Carrying tools for your protection is no longer an option; it’s now a must as crime continues to rise nationwide.
However, choosing which tools work best for you will depend on many factors. My EDC gear essentials vary daily based on my plans and the possible environments I’ll be exposed to throughout the day.
Here’s a quick list of the tools I carry each time I step out the door.
Gear To Carry Every Day
- Wallet
- Phone
- Keys
- Flashlight
- Pocket Knife
- Hat
- Belt
Each time I step out the door, I run through a checklist and pat myself down to ensure I have everything I need before leaving the house. My RFID-blocking aluminum body wallet protects my identity and cards, yet it’s slim enough to fit comfortably in my front pocket.
I carry my phone to reach or be reached by anyone, and while my keys are for unlocking doors and driving for practical purposes, they can also be used as a defensive weapon when I’m without my firearm or knife. My keys never leave the key ring, but I also love having them on a carabiner to clip them to my belt loop or make it easier to pull from my pocket.
My phone has a flashlight on it that I use when I forget to grab a dedicated flashlight, but It’s not as effective as a small EDC flashlight, and many people overlook this vital piece of equipment. A flashlight can disorient an attacker at night, allow you to get away, and light up an area you need to see.
I’ve lost count of the times I needed a pocket knife and didn’t have one, or someone asked to borrow my knife when I was carrying it. Even a small pocket knife is much better than no knife. However, some institutions won’t allow you to have one, so be sure you’re not visiting a location that will take it away, like the airport or government buildings.
Lastly, I’m typically wearing a hat and belt. The hat keeps the sun out of my eyes and allows me to survey my surroundings effectively without squinting the entire time. The other day, I forgot to grab a belt before working on our farm, and I kept getting distracted by pulling my pants up instead of focusing on the work at hand. Don’t make that mistake when it’s so simple and easy to put a belt on!
Now, let’s move on to the gear I carry every chance I get, but it’s not allowed in some states and buildings or too bulky.
Gear To Carry When You Can
- Concealed Carry Pistol
- Spare Mags
- First Aid Kit
- Spare Batteries/chargers
When the average person thinks about EDC, they think about carrying their concealed carry gun and ammo. I’m not here to decide if the 45 ACP, 40 S&W, or 9mm is the best option for you, but those are the three best options for most people. I like to err on the side of caution with more ammo, so I also carry multiple spare magazines loaded with self-defense ammo.
While speaking with my neighbor, a former army combat medic, USMC combat lifesaver and tactical combat casualty care instructor, and paramedic, he said everyone is generally obsessed with stopping the threat but completely ignores the necessary post-casualty care aspect of a self-defense situation. This is why he always recommends carrying a first aid kit in your vehicle or on your person. Having one is just the beginning; we must know how to use each item inside the kit, or it won’t be as effective at saving lives.
Lastly, I recommend carrying spare batteries and chargers for your phone, flashlight, and other electronics you use daily. Nothing is more frustrating than needing to use an electric tool, and it won’t turn on because you forgot to change or charge the batteries. We’ve all been there; hopefully, it wasn’t during a life-or-death situation!
Parting Shots
If you’re a beginner, I don’t recommend immediately cramming all of this gear into your pockets. You’ll find it extremely uncomfortable and won’t want to continue this lifestyle. Instead, take it slow and try adding a new tool once a week.
I still experiment with what feels most comfortable and is easiest to conceal in certain areas and situations, so don’t be afraid to test and see what works best for you.
You might find that you don’t need as much gear, or you need more gear!
Stay safe, and always watch your six.
This article is a contribution from Sam Jacobs
Sam Jacobs is a passionate advocate for Second Amendment rights and an avid historian. As the lead writer for Ammo.com, he delves into the intersection of firearms, freedom, and corporate power. With a penchant for defending individual liberties, his work sparks discussions in various publications and platforms.
0 comments