It's probably best to start out with my philosophy behind this edc (every day carry) bag. I wanted a system that could be easily transferred from varying larger bags - one that could be put in my daily office backpack, quickly added to a travel bag, carried out on the trail in a backpack or lumbar pack, or just simply grabbed on its own, with the idea that I would have the basic necessities always close at hand. My philosophy of use is a daily usage and basic survival kit - whether I need to bandage a minor cut, unchap my lips, clip my nails or even start a fire, purify water, and build a shelter.
For these purposes I chose the Maxpedition Beefy Pocket Organizer. Of course there is no way this will fit in any pocket but it works fairly well as an addition to my backpack. I appreciate the sturdy construction and the many options for internal organization. I would love for this kit to be smaller but then I'd have to sacrifice some of my gear choices. This is my current content:
BASIC TOOLS
Knife - Probably the most basic tool. I'm running the Cold Steel Voyager Tanto large. Tanto isn't necessarily my preferred style but Cold Steel's Triad lock is a beast. This knife may be the next best thing to a fixed blade.
Flashlight - I've got the Foursevens Mini M2A in 2xAA. I prefer easy to find battery options like the AAA or AA. I also carry some extra batteries, 2xAA & 2xAAA.
Multitool - Leatherman Juice S2 - a wide array of uses, from cutting to opening cans to tightening a screw to opening a bottle. Knife, scissors, pliers, screw drivers, can opener.
Mini-Pry Bar - can't say that I use this all that much but it's just a cool little tool. If I need to pry something open or remove a small nail then this fellow can save then wear and tear on your multitool.
Tweezers - they don't take up much space but they excel at removing splinters or grasping small items.
Nail Clippers - clipping nails and anything else that needs clipped.
FIRST AID
I don't have a very extensive edc fak but I try to carry bandages in varying sizes, neosporin, Tylenol, ibuprofen, benedryl, tampon, maxi pad, and iodine. The iodine doubles as water purification. I wrote the instructions on the bottle - 5 to 10 drops per liter and then wait 30 minutes. The feminine products are handy for my daughters in an emergency as well as they can be used in place of bandages if necessary.
FIRE
Lighter - easiest method.
Matches - UCO Stormproof Matches. Waterproof and windproof. These are great in adverse conditions.
Firesteel - Light My Fire Sweedish Firesteel.
Vaseline Cotton Balls - these take a spark easily then burn for about one minute. Great for getting kindling going.
Fat Wood - resin impregnated pine sticks - another great fire starter. Can be shaved down, split into smaller sticks or even just lit as is.
MISCELLANEOUS
Spork - Light My Fire Titanium Spork. Helpful in the wilderness as well as when eating in restaurants that only have plastic ware.
Lip Balm
Paper - small Moleskine pad. Many uses - writing notes, starting fire, leaving messages, keeping track of details.
Sharpie Permanent Marker
Pen - Fisher space Pen. Great writing instrument.
Trash Bag - 55 gallon heavy duty drum liner. Can be used to help make an emergency shelter (i.e. tarp), climb inside for a bivy sack, make a poncho, or merely hold things.
Bandanna - blowing your nose, cleaning lenses, covering a wound, wiping sweat, straining water before purification, making char cloth, etc.
Duct Tape - several feet wrapped around a plastic card. Beyond the obvious usage can be used as a fire starter.
Signal Mirror - SOL. Includes the sighting instructions on the back. Great for emergency signaling.
Emergency Whistle - pealess; another signaling option.
Compass - Suunto A-30.
Poncho - cheap Walmart poncho in the front pocket. Very thin and light weight.
Paracord - around 50'. Almost limitless potential. Lanyards, bow drills, ridge lines, lashings, splints, etc.
Paper Clips - can be bent into many shapes for many uses.
Safety Pins - couple pinned in the liner of the bag.
Breast Milk Bags - these seal up tight and can be used for storing lots of items as well as using for emergency water bags. They are super light and thin so don't take up much space.
Floss/Tooth picks - helpful in cleaning your teeth.
Aluminum foil - two foot square sheet. Cooking, food prep, surface protection, signal mirror, etc.
Zip Ties - great for lashing anything together.
Well that about does it. I'm sure things will change some with time, but with this small kit with me I feel like I have a lot of the major bases covered for every day use as well as basic preparedness.
Get out there,
~Rhyno
