EDC has taken the gear world by storm, and it is not slowing down.
What used to be just a wallet in your back pocket, keys in your front pocket, and cell phone in the other front pocket has grown into something different.
It has turned into an entire hobby and culture that some seem to enjoy and even be obsessed with.
Yup, it is crazy, and you might want to learn more about it before you get into it.
Whether you’re heading out to the store, being the dad you are and including baby essentials, or roaming around wondering if the end of the world is coming, you have your personal EDC.
You might have it for different situations or carry it wherever you go, but whatever it is, you’re participating in the world of EDC.
Welcome!
There’s a lot more to it, so let’s dive in and see what the EDC world has in store for you.
What in the World is EDC?
Simply put, EDC (everyday carry) is the items you carry with you daily.
These days, this typically consists of your cellphone, a wallet, and keys, but that’s just the basics.
Now, people are setting up entire EDC kits with different styles and colors, and companies are catering to the faithfully obsessed.
Which, of course, is a good thing for people like me who love the latest and greatest gear.
Besides that, there’s a lot that goes into the most simple thing of carrying your daily items and if you’re interested, we can go over some of the things that come with the EDC culture.
EDC History
Let me just say that no one makes the rules when it comes to EDC.
It has been around way before it actually became a thing, and it has evolved with the different items, but the idea has always been there.
Think back to the days of hunting and gathering.
These fine folks had their share of daily essentials, and they needed a way to haul them around just like we do today.
They didn’t have skinny jeans to fit their slim wallet, nor did they have a nice GORUCK backpack to be all fancy while they carried.
Regardless of the time period, EDC has always been a thing, and it will always be as long as we live in the systemized lives we live.
Types of EDC
If you take the time to smell the roses and consider the different lifestyles each of us leads, you will see that we all have different ways of carrying things.
We use different bags and pouches, and we have different things we deem necessary.
Here are some types of EDC setups to help you better understand what we’re talking about.
The Basic EDC Setup (Pocket EDC)
This setup is what most of us carry and sometimes does not warrant a backpack or EDC pouch.
They are usually smaller items that can fit in your pocket, all while still being
Some may refer to this as the pocket EDC, which consists of the following items.
- Cellphone
- Keys/keychain
- Wallet
- Watch
- Pocket knife
- Flashlight
This, of course, is dependent on your needs, your job, and whatever else contributes to your daily EDC.
Keychain EDC
Keychains are cool, and they do more than hold keys.
They can be the home for some cool little items that can help with daily tasks.
This little setup is referred to as keychain EDC, consisting of a little more than just your pocket EDC.
It’s great for those who don’t need the entire tool but something that can help with smaller tasks.
- Mini multitool
- Mini flashlight
- USB drive
- Whistle
- Mini pen
Urban EDC
This is the most common EDC, right after pocket and keychain EDC.
This requires more than just a pocket, where EDC gets a little more serious.
- Slim wallet and/or money clip
- Pens
- Pocket knife
- Multitool
- Laptop
- Portable charger
- Power bank
- EDC backpack
Tactical EDC
For those who have served in the military or law enforcement, it is not limited, nor does it favor just them.
Many people like the tactical setup and have never seen the battlefield or fight fires or bad guys, which is completely fine.
Tactical EDC is great for those who love rugged, quality gear that can withstand not-so-normal conditions.
- Full-sized multitool
- Tactical flashlight
- Fixed blade or tactical knife
- Some survival gear
Tech EDC
I would say this is for all the nerds out there, but it’s really not.
This type of EDC setup is used for digital nomads and those who just love their tech.
I mean, we do live in a digital world, and tech is simply part of our lives.
Here is what an EDC tech setup typically consists of.
- Laptop
- Headphones
- Portable charger
- Wireless keyboards
Specialized EDC
We all have different occupations, hobbies, and lifestyles, and that’s when specialized EDC comes into play.
I typically use urban EDC, but I adjust it when I do specific things.
I coach soccer, so I have a nice-sized duffel bag that can carry what I need.
When I go camping or to the coffee shop to get some work done, I have a different setup for that.
I would love to go over all that, but we’ll save that for another post.
Survival/Outdoor EDC
Most EDCs utilize this method of carry.
It requires the basics and a lot more to get it going.
For the basics, you will need/have the following.
- Firestarter
- First aid kit
- Compass
- GPS
Conclusion – Carry Better
We all have things we need to carry, and sometimes we tend to overdo things.
We know you need to put your things in an EDC bag of some sort unless you’re heading out to the store or something, but please keep things simple.
If you are going to work at a coffee shop, don’t think you need everything from your home office.
If you’re going to a soccer game, leave your compass at home.
You don’t need to bring things that you think you’ll need in your EDC.
You can prepare a Gobag if you’re preparing for the end of the world, and you can have a bag in your car for emergencies, but please don’t carry unnecessary things wherever you go.
I hope this beginner’s guide to EDC has helped you understand what goes into the lifestyle and that you do start one of your own.
Until next time, don’t forget to carry in style.