--- The EDC ---

Okay; 

So you've got your BOB set up just the way you like it, you've got camping gear up to the wazoo, and even a few extra cans of beans and spaghetti in the pantry. 

This is great for your weekends away in the bush or on your fishing trips but what about your drive to work or your everyday trips that you often don't think about?

If the SHTF you're not going to know where you're going to be so what do you do?

The solution? An EDC bag (Every Day Carry). 

An EDC is something completely separate to your BOB. Think of it as BOB's little brother, and much like our siblings we don't share our innards. So don't go making an EDC from components in your BOB and vice versa. If you have two of the same item in two locations then you're twice as prepared, aren't you? So it really can't hurt.

Unlike your BOB an EDC is more like something you can keep in your everyday backpack, bumpack, on a keyring, and/or generally on your person.

As with your BOB, pack the contents of your EDC with each item's usefulness, accessibility and reliability in mind. What will I use the most? What might I need to get to first?

So what's in an EDC? (I'm glad you asked!) An EDC can contain whatever you wish, keeping in mind you state laws on concealed weapons. (If you intend on carrying a weapon of any kind...probably NOT recommended!) 

Here's a list of things you might what to consider putting in your EDC:

- A folding knife, multitool and/or Swiss Army knife

- A flashlight (either a key-chain light, a headlamp, or a "tactical" flashlight)

- A whistle

- Sustenance items such as bottled water and high energy foods

- Pen and/or pencil

- Pocket notebook/memo pad

- Medicine for common ailments such as allergies, gastrointestinal problems, pain-killers, and anti-inflammatories

- Any prescription medicine that has to be taken daily

- A compact first aid kit or trauma kit

- Rope or para-cord

- Handkerchiefs or other utility cloth

- Keys containing key chain and accessories like a flashlight, nail clipper, folding scissors, carabiner, or gloves, which can be latex or synthetic

- Lighter or matches

This little kit may not be everything you need but it should do the trick until you can access your BOB or until help arrives, situation pending.

(Thanks to Matt for inspiring today's column)