE/ALICE type water bottle holder with clip
-MOLLE/ALICE type pouch containing:
Outside Face of Pouch:
–Cell Phone
–Fisher Bullet Grip Stylus/Pen with a modified extra end cap to protect Stylus
–This has a large enough Pen slot to hold a Flashlight, if the pouch fails.
First Pocket of pouch:
–Plantronics Voyager Legend Bluetooth Headset (I just don’t like my phone on my face.)
–Same pocket will eventually carry a backup battery for said Phone and Headset.
Second Pocket of Pouch:
–Pentel Graphgear 1000 0.5mm mechanical pencil
–Staedler 52820 extendable eraser
–Pentel spare pencil lead pack
–Metal clad notebook for temporary sketches and/or measurements.
–Leather ID with Nearfield swipe cards for apartment and transit system.
Right Pants/Shorts pocket:
-Wallet
-Panic Meds
-Keys, on a Nite-Ize Key Organizer, when it’s not clipped to a loop of said Pants/Shorts.
Keychain Itself:
–Keys
–Cell Phone SIM Compartment pins (Two sizes)
–Emergency OS rescue USB stick with Xubuntu loaded for file rescue and install.
Right Lower pocket (Cargo Pants/Shorts are key for me.)
-Prescription Sunglasses
-Kleenex
-Clip-On Sunglasses
Work In Progress:
I’m a former scout, so therefore, I tend to want to be prepared for anything… I’m working on an umbrella holder, a backpack, and a few other things to add to the list… ESPECIALLY the Flashlight and Battery Backup. Considering adding Nitrile Protective Gloves, and/or work gloves depending on need.
Also Working on:
When I’m in tool mode: Holster for my Gyro Screwdriver, and also my Impact Driver. Potentially a custom pouch for spare and used utility blades.
Yes, I have a mental illness. No, my EDC is not driven by it. I like to fix stuff. I once fixed a complete stranger’s newly bought Transformer toy, using my Leatherman tools to pop a ball joint back into place, because I didn’t like the crying that started in the child. Also… I love Transformers as toys… and don’t like the low quality they’ve become… so I just… FIXED it… The Father and I were around the same age, and we both looked disgusted at how cheap they made it, so he was quite thankful. I carry what I carry because I never know when I may be called on to fix things. I’ve walked into my bank branch and pulled out my Leatherman tools when the teller started talking about them setting up furniture, or something, in another room. I offered to help, not for money, but because I was there, and had the tools to do so.
And… YES… I carry a scheduled medication in case of panic attacks… PTSD sucks, and I don’t do well around people… So… I’d be a tradesman, or a computer tech still, or do SOMETHING for work if I could handle people. But I can’t do that anymore. My EDC is for when I have to do stuff myself, and be prepared out in public.
To you Gun EDC users: Please be careful out there. I don’t advocate for Guns in civilian hands, but I do support the use, training, licensing, and regulation of Guns to keep the public safe. If Civilians want to participate in that, I’m 100% for them doing so. Please do regular training sessions to keep sharp with the ones you have. And please, for everyone’s sake, practice so you can do a job with one shot, and not need more. Practice Disarm and Disable shooting as well. For your health and safety out there. Come back alive.
erich s. knox
Joel, i don’t think it’s your place to advocate or not advocate for civilians carrying firearms any more than it is appropriate for you to advocate for people carrying knives. This is not a political page. I carry what the law allows as is my right. If you don’t like it, that’s too bad.
JoeM
Sorry, to clarify, I only distinguish this to say I’m not a Gun Advocate, in reference to my following comments about hoping people follow that gun advice. Which is to say, I wish you all well, and that you come home alive.
Nothing political about wanting you to do what you do safely. Purely well wishes and good safety advice in your everyday lives, choosing to carry guns.
If we want to get political about EDC, the conversation stops making sense very quickly. It never works, even for a sentence. I mean, even your comment makes no sense to say. It’s a PERSONAL thing, right? Our EDC is always personal, so… No one is even CAPABLE of advocating anything. Even the Kleenex I carry with me… let’s be honest here… How do I advocate, recommend, or convince someone else to carry Kleenex? It doesn’t work at all. It’s total nonsense outside my own personal EDC.
Now, admiring someone who carries a specific item, a good example is yours, a knife. What can you say, really, besides “Careful not to cut yourself!” or “I know a knife maker who recommends you only sharpen one side of those style knives at a time!”
Now look at comments below, and above my original. There are people talking about safety tips and purchase experience regarding everything from a specific pencil, to someone making a joke about someone carrying TWO guns. It’s not political when it comes to EDC. It’s just EDC folk wishing other EDC folk well with their use of items.
In fact… I DARE you to try and make it political. Or even TRY to make it political. Remember, it has to make sense as well as be on-topic. Could YOU do it? I certainly can’t. Even my comment above is little more than tips to those that carry, in the spirit of health and safety FOR THEM. My admission that I’m NOT a Gun Advocate is a disclaimer to that end. To say I’m NOT trying to convince them of anything but being safe out there. Just good advice when it comes to EDC. Come Home Safe.
Nathan
LOL and so many people forget using one items as EDC that is very very useful
your mobile.
I use it often for things like magnification, sound level, or a level. screw pitch guide, measurement device, etc
and I Carry it everyday.
Nathan
I prefer the term SDC for someday carry. since some days I carry one set – some days another. it varies a decent bit.
Jim Felt
And as a memory device. I shoot photos of nearly everything interesting or important to act as both a date stamped “memory” of stuff and to share as needed.
CountyCork
No EDC for me. Just hate having anything in my pockets except keys and smallest wallet that holds a credit card and license.
Corey Moore
I don’t use my phone for any of that lol I’ve got tools for those applications, and if I’m working, I use those tools. I have used it for a quick compass when red-lining prints though, so kudos for the successful “outside-the-box” revelation on my end?
Eric Wilson
I’m a printer technician and I never go anywhere without the following:
iPhone XR
Wallet
Apple Watch
13″ MacBook Pro
PB Swiss 6 in 1 Precision Screwdriver Kit
Vessel 6 in 1 screwdriver kit
PB Swiss Rainbow Short Hex Keys
Milwaukee 6′ Keychain tape measure (standard and metric)
Peak 22x Loupe
Knipex Blunt Tweezers
Misc. USB adapters and software dongles
Stacey
Ooh I didn’t know Knipex made tweezers. Gonna have to order some of those.
Mike (the other one)
Personal:
Wallet
Personal keys on a belt clip
Cell phone
A Zebra F-301 pen
300+ lumen flashlight (primary)
100+ lumen pocket flashlight (backup)
Pocket knife and/or Leatherman multi-tool depending on what I expect to be doing.
Work Related:
Keys on a retractable belt clip (keyback w/ kevlar cord)
Utility knife
Klein 11-in-1 screwdriver
USB flash drive.
I keep two flashlights because every 12 hours there is a 100% chance of darkness, and I am often in dark areas at work. I have multiple lights that I rotate out.
The What?
Colt m1911 w/2 magazines
Keys
Phone
Wallet
Extra pair of contacts
Ibuprofen
Cancer sticks
Lighter
Water
Car charger
Automotive tools for on the road repairs
6 ton jack
Contractor tools (pliers, wrenches, tapes, screwdrivers etc) tool box
Power tools (depends on what I’m doing)
Toilet paper
Wayne R.
It’s disappointing that so many are prepared for violence yet only one mention of a first aid kit.
Stacey
Why would you want to patch up someone you just shot or knifed? LOL, just joking! ?
Tim D.
I don’t much care for “edc” as a thing, even though I feel everyone has a standard wallet, phone, knife, keys, etc. that would classify.
However, it’s not exactly easy to keep a fak or blowout kit in your pocket.
Kenneth Stephens
You could fit in a RATS tourniquet if you packaged well. However I carry a gun and I don’t carry any first aid on my person. Only in my vehicle
JoeM
I did mention my EDC was incomplete. I know it’s dangerous to say around all these “Made in the USA” folks here, but you can get various Military style MOLLE/ALICE type pouches and such through AliExpress. Yeah, it’s all in Asia, and it’s all Cheap… but $5 plus free shipping can get me another pouch for my EDC that I could assemble a First-Aid Kit into.
In fact, I just might, now that you mention it. So thanks for that! Plus… An excuse to EDC my Leatherman Raptor. 😉
Andy Ringsmuth
Does my “bandaids in the wallet” count as a first-aid kit?
Stuart
Sure. I sometimes carry bandaids in my wallet too, especially when travelling to media events. Somehow, I’ve cut myself at airports and on demo floors.
David F.
I let my EMT cert. expire years ago, first aid kit moves from motorcycle to motorcycle, cars and trucks have dedicated kits. Air travel EDC is completely different, always include Band-Aids! Funny as heck, Stuart coughs himself up for needing Band-Aids in public!
Stuart
Better to have them and not need them, than to have blood dripping or running. One small bandaid is worth like 4 napkins or a trip to the bathroom.
I’ve used them on a few trips.
With my kids in mind, I have a small clear window wallet that I toss in my back pocket when we go to the park. It only fits a couple of bandaids, but that’s better than nothing. Saves a trip to the car.
Stacey
Moto g5+ and this stuff on my Exotac Freekey keychain:
16gb OTG Micro/USB A Thumb Drive
VIM hbr3 bit ratchet wrapped in black duct tape
Bronte BT02 USB Rechargeable light w. replaceable 10180 battery
Craftsman 4 size slotted driver
True Utility FIXR Multi-Tool
Screwpop Utility Knife
4 Dewalt Hex bits held by Keysmart holders
1 small NiteIze geartie
4 keys
7 NiteIze Mini S-Biners
1 small D Carabiner
Plus a lot of crap in my laptop backpack
Corey Moore
Phone, keys on my Nite Ize’s S carabineer, pocket knife, and wallet. Guess I’d count my rigger belt, too. My company recently gave me an engraved Leatherman sidekick that I’ve been trying as a belt carry I’ve expressed before that I’m not a multi tool guy, but it was a nice gift Above that I’ve got a 3/4 ton work truck with a back seat stowing safety and climbing gear, and an open top 6 bin service bed with company tools in the bins, and my gang box of personal tools in the actual bed. Technically that’s my 5-6 day a week EDC lol
Michael
Everyone has their EDC. It has only been in the last few years that it has been given a name and become an almost cult like me too. There is another way of looking at EDC. I have a few things that I carry everyday. Then there are the things that I switch off. I still consider them EDC because they are not special occasion carry. Just my humble 2 cents.
JoeM
Actually, that’s practically every EDC person’s 2 cents. So it’s safe not to be humble about it. You’d get a lot of agreement there. EDC isn’t literal on the E. Some people’s EDC changes over time, expands, shrinks, or entire sections swapped out for other things.
Let’s face it… Looking up at my own EDC… I’m not putting all that on if I have to put on a Tux, or a Suit of some sort. Absolutely ZERO of my EDC comes with me on formal occasions. Plus the extent changes with some seasons.
I say be proud, Michael. You’ve hit EDC squarely on the head with that statement. In more recent years, there have been MANY groups that have been given proper names, where they were just considered “Different” before. Cosplayers, Geeks and Nerds, Collectors… For many, many years they were just nameless, faceless people in the crowd. Now they’ve found eachother worldwide, and have a group identity. Not feeling alone in these differences is a great bonding mechanism in society. So it’s exactly as you say it is. And EDC fans/people/aficionados would say exactly what you did about their care or curation of their personal EDC.
So… High Five to you, really… Nothing to be humble about.
bobad
I carry:
Wallet
Phone
Key ring with 3 keys
Rough Rider stockman’s knife
Still too much, pockets bulge! 🙂
I have small cotton canvas bags for specific jobs and keep them close at hand. I keep very minimal tools in them.
1 for everything drill and impact driver, complete with bits and a few tools.
1 for everything tires and compressors, with pressure gage, sockets for wheels, small bottle jack, blow gun, etc.
1 for clamps, about 10 total.
When something needs working on, I grab the appropriate bag and seldom need anything else.
Bill
I try to keep it simple and light.
1 – Wallet with my Denny’s Senior Discount Card
2- Browning M2 .50 machine gun with belt of ammo
3- Two extra belts of 50cal ammo worn inconspicuously across my chest
4- Bandana tied around my head with a spare hanging out my back pocket for easy access. I find that keeping the hair and sweat out my eyes gives me a tighter grouping down range.
Jim Felt
But what about hearing protection?
;-)~
Bill
What did you say?
: )
tim Rowledge
Just the one Browning? What’s in the other hand?
ToolGuyDan
Yeah, you’re an idiot. When the OpFor overwatch puts a round directly into the barrel of your M2 from three miles away, you’ll wish you’d listened. If you only have one barrel keeping you alive, you might as well have none.
My EDC incorporates a GAU-8 across my back for both primary and suppressive fire, with a pepperbox in my left-leg holster, and a set of strike-anywhere matches on my right. I’ve also filed my fingernails and toenails into inch-long spikes, and I exclusively wear open-toed shoes when I anticipate our LZ at the mall being a hot zone.
Stuart
Please be respectful to others.
Dave T
Phone, wallet, pocket knife, small flashlight (uses single 14500 battery), pen or pencil. In the colder months always have a tape measure in jacket pocket. Only started carrying the flashlight about a year ago and I find it indispensable now, can use AA or 14500 cell, stupidly bright and lasts about 30 minutes full brightness. The flashlight, a 4 pack of rechargeable 14500 batteries, and a charger I leave at work was under $40.
Jared
Besides sunglasses, wallet and phone, the only EDC items I carry consistently are a 125mm Knipex Pliers wrench, a tape measure and a USB drive (last two on my keychain). I’d say 80% of the time or more I also have a Gerber pocket knife, but I know that if it’s not 100% of the time it’s not genuine EDC.
Around my farm I almost always have my SOG multitool with an Olight flashlight tucked into it’s sheath – saves walking back to my shop every time I need to tighten up a screw, adjust a carb or open a feed bag, etc, when out doing chores. Maybe I should get a keychain multi-tool, because I otherwise just find them too big to EDC in my pocket.
MacLean
Nite-Ize cell phone holster and a Moron with the extra battery mod
Nite-Ize Pock-Its with my Leatherman Surge…some Paracord stuffed in the bottom of the pouch so it doesn’t ride too deep, two bit paddles and the extension bit, Pelican 2360 AA flashlight with rechargable batteries. Wallet has a couple of Band-Aids and some single use packets of vitamin I, antibiotic goo and some antacids. When I am not at work I carry a Keltec PF9 in a Galco pocket holster. Optionally I carry my molded ear pro and eye pro, first aid kit in a small Pelican case, Anker charger with quick charge 3.0 and a power bank…also with quick charge…and my work Verizon hotspot.
Don’t get me started on my bug out bag…
I notice folks mentioning items but not listing holsters or pouches…or brands of pants…I prefer Dickies, Carhartt and Duluth for the deep and accessable pockets. The ergonomics of carrying stuff is just as important as the gear.
MacLean
Lol Moto Z…not Moron…got to love autocorrect…
Alvin Singh
I am into EDC and here is what I carry everyday:
Motorola 360 Gen 2 Smartwatch
Nomatic Basics Wallet
Original Chapstick
Streamlight Microstream Flashlight
Swiss Army Tinker Multitool
Kershaw Skyline
Motorola X4 with Spigen Case
Leatherman Caribiner clip
On my key ring: Car, House, Mail Key, Kingston 16GB Flash Drive, Streamlight Nano Flashlight, Sim Card Tool, Custom Mini BIC Pen
Scott K
I believe I initially came to ToolGuyd after some google searches led me to EDCGuyd (either way, some google searches for quality tools led me here and I couldn’t be more appreciative for all of the quality content). I typically carry a phone, wallet, watch, and keys (one keychain has a set of maratac screwdrivers). I would carry either a leatherman, small spiderco, or victorinox soldier but can’t because I work in a school. A keychain tape measure would come in handy, but I’m typically close enough to my car where I keep the basics…
John
I instinctively knew this was going to be a long and interesting thread!
Paul
One of the more intimidating things about being an underground miner, particularly a coal miner is the fact that the minimum required safety gear weighs approximately 40 lbs. and every so often they add a little more. Last I recall:
Hard hat. <1 lb.
Safety glasses. <1 lb.
ear plugs (most of the time). <1 lb.
Reflective clothing. Different mines have different rules but the classic overalls with lots of pockets and long sleeve work shirt is pretty popular. 1 lb.
Steel toe boots. Varies quite a bit. Some mines only require steel toe boots. Canadian and West Virginia rules generally require metatarsal and puncture protection too (steel top and bottom). Adds anywhere between 3 and 10 lbs.
Miner's belt with your brass tag on it. Also carries a self rescuer (oxygen generator, about 10 lbs.) and miner's lamp (battery weighs about 5-10 pounds). Belt itself weighs about 1 lb.
So far about 30-40 lbs. and this is essentially "office wear".
Then you add in rubber boots or waders if it's a wet mine or if the task is basically wet anyways (blasters), rubber overalls and jacket for wet conditions, long johns and insulated shirt if it's a colder mine, gloves of various sorts including jacket, gloves almost always, respirator in some cases, and knee and/or elbow pads. Not required but obviously a good idea depending on conditions. We're adding another 5-10 lbs. here depending on what is needed but also starting to add considerable bulk.
That's it for the basics. I haven't even gotten to tools for the job. The maintenance guys are basically a walking tool crib and the poster children for either minimalist EDC (can you fix everything with an adjustable wrench, hammer, and a screwdriver) or excessive EDC (darn pockets on the overalls keep ripping out!), and even the production guys are never far from a sledge hammer and a well worn "beater" screwdriver and an adjustable wrench to make "adjustments" to equipment.
Just food for thought. I kind of laugh at the "Leatherman guy" with the tool prominently displayed next to a cell phone. And if someone can slim down the weight of any part of this and get it past federal regulations, a whole lot of miners will love you for it.
sean
thank you David F for your service
Struto
I went titanium for my edc
Spyderco Techno
Boker .50 Cal titanium pen with Fisher ink
Decadent Minimalist titanium wallet
Carson War Armor titanium lighter with Zippo guts
Citizen EcoDrive Super Titanium watch (AW0060-54A)
Chris Fyfe
In re: EDC Screwdrivers , mine is the PBSwiss magazine stubby , 6 1/4” hex bits in the Magazine , and 1 in the chuck .Handle ergonomics are pretty good for a stubby , way better than SAK ,or Multitool drivers .
Barry Crane
I sold some fasteners yester to a guy that had more than everyone except the coal miner & ptsd guys above. His hat had tools or weapons around it. Said he’d already killed a man in self defense in his house but still costed 15,000$ for lawyers.
The only thing I saw that I carry that I don’t think y’all did is 1/2 full black tape roll to use instead of carrying tywraps. Or for temporary repair of some stuff.