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
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
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?
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Very cool. I have asked my wife to carry a tactical pen, which she has done. I prefer the schrade pens, they don’t look tactical, accept fisher space pen refills, and write nicely. I would love to see a picture of your bag if you ever decide to post some of it. Thanks.
This pen was a gift from my boys…so it’s sentimental as well as practical 🙂 Like I said in the post, my bag is very similar to the sling bag, but in messenger format instead.
On Fri, Jun 28, 2013 at 8:41 AM, Mom With a Prep Blog – Helping Prepare
I loved your bag, I too use smaller bags to hold my medical kit and electronic gear separate from the tools I might need. my day bag is either a leather satchel (internal pockets) for work or a Pacsafe Traveller (internal pockets).
We live in Wellington NZ and earthquake is our big risk so my tote is geared around that.
Loved the idea of a tag on the zipper of the bag, going to use that… Thanks.
Best
MikeNZ
What’s the bag in the picture? It’s some kind of sling I can tell, but I can’t make out the brand or tell the size.
Emily – here’s the bag http://www.amazon.com/Military-Inspired-Canvas-Backpack-Daypack/dp/B003UM04JM This is not the exact one I use (this one doesn’t get great ratings), but like I said, it’s very similar to the one I use – just think messenger bag look instead of sling bag.
On Fri, Jun 28, 2013 at 8:49 AM, Mom With a Prep Blog – Helping Prepare
https://momwithaprep.com/2013/09/05/tried-edc-everyday-carry-bag-review/
Emily – wanted to let you know I actually ended up buying it, trying it and reviewing it here.
Very nice! I love seeing EDC from other women because so many survival blogs are either geared toward men or only discuss at-home prep. I have to admit that I don’t understand your aversion to purses; they’re about as nondescript as you can get, especially because so many women worldwide carry them. It’s the perfect evil disguise 🙂
Danielle,
Since the dawn of time, I’ve never carried a purse. I’ve usually never had enough to carry to bother with and don’t like the things.
On Fri, Jun 28, 2013 at 7:26 PM, Mom With a Prep Blog – Helping Prepare
Where did you find that bag? After I shared it on Facebook & Pinterest, enquiring minds wanted to know.
The bag in the photo gets some not so great reviews – http://www.amazon.com/Military-Inspired-Canvas-Backpack-Bookbag/dp/B004QUAY9W
I used it in the graphic because it’s similar to what I carry and because I really like the way it looks. My bag is no longer in production, and I choose not to show it for security reasons.
So sorry. I was here, so went and read all the comments. And saw it. THANK YOU!! Great blog!!
Need to throw in a tampon. The are great for gunshot wounds, fire kindling, even a water filter in a pinch. 🙂
Great idea – as well as being a help if someone else has a need! Never thought out it.
On Wed, Jul 3, 2013 at 7:23 AM, Mom With a Prep Blog – Helping Prepare
My husband is a paramedic. In our emergency first aid kit, besides a few tampons, we also carry feminine pads. They can soak up a lot of blood of course and are small to carry.
Thanks for that hint!
I agree, very good for wounds, I used them in South Africa years ago. even though I’m a man I carry 6 in the medical kit smaller bag in my EDC.!!
What works!
the smaller bags I use to compartmentalise my kit I bought from a camping suppl chain we have here called Katmandu. they come in threes all have firm mesh and a top that is clear plastic with a 360 degree zipper.
I’ve used them for 4yrs now and they are good. oblong in shape 1.5″ high and three sizes 6″x4″, 7″x5″ and 8″x6″ so they stack inside each other when not loaded.
have a great day
MikeNZ
For consolidation purposes, I’d skip the small scissors as you already have a pocketknife and nail clippers. My purse feels pretty loaded down already (and I’m not a prepper!) but I definitely need to organize my car bags with some of your list..
My EDC includes a small pocketknife, pen and paper, small pill case (aspirin, aleve, 2 doses of my prescription med, antihistamine, decongestant), small jar (nickel-size) of healing salve for lotion and antibacterial ointment, small jar (stack of quarters!) of pure coconut oil for lotion/lip balm/cuticle cream/antibacterial ointment/makeup remover/face wash/toothpaste/anti-frizz hair balm/all-purpose lubricant, antihistamine eye drops, screwdriver heads on my keychain, mini tape measure, mini nail file, tiny mirror, hair pick, extra cash, assortment of band aids, a couple pantiliners, tampon, plastic bag neatly folded to corral small items or dog poo, and a few small ziplock plastic bags for tiny items (single earrings, individual buttons or beads, or seed collecting!) whew!
Why the handcuff key?
Because you never know when you might need it 😀
I have always been prepared…more than others, since I was a kid. The military promoted more of this pattern. I’ve carried, what is now being called a Bug Out Bag since 1978 but recently purchased a Side Kick Bag. For first-aid, I prefer simple…duck tape, clean paper towel and a bandana. There are several knives and a small multi-tool, flashlight, gloves, head wrap, rope, wallet, cell phone, paper, pen, un-lubed condom, folded up tin foil, lighter, matches, wet fire, lip balm, dental floss, hard candy, poncho & space blanket.
I like the stuff you post and share it with my friends. Keep it up !
I stumbled on this blog and it must have been an act of God. I have been looking for a bag like/similar to this. I am tired of carrying a purse with all my stuff, minus items that should be in there. I do carry a weapon in that heavy purse. A few months ago I mentioned to my husband if I could only find a back pack or sling bag I could use for everyday and have the dual purpose as a BOB. I know too many women who carry both. Ummmm that is a little to much. I always side on the “what if’s” so 2 bags are not an option. Thanks for the post and now I have a source to find one that will look nice with what I wear but is practical.
Glad this has given you a place to start!
Oh some things are meant to be. 🙂 I found your article exactly when I needed to.
Hubby put together a get home bag last fall and has been on me to make one too, for several months. I finally started working on it 2 days ago. I knew my bag needed to be “different” than his because my daily needs are different. He works 30+ miles from home. On an average day I travel in a, maximum, 7 mile radius from home and have our daughter with me most of the time.
I was having a hard time customizing my bag from his list. Your list is exactly what I needed.
Glad you found it helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Interesting post. In The Netherlands nobody walks around equipped like this. I can happily leave the house for the day with only a credit card, some lipgloss and my keys. Why would you want to carry around all that stuff? Could somebody plz explain? T
Hi, Rose. In some areas of our country, we have severe weather that hits in a heart beat that might leave us stranded with nothing. Tornadoes and hurricanes and earthquakes, while not everyday occurrences, leave us at the mercy of the weather if we get caught in it. There are also just times when we’re on trips and need extra supplies, and for some of us, being caught without is worse than carrying a little extra. This week, I found the need to have a first aid kit for my son as he was injured while we were out hiking on vacation. If we hadn’t had those small supplies, we would’ve been without the means to take care of his injury.
I’d love to know how people manage EDC with baby bags…. I’m usually out and about with a preschooler, an almost-toddler, and sometimes my school age child…. How do you all manage to carry everything you need without feeling like a pack animal?