While it’s common for preppers to make bug out bags, everyday carry (EDC) bags aren’t nearly as common. The thing about emergencies is you never know when they will happen, and a bug out bag won’t do you much good if you can’t get it when you need it.
For example, if you’re at work when disaster strikes and your bug out bag is at home, it’s basically useless. An EDC bag, on the other hand, is something you can keep nearby at all times, no matter where you are.
Of course, advertising that you’re carrying around a bag full of survival supplies probably isn’t in your best interest. With that said, it’s important to keep in mind the gray man principles when building your EDC bag. Ultimately, your goal should be to build a bag that contains everything you need for both minor and major emergencies while still being inconspicuous.
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Your EDC bag should look like any other briefcase, laptop bag, or backpack you might see someone carrying on the streets. In other words, it shouldn’t inhibit your ability to blend in with the people around you.
As for what your EDC bag should contain, there are a number of items to consider. A solid EDC setup includes items for daily convenience, emergency preparedness, and self-reliance—all without drawing attention.
In this video, City Prepping shares what he thinks should be in a good gray man EDC bag. This is probably the best EDC checklist I’ve ever come across, so wanted to share it with you. You can watch the video below, and you can find the full list of supplies below the video.
What to Put in Your EDC Bag (and Why)
1. Nutrition Bars – Energy bars provide quick calories and are easy to carry. They’re ideal for when you’re stuck in traffic, caught in a lockdown, or simply miss a meal during a long day.
2. Pens – Having a pen can help you fill out forms, leave information behind, or even defend yourself in a pinch, especially if you get a tactical pen.
3. MacBook Pro – If you work on the go or need access to files, communication, or information during a disaster, a lightweight, powerful laptop is invaluable. It also makes your bag look like a normal work bag.
4. Solar Charger Battery Pack – Power outages are common in emergencies. A solar battery ensures you can keep phones, lights, or radios charged even when the grid is down.
5. Double Plasma Lighter – This flameless lighter works in wind and rain and can be recharged with a USB. It’s perfect for lighting fires or even sealing cordage in emergencies.
6. Klean Kanteen (Water Bottle) – Obviously, staying hydrated is essential. A reusable water bottle lets you carry water from any source, and you can use it to boil water over a fire if needed.
7. A.T.S. Tourniquet – For a major injury involving heavy bleeding, a tourniquet could save someone’s life. Fast access to one is critical, especially in an active shooter or traffic accident scenario.
8. Petzl Headlamp – Hands-free lighting is useful in power outages, nighttime evacuations, or car breakdowns. A reliable headlamp is simply more practical than a flashlight.
9. Leatherman Multitool – Arguably the most versatile tool in any EDC bag. Whether you’re cutting, screwing, prying, or opening something, a multitool gets the job done.
10. USB Thumb Drive – Store critical documents, emergency contacts, scanned IDs, maps, or even encrypted personal files in a thumb drive.
Bonus Items from the Video
While the ten items above are the highlights, City Prepping also includes other smart additions:
- CPR Face Shield
- Face Mask/Respirator
- Emergency Blanket
- Paracord Bracelet with Saw and Whistle
- Duct Tape and Super Glue
- Mini Tin Kit
- Water Purification Tablets
- Spare Batteries
- Chapstick and OTC Meds
For more details, check out the full video and be sure to subscribe to his channel.
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