Our everyday carry (EDC) varies from person to person. In a mom’s bag, tissues, snacks, various implements to wipe things, toys, makeup and a change of baby clothes might be evident. For a guy, some change, a wallet and keys might be all he ever carries.
My EDC is a little different than your average soccer mom. But then, I’m not your average soccer mom 😀
This is my normal EDC on a typical day. It consists of what’s in my pockets + what is in my day bag
(I don’t carry a purse. Try and call it a purse, and I’ll hit you!!! just teasing. sort of.) If I’m heading to church and am wearing something that doesn’t have pockets, everything is stuffed into my day bag (it’s NOT a purse!) I recently wrote a review of this bag and showed you the insides if you’d like to check it out.
MY EVERYDAY CARRY
Keychain
Lighter with duct tape wrap
Wallet
- survival card
- emergency cash stash (money that is never to be spent)
Cell phone – it’s a pay as you go phone.
Inhaler (I have asthma, but this is also a most-EDC..sometimes I just keep it in my daypack which is always in the car with me)
The pocket knife, flashlight & lighter all fit into the change pocket, wallet in one back pocket, cell phone in the other, keychain in one front pocket and multitool in the other if I carry it (it’s technically not EDC…it’s some-EDC depending on where I’m headed).
My EDC Daypack
My day bag is similar in style to the photo – sling bag with lots of pockets with more of a hiking look than a military look. I wanted something that didn’t scream – she’s got a ton of stuff in there that might be useful, but I don’t carry a purse (I did mention that before, right?)
Leatherman Multitool (this is where the multitool lives if I’m not carrying it)
Firestarter/lighter I do carry extra
First Aid Bag
- bandages of varying sizes
- gauze pad + tape
- menstrual pad – not only for me, but for first aid if ever needed
- Neosporin to go
- small scissors
- small tweezers
- alcohol wipes
- gloves
- pain relief (small plastic pill box with over the counter pain relievers+tums+allergy pill)
- Benadryl liquid spray
- superglue
- 1/2 ace bandage – enough to use temporarily.
2 Bandanas
Tissues (little travel pack)
Personal hygiene bag
- lotion
- anti-bacterial sanitizer
- nail clippers
- signal mirror
- small comb
- spool of dental floss
- hair clip & bobby pin
- ponytail holder
- lip balm
- spray bug repellent + sunblock
Paper Clips (clipped to a pocket)
Safety pins (pinned to a pocket)
Snack Bag ( a very, very small bag for just in case)
- pack of gum
- protein bar or trail mix
- hard candy
Wet Wipes
Kindle
Small coin purse with quarters
Tactical Pen / small notebook
Paracord – I choose to carry in a bracelet format because I can wear it if I want, or attach it to my bag if I want.
For each of my smaller bags, I use the cheap makeup bags I can get from the dollar store or Target or Walmart. They allow me to compartmentalize small product to keep in the larger compartment of my bag, and at first glance, just look like I carry a lot of makeup or something. Each are a different pattern with a tag on the zipper that says what it is so even my kids can grab and go. I use travel sized products whenever I can.
It may seem like I carry a backpack full of stuff, but it really fits better than it reads.
UPDATE:
People have been asking about the bag in the image, and I had originally chosen it only for it’s look…but had seen really bad reviews on it. Eventually, I broke down and ordered it for myself to try out, and this particular bag from this particular company – I’m really pleased with. Some of the other issues reviewed with bags from other companies aren’t here at all – it does not smell bad, it looks well made, the zippers are not cheap, there’s LOTS of room (more than in my regular EDC bag) PLUS, for ladies who want to conceal carry and can’t do so on their person, this has a compartment you could do it with, though you will not have it in front or on your side – it would be on your back, but easy to quickly swing around to the front to access.
READ REVIEW HERE | PURCHASE BAG HERE
Your Thoughts: What’s in your bag? What are some of the items you carry every single day?
Emily as an MFA in creative writing and a strong passion for cooking! She started trying out her mother’s recipes from a very young age, turning the time she spent in the kitchen into a career. She will soon publish her very first cookbook, and in her free time, Emily contributes to our blog with resources for all our readers, whether beginners or advanced chefs.
My “purse” is a tan backpack my husband found while cleaning out a building for his company when the job they were on was done. It has everything I would need for a day or two plus what my kids would need. I keep a regular backpack in my vehicle at all times that has a change of clothes for the whole family that is weather appropriate.
Yes! Thank you for sharing! I carry most of this as well! There were a few new items and ideas that I look forward to getting in my bag. Another item I’d suggest for yours is a travel size deodorant. It can help soothe bug bites, keep your feet dry and the gel kind can help prevent blisters. I learned about this while doing a bunch of field training in my army days and it is now an essential item in my EDC!
Thanks a lot for sharing, Rachel! It makes me really happy to find out so interesting kinds of stuff from my beloved readers. Thank you again for being here!