Everyday carry (EDC) refers to a small collection of tools, equipment and supplies that are carried on a daily basis. The term EDC also refers to the philosophy or spirit of ‘preparedness’ that goes along with the selection and carrying of these items. Implicit in the term is the sense that an EDC is an individual’s personal selection of equipment, arrived at after deliberation, rather than a standardized kit.
EDC items normally fit in a pocket, or small pack, or be attached to clothing. Emphasis is placed on the usefulness, accessibility and reliability of these items. As an example, the core elements of a typical EDC might include a folding pocket knife, a flashlight and a multi-tool. These items are often collected into a pack or organizer.
There is a spectrum of situations for which an EDC might be devised which range from the predictable and mundane to the rare and serious. Some EDCers focus on unthreatening, day-to-day situations and are principally interested in ways to efficiently organize common items like pens, keys, cell phones and cash/credit cards. In addition, many EDCs include some provision for tackling less common situations or emergencies, such as an injury or finding oneself lost or stranded. Thus, an EDC kit could include an emergency whistle, a way to start a fire, or a small first-aid kit.
Some EDCers include personal protection in their selection criteria when choosing equipment. Their EDC kits may include handguns, knives suitable for defense, or items such as pens which can also function as kubotans (self-defense keychains). In addition to the usual criteria for assembling an EDC, local regulations and legislation can become a factor. Many countries have imposed restrictions on carrying knives and all govern ownership of firearms. In countries where civilians are permitted to carry firearms, such as the United States, there may be additional local laws regulating the circumstances under which one may carry a concealed weapon (CCW) or openly carry a firearm.
While some simple EDCs can be distributed efficiently among pockets in one’s clothing, for many people their ideal selection of gear is at odds with the way they prefer to dress. For that reason, carry options are frequently expanded by the addition of clothing accessories like a fanny pack, purse, small day pack, or even footwear like long boots, or a vest with pockets. The multiple large pockets of cargo pants make them a popular EDCer choice.
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