People around the world, regardless of culture and race, carry things everyday without thinking about it, whether it is your watch, cell phone or car keys. It’s done subconsciously but like with everything, America likes to label things. This is called Everyday Carry or EDC gear, which essentially are the items/tools you can’t leave your house without, those items deemed essential on your day.
Everyday Carry (EDC) is all about being prepared and having the right tools at your fingertips for whatever life throws your way. A good EDC tool would be practical, convenient, provide some sort of safety and fit your lifestyle. It has taken me many years to figure-out out what are the best tools to carry with me based on my lifestyle and activity. I define them as:
- Main EDC
- Extended EDC
Main EDC
My Main EDC consists of 5 categories, as I have many similar items that I rotate to match my outfit, that I deemed crucial when leaving the house and some others that they’re not necessarily crucial but provokes this weird feeling when they aren’t on me. These are the things I can’t leave without. My five categories consists of:
- Wallet
- Smartphone
- Knife
- Flashlight
- Firearm (law/location allowing)
- Accessories (not crucial)
Wallets
Wallets as we know them today were introduced back in the 17th century, leather wallets with compartments for bills and coins. However the concept of a wallet dated back to the early 3,300 BC with Otzi the Iceman (Europe’s Oldest Mummy) showing the earliest examples of wallets; pouch-like wallets carrying coins, small objects that were worn on belts or around the neck. By the 19th century wallets have become an essential accessory for men evolving to accommodate bills, credit cards and ID cards. It’s fascinating how wallets have evolved throughout the years, coming in different styles and materials reflecting the changing needs of men’s lifestyles.
Trayvax Ascent
The Trayvax Ascent in Tobacco Raw Brown is my daily wallet. It’s an ultra-slim, tough, front pocket wallet made in the USA. Constructed of a stainless steel plate, notched on the sides for better grip, with hand-stitched leather. . It has two slots and a cut for compartments which are enough to carry the essentials, 7 cards and up to 5 bills.
Smartphone
Sadly cell phones have become like an extension of ourselves, like another limb, and despite all of my efforts to stay away from them I just can’t; they are so useful. They are the Swiss Army knife of the digital age with many features for all ages such as communication, access to information, productivity and entertainment.
Everything in the palm of your hand. On the downside smartphones can be a huge distraction, are addictive, are privacy invasive and have a huge toll on your health such as eye strain, sleep disruption, physical and mental problems.
Samsung Galaxy S10e
I’m an engineer and so I like to have full control of my electronics. In my opinion android does it better, allowing me to basically use the phone as I please. I have been using a Samsung Galaxy S10e since summer of 2019. The phone still does everything I need it to do but it’s slow; I might find a replacement soon.
The Knife
Carrying a knife every day enhances your preparedness and versatility. It’s a practical tool for everyday tasks like opening packages, preparing food, or making quick repairs. Beyond utility, having a knife can offer a sense of security and confidence, allowing you to handle unexpected situations. Whether you’re out in nature or navigating urban life, a reliable knife can be a valuable companion, combining convenience with peace of mind. Continue Reading about Knives
Benchmade SuperFreek
There isn’t another knife in my EDC collection that I like more than my Benchmade Superfreek. A side from being an outstanding knife I fell in love with its looks. To start with, the design is well proportioned, the blade vs handle ratio produces a beautiful and well balanced knife. Its black and gray color with its red spacers gives it an exquisite touch. Even though the knife weighs little and disappears in your pocket, the knife feels solid. More about the knife
Flashlight
Flashlights are incredibly useful for everyday carry (EDC) due to their portability and versatility, making them ideal for camping, emergencies, and repairs. Compact enough to fit in a pocket or bag, they provide adjustable brightness options and are often made from durable materials that resist water and impact. Modern LED flashlights are energy-efficient, offering longer battery life, and enhance safety during power outages. In an EDC context, a reliable flashlight can be essential for unexpected situations or simple tasks. Beyond practicality, they also add an element of fun to activities like night hikes and storytelling, making them an invaluable tool in various situations! Continue Reading about Flashlights
O-Light iT3 EOS (Gen1)
My current EDC flashlight is the carbon fiber version of O-Light’s iT3 EOS, the first generation. I like it so much that I have two of them. The flashlight has two modes, low and high, where the low provides a more focus and softer light ideal for close-up tasks or when you need just a bit of illumination. The high mode gives you 180 lumens, with a beam distance of ~200ft, which is impressive for its size, making it perfect for illuminating dark areas or outdoor activities. More about the iT3 EOS Gen1
Firearm
Oh yes! The best part of my EDC and probably what you were waiting for, the firearm. Let me start by telling how fascinating yet complex firearms are. They have a rich history with a significant impact on society. They come in various forms, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, and machine guns. Each type has specific uses, from self-defense and hunting to sport shooting and military applications. Proper handling and storage are crucial to prevent accidents. This includes keeping firearms unloaded when not in use, using gun safes, and following all local laws and regulations. Continue Reading about firearms
Sig Sauer P365
This has been my EDC firearm since covid. It isn’t just a firearm; it’s a revolution in your hand. The p365 is tiny, it’s a gun that can disappear once in your body, its lightweight and yet it holds an 10+1 rounds of 9mm ammo. It’s like having the performance and power of a V12 Ferrari packaged into a Toyota Supra. Astonishing! Continue reading…
Accessories
There are many accessories I can think of that people carry everyday. Almost all of them with a purpose and some others to meet a particular lifestyle. Things like keychains, bottle openers, screwdrivers, pens, watches, notebooks, lighters, etc. In my case most of the accessories serve a dual purpose, first they fit my lifestyle/fashion and secondly they are a tool that serve a particular purpose. These are some of the dual purpose accessories I carry:
- Wedding rings
- Car/Motorcycle keys
- Watches
- Bracelets
- Belts
- Sunglasses and prescription glasses.
Wedding Band
The wedding ring/band is probably the most important, not that I fear my wife but she would probably kill me if she sees me without it. Haha jokes aside, I don’t mind wearing the wedding band at all times, however there are activities that will bother me a little, like strength training and other can damage the band. Most of the time I planned for these activities in which I use a plastic band, but I been caught tying my band through my shoe laces.
Car/Motorcycle Keys
Keys to these unique vehicles can improve your life. Cars provide freedom, flexibility, and convenience, allowing you to travel on your own schedule and carry items with ease. However, Motorcycles offer a thrilling sense of freedom and adventure. They are more fuel-efficient, easier to park, and can navigate through traffic more effectively. Both save you time, privacy and can be customized to reflect personal style. Keep Reading…
Watches
Watches offer a blend of functionality, style, and tradition that makes them special. You’ll find that adding a watch to your EDC is way better than relying on your phone for the time. Believe me, your time management will improve keeping you organized. Unlike a phone, a watch allows you to check the time without needing to use your hands, especially handy when you’re multitasking or on the go; a look at your wrist and go. More about watches…
Bracelets
I mainly wear bracelets for style & personal expression, and for a special function. Wearing bracelets it’s a tremendous idea. It has huge benefits, they really add to your style. People notice and you do want to look great every day. However bracelets aren’t just pretty, they are functional. In case of an emergency, paracord bracelets are fantastic or having a window breaker bracelet would be very smart.
Bracelets can also help you keep focus, as reminders, on your goals or your winning attitude. It’s like having a motivational piece on your wrist. Ever since he passed away I have been carrying my grandfather with me, making me feel more comfortable. From time to time these bracelets are conversation starters, just like watches; wearing a unique bracelet and people want to talk to you. Once you realize, you’re networking. Very Important. Lastly, bracelets help me keep my cool, reducing the possible anxiety by fidgeting with them, making it a subtle way to help manage stress.
Belts
In short, belts (especially gun belts) aren’t just accessories; they’re critical components of a functional and stylish EDC. They provide support, security, and style, helping you stay prepared for whatever the day throws your way. So invest in a quality belt. You won’t regret it!
A quality belt will provide support and stability, concealment, durability, versatility, functionality and of course style. A sturdy belt will keep your gear comfortably securely in place, whether is a firearm, holster, knife, keys, you name it. In my case, the sturdiness of my gun belt helps to keep my motorcycle pants attached to my jacket, for full gear protection. A quality belt helps to distribute the weight of your firearm evenly making it more discrete. You don’t want people to notice. A lot of people don’t understand those that carry. Many belts can transition seamlessly from casual to formal settings, making them a versatile addition to your wardrobe. Other belts come with additional features, like attachment points, pockets or bottle openers, making them very functional. And lastly, a great belt can really enhance your look, your style. You want to feel confident, and a nice belt could do that for you.