Be prepared for nearly any situation with a fully equipped everyday carry bag. Having an EDC bag is an essential step in emergency preparedness.
Be prepared for nearly any situation with a fully equipped EDC bag. Whether you're commuting to work, going on a weekend getaway, or just running errands, having an everyday carry (EDC) bag is an essential step in being prepared for emergencies. Let’s dive into the items you should consider for your EDC bag.
Note: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. It doesn’t affect your purchase price.
What is an EDC bag?
EDC bags are compact, portable kits (usually carried on your person) that contain items to help you respond effectively to common emergencies. EDC bags are designed for everyday use. They're versatile and adaptable so you can customize them to your environment and potential risks — whether you're navigating urban traffic or just find yourself in a sticky situation without a wet wipe.
The best bag for EDC
The best bag for you may not be the best bag for me. Some people prefer small, compact bags while others carry larger sling packs. However, there are a few things to think about when selecting your bag:
Size and capacity. Choose a bag size that suits your daily needs. It should be compact enough to carry comfortably but spacious enough to hold your essential items without being overly bulky. I know mine can never hold enough Twinkies.
Durability. Look for a bag made from robust materials like nylon, Cordura, waxed canvas, or ballistic nylon. Reinforced stitching and sturdy zippers add to the bag's longevity.
Organization. Opt for a bag with multiple compartments and pockets. This helps keep your items organized and readily accessible. Everyone has different needs. Maybe you have an inhaler or epipen. Maybe you carry a CD walkman (I sure hope not).
Comfort. Ensure the bag has comfortable straps and that it can rest in a comfortable position while you move. Adjustable straps can help distribute weight evenly. If it ain’t comfy, you ain’t gonna wear it.
Security. Consider bags with lockable zippers or hidden pockets for added security. You might have a secret pocket with a bit of spare cash, or an extra pair of Underoos for those scary movies.
Water resistant. Protect your items from light rain or spills if your bag is made from water-resistant materials.
Ease of access. Quick and easy access to your EDC items is crucial. Look for bags with strategically placed pockets and zippers that allow you to reach what you need without rummaging.
Customization. You might consider bags with MOLLE webbing or attachment points. These allow you to customize your bag with additional pouches or accessories.
Versatility. Your EDC bag should suit your daily activities. If you commute, consider a bag that might also double as a laptop/work bag. If your activities are much more varied, you might want something smaller that carries easily and doesn’t get in the way. Some bags can even be separated so you can take smaller portions with you on a run, long walk, or even traveling on a plane.
Weight. Keep the bag's empty weight in mind. While it's important to have essential items, you don't want the bag itself to be too heavy, especially if you'll be carrying it for long periods.
Style. Maybe your look is homestead chic. Or maybe soccer mom. Or maybe tactical guy that just came from MMA class. Whatever your look, your bag should fit “you” and communicate the right thing. Maybe you want to communicate “I’m prepared and ready to defend myself”. Maybe you want to conceal the fact that you’re carrying a bag at all. Or maybe, just maybe, this is your chance to show off your love of Hello Kitty.
All this said, our favorite EDC bags are:
The Yeti Ukoala for an inconspicuous, around town, everyday bag.
The 5.11 Rush Moab 6 tactical sling pack with MOLLE straps for a larger, more capable EDC bag.
Everyday carry items
Once you’ve found a bag you like, you’ll fill it. Then you’ll remove half the crap you put in there because it’s too heavy. Finding the right balance of what serves you well is the hard part. Try to select items that are:
Multipurpose
Lightweight
Durable
Only as big as they need to be
Most likely to be needed and used
Outside of the regular items you might carry in your pockets (wallet, phone, keys), consider the following items for your everyday carry bag (in rough order from most to least useful):
Knife. So many uses for knives. If I carry nothing else, I always have a knife. Your multi-tool may already have one, but it’s never the same as having one that you can clip on your pocket with a better and longer blade. Make sure your knife is quality, but it doesn’t have to be a Benchmade or a Microtech to serve you well. I subscribe to the idea of using the right tool for the job, and I have a lot of knives from discount junk to “why the heck did I spend this much”. Choose something that feels good in the hand, is easy to deploy, and is reliable. Maybe you’ll open a package, cut a rope, or maybe you’ll need to defend yourself in a pinch. We like folding knives with assisted opening, comfortable grip, and slim design — like the Kershaw Leek, or the Kershaw Dividend for a larger profile, or the Kershaw Chive for a tiny but versatile version. You might think I’m obsessed with Kershaw. I’m not, but they make a pretty good, mid-priced knife that has done me well for years. The Magnum Medic is a great, less expensive option with a glass breaker and cord cutter. If you don’t want a clip-style knife, you could also opt for something like this Victorinox Swiss Army Fieldmaster, but just try to be sure you don’t have too much overlapping functionality with your multi-tool. Prepper tip: Don’t attempt to defend yourself with a knife unless you are skilled at using it or unless you are in a pit and some guy is providing you lotion in a basket on a rope.
Tactical flashlight. Whether you’re checking the back seats of your car before you get in or you're stranded on the side of the road, you need a good flashlight. You don’t need to purchase a $200 tactical flashlight with 12,000 lumens, although you’re welcome to if you have the money. I love my SureFire, but you can get a lot of mileage from a simple $20-$30 LED flashlight that requires just a couple small batteries.
Small first-aid kit. Because accidents happen and it’s important to be able to patch people back up.
Firearm and spare mag. Include a compact weapon in your bag as long as your local regulations allow for it — and you’re allowed to carry one.
Mini water-filter straw Emergency water in a pinch. Need I say more?
Survival blanket. These mylar emergency blankets can literally save your life if you’re stranded in the cold. They’re small enough to slip into a pocket on your EDC bag.
Poncho. Staying dry could mean the difference between health and hypothermia. Keep a thin, plastic poncho in your bag for emergencies.
Tissue. Whether your nose is running or you need to make an emergency pit stop, keep some tissue close by.
Spare meds. If you take prescription meds or you get migraines, keep some spare meds on hand in case you can’t make it home when you need a dose. Having a few allergy pills in your bag can make you or someone else much more comfortable.
Notepad and pen. Taking notes or leaving notes? It’s wise to have a non-digital way to write things down.
Batteries. Running out of juice always happens at the worst times.
Lighter and/or ferro rod. From lighting candles to starting a fire, or just melting the end of nylon rope, a fire-starter can simply be handy or it can be lifesaving.
Phone charger. Keeping your phone charged is a must in any emergency, whether you’re trying to call for help, navigate, or keep in touch with loved ones.
Toothpicks and/or floss. Yes, you can keep your teeth cleaned, but you can also use toothpicks and floss for an amazing variety of purposes.
Pepper spray. Pepper spray works on dogs and people. Protect yourself in a pinch and make time to get to safety.
Tactical pen. A tactical pen can be an excellent self-defense weapon if you know how to use one. The Boker Plus MPP or the CRKT Tactical Pen are great options.
Stun gun. A mini stun-gun is lightweight and easy to carry. It’s a nonlethal weapon that can help you neutralize threats.
Whistle. This can be a great deterrent if you feel threatened and a way to call attention if you’re lost. Emergency whistles are sleek and lightweight.
What are the benefits of everyday carry?
Everyday carry provides several benefits including:
Emergency preparedness. EDC means you’re better prepared for the unexpected, anything from a minor injury, to a vehicle breakdown, to sudden social unrest.
Convenience. When you keep vital tools on hand, you make daily tasks more manageable and efficient.
Self-reliance. EDC promotes self-sufficiency, reducing your reliance on others during everyday situations. I would rather be able to help myself and others than have to ask for help.
Safety. Many EDC tools enhance your safety such as flashlights, weapons, and pepper spray.
Peace of mind. Knowing you have emergency gear with you each day can help boost your confidence and make you feel more in control of your daily life.
Get prepped with EDC
Remember that the effectiveness of your self-defense items depends on your level of training and your ability to stay composed in high-stress situations. You also need to be aware of the laws regarding the possession and use of self-defense items in your area, and in any area you travel through, as regulations vary.
It's essential to learn how to use your tools properly and responsibly. You should also expect to change out several gear items before you find the right things to keep in your bag. It’s a journey that requires experimentation.
Everyone can benefit from some sort of EDC kit. Decide what’s right for you and notice how you feel more prepared, your situational awareness heightens, and you no longer have that feeling you left something critical at home.