# Your EDC \[Everyday-carry\] **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 9, 2013, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525 "2013-11-09T22:26:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Blackberry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecd19e/32.png) [@Blackberry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackberry)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/21 "2013-11-10T01:48:23Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > Or Katrina, or Hurricane Sandy? Disasters don’t have to be The End of the World to put you in a bad way far from help, depending on where you’re living and how far you have to evacuate to get away from whatever is going down. > > Even if you’re in an area where you think you’ll never be far from help, it wouldn’t hurt to at least have a bag with a document packet (lease/financials/insurance contacts/phone numbers if your phone is dead/etc.), maybe a bit of clothing and toiletries, that kind of thing, in case you have to GTFO quickly. Yeah, I’m not saying it’s crazy to have some emergency supplies on hand, but honestly I don’t have much space, but I do live feet away from multiple stores that sell food/water/clothes/toiletries, so I will be among the first of the looters, and I live within walking distance of my mom’s house, and they have a lot more space for emergency supplies than I do. If I lost all my possessions I would be devastated, but as far as IDs and documentation and such, they could all be replaced without too much trouble. I’m not going to prepare for an unimaginably devastating situation, because I don’t want to live through that. ---
**Author:** ![flatlined](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/22 "2013-11-10T01:53:22Z")
> [@Blackberry](#): > > Anyway, the OP seemed to be about weapons mainly. I do have a thing of pepper spray in my bag but haven’t had occasion to keep it in my hand yet (before I got it there have been a few times I would have, which inspired me to spend $10 to buy it, like when \*\*some creepy guy was waiting in a deserted parking lot the middle of the night by my car to ask directions, \*\*but that’s rare). I find it pretty crazy to bring a gun and extra ammo (!) everywhere you go. Actually, I think the OP was discussing folks like **Ferret Herder** and me. The ones who carry emergancy supplies on a regular basis. Mostly I carry extra ammo because I need the weight to make my shoulder holster hang properly. I don’t expect to ever have to use it. Its just part of what I wear/carry. The bolded part makes me worry a little bit about you. The first thing that every self defense and gun safety class I have taken has gone over the “don’t allow yourself to get in dangerous situations” I would not have approached my car alone in that situation. > [@Foggy](#): > > If I’m going to the corner liquor store: my keys & my wallet > > If I’m going anywhere else I will also take my shoulder bag which contains 2 canvas shopping bags, my reading glasses, a pen and a note pad and my cell phone (maybe). > > No weapons, no bug out bag and I almost never have cash on me. I rarely use cash, but if the power is down our cards won’t work. **Ferret Herder** reminded me that I need to put gloves in our BOB. Our first aid kits include latex gloves, but there might be times that we need work gloves. You told me something else that is missing. Pen and paper. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/23 "2013-11-10T01:58:35Z")
The only things I _always_ carry on my person when I leave the house are my wallet (which contains my ID, debit/credit cards, spare key, Social Security card, medical/dental insurance cards, and other random crap), my keys, and my phone. I take my portable phone charger with me if I’m expecting to be away from a power source for my phone for a significant amount of time. As far as weapons, if I’m expecting to be going on foot after dark in a seedy part of town I’ll tuck a kitchen knife or a box cutter into my pocket, and I keep a hatchet under the driver’s seat of my car. I also have a bag which I take to work with me and keep in my car, in which I keep a non-perishable lunch, some beverages, painkillers, a spare asthma inhaler, and a couple other OTC medications that might turn out handy if I find myself unexpectedly under the weather. ---
**Author:** ![flatlined](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/24 "2013-11-10T02:24:26Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > As far as weapons, if I’m expecting to be going on foot after dark in a seedy part of town I’ll tuck a kitchen knife or a box cutter into my pocket, and I keep a hatchet under the driver’s seat of my car. Snerts. Giggles. Laughs out loud. You need to keep a cat in your pocket. Fling the clawed beasty at a mugger and said mugger will run away screaming. (That was just a joke, I really don’t think that cats are good self defense weapons. They don’t don’t like to ride in pockets and often get distracted and go off to do other things.) But seriously, situational awareness is really important. If your car is in the back of a dark parking lot and folks are hanging around. First thing you should do is not park there. Next thing you should do when you see someone trying to break into your car is to call the police and run back inside. Even if they aren’t breaking into your car, and just standing around smoking pot, you shouldn’t go there. Get someone to walk with you or call the police and ask for help. Now I’m channeling my teachers. Goes off to try to get my cat to eat. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/25 "2013-11-10T02:39:28Z")
> [@flatlined](#): > > **Ferret Herder** reminded me that I need to put gloves in our BOB. Our first aid kits include latex gloves, but there might be times that we need work gloves. I got that from reading about a super-urban disaster, when people had to scramble out of a stalled subway car and walk for blocks underground, in the dark. IIRC, they also had to climb up an emergency ladder and clamber up concrete embankments and things. In situations like that, it’s a good thing to protect your hands. Also from a Metra (Chicago commuter train, which I take daily during the work week) derailment where people were trying to rescue others out of a derailed car. ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/26 "2013-11-10T03:07:47Z")
45ACP 1911, one of several Keltec [P32](http://www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/p-32/pistol/)or P3AT Benchmade [AFO](http://www.sogknives.com/flash-ii-tanto-partially-serr-black-tini.html) SOG [Flash II](http://www.sogknives.com/flash-ii-tanto-partially-serr-black-tini.html) Leatherman [Squirt](http://www.leatherman.com/91.html) [Whistle](http://www.campsaver.com/40-micro-emergency-whistle) Butane lighter Handcuff key Sharpies Pens Small notepad Green laser pointer Surefire E2D [flashlight](http://www.surefire.com/illumination/flashlights/e2d-led-defender-ultra.html) ASP baton with [BAC cap](http://www.bustacapinc.com/) Nitrile gloves Wallet Comb Cell phone That’s just my pants. My truck carries a [box](http://www.homedepot.ca/wcsstore/HomeDepotCanada/images/catalog/15829.20800_A_4.jpg)of advanced First Aid and rescue [equipment](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/th/content_26/Q1_2010/stanley_B000V29B7K_3-L.jpg). More and different stuff as the situation dictates. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/27 "2013-11-10T03:12:35Z")
Wallet, cell phone, chap stick, keys (inc. MagLite Solitaire LED flashlight) and a 3 5/8" blade Boker Magnum Lord knife. (intended to get the Duke 2.5" blade, but made an ordering mistake). So basically the normal stuff, a tiny flashlight and a big honkin’ knife. ---
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/28 "2013-11-10T04:14:18Z")
Key chain has small flashlight, uncle bill’s tweezers, small knife, screwdrivers, bottle opener. Money clip has cash, small knife and scissors. Shoulder bag has handkerchief, plastic bag for purchases, chili/salt and toilet paper. ---
**Author:** ![picker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/picker/32/13969_2.png) [@picker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picker)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/29 "2013-11-10T05:37:09Z")
Phone, Wallet, Glasses, Keys. Guitar Picks, Drum Key, several flash drives and an iLok. (music producer/audio engineer) ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/30 "2013-11-10T05:42:58Z")
Wallet, keys, watch, glasses, iPhone. I’ve never felt the need for much else. I don’t have a “bug-out bag”, either. I don’t see a situation where I’ll be evacuating my home without 10 minutes to throw some stuff together. ---
**Author:** ![tellyworth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/977dab/32.png) [@tellyworth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tellyworth)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/31 "2013-11-10T07:36:56Z")
> [@ducati](#): > > That’s just my pants. How do you sit down? ---
**Author:** ![Stringbean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Stringbean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stringbean)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/32 "2013-11-10T08:26:12Z")
Keys, phone, wallet, earplugs ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/33 "2013-11-10T11:04:15Z")
I see you’ve found the Zombie Squad forums. Obviously being in Scotland I don’t carry a firearm, but some basic kit like a pocket torch, multi-tool, some aspirin or paracetamol, and a few other bits and bobs don’t take up much space or weight. Especially if you’re wearing a jacket. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/34 "2013-11-10T13:26:13Z")
I’m about as low tech as you’ll find for somebody who isn’t Amish. I carry my wallet, my keys (one for the car and one for the house), a watch, glasses, and a comb. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/35 "2013-11-10T13:46:06Z")
> [@ducati](#): > > 45ACP 1911, one of several > Keltec [P32](http://www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/p-32/pistol/)or P3AT > Benchmade [AFO](http://www.sogknives.com/flash-ii-tanto-partially-serr-black-tini.html) > SOG [Flash II](http://www.sogknives.com/flash-ii-tanto-partially-serr-black-tini.html) > Leatherman [Squirt](http://www.leatherman.com/91.html) > [Whistle](http://www.campsaver.com/40-micro-emergency-whistle) > Butane lighter > Handcuff key > Sharpies > Pens > Small notepad > Green laser pointer > Surefire E2D [flashlight](http://www.surefire.com/illumination/flashlights/e2d-led-defender-ultra.html) > ASP baton with [BAC cap](http://www.bustacapinc.com/) > Nitrile gloves > Wallet > **Comb** > Cell phone “Yeah, I carry knives, a couple of guns, fire, handcuffs, glass-breaker, and a comb. Gotta look good during whatever emergency I plan to shoot my way out of.” ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/36 "2013-11-10T13:47:33Z")
I have several handguns and a concealed carry permit but almost never carry one. Such a hassle and rarely feel the need. I usually have a knife with me but not as a weapon. EDC is keys (quite a few), wallet, pocket knife. I have a soft cooler with pockets that I call “my purse”. It has phone, headphone AM/FM radio, aspirin, hand sanitizer, about five bucks in change, a flashlight and my lunch. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/37 "2013-11-10T13:54:39Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > “Yeah, I carry knives, a couple of guns, fire, handcuffs, glass-breaker, and a comb. Gotta look good during whatever emergency I plan to shoot my way out of.” I’m guessing his comb has some sorta sprig-out razor knife or sumpin. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/38 "2013-11-10T13:57:09Z")
> [@River\_Hippie](#): > > I have a soft cooler with pockets that I call “my purse”. Straight down the hall, third door on your left, turn in your man card.😃 ETA: all kidding aside, you should just call the thing your cooler. ---
**Author:** ![Enginerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bcef8e/32.png) [@Enginerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enginerd)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/39 "2013-11-10T14:18:49Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > I’m about as low tech as you’ll find for somebody who isn’t Amish. I carry my wallet, my keys (one for the car and one for the house), a watch, glasses, and a comb. This is pretty close to mine. I always have my home keys and wallet with a little cash. Work days I add work keys (separate ring), a pen and small notebook, and cell phone. That’s about it. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525/40 "2013-11-10T14:32:45Z")
S&W M&P 9 mm compact. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-edc-everyday-carry/673525.md?page=3)