# What should you or do you always have with you? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 18, 2015, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206 "2015-01-18T19:43:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![phall0106](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/phall0106/32/5934_2.png) [@phall0106](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phall0106)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/21 "2015-01-19T18:00:14Z")
…I’m gonna need a bigger bag. ---
**Author:** ![phall0106](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/phall0106/32/5934_2.png) [@phall0106](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phall0106)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/22 "2015-01-19T18:03:44Z")
> [@Boogly](#): > > What are you looking to survive? > > A trip to the ER? A phone charger for your almost smartphone. You don’t need a current all the bells and whistles phone, but a phone that can connect you to your family/friends to help you is about the best thing you can have. > > Facebook post ‘I’m at the hospital emergency from, BUT NOT DYING, and I don’t have ‘x’, can someone help?’ > > See what happens. One thing I realized in the ER (this is my second visit in less than a year) is that unless I’m to the point where I need an advocate (in so much pain, I can’t alert a nurse, etc.), then I’m better physically and emotionally not having someone else there. For this reason, **Boogly** , I’d rather not send out a request for stuff, but be prepared for any unexpected trips (to the ER or elsewhere). And posting an ER visit on Facebook? No freaking way. (Getting internet {hugs} would drive me over the edge.) ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/23 "2015-01-19T18:19:55Z")
Always (almost always) have: Wallet wtih credit cards, health insurance card, debit card, drivers license Car keys iPhone Should (but usually don’t) always have: cash all the other stuff you guys are mentioning. ---
**Author:** ![amanset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8dc957/32.png) [@amanset](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amanset)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/24 "2015-01-19T18:20:38Z")
Insulin Blood Meter Glucose Tablets Wallet Phone The rest works itself out. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/25 "2015-01-19T18:25:53Z")
When I’m out for a run I have a RoadID and my house keys. Rarely do I carry anything else. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/26 "2015-01-19T19:53:03Z")
My normal out-of-the-house stuff would be wallet, keys, pocketknife, nail clippers. In my car I have phone charger, GPS, flashlight, multi-tool, and a blanket. On longer drives I often take my wallet out of my back pocket and set it in the door handle, more comfortable that way. It occurs to me that if I was in a bad accident and they are trying to identify me, my wallet is probably better off in my back pocket. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/27 "2015-01-19T20:02:39Z")
Reverse band from a Ford-a-matic. Quite useful. ---
**Author:** ![MacTech](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/28 "2015-01-19T20:12:26Z")
The technical term for what you are describing is “EDC” or Every Day Carry… Aside from the normal items, wallet, phone and keys, I carry the following items, I tend to carry a bit more than I “need”, as I’m a tech, and I love gadgets… 😉 RF watch pocket; Case Peanut amber bone CV steel Victorinox Manager (for the pen and scissors, mainly) RF pocket; Victorinox Alox Farmer, Fenix L1P 2.0 flashlight RR pocket; chrome Fisher Bullet LF pocket; mini Maglight LED Pro, Buck 110 in nylon sheath, zippo armor brass lighter So, I have on me at all times, lighting tools, cutting tools, a way of making fire, and a writing tool And of course, my cow-orkers are constantly asking to borrow a light or a knife… They need to get their own damn tools… ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/29 "2015-01-19T20:19:00Z")
> [@MacTech](#): > > …And of course, my cow-orkers are constantly asking to borrow a light or a knife… > They need to get their own damn tools Why should they get their own tools; somebody else is willing to buy and carry tools for them? You’re motivating the behavior you want to stop. It’s like parents who reward their kids for crying or dog owners who give the dog a treat for barking or jumping up. Don’t reward that behavior and pretty soon it’ll stop happening. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/30 "2015-01-19T20:30:01Z")
Duct tape Razor blades Handcuffs (no key) Live mealworms Dead mealworms A horse (alive or dead) 3 kittens (alive) Bottle of tainted milk adult diapers Expired driver’s license for an old Hispanic man Cassette Walkman Cassette tape of Barry Manilow’s greatest hits An enormous, 50 lb jar of pickles, sealed shut Small bag of cement 4 foot ficus tree, extremely well cared for A second horse (alive or dead) 3 Vanderbilt University cheerleaders, male (and alive… what are you, some kind of monster???) 3 spare skateboard wheels 20 pounds of manure (disregard if one of the horses is alive – they’ll produce plenty of this for you) Sloths Warm socks. Really important – if something happens to your feet, you can be in real trouble. Porn. Not just your favorite kind, but all kinds – when society is self-destructing, porn will be a valuable barter item. One scissor (half of a pair of scissors). One of those soothing little battery-powered rock fountains. The entire TV series for Chris Elliott’s “Get a Life” on Blu-Ray A small pewter replica of the Eiffel tower Tons of Q-Tips. Like a garbage bag full. Trust me, you’ll need them. One Jai Alai glove (also called a cesta) Your grandmother’s ashes. You’ll feel really bad if you leave them behind. A team poster for the 1989 Houston Oilers signed by every single member of the roster, even Tony Zendajas (especially Tony Zendajas!) That bluish kind of crystal meth. Just enough for like an awesome weekend with that girl that works at the supermarket. A detailed map of pre-Israel Palestine. A really gnarly, soiled hardback copy of “American Patriots: Answering the Call to Freedom” by Rick Santorum A gallon jug of water-based anal lube. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/31 "2015-01-19T20:41:54Z")
> [@Count\_Blucher](#): > > Something that can cut the seat belt off of you after an accident. > Something that can smash a car window open & allow you to get out after an accident. > Something that, if you have no civilization near by, can start a fire to keep warm. That would be a pocket knife, plus a flint. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/32 "2015-01-19T20:53:09Z")
Two day supply of meds (six pills) always leaves the house with me since I need to take them when I eat. I carry the extra days supply in case I get “lucky” and don’t make it home that night. Then add keys, cash, two credit cards, the phone and my license and I’m good to go and face the world. And pants, don’t leave home without pants! :eek: I hate when that happens, get half way there and have to turn around and go back to get my pants. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/33 "2015-01-19T21:02:28Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Duct tape > Razor blades > Handcuffs (no key) > Live mealworms > Dead mealworms > A horse (alive or dead) > 3 kittens (alive) > Bottle of tainted milk > adult diapers > Expired driver’s license for an old Hispanic man > Cassette Walkman > Cassette tape of Barry Manilow’s greatest hits > An enormous, 50 lb jar of pickles, sealed shut > Small bag of cement > 4 foot ficus tree, extremely well cared for > A second horse (alive or dead) > 3 Vanderbilt University cheerleaders, male (and alive… what are you, some kind of monster???) > 3 spare skateboard wheels > 20 pounds of manure (disregard if one of the horses is alive – they’ll produce plenty of this for you) > Sloths > Warm socks. Really important – if something happens to your feet, you can be in real trouble. > Porn. Not just your favorite kind, but all kinds – when society is self-destructing, porn will be a valuable barter item. > One scissor (half of a pair of scissors). > One of those soothing little battery-powered rock fountains. > The entire TV series for Chris Elliott’s “Get a Life” on Blu-Ray > A small pewter replica of the Eiffel tower > Tons of Q-Tips. Like a garbage bag full. Trust me, you’ll need them. > One Jai Alai glove (also called a cesta) > Your grandmother’s ashes. You’ll feel really bad if you leave them behind. > A team poster for the 1989 Houston Oilers signed by every single member of the roster, even Tony Zendajas (especially Tony Zendajas!) > That bluish kind of crystal meth. Just enough for like an awesome weekend with that girl that works at the supermarket. > A detailed map of pre-Israel Palestine. > A really gnarly, soiled hardback copy of “American Patriots: Answering the Call to Freedom” by Rick Santorum > A gallon jug of water-based anal lube. You too huh? ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/34 "2015-01-19T22:40:27Z")
> **[Everyday Carry - What are your EDC essentials?](https://everydaycarry.com/)** > > A peek into the pockets of people worldwide, showcasing our every day essentials. ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2015, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/35 "2015-01-20T00:09:28Z")
I’m going to break form with the Bug Out Bag thing, and list the stuff I actually have with me at all times. In the purse: Smartphone loaded with music and some Kindle books Headphones Keys Wallet Granola bar Sanitary napkin Sunglasses Lip balm And in my car a plastic shoebox with: Various snacks Hand sanitizer Chewing gum Hair elastics Hairbrush First aid kit More sanitary napkins Tissues Wet wipes ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2015, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/36 "2015-01-20T03:24:16Z")
I never leave home without my penis. And I mean _never._ It keeps me from getting bored in so many circumstances. And it doesn’t need batteries; not yet anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2015, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/37 "2015-01-20T04:41:57Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > I never leave home without my penis. And I mean _never._ It keeps me from getting bored in so many circumstances. And it doesn’t need batteries; not yet anyway. I have often suspected that having a penis would make just about any situation more entertaining. Sadly, I only came equipped with a pair of boobs. Maybe equally entertaining for other people, but not very entertaining to me. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2015, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/38 "2015-01-20T06:34:13Z")
A Maxpedition Jumbo Fatboy shoulder bag has room for your phone charger, your phone, memo book and pen, a multitool, a water bottle, some snacks, your meds, a change of socks and underwear, a toothbrush and paste, a flashlight, a handgun and extra magazine, two eyeglass cases, and a paperback novel. there is space for more, but that is what I have in mine. The bag is smaller than the typical gym bag and light enough not to get left home. ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2015, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/39 "2015-01-20T12:00:42Z")
Most of my items have been mentioned, but I have a few extra everyday things in the vehicles. In all the cars, and in the truck I have suitably sized portable [power packs](http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v20/435580685/portable_12V_auto_jump_starter.jpg). These are worth their weight in gold sometimes, with not only a starter battery for the car, but lights, air pump, and usb charger for phones. I also carry a [little john](http://www.sportys.com/PilotShop/product/13087) for situations where a bathroom is unavailable. These are great, as they can be used discreetly while in the car (under a towel, etc) and can make a long traffic jam more bearable. I’ve bought tire chains for every vehicle as well. These are relatively small nowadays, and are indispensable on the few days it gets icy. I keep a clean shirt in my vehicle most of the time. Invariably during the year, I’ll spill something and need to change before going to a meeting. In the winter, I also keep a heavy coat, heavy boots, gloves, raingear, etc. I’m always prepared to get out and walk in any weather. These are more the CarHartt variety, not dressy. Also some large old beach towels, in case I need to lay on the ground for a bit (installing chains, etc.) ---
**Author:** ![Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/les_espaces_du_sommeil/32/308_2.png) [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Les_Espaces_Du_Sommeil)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2015, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206/40 "2015-01-20T12:19:34Z")
What I always have with me: - ID - Bank and credit cards - Bus/tram/metro card - Smartphone - Keys - Hand sanitizer Things I often have with me: - Phone charger - Pen and a small notepad - Comb - Wet wipes Things I’m considering adding to the list: - Swiss Army knife - Flashlight I never have a lot on cash. I can go for weeks with less than 10€ in my pockets. But realistically, it something that you’d better have (notes and coins). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-you-or-do-you-always-have-with-you/710206.md?page=3)