What is your Survival EDC?
Everyday Carry for When SHTF
It’s bad enough many of us struggle to single out what to carry with us every day in an effort to be prepared. But with all the talking heads telling you that you need all this gear, it’s enough to drive you crazy
Yea, well you don't need more, you need less. You see the more you train, the less you need. Yes, training means that you replace many items with the knowledge of how to produce those items in their natural state. Resulting in you carrying less into your situation. Knowing how to make a water filter means you can carry less water, knowing how to trap and hunt means you can carry less food. Knowing how to set up wire traps means you can defend your perimeter. In this case it really is that knowledge is power. Remember MacGyver, how many things did he carry? Not much. Of course, since you are not MacGyver, there are a host of items you will need depending on the type of environment you believe you could be facing.
In an urban environment, we tend to feel more “at home” because of the familiar territory. We know the area, so we feel more comfortable about traversing it. But in a disaster the area that you know may not be the same, especially if it has descended into chaos. So, what do you carry into that situation?
Well, the truth is you want to minimize what you carry because pocket space is limited, and you don’t want to have bulging pants every day. If you take the subway, take a very small but powerful flashlight, multi-tool, portable charger, mace and a bottle of water. Make sure not to leave the wire for the charger behind. If you walk the street, take a multi-tool, mace, matches, and a bottle of water. If this is too much use an over the shoulder pack, fanny pack, or a backpack. If you drive a car, you’re in luck because you can carry a few items with you and have the rest in the car. Nonetheless, carry a multi-tool, mace, water and small ham radio.
If you are good with carrying a backpack every day, then you have more options. First, let’s make sure your bag is small and inconspicuous; you don’t want to attract attention. High-speed bags need not apply for this task. Stick to a very plain backpack if possible. Next let’s discuss what to carry in that plain jane bag. Typical items include a cell phone, flashlight or headlamp, spare batteries, a LifeStraw water filter or bottled water, small first aid kit, ham radio, multi-tool, city map, portable charger, matches or a lighter, knife, and a n95 mask. Keep it small but think about scenarios you can face and figure out what will give you the maximum benefit while taking up the smallest amount of space. Of course, in more remote areas you may need more items.
In the winter you can carry more because you have more pockets. In the summer, use cargo pants to help you carry what you need. Taking the train, avoid shorts- they leave your legs exposed to various dangers especially in fires. Pay attention to the fabrics you are using as many can be flammable. This can dramatically cut down your survival rate in a disaster situation.
I get plenty of questions about carrying a firearm and I can tell you that having one on you every day may not be the best idea. Firearms give you a false sense of security and that makes you less likely to play it safe. If you can control your sense of ability, that hero thing that makes you do things you otherwise would not do, then maybe its ok to carry one. If you do carry one, make sure its legal and that you train with it constantly. By the way, the same goes for a knife.
Remember that bottle of water, it can be used to refill water, or as an expedient water filter. If needed, that portable charger can also be used to start a fire. Make every effort to use items that have multiple uses, that way you maximize your potential to survive when shit hits the fan.
Remember, everybody has a different idea for what is everyday carry. So, don’t fret to much over what to carry. Just give it some thought and adjust as needed. Safe trails out there.
