There are a few things in life that are certain. One of those things seems to be, “When you need it, you don’t have it.”
We’ve all been there. There’s a box to be opened. There’s a screw to be screwed. There’s a threat to be stopped. Whatever it is, it sucks to be unprepared.
As men, we pride ourselves on being prepared for whatever situation is thrown at us. Be honest, when someone needs a blade, and you reach out and hand them yours, you get flushed with pride. You should be. You’re the man. You’re prepared.
And those other chumps standing around with empty pockets? Well, hopefully, they’re reading this.
Now, obviously, there’s more to being prepared than just carrying a knife on you.
Whether you’re a seasoned EDC aficionado or brand new to the concept, there’s something here for everyone seeking to optimize their daily preparedness and embrace the ethos of “always be ready.”
Here are our top EDC (Every Day Carry) Essentials every man could benefit from carrying on them.
Blade
Did I insult your intelligence?
I understand. But, what kind of EDC list would this be without mentioning knives?
Anyone who cares enough about being prepared SHOULD already be carrying a blade.
So.. In effort not to waste your time, I’ll make this one quick.
If you could only carry one item from this list, make it a knife. No matter the shape or size. Knives can be easy enough to carry without even realizing they’re there.
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you the reason you need a knife on you at all times.. But just in case, here’s a few.
- Opening things
- Cutting things
- Self-defense
Need to open a box? Bust out that knife. Need to cut that string dangling from your shirt? Yes, people can see it. Bust out that knife. Someone threatening to cause you physical harm? Bust out that knife.
Fixed or folding?
Doesn’t matter.
There are several benefits and drawbacks of having one or the other. Just as there are several benefits of what shape blade to choose and in what steel.
I could make the deep dive into all of that, but this isn’t a knife article. We have other matters to get to.
Here are some great articles for your reference on blade steel, blade shape, and fixed or folding knives.
And here are some of my quick suggestions if you’re looking for an EDC-bladed companion.
- Budget workhorse folder – OKC Rat II
- Budget fixed blade – CRKT Minimalist
Multitool
A solid step up from just carrying a blade is a multitool.
You get a bunch of essential tools in a nice and compact setup.
I’ll admit, I used to go without a multitool. One day, I decided to start carrying the one I had for work. I couldn’t believe how often I was actually pulling it out and putting it to use.
Like any normal consumer, I did some research. I got a better tool, and I started carrying it every day.
You know that saying,
“You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.”
Boy…
One day, I realized I had forgotten my multitool at home. I swear to you, I’ve never reached in my pocket for it more than I did that day.
There were screws to be screwed. Bolts to be pliered. Nails to be filed. Boy howdy.
Don’t be like me that day.. unprepared.
Am I being dramatic?
Maybe.. but how else am I to convince you?
Now, there are tons of variations of multitools that have different layouts, tools, sizes, etc.
The only thing I will say is, get a good solid one that has pliers. There are tons of good options out there.
Find the ones that fit you.
Here are some solid choices I think are a great choice for anyone.
- Budget workhorse – Ozark Trail Multiforce
- Common pick – Leatherman Sidekick
- Mini option – Gerber Dime
Flashlight
“I already have one on my phone, dummy!”
Yes.. yes, you do. But, hear me out.
The flashlight on a phone is weak, bulky, and not ideal for most situations besides a quick look at something when you already have your phone out.
There are plenty of flashlights that are EDC friendly. A lightweight flashlight is nice and compact. It will fit seamlessly into your EDC loadout.
A dedicated flashlight will have more brightness (lumens) and throw (candella) than your phone.
Beyond aiding in emergencies like power outages or navigating dark spaces, a flashlight enhances personal safety by illuminating dimly lit areas, deterring potential threats, and enabling quick responses in unforeseen circumstances.
Being versatile and reliable, a dedicated flashlight empowers you with visibility and confidence wherever you may roam.
Here are a couple of quick picks.
- Budget workhorse – Streamlight ProTac 2AAA
- Tiny carry – RovyVon A3
Lighter
No, I don’t smoke.
And you don’t have to smoke to find use in a lighter.
Beyond a lighter’s primary function of lighting cigs and candles, it serves as a versatile tool.
Outdoors it can serve to light a campfire for warmth or cooking.
After I cut that string off my shirt with my EDC knife, I pull out my trusty lighter to finish the job and teach that string a lesson.
Lighters can also come in handy in some emergency situations. You can use it to signal for help, sterilize instruments, or start a fire for survival situations.
Given the compact size, cost, and reliability of a good little lighter makes it a no brainer in my book.
Throw is in your pocket, and you’ll forget it’s there until you need it.
Here are some quick picks.
- Stupid cheap and reliable – BIC Lighter
- Fancy it up a bit – Zippo Lighter
Compact Wallet
Yeah, you probably already carry a wallet.
Take a look at it, though.
Is it all beat up and bulky?
It’s time to let go.
Get yourself a compact wallet. One that can fit in your front pocket with room to spare. Not that thing that makes it look like one of your butt cheeks is twice the size of the other.
There are several advantages to a compact wallet versus a regular bifold or heaven forbid trifold wallet.
A compact wallet is a good way to keep your ESSENTIAL cards and cash organized.
You may have noticed I emphasized “essential”. It’s time.. It’s time to get rid of those old business cards you’re never going to use. It’s time to let go of those old gift cards with $3 left on them. At least stash them away in a drawer somewhere, and get them out of your pocket weighing you down every day.
When I made the switch to a nice and compact card holder style wallet with a cash clip, I never looked back.
I can’t believe I had been carrying around a big bulging disgrace all my life.
Get a compact wallet. Get rid of that nonessential weight in your pocket. Trust me.
Here are a couple of good ones to check out.
- Tough option, good price – Rossm Wallet
- A little fancier – Dango Dapper Wallet
Pen
Yes, we are in an era of technology. I can just type in my phone any notes I would feel the need to write down.
But sometimes, it just makes sense to have a good pen.
I’ve been asked if I have a pen on me a lot. Someone always seems to need one. Just like we discussed earlier, it feels good to be the guy that’s prepared.
Besides being able to jot a quick note down somewhere, pens can serve several useful purposes. There are plenty of pens that are built with EDC in mind. They’re tough, and have other uses.
Some pens have glass breaks built in to get you out of some sucky situations.
Some of them are some stout, they can be used as a self defense weapon if that’s all you have.
And to be honest, some of them just feel damn good to hold and fidget with.
You know you love a good fidget toy. Pens were the OG fidget.
Here are a couple of great pens you should check out.
- Self Defense ready – Smith & Wesson Pen
- Premium with glass breaker – Valtcan Titanium Bolt Pen
Watch
Again, yes you have one of these on your phone.
But do you really want to pull out your phone every time you need to check the time?
That’s just downright inconvenient. Having the time at the flick of your wrist? That’s convenient.
Plus, you just look better wearing a watch. It’s okay to accessorize. Even a smartwatch can be dressed up to look good.
Get you a good watch. Not some Walmart special that you have to readjust the time on every so often.
I once bought a cheap walmart watch, and it ran fast. I had to adjust the time back on it every couple of weeks.
Don’t be like me. Get a good watch. There are tons and tons of options in every budget.
You don’t have to spend a ton of money. Here are some solid budget options.
- Most popular budget tactical – G-Shock Watch
- Budget and classy. Switchable bands – Timex Weekender
Gun
Ah.. the good old 2A (2nd Amendment) approach.
I might lose some of you here, and that’s okay. Believe what you believe.
But I know I feel more confidence in my ability to protect myself and, more importantly, my family when I am carrying my firearm.
Guns today come in many shapes, sizes, and prices. Most are pretty reliable, but do your research.
Ultimately, what you choose to carry is dependant on your preferences and confidence.
Gun are used in self-defense situations more than you might think. Whether they’re actually shot or not. (https://americangunfacts.com/guns-used-in-self-defense-stats/)
There’s too much to discuss on this topic to write here. Do your own research.
I said my piece. Carry or don’t, up to you.
If you do decide to carry a firearm, GREAT! The most important thing about carrying a firearm is training.
Get your gun, and take it to a range. Train, train, train.
There are plenty of gun ranges that host classes from beginners to advanced.
I cannot stress this enough. TRAIN AND GET COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR FIREARM. If you don’t, you become a liability to yourself and everyone around you.
If you want a quick take on good concealed carry firearm options. The ones listed below are by far the most popular.
- Sig Sauer P365
- Glock 43
There are tons of options, though. And there are plenty of good articles and videos out there to help you choose the right gun for you.
I know, I know.. This is way too much to carry on you every day, right? I mean where the heck is all of this stuff supposed to go? Didn’t cargo pants go out of style like 20 years ago?
All valid questions..
But believe me, there are tons of men out there that carry this stuff on them every single day. They don’t even realize it’s there until they need it.
Committing yourself to EDC essentials is more than just packing things into your pockets. It’s a lifestyle choice. You’re bettering yourself and making sure you’re prepared to the expected or unexpected challenges you may face throughout any given day.
The EDC community is becoming more popular in modern times. There are plenty of men just like you getting serious about being prepared and their personal safety.
So hats off to you, my friend. And welcome to the EDC journey.
There are many different variations of each of these items to fit your unique needs. So find what works for you. Find what make you the man that is prepared and confident about it.
So go out. Load those pockets. (Or fanny packs. Yes they’re back in style.)
And conquer every day knowing damn well you are ready for whatever may be thrown your way.
