I've seen a lot of webpages, blogs, and videos of people with their personalized EDC bags and its contents, from the simplest to the extreme 'preppers.' In my opinion, one has to consider his/her location (urban or rural setting, weather conditions, etc.), destination (daily travel to and from work, routes), capability and necessity (did I bring more/less than what I actually need given the situation, location, etc., is it lawful to carry an army knife?) when preparing your EDC bag. Although we can say that being 'overly prepared' is better than without or lack of preparation when the unforeseen circumstances happen, I think what will matter the most is "how we are going to deal" with the situation when that time comes. The EDC bag and its contents may be a valuable instrument, 'a tool' so to say, in helping us to be prepared if we are presented with situations such as accidents, emergencies, natural disasters, work needs, etc. I feel that together with our preparations, we must also be able to decide how to face the situation that we are presented with and react accordingly.
From what I have seen, EDC bags differ in size and type. This will depend on the person preparing the bag according to his/her needs. In this blog, I will share with you what I have in my EDC bag that suits my day to day activities. The items I bring range from my personal effects to tools that I may use or need. I will share them with you in pictures as well. Please also keep in mind that I will not be dwelling much on the type or brand of the items in this blog.
For starters, I am now using a foldable pannier type EDC bike bag that straps on to my MTB's rear rack than using a backpack for several reasons:
1. Since I live in the city, having a bag behind my back is prone to theft specially during public commutes and crowded places like the market or even the mall. A slash of a knife at the side or bottom part of the bag and I'm done. If ever I am using a backpack (when I travel out-of-town or abroad), I wear it in front of me and not at the back. It may look inappropriate but I feel more safer and secure.
2. I use my commuter MT bike or my E-bike daily to work (depends on the weather) to beat the terrible traffic, lessen if not at all free me of costs like parking fees and gas.
3. The pannier bag comfortably fits my work clothes and EDC items into one carrier (although weight on the side flaps are an issue (not to overload it), I am thinking of having it reinforced in an upholstery shop soon.
Here's a picture of my URBAN EDC BAG:
INSIDE THE POUCH
Chargers and USB data cables for my smartphone and rechargeable batteries for my flashlight and vape mod, USB wall adapters, earphones. This fits inside a small pouch.
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| Small Pouch (Closed) |
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| USB data& charger cables with wall socket |
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| 8 Gig Dual Pen Drive |
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| Earphones with Mic |
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| 18650 Batt and Charger |
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| Small Pouch (Opened) |
RECHARGEABLE MILITARY GRADE FLASHLIGHT
A strong but handy adjustable focus flashlight (wide and zoom spot)
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| Panther Military Torch Light |
POWER CORD EXTENSION
I've been in situations where wall sockets are limited. Usually during out of town trips and events. Sometimes, the wall sockets are far from reach (might be under a bed, somewhere out of reach) and this is where my 4 meter extension cord comes in handy.
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| Extension Cord |
POWER BANK (Dual Outlet)
Need I say more?
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| 10000 MAh Powerbank |
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| 10000 MAh Powerbank |
POCKET PLIERS AND TOOLS
For those "unexpected" moments
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| Pocket Pliers and Tools |
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| Pocket Pliers and Tools |
LIGHTER WITH LED LIGHT
So we can start a fire ;) when needed
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| Lighter with LED light |
PEPPER SPRAY AND ALCOHOL
Will post another blog about making your own pepper spray from scratch
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| Pepper spray and Alcohol |
PRESCRIPTION GLASSES AND MEDICINE BOX
Meds range from prescription to basic for tummy aches, pain relievers, etc.
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| Prescription glasses |
TOILETRIES
The bare minimum (I also carry a small face towel)
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| Toiletries |
VAPE MOD AND E-JUICE
Batts and Chargers are already in the pouch
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| Vape Mod |
WALLET AND COIN PURSE
Wallet for money and ID's, Coin Purse for coins and serves as key rings inside as well
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| Wallet Coin Purse |
PENCIL CASE WITH SCISSORS
Bare Minimum with small pad paper and sharpener
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| Pencil Case |
NOTEBOOK PLANNER
When all else fails, go back to the basic. A paper and pen would definitely be handy. I also use this to jot down notes, ideas and plans. This notebook was a gift from a client with a handy 4GB flash drive - upper right corner / connected by a small magnet (ain't it cool?)
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| Notebook Planner with 4 Gig USB Thumb Drive |
This is how it all looks fitting snugly inside my Urban EDC bag. With more free space to fill!
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| In the bag |
I've always wanted to write this blog and share with you my EDC. Since I've thought of the idea many moons ago, my EDC has drastically changed, as well as the bag and contents itself. Although I use a small EDC belt/torso bag on usual days (which I want to write about on a separate blog), I want to hear from you :) What's in your EDC? What do you carry daily?
Drop me a line and share ;)
*BTW, since I bring my bike/e-bike to work, a 1 liter water bottle is also with me on a daily basis during my commute.
Thanks for reading!
Ciao!
Mark
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