Everyday carry (EDC) or Every Day Carry refers to a small collection of tools, equipment and supplies that are carried on a daily basis to assist in tackling situations ranging from the mundane to the disastrous.[1] 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 are an increasing number of venues online for sharing and comparing EDCs where the merits of particular equipment are debated and useful tips passed on.[2]
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. However, the EDC mindset leans towards tackling problems or dealing with challenges so it is rare to find an EDC that does not include tools of some kind, such as a Swiss Army knife or multi-tool. 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. 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. Various advice is available for those seeking to carry firearms as part of their EDC.[3]
At the far end of the spectrum of emergencies which would be considered when devising an EDC are major disasters, such as those for which one might construct a Bug-out bag. Or beyond that, a few EDCers are also survivalists who might envisage a longer-term breakdown of society. However the typical EDC emphasis is on dealing with day-to-day challenges combined with some preparedness for more common emergencies such as injury, outdoor survival or personal protection.
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.[4]
Frequently the kinds of pocket knives, flashlights and other items selected for EDCs tend to be expensive. EDC items may also be items designed for so-called 'tactical' use, meaning that they were designed for military, police or similar organizations. The justification for the expense and the 'tactical' bias of many EDC kits is that these are items that might be carried for long periods of time before they are finally required, at which point they may be called upon to perform in extreme situations. The thinking is that these are circumstances under which EDCers might regret opting for inferior or budget items. The converse argument can also be made, arriving at the same conclusion, in that items in routine and heavy use will also need to be of superior construction if they are to survive the regular demands placed upon them.
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Nowadays EDC is becoming more popular and big manufacturers are jumping in to fill the pockets of millions of tactically minded individuals.[7] Although one must remember that EDC has been with us ever since the beginning of history but back then it was more for survival necessities rather than possible use in tactical situations nowadays. Danger and risk of activity and environment dictates the need to EDC accordingly. A person who is prepared and has the right tools will have a higher inclination to help others in need. The idea of having EDC is to eventually have the opportunity to use it so people who EDC have the mentality to jump into action and be self reliant before real help arrives. People who EDC tactically have a mindset for surviving, controlling the situation, and being prepared for events that will happen but faced with the unknown of not knowing when will it happen. Like the saying goes: "Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it."