Must-Have EDC Items

This is the Ultimate Everyday Carry Item Checklist

You've seen the letters 'EDC' all over the internet, in instruction manuals and on the packaging of your gear. What do these letters mean?

If you're not familiar with the abbreviation, 'EDC' stands for 'everyday carry.' The term is used to describe items that should, ideally, be carried by adventurers and tactical professionals at all times. These items are used frequently enough that they might as well come with you on every trip – hence the phrase 'everyday carry.'

You might have an idea of what belongs in your EDC gear set, but you could be missing a few key items. We've assembled a list of the most important pieces you need – check it out below.

What Separates Good Equipment from Great Equipment?

You can find plenty of gear and clothing all over the internet. This gear is usually made for general use, and it meets the needs of the average person. If you're going on a tactical mission or adventure trip, though, you can't settle for 'good.' You'll need equipment that is durable and long-lasting, and won't fail you when the going gets tough.

As you look at the checklist below, consider whether the gear you have is tough enough to handle your duties.

EDC Must-Haves

Backpack

Before you start to think about your individual items, consider how you'll store them. A flimsy bag from your nearby department store won't do the trick. You'll need a bag that is sturdy, comfortable to carry when full, and has strategically-placed pockets and straps.

Tactical backpacks differ by shape, size and other properties. Consider whether a range bag or duffel bag might be right for you.

Flashlight

No matter what you're doing, you'll need some kind of handheld lighting tool. Your mobile phone's dim flashlight won't do you any good on a tactical mission, and department store flashlights aren't much better. Look for a flashlight that is long-lasting and bright enough to guide you through total darkness and potentially hostile environments.

Pen

You may not realize it, but your tactical duties will be made easier with a tactical pen. These pens are sturdy and can write in diverse environments. Plus, many of them often have additional hidden features: a whistle, a flashlight, or even a sharp blade.

Wallet

The wallet is an often overlooked piece of gear, but think about it: your wallet goes with you everywhere, and holds your most important pieces of identification. You wouldn't want to store tokens of your personal information in something bound to fall apart.

Tactical wallets are designed carefully and creatively. You can find wallets that exist in any shape or size – in fact, some don't look like wallets at all!

Radio Equipment

Even if you work entirely alone, you need to bring some kind of communication tool with you. Consider a piece of radio equipment that works at a long range and won't fail when you need it to work most. Battery life is also worth considering.

Multi-Use Knife

Whether you need a knife for weaponry or to cut through environmental hazards, you’ll want a particularly sturdy knife. Look for one that is compact, sharp, and easy to conceal. Some knives have multiple hidden components, making them a great tool to get through emergencies.

Multi Tool

You won’t be able to take a whole toolkit on your outings. Fortunately, multi tools take care of that problem. These tools look small and discreet, but they have plenty of components, like scissors, a screwdriver, a measuring tool, and so much more.

Medical Kit

Medical emergencies are bound to happen, no matter your skill level. A complete medical kit should have:

Bandages
Gauze
Sterile gloves
Tweezers
Cleansing wipes
Antiseptic creams and ointments

Make sure you know how to use the equipment in your kit!

Compass

The compass has been a reliable tool throughout history. Hikes, orienteering missions, and other adventures are made possible thanks to this tool.

Don’t Forget About Essential Clothing

Gloves

Bare hands won’t serve you well. Choose the right pair of gloves by considering the following factors:

Temperature: are you at risk of getting frostbite, or will your hands be drenched in sweat?
Climate: do you need to protect your hands from rain, snow or ice?
Material: will you be grabbing rope, or interacting with a vehicle?

Jacket

Your tactical jacket is the first layer that makes contact with the environment around you. For that reason, you should take special consideration.

Think of these aspects when looking for a jacket:

Protection: does the jacket have materials and a shape that protects your body?
Storage: can you carry enough of your EDC items in your jacket?
Material: is your jacket comfortable and durable, and suitable for your environment?

Boots

Your footwear provides the foundation for the rest of your body. Think of these qualities when looking for tactical boots:

Comfort: are your boots comfortable enough to stop you from getting distracted or slowed down?
Mobility: are you able to move freely in your boots?
Material: are your boots durable and right for the terrain you’ll be walking or running on?

Conclusion

At PSP Corp, we sell the highest-quality gear for any tactical purpose. Whether you need to stock up on one or two items, or you’re starting your EDC gear set from scratch, we guarantee that you’ll find everything you need at PSP Corp.