Every Day Carry
What do you carry on a daily basis? Could you survive for 24 to 48 hours with what is in your pockets? Could you make it home over a long distance?
People always ask themselves “where will I be when disaster strikes?” No one knows for sure, that is why I live by the motto “Always be prepared.” Its one thing to have a food/water supply stored at home and to have a bug out bag ready to go, but what if you are away from home and a disaster occurs? Just because you are out of your “safe zone” does not mean you can’t be somewhat prepared.
This is where the concept of EDC, or EveryDay Carry, comes into play. EDC is not just for emergencies, but can also be for convenience in your daily life. Many of my friends and family members joke around with me about the amount of stuff I carry on a daily basis and that I’m addicted to gear (which I am, but that’s not the point). They are also the first to turn to me when they need something as well as want to be within my person should a disaster strike.
I have broken down my EDC into 4 main categories: day-to-day, utility, defensive/survival, and other. ‘Day-to-day’ items consist of such things as wallet, cell phone, pen and paper, and a watch. ‘Utility’ items consist of such things as multi-tools, lighters, flashlight, bandana, and knives. Although, a knife can be used as a weapon I choose to carry mine as a tool first and a weapon second. If I am ever in a defensive situation and need to use deadly force to protect others, or myself, I’m going to reach for my firearm first, not my knife. ‘Defensive/Survival’ items consist of firearms, paracord, and knives (if needed). And ‘other” consisting of non-essentials or fun items I carry off and on: headphones, etc.
By now you might be thinking, “why carry two firearms and three knives?” There are good reasons. First, because I can and I want to. Second, more importantly is that I follow the practice that “two is one and one is none” as well as what I call the ‘center axis concept.’ By placing a firearm and a knife on each side of the body, this would allow you to reach either side should one side be hard to get to.
Note that I used the word “sheeple” in my list of items. This is a term used for people who are not used to seeing knives in public. It is a combination of the words sheep and people. These are the type of people that would react with fear at someone using a folding knife to open a box in public. A “sheeple” knife is usually a traditionally designed knife with a blade under 3 inches, similar to a Swiss army knife or other slip joint knife. By having my EDC in my pockets and not in a bag, they are always on me as long as I am wearing pants. This also provides a type of indistinctness from everyone around me.
People sometimes think Preppers and EDCers are paranoid, but I believe that it is the thought of most people that we should “hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” An EDC system allows you to have a number of options on hand for both everyday and emergency situations. Whether it be opening a box or cutting a loose thread, to defending against a robbery or making it home after a SHTF event, having these so called pocket preps will help you overcome and survive. And remember:
“ALWAYS BE PREPARED!”
