What's In Your Tech EDC Bag?

Although most of us haven't been schlepping our tech gear very far over the past several months, people are getting tired of working from home and opting for a few hour's respite at coffee shops or parks or other locations for a change of scenery, which means it may be time to revamp the tech EDC bag.

Here are items you might want to consider having in your tech EDC bag (depending on your needs, you may carry a few, several, or all of these items):

1. Messenger bag/daypack and assorted pouches to organize gear (I use a daypack)
2. Laptop (my preference is the Dell XPS 13" i7 laptop)
3. Tablet or e-reader (I use a Tab S6)
4. Cell phone (I use an S 20 Ultra)
5. Switch/gaming system (I don't game but I think every grandkid carries one of these Switch systems with them at all times)
6. USB fast wall charger/cables (I use a fast charging brick that can charge all of my devices at the same time)
7. 10k-20k battery bank (depending on your needs, bigger may be better)
8. Camera/lenses (if you are a photographer or vlogger; I just use the camera on my cell phone)
9. Drone/GoPro/batteries (if this is your hobby)
10. Wireless bluetooth mouse (this can work with my cell, tablet, and laptop)
11. Wireless earbuds (my go-to for listening to music/podcasts/YouTube/etc)
12. Wired ear buds (used in an emergency when my wireless earbuds/headphones are out of battery)
13. USB-C headphone adaptor cord (goes with the wired earbuds since my phone and tablet don't have headphone jacks)
14. Wireless noise canceling headphones (the best option for listening to music or podcasts and block out outside noise)
15. Spare batteries (for mouse, camera, etc)
16. Solar charger/power bank (if you will be far from power something like this is a good option)
17. Spare USB flash drives (I keep a few USB-A/USB-C flash drives on hand for moving or sharing files)
18. Spare memory cards (ditto)
19. Micro SD to type C card reader (one of these will allow you to pop the memory card from your dashcam to transfer the files to your cell phone/tablet/laptop)
20. Type C to type A adaptor tip (if you have older electronics to charge this tip works on your type c cords)
21. Power strip (for when you need to plug in more than one charger at a time)
22. Tripod/selfie stick (for taking photos or videos)
23. Gimbal (for taking steady videos)
24. External hard drive (if you are saving or moving large files or just want a secure external backup for your files, one of these works great)
25. External speaker (if you often share your music with others this type of speaker is a good idea)
26. Watch or smart watch (either one or the other is a must-have for many)
27. AM/FM radio (good idea when the radio apps on your phone don't work)
28. HAM radio (an alternative way to communicate if you are licensed to do so)
29. Folding bluetooth keyboard (can be used with your cell phone and tablet)
30. Wireless microphone (for vlogging)
31. Hackerware (if you are a hacker you will have many additional items to add to your tech  EDC bag)
32. Faraday bag (to isolate your electronics from hackers, EMP, tracking, etc)
33. Hero clip (a very useful carabiner)
34. Burner phone/prepaid phone plan (always nice to have one of these which isn't linked to your name)
35. Small flashlight or headlamp (for looking behind furniture for an outlet, etc)
36. Scanner/printer (if you regularly scan or print documents, receipts, etc; these come in very small sizes)
37. Notebook (for making notes, etc)
38. Fisher Space Pen (ditto)
39. $100 in back of cell phone case (cash in case of an emergency)
40. Cell number/cell phone plan (get the best plan for your needs)
41. VPN (for relatively secure access to the internet)
42. Apps and software (download the apps and software you usually use)
43. Domain name/website (optional but a good idea if you are a professional)
44. MiFi/service plan (if you want a hotspot that won't drain your cell battery, this is a good option)
45. Leatherman Wave (a useful tool for everyday use)
46. Email addresses (several for various purposes; personal email business email, spam, etc)
47. Social media accounts (set up as needed)
48. Tile tracker (to track your expensive electronics in case they get jacked)
49. RFID blocking wallet (to secure your ID and credit cards from hackers)
50. Multi charging cables (I carry something like this mostly to loan to others when needed)

Your EDC Kit

Another basic prepper item that everyone should have is an EDC (every day carry) kit.  An EDC kit will be unique to each person as it covers everything a person would need to carry with them to see them through the course of the day.  A businessman would have one kind of kit, a utility worker another, and a student, yet another.  This simple kit has spawned quite an online presence--from websites and articles to blogs and subreddits--but the bottom line is to put together a kit that works for you.  Here are some items to consider for your EDC kit:

• A bag (briefcase, daypack, messenger bag, fanny pack, etc)
• Watch
• Cell phone/charging cable
• Bottle of water
• Insulated stainless steel bottle (for hot drinks)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Packet of Kleenex
• Pen/pencil
• Journal/paper
• Ear buds
• Backup battery charger
• Tiny AM/FM radio
• Wallet with ID
• Cash/coins/credit cards
• Keys
• Hat
• Umbrella
• Bandanna
• Reflector/flasher (lights, bands, chem sticks, etc)
• Food/snacks
• Candy/chocolate
• Wet wipes/hand sanitizer
• Bandaids
• Packet of aspirin/Tylenol
• Benadryl
• Antacid
• Glucose tabs
• Prescription meds (EpiPen, etc)
• Alcohol wipes
• Antiseptic cream
• Nitrile gloves
• Tourniquet 
• Dental floss
• Needle
• Safety pins
• Nail clipper
• Nail file
• Super glue
• Headlamp/flashlight (and extra batteries)
• Condom
• Tampon
• Rubber bands
• Lighter/matches
• Duct tape
• Water purification tablets
• Mylar emergency blanket
• Paracord
• Carabiner
• Pocket knife
• Multi tool
• Signal mirror
• Zip ties
• Mini sewing kit
• Ziploc bags
• Whistle
• Compass
• Business/name cards
• Toiletry kit 
• Lunch utensils (spork, mini can opener, etc)
• Pepper spray
• Quick dry towel
• Photos on cell phone: ID, passport, prescriptions, emergency contact info, etc.
• Handgun (holster, spare magazine, extra ammo)
• USB drive with back-up of all your important files
• Light jacket

National Preparedness Month Day 7--Your EDC Bag

In order to be prepared for a disaster, you need to be prepared at all times.  If you are only prepared for a disaster when you are at home, what happens if disaster strikes when you are away from home?  One way to be prepared for whatever may happen each time you walk out the door is to put together a comprehensive EDC (everyday carry) bag.  Consider including the following contents:

• Bag (day pack, messenger bag, briefcase, purse, etc)
• Keys
• Watch
• Wallet/ID
• Cash/coins/credit cards
• Pre-paid cards or apps (gas, restaurants, coffee shops, subway, etc)
• Business cards
• Print out of emergency contacts (kept in wallet)
• Pen
• Mini Sharpie marker
• Small notebook
• Cell phone/charger
• UBS battery charger
• Spare batteries (for flashlight, radio, etc)
• Earbuds
• Mini USB drive (formatted, blank)
• Mini USB drive (with all back up files on it)
• Spare SD card (for cell phone)
• Small GPS tracker tag (in bag)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hand lotion
• Personal items (glasses, hearing aids/batteries, denture cream, contacts/solution, etc)
• Bottle of water
• Mini thermos/stainless insulated water bottle
• Carabiner
• Paracord bracelet
• Packet of tissues
• Wet Wipes
• Dental floss
• First aid kit: Bandaids, packet of Tylenol, aspirin, and ibuprofin, packet of benadryl, packet of antacid, alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment packet, cough drops, regular prescription meds, emergency prescription meds (antibiotics, pain killers, etc), glucose tabs, electrolyte tabs, needle, petroleum jelly
• Lip balm/make up
• Fit-it kit: safety pins, rubber bands, paper clips, mini Super Glue, zip ties, mini sewing kit
• Razor blade
• Nail clippers
• Nail file
• Vitamins
• Condom
• Tampon
• Bandanna
• Lighter
• Matches
• Magnesium fire stick
• Gum/breath mints
• Food: energy gels, granola bars, packets: soup, coffee, tuna, dried fruit, etc.; chocolate/candy
• Pocket knife or multi tool
• Small compass
• Small handgun
• Spare ammo/magazine
• Holster
• Locking/fixed blade knife
• Small whistle
• Mini flashlight
• Ziploc bag
• Plastic garbage bag
• Mylar emergency blanket
• Tiny AM/FM radio
• Hat
• Small mirror
• Mini can opener
• Small spool of thin wire
• Spork/chopsticks
• Duct tape
• Mace/pepper spray
• Water purification tabs
• Gloves 
• Umbrella
• Light jacket
• Rain gear (rain jacket, rain poncho, etc)
• Thin glow sticks (bracelet and necklace size)
• Toiletries (toothpaste/toothbrush, comb, deodorant, etc)
• Couple of individually wrapped toothpicks
• Piece of fluorescent fabric 

EDC...INCH...BOB...Do You Really Need All of These Bags?

Preppers tend to like bags.  They also tend to like stuff...knife stuff, gun stuff, survival gear stuff...  In an effort to be prepared for anything, you will note many preppers want to have bags for all occasions.  Of course you need your EDC (everyday carry) bag, and it is always prudent to have a BOB (bug out bag), then there is the INCH (I'm Never Coming Home) bag.  Add to that a daypack for day hikes and a backpack for hikes of longer duration and you will find yourself with all sorts of bags and all sorts of duplication.

According to the Navy SEALs, "two is one and one is none" thus the need for redundancy.  In my book (granted my book pertains to the US and many other first-world countries not the countryside of Afghanistan), if I am carrying two of the same thing I have one thing too many.  I am a fan of ultralight backpacking, ultralight travel, and one-bag carry-ons, mostly because I have to schlep everything I am carrying myself and these old bones aren't getting any younger and I am way past the desire to carry a 60 pound pack.

As for packs, I have everything from a three-liter running vest to a 55l backpack and several sizes in between.  As for stuff to put into these packs, I don't like redundancy of items (I do like items that have multiple uses, however).  I don't want to have to change the batteries every six months in five different flashlights.  I don't want to have to rotate food out of several different bags every few months.  This means that instead of having several different packed bags, I have several bags and several single-purpose interchangeable component bags.

Here's how my gear closet looks:

• Pick a bag: running vest, messenger bag, daypack, 30 l daypack for travel, 55 l backpack for a long-distance backpacking trip or bug out situation. 
• Put all of my EDC stuff in the bag (this stuff is carried whether I am going out for a run or a day hike or hopping on a plane to go on vacation).  
• Pick appropriate shoes, clothes and outerwear to wear (like things are stacked together--running socks and clothes, backpacking clothes, travel clothes, formal clothes, etc).  Put additional clothes or shoes in large ziploc bags and add them to the bag if this will be a multi-day trip.
• Pick appropriate components: tech bag, outdoor survival kit, toiletries kit, international travel kit, office kit, first aid kit, backpacking gear (tent/stove/sleeping bag/etc)
• Hit up the safe for: cash, firearm/holster/ammo
• Run by the pantry for: water, food (grab-and-go food for running and backpacking has its own section in the pantry) 

With this system I can literally be packed and out of the house in less than 10 minutes whether I am heading out to a meeting or leaving for a 10-day backpacking trip.  The items in my gear closet have been reviewed and refined over the year, and every so often I take my supplies list and make sure I have everything on the list and/or change the list if needed (this is also the time to change batteries in the flashlight, sharpen the knife blade, change batteries in the radio, etc).  

One of the most important aspects of this system is to replace anything that has been used as soon as I get home so everything is ready to go for the next trip and I don't have to wonder if I am missing a toiletry kit item or used all of the moleskin in the first aid kit on my last run.

20 Multi-Use Items for Your EDC Bag

Many of the items we carry in our EDC (everyday carry) bags have one function and one function only (a pocket knife for example, it's good for cutting things).  But there are several items you can carry in your EDC that will work for multiple purposes:

1. Alcohol wipes.  Good for disinfecting things and is excellent to use as a fire starter.
2. Condom.  Prevents babies (usually).  Can also be used to carry water (get the non-lubed kind) and can be used as a tourniquet.
3. Tactical pen.  Can be used for writing.  Can also be used to stab someone in self defense as well as to tighten up a tourniquet.
4. Paracord.  Can be used as a guy-line to make a shelter.  Can be used to tie up assailants.  Can also be used to start a fire, as an emergency belt or shoestring, and many other uses.
5. Cell phone.  So many uses: making calls or texts, flashlight app, alarm app, taking scene photos, securing documents, and many more things.
6. Small notebook.  Good for taking notes, giving information to someone else, starting a fire, leaving a trail, leaving a message for someone, etc.
7. Floss.  For flossing teeth of course, also for making repairs, tying things up, and a couple dozen other survival uses.
8. Bandaids.  For bandaging wounds, using in place of Scotch tape, covering the camera on your laptop, etc.
9. Safety pin.  For pinning up tears in clothing.  Can also be used to pop blisters, as an emergency fish hook, and to remove splinters.
10. Mylar space blanket.  Wrap up in it to keep warm, use it for signalling, to make a tent or lean-to, and for these 50 other uses.
11. Garbage bag.  For packing out garbage, of course, and carrying things in it that you want to keep dry.  Also these ingenious uses.
12. Ziploc bag.  I've used these more than one time to keep my cell phone dry and once as a barf bag (not for myself).  There are many other good uses for ziploc bags here.
13. USB drive.  To carry all of your backup files with you, to save files from another computer, to leave files for someone else.
14. Zipties.  Can be used to secure the zippers on your luggage, to attach gear to your bag (or to something else), and for these other uses.
15. Tampons.  For its intended female use as well as to staunch bleeding from a wound, as a fire starter, and for these other uses.
16. Packet of aspirin.  For use as a pain reliever, to thin someone's blood when they are having a heart attack, to treat bug bites and stings, and apparently they can also be used to revive a dead car battery.
17. Packet of tissue.  For its usual intended use (blowing your nose), as emergency toilet paper, for use as a fire starter, to leave a signal for someone, and to wrap up things you need to take with you.
18. Bandanna.  I've used the bandanna I always carry with me for several things: washing a baby in a third world country, as a diaper for said baby (never did get that bandanna back), as a sweat rag, to cover my face in a dust storm, and to stop bleeding.  Here are dozens of other uses. 
19. Credit-card sized fresnel lens.  Comes in handy when I need to read small print (these old eyes aren't getting any younger) also can be used as a firestarter and to signal with.
20. Strike anywhere matches.  To start a small fire to keep warm, to start a signal fire, to hold near a smoke detector to set it off, to see in the dark if you don't have a flashlight, etc.

101 Items for Your EDC Bag

What do you carry with you every day?  Do you carry the things you might need in an emergency along with your everyday necessities?  While you probably won't need to carry 101 items with you everyday, here are some ideas for things you should consider carrying with you at all times:

1. Bag (day pack, messenger bag, etc)
2. Keys
3. Watch
4. Wallet/ID
5. Cash/coins/credit cards
6. Pre-paid cards (gas, restaurants, coffee shops, subway, etc)
7. Business cards
8. Print out of emergency contacts (kept in wallet)
9. Pen
10. Mini Sharpie marker
11. Small notebook
12. Cell phone/charger
13. Tablet/laptop/charger
14. UBS battery charger
15. Spare batteries (for flashlight, radio, etc)
16. Earbuds
17. Mini USB drive (formatted, blank)
18. Mini USB drive (with all back up files on it)
19. Spare SD cards (regular and micro)
20. Small GPS tracker tags
21. Mini solar charger
22. Sunglasses
23. Sunscreen
24. Hand lotion
25. Personal items (glasses, hearing aids/batteries, denture cream, contacts/solution, etc)
26. Bottle of water
27. Mini thermos/stainless insulated water bottle
28. Carabiner
29. Paracord bracelet
30. Mini super glue
31. Packet of tissues
32. Wet Wipes
33. Dental floss
34. Bandaids
35. Moleskin
36. Packet of Tylenol/aspirin
37. Packet of benadryl
38. Packet of antacid
39. Alcohol wipes
40. Antibiotic ointment packet
41. Cough drops
42. Regular prescription meds
43. Emergency prescription meds (antibiotics, pain killers, etc)
44. Glucose tabs
45. Electrolyte tabs
46. Energy gels
47. Lip balm/make up
48. Safety pins
49. Rubber bands
50. Paper clips
51. Razor blade
52. Nail clippers
53. Nail file
54. Needle
55. Vitamins
56. Condom
57. Tampon
58. Bandanna
59. Lighter
60. Matches
61. Magnesium fire stick
62. Gum/breath mints
63. Granola bars
64. Packets: soup, coffee, tuna, dried fruit, etc.
65. Chocolate/candy
66. Pocket knife
67. Multi tool
68. Small compass
69. Credit card multi tool
70. Small handgun
71. Spare ammo/magazine
72. Holster
73. Locking/fixed blade knife
74. Small whistle
75. Mini flashlight
76. Zip ties
77. Ziploc bag
78. Plastic garbage bag
79. Mylar emergency blanket
80. Tiny AM/FM radio
81. Hat
82. Small mirror
83. Mini can opener
84. Small spool of thin wire
85. Spork/chopsticks
86. Duct tape
87. Mace/pepper spray
88. Water purification tabs
89. Gloves 
90. Umbrella
91. Light jacket
92. Rain gear (rain jacket, rain poncho, etc)
93. Mini sewing kit
94. Thin glow sticks (bracelet and necklace size)
95. Small flasher safety light
96. Toiletries (toothpaste/toothbrush, comb, deodorant, etc)
97. Laser pointer
98. Fresnel lens
99. Couple of individually wrapped toothpicks
100. Roll of fluorescent fabric 
101. Small tube of petroleum jelly

What's In Your Bag?

Everyone's daily carry (EDC) bag is different.  The idea is to carry the necessities that meet your needs which will, of course, be different for everyone.  Here's some ideas for items you may want to carry...

• Cool Tools What's In My Bag
• Lifehacker Featured Bag
• Everyday Carry
• Reddit EDC
• Uncrate EDC
• Everyday Carry Blog
• Pinterest EDC
• Lifehacker Everyday Carry

Your EDC, BOB, and Travel Bag...The Component System

I used to have bags.  Lots of bags.  I had an EDC bag, I had a briefcase, I had a gym bag, I had a BOB (actually multiple BOBs--at home, work, and the office), I had urban travel gear (suitcase and kit), outdoor travel gear (backpack and kit), a shooting bag, a trauma medic bag...you name it, I probably had an entire bag dedicated to that purpose.

Now that I am older and wiser and less likely to want to schlep around a lot of crap, my gear has been streamlined into components that can be quickly tossed into the bag of the day and easily carried about.  Now, whether I am going out for the day or leaving for a months-long vacation, I simply go to my gear closet and pack in less than five minutes.

Pick a bag.  The first choice I need to make each day is what kind of bag to use.  If I am just going out to the store my pockets will work or maybe a fanny pack (yes I know they are out of style but these are exceedingly useful).  For a run, hike, or entire day out I may need a daypack.  For a trip that includes car, bus, or airline travel, I will take a 30L backpack.  For an overnight or longer backpacking trip, a slightly larger backpack will be used.

Next I pack up the items I never leave home without: cell phone (Galaxy Note 4), wallet, keys, sunglasses, pen, and tiny emergency packet (pocket knife, single packet of Tylenol, tissue, Wet Wipe, quarters, $100 in $20 bills, small flashlight, bandaids, ear buds, alcohol wipe, matches, floss, safety pin, back-up thumb drive, needle). 

Depending on the situation I may or may not carry a concealed pistol (pistol--either a Keltec .380 or a Sig Sauer 9mm, holster, spare magazine).

Do I need tech?  If so I take my Tablet (Galaxy Tab S2 8") or my  laptop (Dell XPS 13"); occasionally both for longer-term travel.  I also pick up the bag which carries chargers, a mini travel mouse, extra batteries for the mouse, a power pack and on-ear headphones.

Clothing.  This varies by activity (gym clothes? outdoor clothes for backpacking? a slightly more extensive wardrobe for vacation travel?), and since everything is arranged in a single closet it takes moments to pick out the needed clothing.  Additional items that may or may not be needed: hat, gloves, poncho, rain gear, puffy jacket, buff, etc.

Water and food.  I generally never leave home without a bottle of water and a couple of granola bars.  For day hikes I will take a lunch, for general travel I will pack an assortment of food and an extra (empty) water bottle which can be filled up once I pass airport security, and for overnight/weekend/week-long backpacking trips I will gather all necessary food plus toss in an additional water carrier and a water purification system.

Toiletries.  For both urban and wilderness travel I carry a basic toiletries kit which includes: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mirror, comb, soap, deodorant, razor, tweezers, nail clippers, nail file, and Vaseline.

Fix it kit.  This kit contains useful items to fix things that are broken and includes a basic sewing kit, folding scissors, zipties, rubberbands, and duct tape.

Medical kit.  For overnight and longer term travel, I bring a more comprehensive medical kit which includes bandaids, alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment, moleskin, benadryl, acidophilous, aspirin, Tylenol, opiod pain killer tabs, Super Glue, gauze pads, medical tape, condom, Ace bandage, Thera Flu, and Quick Clot.

Other medical items.  Although I don't need these items, other people may so here is a list of other things people may want to pack: extra prescription meds, feminine hygiene products, make up, an Epi Pen, glucose tabs, glasses, and hearing aids/batteries. 

Wilderness emergency packet.  If I will be hiking (whether day hiking in the desert or multi-day trips) I toss in a packet that includes: sunscreen, matches, lighter, paracord, emergency blanket, compass, whistle, magnifying glass, electrolyte tabs, water purification tabs, bandanna).

Other backpacking gear.  For overnight or an extended outdoor trip I pack a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, tent footprint, stove and fuel, toilet paper, bear spray, bug spray, trowel, GPS, maps, headlamp/batteries, water filter system, mess kit/spork, Bonners soap, trekking poles, ziploc bags, pack rain cover.

General travel items.  These include: air/bus/train tickets, passport/visas, an unlocked cellphone, extra memory cards, notebook, and power adapter.

Specialty packets.  You may want to make up a bag for the shooting range, for your portable office supplies, items necessary for your work, etc.

Note that for a BOB, all of the kits will be dumped into my largest pack and sorted out later.

By making up a variety of component kits, instead of a variety of bags, you will always have the items you need without the massive duplication of items.  I highly recommend LeSportsac bags for each packet as they wear like iron (even though they look a bit odd with weird colors and designs) and last for years.

13 Rugged Essentials for Surviving 9 to 5

I saw this list entitled "13 Style Essentials for Surviving 9 to 5" and though is that list a joke?  Here's a better list:

1. Wallet.  A $60 wallet that holds a total of four cards?  Meh.  Pick what works for you.  Here's some ideas.
2. A Rhodia notebook.  These are trendy like Moleskines, but again, pick what works for you.  I usually pick up a small notebook from the $1 store since I tend to write notes and then toss them quickly.  I'm not writing tomes that I will keep forever.  On the other hand, if you need a notebook that will hold up, check out these.
3.  Pilot G2 pen.  I have to agree that pilot pens are pretty good (I tend to carry multiple varieties myself).  Others swear by Fisher Space Pens.
4. Brass Fish Hook Clip.  Meh.  I like carabiners better.
5. A $175 leather bag.  Again, pick what works for your.  While I carried leather bags and briefcases for years, I eventually switched to a waterproof Timbuk 2 bag as well as various backpacks.
6. Face wipes.  For $24??? No thanks.  A couple of handi wipes which are free from the casino or picked up at the $1 store work just fine.
7. Bandanna.  For $14???  No thanks again.  You can pick up a 100% cotton bandanna from the $1 store or for a couple bucks at your local Walmart.
8. Key chain tool.  $12?  Nope.  Gerber makes one for $5.
9. A $1500 watch.  I know plenty of people who are watch aficionados so this is a "to each his own" category.  A Timex, Casio, or Columbia watch will set you back less than $50 (and be more rugged).
10. A knife.  For $164.  There are all kinds of knives out there, from ultra cheap to ultra fashionable, from the tactical to the ultra luxe $5000 variety.  Pick a well made knife that you can afford, works for the tasks you need it for, and keep it forever.
11. Earphones.  For $199.  I rarely use earphones but I always carry a cheap pair with me just in case.  A $20 pair of earbuds works just fine for me but there are audiophiles out there who will spend a small fortune on earphones.  It's up to you.
12. Water bottle.  I pick up a bottle of water or Gatorade then just reuse the bottle.  These bottles are free-ish, don't leak, are disposable, and are very lightweight.  On the other hand some people want their own personal bottle (which can be picked up cheap at Ross or TJ Maxx, cheaper at the Goodwill).
13. Sunglasses.  These are a personal choice.  I got a fine pair of Foster Grant sunglasses at the 99 cent store.  Surprisingly these have have a much longer life than more expensive sunglasses I've used over the years.  The only time I will spend more on sunglasses is if they will literally save your vision (like polarized lenses for skiing).

BOB...EDC...INCH?

I'm assuming you have a BOB (Bug Out Bag) and I'm pretty sure you have an EDC (Every Day Carry bag) but do you have an INCH?  Apparently this term has been around for a while but it is new to me.  An INCH bag, otherwise known as an I'm Never Coming Home bag, has as its contents...you guessed it...items that you would need if you were never coming home again.

A bit of Googling shows that some people think of this bag as a minimalist set up while others think it should contain everything including the kitchen sink.  I think it should be something in between.

Your EDC bag should include everything you would need during a typical day out: daypack, wallet, keys, cell phone, keys, bottle of water, couple of granola bars, sunglasses, firearm if you choose to carry, spare magazine, etc.

Your BOB should included everything in your EDC plus the things you would need to "bug out" or leave your residence for days, up to weeks at a time, due to a local natural disaster, a family member in a far away trauma center, a mandatory evacuation due to police action or a chemical spill, etc.  The items in this bag should be a simplified version of an overnight bag (change of clothes, toiletries, laptop, etc) along with enough gear to see you to survival for several days on your own (food, water, shelter materials, cooking materials, water purification tabs, etc).

Now the INCH bag, which would include everything you would need if you could NEVER come home again, really doesn't need to contain that much stuff.  When we sold our house and nearly everything in it some years back in order to travel for a couple years, I realized that you really don't need that much stuff to survive, no matter where you are.

If you could never come back to your home, what would you REALLY need?  Aside from the basics (your EDC stuff and BOB stuff), the only other necessities that you would need would include: cash, credit cards, jewelry and small valuables, your important documents (passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, Will, etc), and a back up of your computer files.  You really don't NEED 90% of the stuff in your house.  Most everything you own is easily replaceable.  You need to determine what isn't replaceable and then figure out what you would do if you need to leave immediately and forever.  Pictures, letters, and other documents are easy.  Scan them into your computer and keep a back up of this file.  On the other hand, great Aunt Edna's 500 pound china hutch will probably be left behind no matter how sentimental it is.

Contrary to some "INCH" lists, you really don't need to carry every tool known to man.  I'd rather carry the basics and scavenge anything else I need before I would carry a couple hundred pounds of gear.  I prefer to travel fast, light, and efficiently, with as little material stuff as possible.

March Challenge #16 Every Day Carry

Whether you are out for the day and have a tiny emergency (like a migraine headache) or you are out for the day and there is a major emergency (like your neighborhood has been locked down and no one is being allowed in or out for hours) it is easy enough to be prepared for a wide range of disasters if you put together and refine your EDC (every day carry) kit for maximum usefulness and efficiency.  Here's what you need:

A method for carrying your EDC

• Backpack, messenger bag, briefcase, etc.

Common items that you will use throughout your day

• Keys
• Cell phone/charger
• Wallet (with cash, ID, credit cards)
• Sunglasses
• Lunch/snacks
• Bottle of water
• Pen/notebook
• Tablet or laptop
• Earbuds
• Tissue packet
• Pocket knife
• Thumb drive with backup files

Emergency items that you may not use often but which would come in handy in a disaster

• Umbrella
• Matches or lighter
• Safety pin
• Rubberband
• Flashlight
• Packet of aspirin
• Bandaids
• Paracord
• Carabiner
• Chapstick

Note that everyone's EDC will be different based on the items they are most likely to use.  Also note that you don't want this bag to weight 20 pounds.  It isn't your BOB, it is simply a few useful items that you will use during the normal course of your day (plus a few extras).

20 Things to Carry With You at All Times

One of the subreddits I occasionally browse is the EDC page.  In some cases, I think that what people carry with them might be too minimal, in others, I'm wondering if what they carry isn't a bit of overkill, no pun intended.  These are the 20 items I always carry with me:

1. Wallet (includes ID and a couple of credit/bank cards)
2. Cash (usually $100-$200 in both large and small bills as well as some coins)
3. Keys
4. A tiny flashlight (similar to this, kept on my key chain)
5. A tiny flash drive with all of my (encrypted) back-up files (also kept on my key chain)
6. A pen (Pilot Precise v7)
7. A notebook (Moleskine)
8. A pocketknife (a Swiss Army knife I've had for decades)
9. Floss (Glide, in a tiny, flat dispenser)
10. Whistle (also on the key chain)
11. Mini first aid kit (couple of band aids, alcohol wipe, packet of Tylenol)
12. A Wet Wipe (individual packet)
13. A couple of tissues
14. A condom (non lubed; multiple emergency uses)
15. A small lighter
16. A couple of safety pins
17. A rubber band
18. A laminated list of emergency numbers (should my cell phone die)
19. A Fresnel lens magnifying card (can be used to start a fire in an emergency, I use it to read print that is getting tinier by the year)
20. Cell phone (currently a Note 4 which--IMHO--is the best phone on the market)

These are the basics that I have on me every day and can be carried in my pockets.  Since I wear sunglasses (this is Vegas after all) I wear them so they aren't on the list.  If I know I will be out all day, I take my daypack, and depending on the situation, I may add the following items: bottle of water, granola bar, firearm, and a hat.  If there is a chance I will pull off the road and go on an impromptu hike I will toss in my outdoor packet as well (Mylar survival blanket, sunscreen, paracord, small compass, poncho, couple of water purification tabs, bandana, etc).

Everyday Carry (or EDC for Us Preppers)

One of the most basic ways to start getting prepared (besides looking at your health and getting a bit of exercise) is to create a useful EDC pack.

Most of us give little thought to the things we need to carry everyday--keys, check; cell phone, check; wallet, check; big-assed purse that you could flatten a bear with, double check.  There is a happy medium, however, between bringing EB-BOB (everything but the Bug Out Bag) and bringing nothing that could be used in a survival emergency.  Here's how you want to create your EDC pack:

• Bring the basics, of course: keys, wallet, cell phone
• Bring things that you find a need for frequently: small packet of aspirin, pen, business cards, sunglasses, packet of tissue, small notebook, wet wipes, bandaids, floss, pocketknife, USB drive with all of your files backed up on it, etc 
• Bring things that you personally find useful: laptop, digital camera, makeup, feminine hygiene products, tablet, firearm, condoms, cell phone charging cord, etc
• Bring things specific to your location/duration of time away from home: lunch/granola bar, bottle of water, umbrella, jacket, small toothbrush/paste, etc.
• Bring things that can be useful in a survival situation: small flashlight, alcohol wipes (good for scrapes, good as a fire starter), lighter (even if you don't smoke), etc. 
• Bring cash.  Even if you always use your debit/credit card, cash and coins have their uses so it is always a good idea to carry a bit of both.
• Bring something to carry it in: backpack, briefcase, purse, pants pockets, messenger bag, etc
• Remember to make these things as small, lightweight, and easy to carry as possible (ie: you don't need to bring an entire bottle of aspirin when a packet or two will do; you don't need your full-sized .45 when a small, concealable .380 will suffice; you don't need to bring a DSLR camera--unless you are a photographer--when the camera on your cell phone will work for your purposes)
• There is (almost) no reason your EDC kit should weigh 20 pounds!
• There is also no need to buy THE MOST EXPENSIVE ITEMS for this kit unless you a) have a lot of extra money you don't need, b) have used the items in your kit long enough to know for sure that an upgrade is a good investment, or c) can acquire these expensive items cheaply enough that it doesn't dent your wallet too bad
• Finally, there is A LOT of cool EDC gear out there with more being introduced everyday.  While it may be tempting to buy every item that comes down the pike, look at your needs logically.  Yes, a tactical pen is cool and could be useful in certain situations but the possibility of you needing to stab someone should be quite infinitesimal (I hope).  Your money may be better spent on other items (like you food stockpile which we will discuss later).

My EDC is continually being refined.  When I used to live in the Pacific Northwest, commuted long distances for work, and would often find myself on an impromptu hike/boat ride/etc, my EDC was different/much more robust than it is now as a retiree who seldom wanders far from home (unless I am hiking which is a whole other kind of kit).  A commuter in Boston would have a different EDC set up than a college kid in San Diego.  The idea is to bring stuff that is necessary to you followed by a few items that you may never need but would come in handy in an emergency (I never need aspirin but have given lots of it away to others, I carry a small flashlight that I have never needed to use to escape from a dark place but which lights up menus in dark restaurants quite well, my pocketknife has been used more times than anything else I carry, I wouldn't carry a toothbrush but plenty of office workers seem to do this, and carrying a concealed weapon is a whole other blog post but is part of your EDC if you choose to carry).

To get some ideas on what others carry for EDC purposes, check here, here, and here.

Prep Tip #1: Every Day Carry

One of my resolutions for this year is to pay more attention to this blog.  I intend to give you a "to do" topic daily which revolves around survival/prepping stuff, of course interspersed with other posts depending on what is happening in the world.

First, a wish for you and your family to have a truly stellar 2013.  Yes, you should be prepared for anything, but it is also a good idea to enjoy yourself and look forward to good things happening (aka 'hope for the best but plan for the worst').

With that in mind, one of the best ways to head off small problems is to have your everyday carry (EDC) stuff be as useful as possible.  We all carry stuff with us every day, from the minimal (wallet and cell phone) to the extreme (some people's EDC gear, as well as some women's purses, look like they plan to head out and never return!).

In the last post, I suggested a range of items that people may consider carrying for their EDC.  By no means should you carry all of that stuff (for that we will talk about BOBs later), but you do want to carry things that will be useful in multiple situations.  So your task for today is to lay out all of your EDC stuff and review it.  Consider the following questions when you look at each item:

• Is this item truly useful or do I just carry it because it looks cool?
• Is there another item that can be had that would replace two or more of the items I usually carry?
• Does the potential usefulness of certain not-often-used items override the fact that they would only be useful in very specific situations?
• Is this item the best quality that I can afford?  A folding knife from the $1 Store is fine if that is all you can afford but as soon as you can afford better, you will want to buy a better quality knife.
• Which other items do I find myself needing often yet haven't included with my current EDC? 
• Which items are dead weight? Get ride of these items.
• Are my EDC items, collectively, the most minimal that I can make do with? Again, you don't want to drag along a full backpack of stuff if you don't absolutely need each and every item in the pack on a fairly regular basis.

Since you will rely on your EDC stuff much more than most other survival/prep items, you want to make sure that the things you carry on a daily basis are the best and most useful that you can find.

100 EDC Items

I'm always fascinated with EDC stuff...the stuff I carry, the stuff other people carry, new stuff that looks useful, etc.  I get lots of ideas from this subreddit, as well as from this website and this website, among others.
Each person will devise their own EDC based on their own unique circumstances and needs, but in case you need some ideas, here are 100 items you might consider for everyday carry:

Protection

1. Small firearm
2. Holster
3. Extra magazine/ammo
4. Fixed-blade knife
5. Knife sheath
6. Kubotan
7. Pepper spray
8. Stun gun
9. Razor blade
10. Steel baton

Tech

1. Cell phone
2. Flashlight
3. Headlamp
4. USB drive
5. Earbuds
6. Pocketknife
7. Multi tool
8. Folding knife
9. Watch 
10. Keys

Medical

1. Bandaids
2. Wet wipes
3. Alcohol wipe
4. Latex gloves
5. Packet of aspirin
6. Moleskin
7. Super Glue
8. Bandana
9. Packet of Benadryl
10. Acidophilous tablets

Outdoor Survival

1. Whistle
2. Compass 
3. Matches
4. Lighter
5. Flint/steel
6. Sunglasses
7. Carabiner
8. Paracord bracelet
9. Mylar "Space blanket"
10. Fire starter (ie: small tube of petroleum jelly)

Office stuff

1. Business cards
2. Fisher space pen
3. Mini Sharpie
4. Small notebook (ie Moleskein)
5. Wallet/ID
6. Magnifying glass
7. Stamps
8. Deck of playing cards
9. Digital camera
10. Spare memory cards

Fix-It Stuff

1. Zipties
2. Duct tape
3. Floss
4. Electrical tape
5. Work gloves
6. Aluminum foil
7. Ziploc bag
8. Snare wire
9. Pocket survival guide
10. Mini sewing kit

Food and Water

1. Bottle of water
2. Granola bar
3. M & Ms/chocolate
4. Breath mints
5. Gum
6. Tea bags/packet of instant coffee
7. Beef jerky
8. Hard candy
9. Packet of raisins
10. Condiment packets: salt, pepper, Tabasco, etc

Currency

1. Cash
2. Coins
3. Credit card
4. Debit/bank card
5. Gold coin
6. Cigarettes
7. ShotPak (alcohol shot in foil pouch)
8. Challenge coin
9. Foreign currency (for country you are most likely to go to)
10. Prescription pain killers (prescriotion in YOUR name)

Emergency Stuff

1. Laminated list of emergency contacts
2. Condom (non lubricated)
3. Tampon (OB)
4. Folding "spork"
5. Flat can opener
6. Micro prybar
7. Foam ear plugs
8. Goggles
9. Surgical mask
10. Passport

Other stuff

1. Necessary prescription medication
2. Hand lotion
3. Safety pins
4. Rubber bands
5. Nail clippers/nail file
6. Stuff you need: denture adhesive, hearing aid batteries, eye drops, contacts, glasses, etc
7. iPod/MP3 player
8. Emergency alert bracelet
9. Umbrella
10. Key chain backpack/tote bag

10 Items to Have on Your Key Chain

Obviously you don't want your key chain to weigh five pounds (like this, which is a bit much but a good example), however here is an assortment of items that you may find useful to have attached to it:

1. A small, round whistle useful for signalling in a disaster (similar to this).
2. A small, flat flashlight, useful for when the power goes out (like this).
3. A tiny, folding knife (if you don't usually carry a pocketknife) (similar to this).
4. A library card (really, the best tool you can have is knowledge and there is plenty to be gleaned from the library).
5. A carabiner which is useful for many things including keeping your keys clipped to you (similar to this).
6. A thumb drive with your important documents on it--password protected, of course (like this).
7. A kubotan (or other small, self defense aid), provided you know how to use it (like this).
8. A small Sharpie, useful for all sorts of things from signalling for help to writing down a license plate number (like this).
9. A micro firestarter (if you don't usually carry a lighter) (like this).
10. A mini compass (usually in an urban or suburban environment you would never need this but consider a Katrina-like event that wipes away all of your landmarks) (similar to this).

These are just some examples.  There are literally dozens of items you might want to carry on your EDC key chain so the idea is to tweak your key chain to suit your needs without it weighing a ton.  Make sure the items you choose are as small and light as possible, don't duplicate things you carry elsewhere, and can be useful in everyday situations as well as during an emergency.

What's in Your EDC Pack?

We all have certain things that we carry everyday, whether by circumstance or habit.  I always find it interesting to see what others consider necessary to have with them every day.  Since each person's EDC items are different, it won't be much help for me to make you a list and say "carry these" but my EDC items tend to run towards the minimal (.380, ammo, wallet, smartphone, pocket knife, thumb drive...the basics).  Here's some other ideas:

• Reddit EDC
• EDC forums
• USA Carry EDC forum
• Lifehacker What's In Your Bag
• Lifehacker WIYB Part 2