“What in the world is an EDC Pouch?”
Over the last couple of years, I’ve found that one of the headaches of “being prepared” is making sure you have the gear and supplies that you want, where you want them, and when you need them. The easiest solution to this is to replicate your gear setup several times over, placing the same gear in multiple locations. While that ensures that you’ll have the gear you want where you want it, it is an expensive proposition.
My solution was to embrace the concept of layering once again and create a pouch that could easily be moved from one bag to another. The pouch contains the items that are the most expensive or the most useful to me daily. As long as I remember to bring the pouch, I know that I have a robust set of gear.
The Pouch
Maxpedition makes a full line of really durable and functional bags. I especially love their pouches and organizers. The E.D.C. Pocket Organizer (https://amzn.to/2Xub8Hq) is a perfect size to hold multiple items while remaining compact enough to fit in a variety of locations. The inside has several pockets and loops to secure and organize all of my items. I usually transition mine from my EDC laptop bag (during the day) to the glovebox of my vehicle (in the evening or weekends when I don’t have a bag with me).
Tools
- Leatherman Wave (https://amzn.to/2Vhz57A): The Leatherman Wave is the perfect tool for my needs. There are so many different combinations of tools in the various Leatherman models; it can be a little daunting deciding which one is the best for you. I ultimately chose the Wave because it had three, full-length blades (straight edge, a serrated edge, and saw), scissors, and the bit driver. The bit driver is really cool because it allows you to add the bit set (https://amzn.to/2PnarwV) to the tool and then utilize is on a variety of fasteners and screws.
- Plasma Lighter (https://amzn.to/2XjksxT): I have never been a huge fan of Bic or Zippo lighters (I also thought I would burn my finger), but then I found plasma lighters. A plasma lighter uses electricity to start the fire and can be recharged using a USB cable. This means there is no fuel to spill or carry and it will work with the USB charger I already have.
- Knife (https://amzn.to/2V26KSR): I absolutely love the Benchmade Mini Griptillion knife. It’s sturdy and compact but has a long enough blade to be very useful. As someone who doesn’t use pocket knives every day, I appreciate the way the safety lever works to make closing a smooth process. My particular version has a thumb hole in the top of the blade, which gives me an amazing amount of control and confidence when I need to open it. The version I purchased also has a split blade edge with half of it being just a straight blade and the other half of the edge is serrated.
- Flashlight (https://amzn.to/2Iz23Kj): I received an LED Lenser P3 AFS flashlight when I purchased my Leatherman. It’s a great flashlight and fits nicely in the pouch. It runs on AAA batteries, and there are loops on the side of the sheath that came with my Leatherman to store extra batteries. It’s bright, lightweight, and the same length as the Leatherman.
- Survival Bracelet (https://amzn.to/2DttBfT): Survival bracelets come in a variety of configurations. I selected a version that included a compass, whistle, and fire starter (ferrocerium rod and striker) in the buckle. Mine is all black, but you can select different color paracord to help with signaling (yellow or orange). I usually connect the survival bracelet to the top of the pouch like a handle.
Supplies
- Space Pen (https://amzn.to/2IBL0HT): I had a Fisher Space Pen when I was younger and am excited to see the new, sleeker design. Space Pens employ pressurized ink cartridges that allow you to write with the pen at any angle, including completely upside down.
- Rite in the Rain Notepad (https://amzn.to/2UN5KCx): You never know what conditions you’ll have around you when an emergency (large or small) strikes. The Rite in the Rain notepad includes a special paper that allows you to write notes in the rain or in any situation where the paper would be wet. Additionally, the ink won’t fade if the paper becomes wet later on.
- USB Charger (https://amzn.to/2IPxsrd): I keep an Anker charger in the pouch in case of emergency. This specific charger can only charge my phone about two times and is small for easy storage.
- USB Cables (https://amzn.to/2ICIyzP) (https://amzn.to/2XgRONU): I keep a Lightning and a Micro-USB cable always. Almost anything that can be charged with a USB charger uses Lightning or Micro-USB connections.
- Sharpies (https://amzn.to/2VMnyKO): Sharpies can write on almost anything and won’t wash off when they get wet. They come in a variety of colors, but you can also just get black. I keep a couple in my bag for any general marking or writing I may need to do.
- First Aid Supplies: I only keep minimal first-aid supplies in the pouch, because it is usually located somewhere with more extensive first-aid options. I just keep a couple of Band-Aids in it to help with small cuts. If there is a specific medication that you use regularly, you should try to include that too.
Everyone’s kit and gear are different because everyone’s situation and needs are different. I hope this provides you with some ideas and a base to start building or refining your kit.
There are affiliate links in the article for all of the products mentioned and recommended. In addition, here is a convenient table of links to use if you would like:
