Simple and Real EDC

Intro: Simple and Real EDC

This is my simple and real every day carry. Most people can't or won't carry a big kit everywhere they go. I know I won't religiously carry a kit everywhere, when I will never have a need for half of it. So here is an Intractable on what I carry on my person at all times and why I carry it.

STEP 1: Low Tech Items

A Sharpie and Chapstick.

For writing I've got a sharpie its pretty effective for writing on any surface. I often need to write down a shopping list, dimensions, assignments. Note that I don't carry paper if I write something down I'll likely loose the paper. Therefore I tend to write on my arm. If I lose my arm I have bigger things to worry about than whatever I had written on my arm.

Chapstick for my frequently chapped lips. I have a very attractive girlfriend whom I enjoy kissing so soft lips is important.F

STEP 2: Knife

I carry a Gerber EVO Jr. fine edge. It's a great knife, it has a liner lock, a 2.75 inch blade, it's tiny, light, sharp, and won't break the bank. I use it for everything from opening tricky packaging to cutting ropes. Also decent for self defense, thankfully I've never had to. For more info check out the link below.
http://www.gerbergear.com/Tactical/Knives/EVO-Jr-Knife_22-41492

STEP 3: Flashlight

Was a gift from a friend and I use it all the time. At work, I'm working in the dark a lot of the time. I use it a lot at home as well looking for things under my bed and what not. It's also invaluable when the power goes out. For more info check out the link below.
http://www.amazon.com/Cree-300LM-Mini-LED-Flashlight/dp/B006VPPERC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1387867279&sr=8-3&keywords=cree+flashlight

STEP 4: Watch

My watch of choice is the Timex weekender slip through. It works for time telling and it's affordable. The ability to change out bands is key. If it's damaged its easy to switch out. It's also great for changing the color of the band to go with your outfit of the day. Not only am I prepared, I'm stylish as hell. Check out the link for more info.
http://www.timex.com/watches/timex-weekender-slip-thru-t2n747kw

STEP 5: Headphones

I carry the "Philips ActionFit Earhook" headphones and they're super. They work for what I use them for, they stay in my ears, they have a play/pause button, and volume control buttons. For more info check out the link.
http://www.usa.philips.com/c/gaming-headphones/actionfit-actionfit-orange-grey-shq3000_28/prd/en/

STEP 6: Wallet

I carry a Ralph Lauren skull and cross bones wallet. I got it on clearance at marshall's so I'm not sure where you can find the same one. It's a mix of polyester i believe and some leather.

Whats in my wallet?
-Gift card for buying things, not necessary for an EDC.
-ID for identifying myself.
-AP card, so I don't loose it. another one not necessary for an EDC.
-Library card, very useful loads of info at the library.
-One way train ticket from the furthest train station on my line to my hometown train station. If I'm ever out without money and need to get home. You should carry whatever's best for you, a train ticket, Metro card, bus ticket, etc. This only works if there's a public transportation system in your city. Be sure to cycle it so you don't have a useless expired ticket in your wallet.
-Cash for buying things, not shown.
-I also have a lucky two dollar bill in the interior pocket of my wallet.

It might be a good idea to carry my medical insurance card. However if I really need medical attention they need to help me regardless of my insurance status. Plus my pharmacy and regular doctor both have my insurance info on file.

STEP 7: Keys

What is on my keys?
-Vans key chain with a bottle opening carabiner.
-Knight brand 3ft tape measure, fantastic for when things need to get measured.
-16GB staples brand tiny usb drive, because you always need one when you don't have one.
-Basement door key, for entering my basement door.
-House key, for entering my home.
-Associates house key, secondary location about a mile from my home.
-Bike lock key, my bike is my main form of transportation.
-Swiss tech brand Micro-Tech™ 6-In-1
http://www.swisstechtools.com/proddetail.aspx?pid=6
Which Includes
-Flat head
-Philips headt
-Pliers
-Wire cutters/Wire strippers/Sheet shears
-1/8'' markings

STEP 8: Cell Phone

I couldn't quite take a picture of it as I used it to take all the pictures. I have a few apps that are relevant to prepping, that will have its own Instructable. My phone is very scratched up as compared to most. That's what happens when it's carried everyday by a clumsy person.
Full specs http://support.apple.com/kb/SP655

Comments

[jsullivan22]

I like your EDC list, I imagine it will inspire many people to put more thought into what they carry on a daily basis. :-)

My own daily requirements vary greatly depending on where I am going and who is with me (ie. a first aid kit stays in my camelback in my trunk and goes everywhere when my kids are with me- I've had to butterfly bandage each of them more than once.)

As far as daily carry, I NEVER leave home without my pocket knife, a belt (even if my pants fit snug), my ID, debit card, cash, and my awesome ink pen that has a super bright flashlight built into it. I also wear a survivor bracelet on each wrist. So if I ever need to provide immediate trauma response, I can give a tracheotomy (knife and pen), apply a tourniquet (belt), or lace up a hasty made splint (550 cord), to name a few. Luckily, I have needed none of these skills for the last decade or so, but I hear that luck favors the prepared.

Great post...but I suggest wearing a belt, just in case you do lose your notebook/arm and need to stop the bleeding with one hand. ;-)

Oh, and look into the Griffin Survivor case for your iPhone. It is as sturdy as an Otter box and MUCH cheaper. Mine has survived swimming pools, being dropped off of roofs onto concrete, and two kids and although the case is showing wear, my phone is nice and shiny when I take it out to drain the chicken broth out of the case or whatever the most recent mini-disaster is. Have a terrific day! ~Jessi

[SparkySolar]

sweet