My EDC Bag

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ejnogarb

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I've been carrying and upgrading my EDC bag for a while now, and I feel it's nearing perfection.

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The bag itself is the Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack. I wanted a small, messenger-style bag that I could carry comfortably over my shoulder, not strapped to my back. It comes with a nylon belt that can easily secure the bag to your waist if you need to move quickly with it. Other important features I looked for were an external 1 liter bottle holder, webbing for additional gear, quick-release strap, and lots of pockets (because I like my stuff organized and not all thrown into one big bag).

Contents
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-wallet, with all the usual
-4 GB thumb drive with contact information, important documents, etc
-2 spare AA batteries
-combo compass and thermometer attached to exterior with lanyard
-Fenix LD10 flashlight attached to exterior for quick and easy finding in the dark
-waist belt for bag
-medical supplies in ziploc, containing dust masks, gloves, antibiotics, needle, earplugs, band-aids, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, diphen, ibuprofen, tylenol, and a safety pin
-QuikClot
-space blanket
-mini deck of playing cards (very handy)
-plastic bag
-Fox 40 whistle
-small nalgene bottle packed with matches, 10 lbs fishing line, hooks
-small nalgene bottle filled with honey (for emergency energy and antiseptic)
-Zippo. I used to keep it filled, but it evaporates too quickly. I kept it tightly sealed in a ziploc, which extended the fuel for a couple of months.
-Leatherman Charge TTi, best multitool made right now
-sunglasses
-small pad of paper with good pen and Sharpe
-1 liter nalgene bottle
-cell phone (not pictured because I used it to take these crappy pictures)
-Nail clippers
-hand wipes
-I use to have a Photon II light on a retractable lanyard (with glow-in-the-dark paint) attached to the bag, but it was pulled off somewhere on the road. I thought it was a nifty idea, but I just moved my Fenix to the exterior instead of replacing it.

There are a few more things I've been thinking about adding. I don't have scale, but it's still pretty light and I can carry it all day. What do you guys think is missing?
 
I don't like carrying my wallet away from my body, especially when you have a thumb-drive with all sorts of personal contact info thrown in the mix. It seems that there is the possibility of more harm than good that could come of that.

If it were me, that would make for a good trunk bag if you ditch the wallet and thumb drive and added a tire plugging kit.

It may help us to better advise you for what purposes you carry it. Like myself, I work in an office environment. A bag like that could be easily lost or stolen so it would be more of a risk than an asset IMHO.
 
I like to use this list of 10 Essentials as the conceptual basis for my GHB's:

1. Map
2. Compass
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen
4. Extra clothing
5. Headlamp/flashlight
6. First-aid supplies
7. Firestarter
8. Matches
9. Knife
10. Extra food

You seem to have most of it covered. I see you have a compass but no map. One without the other isn't nearly as effective.

I see sunglasses but no sunscreen. Sunburn can happen any time of the year and can really sap your strength - even make you physically ill.

I don't see any extra clothes (particularly important with winter coming) and you might want to upgrade your space blanket if that's one of the el-cheapo's. I also keep a pair of hiking or tennis shoes in my vehicles as I'm not going to walk very far in my dress shoes (suit and tie to work every day).

I'm considering adding a pre-paid cell phone to my GHB's that has text capabilities. During Katrina cellular calls didn't get through but text messages did.

Is the data on the thumb drive encrypted or password protected in any way? If not, that would be a concern for me.

Just some thoughts ....
 
Good points on the thumb drive. There's no "sensitive" information, but I should protect it. I do have sunscreen in my med kit. The bag is too small for extra clothing. I'm afraid the space blanket is pretty cheap, so I'll look into upgrading it. I carry this bag with me always, and I don't take it off unless it's right next to me or I'm home.
 
I carry this bag with me always, and I don't take it off unless it's right next to me or I'm home.
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Yeah, that would be the source of my jaded reply. I couldn't do that in my line of work (IT). I have to be cautious what I put in my laptop bag in case it gets stolen. The fact is, unless it is stitched to my shoulder...it has the potential to be lost or stolen in my environment.

It may not be sensitive; but if I would be worried about someone getting my name, address and info or friends/family's info off of it. FYI, most password protected apps for thumb drives can be cracked easily with other readily download-able apps, so security is relative with a password. I'd recommend encryption on top of password protection. Try this:

http://www.truecrypt.org/

I use it to create hidden partitions. For the truly paranoid; you can create false, hidden partitions that you can reveal when under duress.
 
Might I ask what sort of area you live in? EDC gear for someone who lives in rural Montana is not going to be the same as someone who lives in Baltimore. I notice you seem to have a lot of woodsy camping type stuff. Is that practical for the area you are in? I only ask is because a lot of people seem to make their EDC bags or SHTF plans around getting a bunch of camping stuff together and roughing it in the woods. While that works for people who actually live in the woods, if you live in a city, it's mostly a fantasy. EDC is exactly that Every Day Carry. It is far more likely that I will need a spare phone battery, some 5 Hour Energies, and a spare set of headphones or USB cords than I will ever need fishing wire and fire-starters on a day to day basis. I do keep some of that survival stuff in my car trunk, but for Every Day Carry, it serves no purpose.

Decide what you need to accomplish.
Look at the environment you're going to be in while doing it.
Plan your gear based on those two things.

What I would pack while backpacking in Michigan's UP is not going to be what I would pack while spending a day in downtown Ann Arbor. What I would need to escape a natural disaster are things to get me from the affected disaster area to an unaffected populated area. One of the worst things one can do in a disaster or crisis is try to escape to the woods to rough it out with nature. A SHTF bag for anywhere but places like Montana or Alaska should probably contain a lot less fishing gear, and a lot more hard currency and spare ID documents. Those are the kinds of things one will really use when escaping a disaster.

Sorry for the rant.


Also, I would lose the QuikClot and get some Combat Gauze (made by the people who make QuikClot). QuikClot powder has been found to be somewhat unsafe, and can do more harm than good when used by people not trained for it. Combat Gauze is a roll of gauze treated with a hemostatic agent that can be used to wrap or even plug a wound. Since the hemostatic agent is part of the gauze, there is no risk of the clotting material getting into the bloodstream and causing arterial blockages.
 
Software downloaded. Thanks a lot.
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No problem. I use it at home and work. I have my entire partitions encrypted, hidden and protected. I then have sensitive client data or personal data in other hidden, encrypted and sensitive partitions. It's handy, very strong and free. You'll take a slight performance hit, but depending on your level of paranoia or privacy requirements...it's worth it.
 
I live in a small town on the border of the foothills and central valley in Northern California.

I notice you seem to have a lot of woodsy camping type stuff.
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I disagree.

THINGS I USE EVERY DAY (and weigh the most):
flashlight, multitool, wallet, water bottle, cell phone, sunglasses

THINGS I USE A FEW TIMES A WEEK:
paper, writing utensils

THINGS I USE ONCE IN A WHILE, BUT STILL OFTEN ENOUGH TO ALWAYS CARRY WITH ME:
zippo, nail clippers, hand wipes, compass (especially while driving), thumb drive, med kit, playing cards, plastic bag (e.g. cleaning up dog crap on walks)

THINGS I WILL NEED IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:
quikclot, space blanket, spare batteries, whistle (e.g. if I'm trapped under debris and injured), little nalgene bottles (honey and small survival kit)

With the exception of the matches, fishing line, and hooks in one of the little nalgene bottles, there is nothing in my EDC that I would call woodsy. In fact, the fishing line can double for sutures, and matches are just as useful in the city for lighting candles or small fires if the power goes out. Some things I have never used, but I feel better knowing I have them. The fishing line and hooks weigh so little, I forget they're there (until I need them).

I am thinking of adding a little USB/electrical outlet chord to the mix, since that's how I charge my phone. Good advice on the QuikClot, too. I've heard of problems with them before.
 
Just a thought on the thumb drive. Best money you can spend if you want to keep your stuff encrypted and safe...

Iron Key
 
The Zippo is certainly the best lighter of its era; but a butane lighter is superior today. Its fuel doesn't evaporate, and it will give you three easy fires a day for a year or more. Carry two (in different locations) to be sure; they're small.

Avoid the cheap ones; the Bic is the most reliable.

Your kit is well thought out; thanks for sharing with us!:cool:
 
The Zippo is certainly the best lighter of its era; but a butane lighter is superior today. Its fuel doesn't evaporate
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He has a point. I smoke. If I leave my zippo unattended for a week, it evaporates. If it gets turned upside down, it leaks. I've had a dozen or so over the years and they all do that. People seem to think they make novel gifts, but I usually use them for a week or two, get frustrated and toss them in the same drawer as my unused holsters.

Get a butane lighter that has a cover for the switch so the fluid doesn't leak out when it gets pinched.
 
Agree with the zippo comments. I don't smoke, so I quit carrying mine. It was always dry if I didn't top it off every few days. Super reliable when filled, but was always dry again by the time I needed it.
 
That will be some nice gear for someone to take off your carcass. It'll be a great find for the guy that thought ahead and has some way to purify water.
 
Strange comment Mainsail. I'd assumed since he's posting on this board that he has a firearm as EDC also and has elected not to go for off body carry.

I would add a few sewing needles in different sizes in with the fishing line and hooks. As you mentioned the line can be used for sutures (or hopefully more likely repairing gear) but using hooks as needles wouldn't be ideal. I saw there was a needle in you med kit, but several more wouldn't take up "any" room or add weight.
 
In south florida my EDC bag is my two front pockets, and left rear.

I carry my keys, cell phone, pocket knife, and wallet. Where applicable, I also carry my gun.
I also carry sunglasses on my face.
 
Carry what you want, but my EDC bag is pretty differently set up. Not saying your wrong and I am right by any means, just saying different is all. I don't think there is any such thing as the "right" contents for an EDC bag. Besides, variety is the spice of life! (I must amend that if your EDC was 12 shuriken, a blowgun, the US army survival manual, 3 cans of red bull and a buckwheat pillow, that probably would be wrong.)

For me, I use a 5.11 Rush 24. I have tried Jumbos, and I still own a County Comm BoB that I like. My main problem with my BOB was just that I didn't like the strap for extended carry, so it became what the name implies: A bug out bag. My main complaint with the Jumbo was that it was too small to carry stuff other than my EDC, in particular folders and papers and stuff. The Rush is very comfortable for me and it has excellent internal organization.

So, here is what I carry in mine.

Main Pocket

1. County Comm pocket organizer with spare erasers and lead for my pencil, my pencil, a couple of pens, a stanley 4-in-1 "technicians" screwdriver, a Tide pen and a spare knife. Also, my jump drive.
2. Spare Toilet Paper.
3. A small bottle of hand sanitizer
4. A sewing kit that I made out of an altoids tin. Also, a little bag with about 50 safety pins. ENORMOUSLY USEFUL!
4. A small Gerber multitool.
5. A few zip-ties and a small amount of duct tape wrapped around an empty bic that is cut to size.
6. Though I don't usually carry it, my passport is in there right now too.
7. Pocket Ref

Upper left pocket

1. Bandana
2. Whistle
3. pocket towel
4. Lighter

Upper right pocket

1. headphones
2. iPod
3. Patch cable to run my iPod through a PA.

Side Pocket

1. Very small first aid kit consisting of bandaids, some antacids (I have acid reflux so these are a necessity), some aspirin, some gas pills, and some imodium.

Other Side pocket

1. Mechanix Gloves
2. Watch cap.

Main area

1. Highway map of colorado
2. Folder with various papers and stuff in it.

I also keep a flashlight on the outside of my bag, and I have a camelbak bladder for it. I also generally carry one or two spare cans of chew around. Thats the real lifesaver for me!

Thats pretty much it. It's pretty light so I don't feel like I am hauling a bunch of crap around I don't need, and with the exception of the whistle (which probably weighs all of 2 ounces at most) and the zip-ties, it's all stuff that I have used to varying degrees of frequency. I have another bag in my car that has heavier gloves, a blanket, some hand warmers and some candles plus some matches and a book if I have to stay in my car in the snow or something.

I am a believer in being prepared, obviously, but I like to have different things for different situations. For my every day needs, it's just simple stuff, and I would not carry this bag into the woods or grab it if I needed to evacuate my home. I have a woods bag and I have a BOB, and those bags have more appropriate stuff in them for those situations. I am a little bit of a gear nerd, so some of this is actually just kind of fun for me, but the reality is that taking the time to prepare a bag for whatever you need to have a bag for is well worth the time and the effort. It's easy to go overboard and start carrying more than you need, but if you take the time to really plan it out, it can make life tremendously easier.

I can't tell you how many times myself or co-workers have needed something I have in my bag (especially the sewing kit), and I am always happy to help. Some people get cranky over this, but not me. I always feel like the office hero when I can bust something out of my bag to help someone in a pinch!
 
That will be some nice gear for someone to take off your carcass. It'll be a great find for the guy that thought ahead and has some way to purify water.
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When's the last time you were driving home from work, or stopping by the grocery store and thought to yourself "Man, I really wish I had something to purify water"?

EDC is not BOB. A Bug Out Bag is a bag of stuff you would need to escape some danger area into a non danger area. If there's a tornado, it's what you would need to get to the next town to get a hotel. If it's a Katrina event, you might want to bring some extended living stuff and valuable family items. If you live in rural Nebraska and you get caught in a blizzard, it may very well be the kind of camping-survival stuff a lot of people seem to carry, like water purification.

An EDC bag is Every Day Carry. Stuff you think you might need, on any given normal day. Your bus or train home is late. Your wife needs you to pick up the kids. Your car breaks down...but in a populated area. You're not out roughing it in the wilderness. It's stuff you would need to go about your daily life of work, school, whatever. True, there is no "right" EDC setup. But really take a look at the stuff you carry and ask "when is the last time I actually used this?" Are you carrying around space blankets and fishing gear in downtown Indianapolis? Again, that stuff is great to have in a BOB where things are out of the ordinary and you may need some things you would not normally have. But Every Day means Every Day. Stuff you might need Every Day. I somewhat doubt water purification is something many people find themselves needing on a day to day basis. Try to take the "Gee, this is neat" factor out of it, and really ask what you truly need, not just what you think it's cool to have.
 
Replace the bandana with a quality neck gator. They are incredibly useful. Easier to put on/take off than a bandana. Can be used to keep neck/face/head warm. In conjuction with a cap, can completely cover your neck/face/head similar to a ski-mask. Can be used as a dust mask to cover nose/mouth with some effectiveness. And can be used to pull over eyes when trying to sleep during daylight hours. It has some elasticity so I often use mine, in the military, when trying to sleep in areas that are well-lite and with lots of noise. I put headphones in my ears and pull the neck gator on over my ears and eyes. The elasticity keeps the earbuds in my ears when I am laying down and moving around. Probably not much use in a survivial situation (as you may want situational awareness and likely won't have an ipod), but the neck gator is worth its weight in gold for the other mentioned reasons. Much better than a bandana.
 
I actually have a very nice gaiter that I do use when it gets cold, and sometimes I do carry that in addition to the other stuff in my bag.
 
I'm lucky in that I own/manage a family business and can basically bring anything I want with me to work each day. That includes a very "low-profile" tactical laptop briefcase (Code Alpha Laptop Messenger, black). In it, I have the following:

• Butane lighter
• Surefire E2D LED Defender 120-lumen flashlight
• Leatherman Fuse plier multi-tool
• Gerber Shortcut mini scissor multi tool
• Gerber Artifact mini pry tool
• R.A.T. Cutlery Izula fixed blade knife with kydex sheath and paracord-wrapped handle
• 12’ of extra paracord
• Small first aid kit with vinyl gloves and basic manual
• Gum/mints
• Dental floss
• Blistex medicated 15 SPF lip balm
• Aleve/Advil tablets
• Tums
• Small stainless nail clippers
• Ink pens and mechanical pencil
• Folder with paper, various work documents, business cards, etc.
• Beretta 92FS 9mm handgun in snap holster velcroed to bag interior
• Additional 15-round magazine
• iPhone charger
• Headphones
• Foam earplugs
• 1 filter dust mask
• 1 pair of full-finger bicycle gloves
• Aluminum 24 oz. water bottle
• Water purification tablets
• Small sealed pack of toilet paper
• Sanitizing wipes

Since my truck (with weeks worth of survival equipment) is almost always parked about 50 feet away from me, my EDC bag's emphasis is on small items I use daily, or might need in the rare instance I'm not near my vehicle. I'm not trying to load my EDC bag up with things necessary to survive in the wilderness for a week, that's where my truck comes in. I have a dedicated "Bugout/Ultimate Wilderness Survival" backpack under the rear seat to grab in a hurry if I need to set out on foot.

This is all in addition to what I have on my person anytime I'm away from my house, which includes:

• Benchmade Mini Griptilian folding knife
• Keychain with Maratac AAA 80-lumen led flashlight
• Wallet
• Analog solar-powered wrist watch
• iPhone
• CCW
 
Last edited:
EDC is not BOB...
Click to expand...

Ah, I see now. I had no earthly notion what EDC stood for, and presumed it was some sort of bugging out bag based on the contents listed in the OP. My bad.
 
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