Whenever I go somewhere further than an hour or so walk back home I, like many preppers, carry an EDC Kit. This is not intended to be a 72 hour survival bag, bug out bag, or get home bag. Just a small, easy to grab kit with a few items in it for those little issues that arise.
Let’s take a look at the complete packed kit.
That’s it! Are you surprised at the size? EDC kits are not intended to be big. Packed as shown this kit measures about 6″ x 4″ x 4″. It’s small enough for me to not say “meh…I don’t need this bulky thing today”. Remember, easy to cary means you’re more likely to carry it. Also, not shown on the back are 2 belt loops for hands free transportation.
Now for the expanded view.
This is what I carry as standard EDC.
TOP:
Baofeng UV5R with stock antenna, programmed with the same frequencies as all my radios.
Multitool with various screwdriver bits. Nothing fancy, just a decent Canadian Tire special worth about $30. This tool has lasted me over a decade with regular use. I have yet to see the value in spending $100 or more on fancy name brand multitools or pocket knives.
BOTTOM:
Rechargeable battery bank with USB cable. This can charge my flip phone twice from dead. The cable also can be used to recharge the battery bank from any USB port.
Flip Phone. Say what you want, it does what I need it to do which is make/receive calls and send/receive texts. They also cost a lot less month to month than an Iphone whatever they’re up to now.
12VDC auto accessory to USB port adaptor. Great for charging phones, battery banks, tablets, even the Boafeng with the right cable.
LED flashlight with spare 18650 battery. This thing just works. It throws light with an adjustable focus beam and a hi/lo setting. Lumens? Who cares as I’m not going to use it to light up a military target at 1000 yards!
I found that keeping my cell phone in the pouch makes me even more likely to grab the pouch on my way out the door. Full disclosure though, I usually have a folding pocket knife on me…a leatherman 154cm. They aren’t made anymore and it was a gift, so I can’t tell you how much it costs, but I would guess somewhere around $30-$40. It’s sharp, keeps its edge well, and is of perfectly acceptable quality.
So what’s in your EDC? Do you feel the need for the best, often most expensive gear or go more for the decent quality to price ratio stuff?
