(ModernSurvival.org) – Everyday Carry (EDC) is a hot topic for those who take preparation seriously. This consists of the items you keep on your person every day, each time you leave home, and goes beyond a wallet/purse and cell phone. To a survivalist, EDC is the collection of vital tools that can save them or those around them in an emergency.

Each person tends to personalize their EDC based on preference and location. At their core, however, each loadout tends to have common survival essentials.

Basic Necessities

The first thing to understand about a good EDC is that it should be able to fit on your person comfortably and remain unrecognizable to those around you. You aren’t trying to replicate Batman’s tool belt, nor are you going to be wearing your bug out bag with you at all times.

When it comes to designing your personal EDC, remember you have a limited amount of space in your pockets, so you need to be selective in what you choose. To help in this endeavor, here’s a list of basic necessities for your EDC:

• Firestarter. A lighter, a pack of matches, or even flint and steel. In an unexpected survival situation, fire can be a lifesaver.
• Knife. For self-defense, cutting seat belts in a car accident or cutting strips of clothing for tourniquets/bandages.
• Multitool. A good multitool has so many uses that it easily makes the list.
• Handkerchief/bandana. For breathing in dusty air, protecting your head from the sun, use as a tourniquet, and more. A bandana has so many survival uses that we have an entire article covering them, which you can check out here.
• Flashlight. It’s surprising how often a flashlight comes in handy for day-to-day activities once you start carrying one. In a pinch, it can also serve as a fist pack or bludgeoning tool for self-defense.
• Extra cash. You never know when having some spare cash on hand could come in handy. If the power goes out, or even if a credit card machine decides to be difficult, this can be a great thing to have.
• Pen. Need to sign an important document, or fend off an attacker? A pen can help you out in both situations.

These items can be added to your basic daily carry items such as a cell phone, wallet or purse, and car keys. They may stuff your pockets a bit, but it’s far better to have them on hand should you need them.

Advanced Necessities

Next comes the big item: a firearm — if it is legal in your area to possess one (and carry it in public). Carrying a gun is a great responsibility, and we urge everyone who does to take training courses on how to do so safely. There are many reasons why having a firearm could be the difference-maker in a survival situation, from being mugged to facing an active shooter.

We never know when disaster may strike, which is exactly why having an EDC is vital. It’s always better to be prepared for the worst and not need the items than to need them and not have them.

For examples of why it is important to prepare for emergencies, check out our article here.

~Here’s to Your Survival!

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