An EDC Bag is a bag in which you carry your most important tools that you try to carry with you every day. This pack should have your most used items, that can also double as a prepper-pack if anything happens while you are away from home. These items are your necessities and should be lightweight and very compact. This bag is on your person, or at max a few feet away from you, at all times.
We've looked at the best EDC bags out there, and broken it all down so that you know exactly what contents you'll need to have on hand. In the following article, we'll show you what we recommend, and even link to some of the items that we like best for each function. Everyone's EDC is different so feel free to modify and make it your own, but there are some basics that everyone should have - just in case.
Want to download our EDC bag list? Here's a usable PDF checklist that we've put together, just for you:
BAG CONTENTS
Container - You will want to use a small or medium pack that is comfortable to carry and isn't too big. You will want something a little more compact such as a hip or shoulder bag.
Bag Recommendations
1. TACAMO SB10 10L Tactical Crossbody Shoulder Bag
2. TACAMO HB10 10L Tactical Drop Leg Bag
Water – Water is essential in everyday life. We recommend a high-quality, single-walled metal water bottle for storing and boiling water or if you just need something to hold your water for the day. A double-walled vessel is ok in emergencies, but keep in mind that you can't cook with it.
Single-Walled, Metal Water Bottle Recommendations
1. Takeya Vacuum-Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Bottle
2. HYDRO CELL Stainless-Steel Water Bottle
3. Iron flask Sports Water Bottle
Food – Food is fuel, and you never know when you might be hungry but not be able to get food for a few hours. You should keep a couple of protein bars, energy bars, or granola bars in your bag so that you don't run out of energy throughout your day.
Protein/Energy/Granola Bar Recommendations
2. CLIF BARS
Cover – The weather can be unpredictable, so you want to have something that will protect you from the elements. Emergency blankets will retain your body heat if you are trying to be more mobile, such as when you are cooking, hunting, or fishing.
Emergency Blanket Recommendations
1. TITAN Survival's Standard Mylar Survival Blankets
2. TITAN Survival's XL Mylar Survival Blankets
Clothing – Weather conditions can always change, so making sure you have an extra set of clothing is important. You will need a great pair of either hiking or walking shoes so you can travel comfortably. Having a bandana or Shemagh helps protect your skin from the sun, and a bandana can also be used to filter water. You will need tactical gloves for completing any tasks or if your hands get cold.
Spare Change of Clothes
1. Pants
2. Shirt
3. Underwear & Socks
4. Poncho
Walking / Hiking Shoes Recommendations
1. Timberland Men's Ankle Boot
3. Sketchers Memory-Foam Lace-Up Sneaker
Bandana or Shemagh Recommendations
2. Rothco Shemagh Tactical Scarf
Glove Recommendations
1. FREETOO Knuckle Tactical Military Gloves
Combustion – Lighters have so many uses that you have to make sure you have a quality one in your pack. As a backup, you can also carry your favorite ferro-rod.
Lighter Recommendations
2. Camouflage Zippo Lighter Gift Set
Ferro-Rod Recommendations
1. SurvivorSteel Ferrocerium Fire-Starter
2. 3-Pack Premium Large Ferro-Rods
Tools – The tools you bring with you shape your everyday life. We recommend a knife to cut cordage or do any other tasks you need to do. A multi-tool will help accomplish multiple tasks, so you will definitely need one. Paracord is a necessity because it can do anything from creating shelter to creating a splint. You’ll also need a first-aid kit in case you obtain a minor or major injury.
Knife Recommendations
2. Smith & Wesson Folding Knife
3. Tactical Bowie Survival Hunting Knife
Multi-Tool Recommendations
1. Gerber Suspension Multi-Tool
2. Gerber Gear Truss Multi-Tool
Paracord Recommendations
1. SurvivorCord
First-Aid Kit Recommendations
1. TITAN Survival First Aid Kit (IFAK)
Miscellaneous – These items are necessities that you will most likely need when you face multiple obstacles, and of course your items you always have no matter what. You'll always want your phone, wallet, and keys with you for obvious reasons. We recommend you have a flashlight or a headlamp and a solar power bank so you can place it in the sun and be able to charge your phone at any time. Emergency cash is important to have for any occasion.
Your Essentials
1. Cell Phone
2. Keys
3. Wallet
Flashlight/Headlamp Recommendations
1. TACAMO ARC Lighter w/ Integrated LED Flashlight
2. TITAN Solar Power Bank w/ Integrated LED Emergency Flashlight
3. Energizer High-Powered LED Headlamp
4. Foxdott 8 LED Headlamp Flashlight
Solar Power Bank Recommendations
1. TITAN Survival Solar Power Bank
Emergency Cash Recommendations
Staying prepared goes far beyond just a bug-out bag that you "might" eventually use. Make sure your everyday carry has items you'll need. Remember that every EDC is different, so our checklist is just an outline. You can customize it to your lifestyle and make it your own. You can also take our checklist on the go with this downloadable PDF.
IMPORTANT: When building out your EDC Bag, redundancy is very important. Whenever possible, you'll want to make sure that you have items with dual purpose, such as a Solar Power Bank with and integrated LED light, or a SurvivorSteel Ferrocerium Rod with an integrated emergency whistle.
Have something you want to add? Leave a comment below!
Leave a comment (all fields required)