There are a lot of neat gadgets and gizmos for preppers, and it seems like the list of recommended EDC items is almost limitless. But, we can only carry so much stuff before it becomes too heavy or too bulky or too clanky. Do we really need to carry all that stuff with us at all times? Which EDC items are really the most useful?
Looking at my actual experiences with my EDC over the years, here are the items I have actually found the most useful:
Extra Cash. Sometimes
we need cash when we least expect it, and ATMs never seem to be nearby
when we need one. I now carry some emergency cash on me, separate from
my spending cash. Its not in my wallet, so I'm less tempted to spend it, thus saving it for a true emergency.
Quarters. Lots of uses for
quarters - drink & snack vending machines, pay phones (there are
still a few around), change for the drive-thru, gas station air pumps,
parking meters, car washes, car vacuums, coin laundries, stamp vending
machines, and even the shopping carts at ALDI's. I carry a couple of dollars in
quarters in my pocket, and have another few dollars worth in the cup holder of my vehicle.
Swiss Army Knife. I probably use my Swiss Army Knife (Hiker model) on a daily basis. Its a great high-quality pocket knife, and the screwdrivers come in handy quite often. I've even used the wood saw on occasion.
Leatherman Multi-Tool. I
don't use it as often as my Swiss Army Knife, but it has come in very useful
on a number of occasions, especially the pliers. When I needed it, I was very glad to have it.
The Leatherman Charge TTi is probably the ultimate multi-tool, but is a bit pricey. The Leatherman Rebar is another good choice for less money.
Pocket Flashlight. Another
often-used EDC item is my pocket flashlight. I have several, but am still trying to find the "perfect" one, so I don't have a particular recommendation yet
Cell Phone. Nothing beats being able to communicate with others in an emergency.
Pen & Index Cards.
Useful for shopping lists, taking notes, leaving messages, and keeping up
with appointments & contact information, I carry a small stack of
index cards held together with a binder clip (a hipster PDA). Also a good pen (I've been using this tactical pen which writes very smoothly - never had to use it for self-defense though) .
Wet Ones Hand Wipes. I use Wet Ones hand wipes almost daily.I keep two or three individually wrapped ones in the front pocket of my Maxpedition Micro Pocket organizer. I can easily slip one out when needed, then refill later that night.
(I mainly use the pocket organizer as my individual first aid kit and to carry the emergency cash mentioned above. I also carry a small roll of duct tape and a Bic lighter in it. The organizer nicely fits in the cargo pocket of my pants.)
Of
course, everybody is different, with different circumstances, concerns,
and needs. Your list of useful EDC items will probably be
different than mine. Point is to think through your EDC, and make sure you're carrying those items you really need before carrying the latest EDC gizmo being marketed to preppers.
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