You probably have some items that you always carry with you, no matter where you go or what you do. These are the things that help you get through the day, whether it’s your phone, your wallet, your knife, or your watch. These are your everyday carry (EDC) gear.
EDC gear is not a new concept. Humans have been carrying tools and accessories for survival and convenience since ancient times. But today, with so many options and styles available, EDC gear has become a way to express your personality, your interests, your profession, and your preparedness.
But how do you decide what EDC gear is right for you? How do you find the balance between functionality and aesthetics, between necessity and desire, between minimalism and readiness? Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing your EDC gear.
- What do I use daily? Think about your routine and your activities. What are the things that you need or want to have with you at all times? These are your essentials, the core of your EDC gear. For example, if you’re a mechanic, you might need a multitool or a flashlight. If you’re an outdoorsman, you might want a watch or a compass. If you’re a writer, you might need a notebook or a pen.
- What can I minimize? Once you have your essentials, think about how you can make them more compact, lightweight, and efficient. This is where minimalism comes in. Minimalism is not about carrying less for the sake of carrying less. It’s about carrying only what you need and nothing more. It’s about simplifying your life and reducing clutter and stress. For example, you might replace your bulky wallet with a slim card holder. You might switch from a large laptop to a small tablet. You might choose a knife that has multiple functions instead of carrying several tools.
- What do I want to prepare for? Finally, think about the scenarios that you want to be ready for, even if they don’t happen every day. This is where preparedness comes in. Preparedness is not about being paranoid or fearful. It’s about being confident and capable in any situation. It’s about having the right tools and skills to handle whatever life throws at you. For example, you might carry a first aid kit or a fire starter in case of an emergency. You might carry a spare battery or a power bank in case your phone dies. You might carry a pen or a flash drive in case you need to sign or transfer some documents.
Choosing your EDC gear is a personal journey that reflects who you are and what you value. There is no one right way to do it, but there are some guidelines that can help you along the way. Remember to focus on what you use daily, what you can minimize, and what you want to prepare for. And most importantly, have fun with it! EDC gear is not only useful but also enjoyable. It’s a way to express yourself and connect with others who share your passion.
But what exactly is EDC gear and how do you choose the best ones for you? In this article, we’ll explain what EDC gear is, why it matters, and how to find the perfect balance between function and style, between need and want, between minimalism and readiness.
What Is EDC Gear? EDC gear is the term used to describe the tools and accessories that you carry with you every day. These are the things that help you get through the day, whether it’s for work, play, or survival. EDC gear can range from simple and practical items like wallets and keys to more specialized and personal items like knives and flashlights.
EDC gear is not a new idea. Humans have been carrying tools and accessories for survival and convenience since ancient times. But today, with so many options and styles available, EDC gear has become a way to express your personality, your interests, your profession, and your preparedness.
Why Does EDC Gear Matter? EDC gear matters because it can make your life easier, safer, and more enjoyable. By carrying the right items for your needs and preferences, you can:
- Save time and hassle by having the tools you need at hand
- Be prepared for any situation or emergency that may arise
- Enhance your productivity and efficiency by streamlining your tasks
- Express yourself and your style by choosing items that reflect who you are
How to Choose Your EDC Gear? Choosing your EDC gear is a personal journey that reflects who you are and what you value. There is no one right way to do it, but there are some guidelines that can help you along the way. Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing your EDC gear.
- What do I use daily? Think about your routine and your activities. What are the things that you need or want to have with you at all times? These are your essentials, the core of your EDC gear. For example, if you’re a mechanic, you might need a multitool or a flashlight. If you’re an outdoorsman, you might want a watch or a compass. If you’re a writer, you might need a notebook or a pen.
- What can I minimize? Once you have your essentials, think about how you can make them more compact, lightweight, and efficient. This is where minimalism comes in. Minimalism is not about carrying less for the sake of carrying less. It’s about carrying only what you need and nothing more. It’s about simplifying your life and reducing clutter and stress. For example, you might replace your bulky wallet with a slim card holder. You might switch from a large laptop to a small tablet. You might choose a knife that has multiple functions instead of carrying several tools.
- What do I want to prepare for? Finally, think about the scenarios that you want to be ready for, even if they don’t happen every day. This is where preparedness comes in. Preparedness is not about being paranoid or fearful. It’s about being confident and capable in any situation. It’s about having the right tools and skills to handle whatever life throws at you. For example, you might carry a first aid kit or a fire starter in case of an emergency. You might carry a spare battery or a power bank in case your phone dies. You might carry a pen or a flash drive in case you need to sign or transfer some documents.
Some Examples of EDC Gear To give you some inspiration, here are some examples of common EDC gear items that many people carry.
- Multitool: A multitool is an EDC innovation that offers a convenient way to carry a wide variety of tools. Here at Lever Gear, we’ve created our own multitool—The Toolcard Pro, which packs 40 tools into a single, credit card sized gadget.
- Keychain: A keychain is a simple but essential item that helps you organize and access your keys. KeySmart offers just that and a touch more with their KeySmart Pro, which also has a built-in flashlight and Tile tracker.
- Wallet: A wallet is an item that holds your cash, cards, IDs, and other important documents. Distil Union has created a champion line of wallets designed to carry all your financial essentials securely and discretely.
- Knife: A knife is an item that can be used for cutting, opening, prying, self-defense, and more. Kershaw’s Scallion offers a great introductory knife for the novice EDCer, with a sleek design and a spring-assisted opening mechanism.
- Accessories: Accessories are the items that add some flair and fun to your EDC gear. From tactical pens and minimalist belts to notebooks and flashlights, the possibilities are endless. It’s just a matter of figuring out the right gear for your needs.
