For a while now I only take my phone and sometimes wallet while out and about on a daily basis. I’d like to be more prepared for things so I’ve picked up some kit, some of which I already had:

  • A UK legal knife
  • A multitool (screwdriver bits, bottle opener, pliers, etc)
  • Emergency foil blanket
  • Tinder starter/whistle
  • Two gas lighters
  • Keychain flashlight with integrated USB A port
  • Field notebooks and fountain pen
  • Lockpicking set with a pouch and a concealed credit card set
  • Slimline 65W 20000mAh USB A+C battery bank

I’ve got a messenger bag I can fit this stuff in, which will also fit my laptop so I can carry that around more often too when that would be useful. Obviously some things like the foil blanket and tinder starter probably aren’t valuable in an urban area but they are so small and light I may as well include them. I plan to hang the messenger bag on the back of the front door with all this kit in so I always pick it up whenever I go out.

I wear different trousers every day and I’m useless for remembering to put stuff in my pockets so in terms of the pocket stuff it’ll just be phone, keys (with shopping trolley key, bottle opener, USB A+C drive, Yubikey), and a metal wallet with some cards, the card lockpicks, and some cash.

Does this make sense? Is there anything I’ve missed?

  • @FireTowerEnglish
    3•2 months ago

    Develop a core on body/pocket carry set of items and if on occasion you carry a bag tossing a one or two more small things in there might not be the worst idea.

    I would say phone, wallet, keys, pocket knife/multi tool, and possibly flashlight is a good default EDC. Of course barring specific vocational requirements.

    EDC is as much an exercise in preparedness as it is one in simplicity IMO. And EDC is only important if you do it everyday.

    I know your in the UK but imagine how you’d feel if you carried a knife/pepper spray/gun for selfdefense on every day but Thursday, and then someone tried to kill you on a Thursday. The E is operative in EDC and you should develop a system that you can maintain.

    The items are solutions, without a problem they are meaningless.