Recently and over the years I’ve had a few instances where having survival gear in my car has really helped. Although I’m not always consistent on what gear I actually have due to multiple vehicles in our family, there are a few things that have made a significant difference.

Here are some of my favorite items for every day carry in the car:

In a survival situation their value would dramatically increase.I’ve also included some other odds and ends that seem pretty logical and common sense…. But I’ve noticed not too many folks actually carry or have them in mind for survival/preparedness use.

Jump Starter 12V

I’m sure most of you are sick of hearing about this as I constantly write about it. However, it is one of the best purchases I have made this year! This thing has saved my bacon, and helped a few stranded motorists along the way. I ended up with a dead battery during our first blizzard this winter, and even almost totally discharged, my jump starter STILL started my vehicle. It also has an outlet for other 12v devices, and a built in flashlight. Some come with compressors. You can get a really decent one for $50.

Multi-Tool

There are so many multi-tools out there I won’t try to name them all. Leatherman and Gerber are well known. Personally I have a Victorinox that I really like. I use it all the time, especially the Phillips head screwdriver, and the serrated knife blade. I have found that although most own one, very few people actually carry it WITH them during the day. I lend mine out a bunch.

If you have one strap it to your belt, or throw in it in your glove box or purse. In an emergency it could be your only toolbox for a long time.

Large Flat-Bladed Screwdriver

Beyond opening paint cans, these super tools can pry, dig, wedge, chisel, and lever things loose. Get a good quality one that has the handle made of indestructible materials so you can hit it with a hammer and generally abuse it.

Also make sure it has a thick shaft so you can pry. In a pinch it is also a weapon! Throw one in the trunk, backpack or BOB they are light weight and easy to carry. Sure most multi-tools have a flat driver, but this one you can really beat up without ruining the whole pocket tool kit.

Battery Powered Alarm Clock

Not only great for travel! Power outages suck and you lose your computer time. After the cell phone battery dies you have either your watch or nothing to tell time. My watch has crap for an alarm, so I use a battery powered alarm clock. There are also wind-up alarm clocks for travel but the battery powered ones seem to last longer and tell time more accurately. They are also so light weight and great for many other tasks. If you have a watch you probably don’t need this but some of us don’t wear one. During a power outage you still have to get up in the morning, right? My battery powered clock runs about 8-12 months on one AA battery.

Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Surefire Flashlight or other Tactical Flashlight

No a Maglight will not suffice. I specifically said Surefire. Period. There are other good flashlights out there, but few even compare to a Surefire from my experience. I have owned Pelicans, Maglights, Innova, Streamlights….just about every fancy super flashlight that has come down the pike. Dig deep in the wallet and get one. You will not be disappointed. It works when you drop it, get it wet, etc these lights are rugged and I really like the brightness and long-lasting CR123A lithium batteries. The light bulb is LED and doesn’t crap out when you need it the most. I have a L2, a G2 and a E2 and am really pleased with them even though each can be sort of cumbersome in my pocket. I bought my L2 used on eBay for a good price.

Hammer

It doesn’t matter what brand as long as you can hit things with it. Harbor Freight has hammers on sale all the time for less than $7-$8 so don’t go dropping big money on one. It just needs to hit things like nails, metal, wood, and such. There are some neat survival hammers out there that have some cool features, but really any hammer will be better than none. Hitting tent stakes with a rock works, but hitting a padlock with one sucks beans. Couple the hammer with your large flat bladed screw driver and you can just about get into anything, break anything, or fix anything. Side note: a variety of hammers might be even better.

Laptop/Tablet with 3G or 4G wireless card

This is the ultimate information gathering tool, record keeper, communicator, and entertainment tool all in one package. Refurbished laptops or import tablets can be had for $70- $200 and the WiFi cards are only $40 a month with Cricket. Unless you have a large screen Android or iPhone, there is no other way out there to stay in touch with what is going on. You can email, you can look up useful YouTube videos on any subject, you can go to the FEMA website, check bank accounts, etc etc. Couple this with your Jump Starter and you can get online anywhere and re-charge the laptop battery for extended periods of time in remote places.

Spare House and Car Keys

Seems pretty simple right? I don’t know any starving locksmiths, however. This is a no brainer but easily overlooked. Spare keys to all your locks might take a while to track down in an emergency, so make a ring of spares and throw it in your safe. You might even hide a spare key for your car or home in a locking realtor box or with a very trusted member of nearby family or friends.

Household Battery Tester

Saves time and hassle by showing you which batteries have what charge left. Simple! Newer models can test watch batteries and the Lithium CR123A types as well. Another thought this brings up is using rechargeable batteries instead of throw aways.

Spare Jacket and Knit Cap/Gloves

Spare meaning beyond what you normally wear. You never know when you are going to get wet, sweaty, or the temperature suddenly dramatically drops. Recently here in Colorado we had a cold snap that followed a significant snow storm. Temperatures here were lower than in Alaska! My winter jacket didn’t cut it and I had to buy another. I also had to wear extra socks, thermal underwear, and two knit caps. I work outside both night and day at times, and it was very cold. I found that my normal gloves didn’t cut it either and had to dig up a second pair to wear over my current pair. Wow very cold! We had a few nights wear it was -7 degrees PLUS wind chill, so we are talking cold. Ever touch metal when it’s that cold? It hurts pretty badly. We also used a plug in heater to keep the basement warm as freezing pipes can really ruin your day.

Waterproofing Agents

Wax, Snow seal, aerosol sprays, etc. I had to re-waterproof my “waterproof” boots during the thawing out period after our recent storms. Luckily I had the products to do it and had dry feet the rest of the week. In a survival situation either on the road or hiking out, where are you going to acquire snow seal wax or shoelaces? Plan ahead, it just makes it better.

Power Inverter

This is like going from the stone age to the modern age with the flick of a switch. Power inverters convert 12 Vdc to 120 AC with the use of your car battery. You can use this in addition to having a jump starter. What is it good for? Charging or powering any household device up to a point…. Depends on your car battery and the size inverter you buy. You can get one from $40 up to $600 depending on what you want. These are used on RV’s and in boats. Great for hunting trips, camping and any emergency where household electricity would be useful.

Folding Shovel

Cold Steel and Glock both make entrenching tools or survival shovels that are well made. Even REI sells a little camping trowel that can really be used for many purposes. Digging a snow cave, digging out of mud or snow, making shelter, or even as a weapon! The Cold Steel shovel can be sharpened to a knife edge or thrown much like a tomahawk. The Glock shovel is super lightweight, has a hand wood saw, and is a decent well made tool for snow or digging in the ground. Many soldiers including special forces have used these items to save their own life in many ways. A tomahawk is very similar; just not as versatile as the shovel in that it isn’t a very good digging tool….heck, why not have one of each?

Cell Phone Charger

There are a few types: the type that plugs into the accessory/cigarette lighter, the type that plugs into AC plugs and the type that is a battery with USB port built in. All are nice to have and without them many of your electronics would be useless like: GPS, Tablet, Laptop, Camera, Cell phone, etc. Yet another variety of items where “why not have one of each” might be a good mantra.

Compass and GPS

One of each, ‘nuff said.

Toilet Paper and Paper Towels

The primary use of TP is well known at least around these parts…. But there are other uses; wick for a survival stove, kindling, dressing minor wounds, cleaning firearms, used to pad fragile items etc. Paper towels are even more versatile. This is so overlooked but is handy for maintaining hygiene and personal morale.

Other Odds and Ends

My goal is NOT to make you look like you live in your car! But many items can be packed in a very small container or space if you are creative. Anyway, maybe you already have these items, but maybe not. Either way many are worth honorable mention!

• WD40
• Duct Tape or Electrical Tape
• Bottled Water
• Beef Jerky or snack food
• First Aid Kit
• Saline Solution, Contact lenses or spare glasses
• Emergency roadside kit with flares
• Survival Knife
• Spare work and leisure clothes or shoes
• Deck of Cards
• Blowgun, crossbow, bow, sling, slingshot or firearm for gathering food or protection
• Pepper Spray
• Spare Gas Can and Tire Fix a Flat
• Car Jack and Spare Tire
• Spare belts, fuses and basic tools
• Snow Chains or carpet remnant pieces
• Cash both coins and bills
• Wallet, ID & credit cards (many people go places without them in their pocket!)
• Padlock and chain to secure items overnight

Please be sure to check out our selfdefenseandsurvivalforum on Yahoo! Groups for more articles and interactive discussions.

Copyright 2008 by duracles. Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.

One of the primary tools for the Survivalist is the Folding Knife. This is used for food preparation, as pry bar, screw driver, box opener and self-defense weapon. In most cases, the Urban Survivalist will use it to open mail, packages, and to cut twine. The country counterpart will use it to whittle, cut rope, prepare food, or even dress game. In a full on survival situation, a person could find themselves prying a screen off a window, or forcing a lock, cutting clothing from an injured person, or finishing off injured game. Possibly digging a hidden item out of the ground, using as a tool to make other tools or weapons, or using it as a last ditch defensive weapon. Definition of the “full on survival situation” would be any situation where the tool needed is critical; meaning that its failure would be devastating or catastrophic. To prevent this and to educate folks new to survival preparations as well as self-defense I would like to go over selection, materials, types, and carry of the survival folding knife.

Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

First, the knife must be of a legal to carry length. For instance in Colorado, the statewide legal length from guard to tip is 3.5 inches with a single edge. Ballisong, switchblades, gravity knives, double edged and ballistic knives are illegal weapons in Colorado. You do not want to get caught carrying an illegal knife period. You could end up in court with an illegal weapon charge, and if you have to actually use the knife in self-defense the first thing to be used against you would be that it is a illegal size or type. Also, if you have a job or are walking through a metal detector and accidentally forget it is there you won”t be arrested, fired, or at the least lose your survival tool to the authorities. Some states have laws regarding when, how, and where you carry and also rules regarding concealment. Keep this in mind as it is very important, especially in extreme circumstances as mentioned above or in cases of martial law, evacuation, or even during routine police stops.

Secondly, we need to consider type after we have established the legal guide lines. The most versatile types must be considered. It needs to be quick to access, easy to find in darkness, easy to identify by feel, and safe to carry. It also must not fall off, drop out of the pocket, or be too obvious or cumbersome. You want it to blend in, but not so much that you cannot get to it in an urgent moment of need. Most modern folding knives have some sort of clip that is mounted to the handle of the knife. They should be steel, and riveted or screwed to the knife. Glue will not do! Folding knives stored in a sheath are much slower to get to although you may want to carry a second one as back-up this way. The knife should be designed with your “handed-ness” in mind. Meaning if you are right hand dominant, it needs to be worn on the right and so on. Also most modern folding knives have legal thumb studs or other apparatus to thumb or finger the blade open. Go to a dealer and try as many as you can, do not just order the latest and greatest without trying it first. Narrow it down to 2-3 types you are comfortable and consistent with.

When you have established what types are easiest for you to access and open, then you need to consider the materials it is made from. If you are purchasing the knife from an established manufacturer, you should be able to go on-line or in a catalog and find the brand, model, and specifications. You will see specs for length, weight, blade material, handle material, lock type, and possibly Rockwell hardness and grind. If you are indeed buying from a well known manufacturer, basically you want to narrow the blade material down, as well as warranty. All the other details, while important, are lower priorities. Most blades are more or less rust resistant depending on grade, and are harder or softer so will be harder or easier to sharpen and hold an edge. The harder steel is not necessarily the better grade however! If you are really hung up on this, educate yourself on knife steel grades at the library with books written in 2005 and up. Ideally you will want to know if it is rust resistant, rust proof, or if you will need to oil it regularly. This is important for those who will use it hunting, preparing food, boating, in wet climates, and such on a regular day-to-day basis. This may also affect the handle material choices.

Once you have analyzed your needs based on use, climate and personal preferences you want to consider your budget. This is where people really blow it. I managed two knife stores for a total of 11 years, and also collect and work gun shows time to time. I have seen so many people get fixated on price, then go for a “cheap” knife. A really good dependable knife will cost you between $80 and $350 dollars with most being about $150 USD (2008). If you plan, and only purchase one good folder this cost will be mitigated. For the Survivalist this budget is important as you have many other needs and equipment to purchase. The wise minded survivalist will get the best he can afford. You will want to consider the warranty again, and the history of reliability from this manufacturer. Go on-line to various knife forums and see what people say. Also, talk to local vendors and emergency personnel including police, military and fire rescue. They usually get the good gear and have experience using it.

Lastly, when looking at knives for your personal survival tool, consider how it will be used. It must be thick, strong, sturdy, have a safe locking mechanism, sharp, easy to sharpen, easy to safely grip, and designed with function in mind. Do not get side-tracked about how it looks or how cool it is. Also, it must be able to perform many tasks. Do not forget that this may be the last ditch defensive weapon or the ONLY weapon you have to defend yourself from attack. It may be multiple two-legged assailants or a dog, or possibly it will be used to fight your way to your firearm or other defensive tool. It may be used to skin and dress game, dispatch wounded animals, make a temporary wilderness shelter, used to make other tools and weapons, and so on. This is really the crux of a survival knife, let alone a folding pocket knife. Ideally you will have a bigger fixed bladed knife, but on a day-to-day basis will you really carry a 6 inch fixed blade to work in your briefcase or purse? Most of us will say no. Also, in step with preparedness in general it is important to have equipment on you while you do your daily travels, work, and leisure activities. We really cannot predict when something bad will happen so we must always be ready.

After you have purchased your knife, make sure the screws on the clip are tight but don”t over tighten. Also you will want to practice drawing and opening your knife. Do not rely on “flicking” or using gravity or centrifugal force to open your blade. You want to use the factory apparatus or thumb stud to open the blade. It is easy to drop or toss your knife while flicking it open, and this also creates wasted movement. It may also telegraph your intent, your weapon, and make more sound. You want to practice the art of subtlety, more like a samurai or medieval duelist than a barbarian or movie hero. After you have mastered the draw, work on speed and economy of motion. Less is better! Once your draw is fluid, then practice opening in the dark. You will find that with enough practice you can keep your eyes on the task or threat without having to look down at your knife. Finally, when you can draw in the dark by feel go to practicing in a lighted room but practice drawing while tying your shoe, bending, getting a wallet with the other hand, while stepping forward, back or sideways, and while issuing verbal commands like “Stop!” You may also want to transition to a defensive stance and be aware that you usually want the knife in a forward dominant hand.

This brings us to grip. How you hold and use the knife is just as important as the knife. You want to cut away from yourself when opening packages, or mail. Same when you are dressing game, whittling a arrow, or prying something. You always want the point and sharp edge to point away from you so that if you slip it will not cut or stab you.

Also, just as important you want the actual grip to be strong and secure so that the knife does not slip away or slip out of your hand completely. When a person is in an emergency, their focus can be easily distracted. Also, adrenaline, sweat, blood, water, oil or physical obstructions could impair or destabilize the grip. Make sure you practice using your knife safely and if you practice using it defensively make sure your grip is secure. One fun thing to do is to gently stab a card board box, then shave the box, then cut the box into pieces. You will see how different jobs and forces will affect grip. Be careful as you can easily get cut during this process.

Grip is also very important during a defensive counter attack. As mentioned above, you want the knife in your dominant hand, lead leg forward. This gives you maximum reach or range to stab or slash at a attacker. Keep the knife in a point forward grip like you would a razor knife to cut drywall for instance. Not like a hammer, or reverse like a ice pick. People with professional knife fighting training will sometimes use a reverse grip, but that requires training and is beyond the scope of this article. Basically you want as much room as you can get between you and the attacker, and you want to be able to cut without exposing your vital areas to the attacker. The most basic way to do this is as mentioned dominant hand forward, lead leg forward. You can also lunge forward this way or spring backward and still be able to counter attack.

Some tips in general for the folding knife and the survivalist:

• Carry the longest blade you can legally carry in your state. Be reasonable on this! There are unusual 6 inch folders, but why not get a fixed blade at that point?

• The knife should blend or be concealable, and should be easily accessed.

• Get brand name knives including custom folders from well known makers.

• Key chain or other gimmick knives do not fit the bill of the robust folding survival knife. These might work as a secondary or tertiary knife however.

• Consider your secondary knife to work weak handed as a back-up.

• Also consider a multi-tool as back up. They usually have locking blades with a variety of designs.

• Make sure the handle is not too slippery or too shiny. You want a secure grip and something that blends in with your wardrobe.

• Learn to disassemble, clean, sharpen, and oil your knife. Look at a small sharpener for your key chain, pocket or survival kit.

• Although double edged folders are out there remember to be reasonable and to keep it legal. Also, single edged knives are more utilitarian in nature.

• Make sure the knife stays on your belt or in your pocket.

• Carry it every day everywhere you go, including in your robe, underwear or sleep garments, exercise clothes, or business suit. Take it off when you are actually sleeping or bathing.

• Be careful carrying other gear in the same area. Sometimes the knife may open in your pocket and you could get a nasty cut. Make sure the knife blade is not too loose, and this is also another good reason to buy a quality knife design.

• Use your knife! Don”t be afraid to dull it or scratch it. It is a tool for one, and also it is a survival item that must be tested and proven.

• Practice the draw regularly as mentioned above.

• Consider this a “Every Day Carry” item. Do not get into the habit of taking it off, or throwing it on the table or in the car. Would a samurai throw his sword away to go to the bathroom, read, or train? No way and neither should you.

Copyright 2008 by duracles. Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.

Just thought since EDC has been the focus of the month for us, that I would post a quick blurb about Every Day Carry Cash. Most of us carry our credit cards, and even check books, but cash is still the emergency currency form of choice. Cash is bulky, so most of us just get by using debit or credit cards on daily purchases.

You don’t have to be Papillion to carry a hidden cache of paper money. There are sock wallets, bra wallets, money belts, neck wallets, and travel wallets usually worn under the clothing around the waist like a fanny pack. Depending on the local pick pocket culture, you may want to go with a hidden pouch. A large Pen can even carry a rolled up $100 bill inside the body, but don’t let anyone walk off with it!

As for amounts, I would hazard to say this depends on what you can afford to carry. Tying up $1000 in cash for emergency carry may or may not be too bright depending on your financial situation. You may want to keep large amounts where they can earn interest. If you can afford to carry a large amount, don’t tell anyone!

It may seem so simple that it’s stupid, but just keep it to yourself.

Image courtesy / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

To keep from spending it, pretend its not there. Do not dip into it unless…. Get this…. It’s a bona fide Emergency! A soda and candy bar is not an emergency; stranded on the bad side of town at 2 am alone definitely is an emergency. You may want to carry small denominations so that you aren’t jumped the second you hand someone a $100 bill. You will also want to separate the bundle to many parts of your kit and clothing in case there is a chance of being robbed and searched.

Change is important for things like parking and phone booths, but I haven’t seen too many phone booths in the last couple of years. A pay as you go cell phone is a good thing to have, even if you particularly hate them in general. Or add a lineman’s test set phone to your kit. Either way change can be useful, especially the gold $1 coins. They are very shiny and distracting to most.

If you can swing it, $200-$500 in different denominations is most likely the best bet. This will cover cab rides, bribes, food, clothing, equipment, communications, and hotel/motel fees. Travelers Checks are good for foreign trips, but I would still include actual cash both US dollars and the local equivalent. Kept in a hidden pouch and wrapped in waterproof material, you have a way to get out of most jams.

Each adult in your family should do this, and don’t forget the teenaged kids. They may need to get a cab, ride the bus, call home, or some other emergency, so instruct them the same way you would another responsible adult. The VISA and American Express pre-paid cards would be a good alternative if they just can’t handle the pressure. Keep some cash in the house too, either hidden or locked in a safe.

Copyright 2009 by duracles. Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.

Thank goodness for my vehicle preparedness kit. Recently I was heading to a rural mountain security installation when my vehicle broke down. As I drove up a winding remote dirt road of steep grade, my car simply died. Heat gauge… temp slightly higher than normal. Oil… a little low, but not less than a quart. Spark…. Yes there is battery power, cables good, etc. No easily discernible culprit was immediately identifiable. Either way the end result was the same; Stranded!

Image courtesy of Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

This was a somewhat isolated area, and it appeared to be mostly mid priced mountain homes scattered about every ½ mile. However, there were “mountain shacks” (meaning a run down, uncared for or untended property) clearly visible which means that not everyone who lives up there has money or an upright citizen “I’m here to help” attitude. In fact some people up there appear to be openly hostile to people who don’t belong. Luckily the day was young, being only around 1:30pm, and there was plenty of time to figure out what to do.

Step 1. Call Wife and let her know where I am, where I was headed, and the fact that I was broken down and might need extraction. Problem with this plan of action is that she works on the opposite side of the state literally being about 2 and a half hours away from me at stranded location during regular daylight traffic. Notice fortunately that I was able to call my wife using my fully charged cellular phone. Amazingly, I got a signal in the mountains at all, and even more amazing that my battery was charged! I did however forget my 12v cell phone charging cable which was a bit of a concern. Cellular coverage in the mountains here forces your cell phone to constantly roam for signal which kills the battery considerably faster than normal use.

Step 2. Get off of the steep grade and find level ground on the shoulder where I could more safely ascertain my vehicle problem. This was NOT easy. My vehicle was nose facing up the mountain, packed with tools, with no power. To top that, the blind curve of the windy dirt road, trees, and drop off presented a major safety issue to backing up! I was alone with no orange cones, flares, reflectors, or orange tape to make my presence known to those ready to round that corner at who knows what speed. I turned on my hazard lights and opened the hood which is the universal language of “my car is broken down.” I prayed and on the inside of the curve backed down slowly, being careful not to end up in the inside ditch area and being cautious of the trees. Eventually after a LONG time I made it to level ground on the shoulder in a lighted area.

NOTE: You may be wondering why steps 1 and 2 are not reversed. Basically if I was to move the car, then contact my Wife. This assumes that I don’t back off the cliff side of the road, which would force me to call from the bottom where there is no signal and quite possibly I could have suffered severe injuries if I did slip off the edge. Therefore, I called first then moved the vehicle! Of course a lumber truck could have barreled up the hill as I chatted with the Wife on the phone… luckily this was not a busy road and my vehicle was far enough up the hill and past the curve that visibility ensured time for drivers to slow down, or creep around me. I didn’t encounter any vehicles until much later BTW.

Step 3. Get mobile again. Not as easy as it sounds here. The problem remained a mystery up until after about 40 minutes it just started when I tried it. I put a little oil in and checked other fluids, battery, etc again and also unloaded the security install tools to get at my auto tool kit. Beyond that, I didn’t do any real mechanical work to find the problem. I did all the basic stuff as mentioned. When it did finally start immediately I took the opportunity to turn around and head back to the shop. The problem has not reoccurred so I am still baffled. A buddy of mine expressed a similar problem with his past similar model vehicle which may be a known fuel pump issue. Vapor lock is most likely not the issue as the vehicle is fuel injected. Obviously I am not a mechanic so gear heads out there go easy on the “did you do this, that, the other thing….”.

There were a few things that came up during this whole fiasco that made me want to write on vehicle preparedness kits. The main thing that really comes to the forefront is the ability to defend one’s self when stranded in the woods. I mentioned earlier that there are “mountain shacks” in the area I was stranded in. The shoulder that I eventually coasted downhill into was under such a place. There were big dogs howling at me from up there the whole time, and a gentleman stood at his door and never took his eyes off me as I fiddled with my vehicle. Obvious or not,a service vehicle is still out of place and who knows what kind of things this guy was protecting. Possibly a drug factory, or simply protecting his property by observing an out of place situation. His body language, dogs, and barbed wire fence made the fact clear that it was not a good idea to go to him for assistance. Faded Private Property signs sealed the deal for me, so I stayed well away.

Either way my intuition told me to stay aware, and I felt comforted knowing that I could protect myself. When constructing your kit include a legally owned firearm, or at least Pepper Spray by a known quality manufacturer. Beyond that, I knew my exact location due to my brand new GPS unit. That was actually very comforting. I could have given my Wife exact latitude and longitude if I so wanted. The GPS also helped me navigate the windy mountain dirt roads. As back up, I have a map book of our state that is very precise. It is a 2005, but is pretty up to date as far as main roads are concerned. I really need to get the latest book, however. They offer the book totally laminated which makes every page waterproof, tear resistant, and easy to draw routes on with dry erase markers!

My main work van was in the shop, so much of my gear was not in this temp vehicle….Including my small survival kit with compass, matches, etc. I did have a few things however.

Here is a breakdown of what I actually had when I was stranded that day:

Cold Steel survival shovel
Kabar knife
Battery jump starter w/flashlight
GPS w 12v charger kit
14v flashlight w 2 spare fully charged batteries by Dewalt
Flannel insulated jacket
Mechanic Gloves
Plastic painters’ sheet
50 foot nylon twine

I also had my EDC kit, so basically I had a number of ways to signal, start fire, make shelter, chop wood, and a variety of good light sources. The trunk contained tools and parts mainly including basic socket set, jumper cables, gas can, oil and other fluids, new car battery, & Chilton’s repair manual. I also had a jack, spare tire (flat as it goes), selection of assorted hand tools, tow rope, and a few spare turn signal bulbs. For food I had a granola bar and water bottle with 20 oz water in my briefcase. Food and water preparations were not so good if I was stuck here overnight. I could have run out of gas, gotten a flat, or simply gotten stuck on the road somewhere and easily been there until after dark which thankfully did not happen.

Lightweight belt kit

Obviously, if I had a survival kit that would be a big plus. I added that when I got back. Also more water and “pogey bait”. This means a few 12 oz water bottles and some more granola bars. My Wife very wisely carries a large bag of beef jerky in her car. I’m going to add that as well to the granola bars. As mentioned, the cell phone charger would be a very nice thing to have in 12v; something which I normally have but forgot this time. In addition, a wool blanket or sleeping bag would be really great to add. I also keep a large roll of duct tape, and a coffee can in the trunk that can be made into the traditional hobo stove if need be. My survival kit has the Esbit stove and canteen cup, but redundancy is important in an emergency as we know.

Ultimately everything worked out okay in the end. The job was re-scheduled and completed, and my vehicle is running fine. There are some pretty big holes in my car kit, which are being fixed as time and money allow. Here is a list of the desired end result kit for my vehicle.

VEHICLE PREPAREDNESS KIT

Part 1 Survival

• Small Portable survival kit, ammo bag
• Survival Knife currently Ka-bar, soon to be a Cold Steel Trailmaster
• Cold Steel Survival Shovel
• Spare boots, knit cap, wool socks, gloves, jacket, sunglasses, and nylon jumpsuit
• GPS w/12v charger, Laminated State Road Map book
• Rechargeable flashlight w red lens, rechargeable spot light
• Tarp, nylon rope, nylon hammock
• Wool Blanket
• Bottled Water, Jerky, granola bars, instant soups, any lightweight portable food
(In Colorado we experience extremes in heat and cold as well as dryness and moisture so food must resist anywhere from 10 below zero to 105 above!)
• Cash in coins and paper currency

Part 2 Vehicular

• Complete replacement fluids
• Jumper cables, and battery jump starter
• Tow rope
• Spare bulbs
• Repair Manual
• Socket set, hand tools, jack
• Funnel, gas can, carpet strips, chains
• Flares, orange tape, reflector
• Duct tape, other repair gear
• Spare tire, fix a flat spray

Part 3 Communications

• Radio am/fm
• Portable wind up radio
• Cell phone, spare battery, 12v charger
• CB band radio

Part 4 Personal Defense/Hunting

• Glock 9mm Model 17, 2 spare magazines
• Kel-Tec Sub2000 9mm Carbine, 2 spare magazines
• Winchester Defender 12 gauge, assorted rounds
• Pepper Spray

Everyone has a different take on what is essential, and we are each limited by the storage space of our vehicle. My entire kit listed here fits in a sea bag, which is a canvas duffel bag but heavier duty. The Defender breaks down with a regular screwdriver and the Sub2000 folds by design. Of course, the vehicle tools are stored in the trunk area and would stay with the vehicle if I am forced to hike out. My small survival kit fits on my belt, and is the size of a camera bag with a canteen and canteen cup on the other side. My EDC (Every Day Carry) kit fits in my pockets and I always have it on me.

This vehicle preparedness kit is designed the way it is due to the nature of my job. I can end up on extreme sides of my state; either mountains or desert, dry or snow filled, muddy dirt road or iced up highway. Also, I can end up in some pretty off the beaten path places. I have literally been in a town occupied totally by a “gang”, for instance. When dealing with firearms in your kit pay attention to state and city law. For example, in Denver I can’t have the two long guns even broken down and unloaded in my vehicle. The State and other jurisdictions see things in a more reasonable light. Just be sure to follow the letter of the law. Obtaining a concealed carry permit may make this easier to do depending on your state.

UPDATE 2013: I have added and removed a few things that made my kit more compact.

Added:
(2) LED AAA Flashlights, 12v DC and 120VAC cell phone charger, (2) Wool gloves, (2) knit caps, AM/FM Short-Wave radio, pack of spare AAA batteries, updated Cold Steel GI Tanto, 3-ft bolt cutters, small sledgehammer and a spare 1st Aid Kit.

Removed:
Winchester Defender and Kel-tec Sub2000

Removed shotgun and carbine to save weight and space in order to add extra tools.

Copyright 2009 by duracles. Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.

This is a sort of re-write of an older post on specialized items and ideas for your Bug Out Bag (BOB) or other survival kits. Sometimes we need to think outside the box, or plan for real life disasters that could happen during an evacuation. Obvious things like a flat tire could slow you down or not so apparent things like spare house keys for someone arriving after an event. Do you really want to leave your doors unlocked or have to break in to get a forgotten item? Other things are for counter-surveillance, repairs, or often overlooked items. Planning for the unknown is as important as planning for known hazards. Weather, chemical hazards, earthquakes and the like are more common scenarios….but what else can happen? Terrorist attacks, riots, psychotic gunmen, looters, even roving groups of refugees; many things happen that people do not plan for.

Please post your unconventional or specialized survival kit items as well. No illegal gear please.

• Spare Keys to Home, Car, & Work- It is really expensive to call a locksmith in the middle of the night, let alone a huge disaster or evacuation. Spare keys to home, cars, and businesses will save hassle, and possibly help someone arriving late or bugging out in a separate vehicle. Keep keys on person, hide them, or lock them in a special outdoor box.
• Fix a Flat- This stuff works pretty well. It isn’t the same as a spare tire, but it usually takes less time and gets you pretty far. It may just get you to a safer place to repair the tire or put on a spare.
• Camouflage Netting- Need to hide a car fast? Netting is much faster than using cut bushes and branches. Also works well to hide a tent, or other make-shift shelter. Why hide? Looters, beggars, bad-guys, the unprepared, etc may be out to take your stuff. This item isn’t for everyone, but those by wooded areas, or remote areas could benefit from this item.
• Digital Voice Recorder– Note ideas or routes during emergency, record message to loved ones (on route, important items, where things are, where you will go, etc), and keep a sort of journal of events. Usually they are somewhat cheap $30-$100 and fit in a pocket. They are about the size of a pack of gum. Stash it in a place only you and family members know about at home, work or cache site.
• Rechargeable Spotlight- Many of these recharge with a 12v lighter adapter, and use bright bulbs. Many are waterproof, and some come with the built in tripod. Have used these hunting, searching for addresses, and for signaling. Most are $20-$80.
• Night Vision- This can be anything from a hand held scope to a pair of military goggles. Night vision is cheap these days; you can find decent scopes online @ Cabela”s, Harbour Freight, and Wal-mart. Most run on regular batteries. Prices around $80-$1000 depending. Most inexpensive digital video recorders have built in night vision or low-light of some kind.

• Set of basic hand tools- Just get a selection of pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, and other hand tools. Most of us include a multi-tool of some type, but real construction grade tools can make a big difference. Hard to replace a drill, socket set, or crowbar with a multi-tool. Many times just getting a bunch of spare tools from the garage will suffice. Usually due to weight, this type of addition to a kit is for vehicular use, but not always.
• Binoculars, monocular, spotting scopes, etc- Self-explanatory but the ability to see far away is pretty advantageous. You can get cheap binoculars starting around $12 and go up from there. Rugged rubberized or armored sets are better, especially those that come weatherproof.
• Directional Listening Device- These are illegal in some area’s so check laws. Basically this is a sensitive listening device to hear things far away like animals, bad guys, etc. There are also heat sensing devices, blood tracking lights, etc that are more specialized for counter-surveillance preparedness. These types of items vary greatly in price and can be easily found online.
• Car Battery Jumper Kit- This is usually available at Sears and other hardware or automotive stores. Basically it is a 12v battery that comes with built in cables to jump  a dead car battery. Very handy! Also some models come with hazard signal, radio, spotlight, and power inverter. The power inverter is very hand to power communications equipment, recharge batteries, run power tools, and the like. Usually these run $60 and up.
• Insulated Coveralls- Carhartt makes this type of clothing, so do many manufacturers. What I really like about these is that they quickly go on OVER the clothes you are wearing, including boots. Fast to put on, warm, and usually somewhat weather-proof; this is a great addition to your kits. The only downfall is the bulky nature of the clothing when stored. Being able to don your coveralls with out getting undressed will save time. Usually they sell these in camo, brown, and black. Some are reversible as well. Many brands are out there and start at $20 and go up.
• Laptop Computer- These are very important for communication, news, and storing personal info. Spare batteries are nice, but expensive. Strangely, many accounts during Katrina show people ONLY able to contact family by email instead of cellular or land lines. Great for watching movies, and other entertainments especially when children are there. You can get used or refurbished laptops for anywhere from $150-$400.

• Pets & Pet Food- Don’t leave your little buddies behind! It may take a while to get back to rescue them. Bring food, water, etc. Dogs will be handy for carrying gear and some are good for an early warning system. Dog backpacks are available so Rover can carry his own food and treats. There are also rubberized dog boots for paw protection. For smaller pets you may need pet carriers…especially to board any type of transportation other than the family car.
• Misc. Personal Necessities- Can’t live without your special neck-pain pillow? Orthopedic devices for daily function? Can you only use certain soaps, lotions, or other hygienic agents? Seriously, many folks need specific items to be able to function on a daily basis. Personally, I have a few that would make my time a mess if I were bugging out without them. This also includes things like spare contact lenses, spare eyeglasses, prescription medications and the like. I have a buddy that gets migraines and if he doesn’t pack his meds, the stress of an evacuation could render him helpless and/or useless to his family.
• Map books, GPS, State Maps, Recreational Maps- Get these things now before you need them. If you intend to bug out to another city or state, get maps to these areas. Plan out an escape route, then plan a 2^nd and 3^rd. Map these on Google Maps or the like, and give copies to family. You can also keep them in your car, in your safe or safety deposit box at the bank for others to claim later. GPS is very convenient, fast, and cheap but keep paper maps as a back up. I like to coat maps with waterproofing, or have them laminated. Some companies sell pre-laminated map books as well.

Keep this gear with other emergency gear to grab fast. Keep near the door, in a car, or cached for emergency access. Other survival kit basics such as food, water, shelter, signal, fire, and defensive gear should be kept there as well.

The Wild fires in CA are a good example of needing to go in a moments notice. Some things cannot be taken, or are too bulky….Home fire safes are good for family pictures, jewelry, and important documents such as ID, wills, deeds, and other banking information. If you live in a fire danger area get the highest fire rating possible. Most quality safes are rated for a 1 hour burn time. Cheap safes are only rated for ½ hour. All safes should be screwed down, or bolted to the floor to prevent easy removal by a thief. Keep safes hidden or low-profile in the home.

Copyright 2009 by duracles. Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.

First off, what is Every Day Carry? Everyday carry (EDC) is the lifestyle of being prepared. Having a survival kit or first aid kit at home or in the car is preparedness. But having a kit on you during your entire day is in reality, the lifestyle of being prepared. Lifestyle is the “way you live”. Not a hobby or a form of brief entertainment. For instance, you may know someone who dabbles with the guitar. But then there are folks like Jimi Hendrix who became one with the guitar, and really embodied the term “guitarist”. Hendrix played the guitar everyday. When he didn’t have one, he pretended. He was known to sleep next to his guitar. In the Army, he kept one close by. He spent the short life he lived playing more and accomplishing a level unattainable by most. Those who carry an EDC kit are the real life true practitioners of the Art of Survival and embody the term “preparedness”.

What is an EDC kit? The term “kit” is deceptive. The EDC includes the clothes you wear, the shoes, the jacket and even your accoutrements. The philosophy of EDC is to have everything on you that ensures your protection from the elements, hazards, and other people. This includes disasters, severe weather, extreme terrain, physical conflict and also providing basic needs like shelter, food, water and the ability to communicate. You don’t have to look like a Bedouin or a SWAT team member. Part of the concept is that you blend in, not giving away the treasure trove of useful tools and equipment on your person for others to steal, envy or attempt to rely on. You want to appear, as you really are, an average person who is prepared to meet the challenges of any given day. You do not want to look like Rambo, Indiana Jones or the Terminator. But think of yourself more like a MacGyver or a Batman while in perfect disguise. You can use the hidden tools at hand to ensure your survival, and the people that you love or care about too by keeping yourself in safe condition.

What about when I’m jogging, or out on a date, or even at work? The lifestyle of being prepared is about ALWAYS being prepared.

You can compromise intelligently based on your activity. Wear a suit or skirt and heels to work? You can still have a small lighter, key chain flashlight, and pocketknife in your purse or pocket. Not to mention the bounty of space offered in a briefcase, laptop bag, or business tote. An executive without a cell phone is almost unheard of these days. A cell phone allows you to communicate with co-workers, friends, and loved ones. It carries personal information, some have cameras to record events, and in emergencies you can call in the police or the EMT. It allows you to get up to date information, co-ordinate, and in some cases they have a built-in tracking device to use to find a persons location. In this sense, a Laptop or pad is also an excellent investment for the ability to store information, provide detailed news or research, and communicate with allies. Nowadays, a laptop case is the ultimate urban camouflage. They can carry a jacket, water bottle, extra shoes, flashlight, handgun, first aid kit, and lunch to boot. What about while exercising? You can carry a lot without looking like it. When training you can carry a folding knife with a clip and carry it in your waistband. You can strap a tiny MP3 player to your arm. A bandana around your head or in your pocket can be used as a bandage, dust mask, or weapon.

Your clothing can be functional as well. Windbreaker, trail running shoes, loose fitting top and pants are excellent to fight, evade, and blend into the crowd with. Appearing to be non-threatening is important during a crisis like a robbery, assault, or dispute. Blending in is very important so that you are not assumed to be the antagonist, hero, scumbag, or excellent choice for a kidnapping or hostage situation. The quality of your clothing is more important than the brand name. Too expensive a style of clothing pinpoints you as being wealthy and too poor as a homeless person desperate for valuables or drugs. Try to appear as an average, working person who belongs in the city or locale that you are in. Be it Calcutta or Houston. Most of all, buy clothing that performs its function. A jacket that actually insulates, stops water, and protects from the wind is vital. Shoes that breathe, keep your feet warm and dry, provide traction and protect you from blisters are probably the most vital part of your kit. The simplest form of travel is walking. It is free, quiet, and during major disasters most likely will be your main source of travel. You should be able to run, jump, kick, and walk long distances with your shoes. There are even ways to lace your shoes that will assist you. Using para cord as shoelaces gives you another tool for survival. Paracord is a nylon high test-strength rope used for parachutes.

It is known to be very tough for its thickness, and handy like duct tape. You can find many colors, and can even lace in a hidden compass, razor blade, or P-38 can opener. You can also lace your shoes or boots in such a manner that they are quick to cut off in case you need to swim or ditch your footwear. Does this seem too extreme or too expensive? Remember, survival is your lifestyle, not your hobby.

As you begin to consider the clothing, and items that you carry every day, you become informed of the possibilities and functions of them. This is a natural byproduct of the lifestyle, and a happy one at that. You can be more fully aware of the things that you purchase, use items to their fullest potential and see things as having many uses. You become more of a recycler of goods. Not that you would horde trash, but actually that you need less as you learn that most things have more than one use. A belt can be used as a tourniquet, rope, weapon, strap, equipment carrier, tree climbing device, and if it is strong enough, as a belay or seat for rappelling or as a towrope. An excellent example of this is the character in the movie “Castaway”. He is the only survivor of a plane ditched in the ocean. The character manages to arrive on a small island after being adrift on a lifeboat. He only has what is on his person, and what he can recover from a few packages from the plane, and later from a dead pilot that he finds half submerged in the water on the beach. He uses an ice skate, plastic door, boat oar, and even local plant life to affect his eventual rescue. In most situations, scavenging from stuff lying in the street or the dead will be at the least a social stigma and at most considered looting and can cause your death. Therefore, having the basic essentials on your person is a huge advantage. Putting care and thought into your EDC is something that can save your money, family, and life in the long run.

Your kit should not be limited to items that only appear to be everyday. Some items are very specialized and cannot be made to appear innocuous. Firearms, compasses, water filters, and tools aren’t considered everyday items to the average person. However carrying items inside bags, pockets, in ordinary looking belongings, or hidden will prevent embarrassing or life threatening situations. Carrying a firearm concealed should only follow the laws in your area. Carrying a firearm illegally does you and your family no good if it is discovered at a roadblock, after a dispute, while talking with law enforcement or rescue personnel, in a verbal disagreement, during disaster evacuation, or if it is used to defend yourself then later it is used against you in a lawsuit. Also, knowing how to safely carry, fire, unload, load and holster a firearm is essential. Negligent discharges are deadly. So carry your firearm legally, and get training. There is an incredible amount of ways to carry firearms concealed. Do some research, and spend some money. Comfort, retention, accessibility, actual concealment, reliability and wear are the things to consider. Also, carry a reload for your weapon. Redundancy is not bad in survival situations. Having items that do overlapping jobs or having a spare item is great practice as you can equip an ally or stash it for later retrieval. Spare items can be sold or traded. In emergencies, items can be overlooked, left behind, broken, fail or even be stolen. Having multiple methods as back up in the military is called a fail safe. Basically, there is say one computer that does a job. Then there is also a back up that kicks in. Finally, if the back up fails there is a tertiary measure such as a third computer that will kick in. You don’t have to carry 3 firearms, or 3 knives, but 3 lighters or forms of currency, or three forms of identification won’t weigh you down. Also having three friends to contact in an emergency isn’t bad. Remember, having too much gear will mark you as a target or slow you down during travel or evacuation. Sometimes you must carry a loved one, extra gear or just move quickly so keeping your kit light is high on your priority list.

This brings us to how you carry your items. As mentioned earlier, a tote or purse is great. However, if you have 2 seconds to jump out a door or over a fence, these can be left behind. Part of the EDC system is that you carry everything on your person, without extra backpacks, or bags. One retailer specifically makes non-military looking vests and jackets that appear completely unremarkable. Amazingly, they have up to thirty pockets including pockets for electronics, water bottles, and identification. Another method is to carry ultra light and miniaturized equipment so that the impact of carrying a kit is minimized. Micro LED key chain flashlights, micro multi-tools, mini Bic lighters, small flip cell phones, and “baby” or “micro” handguns such as snub-nosed revolvers and automatics in the smaller calibers. Yet another method is to purchase items that do more than one task. Flashlight/pens, belt w/hidden cash compartment, belt buckle knives, key chains with built in devices, cell phones with camera, day planner, audio recorder and flashlight, and combo signaling devices such as whistles with built in match holder, flint, and compass. These items are commonly available at stores such as Sharper Image, Wal-Mart, army surplus stores, camping stores, and knife shops or gun shops. Don’t forget to look at do-it-yourself solutions. Fanny packs, passport pouches, bra wallets, and other travel pouches make excellent everyday carriers for your gear. Even ace-type bandages, baggy clothes, and medical tape can be used if necessary. The more you can fit is not as important as it appearing that you are not carrying extra or out of the ordinary equipment. Try to maintain your personal style, work dress code requirements, and what is appropriate for different occasions. A relative seeing a bowie knife under your shirt, or a boss seeing a gun strapped to your ankle is more than just embarrassing. Be creative, and enjoy this aspect of EDC. It is challenging and fun, as you compete with others awareness. Children are very good at spotting out of the ordinary things, and are not usually afraid to mention it so use them as a tool but also, be wary.

Lastly, on carrying your kit, be sure to carry items in a fashion that allows you to function. You want the items to maintain their integrity, and stay on your person as well. Make sure items are secure. Can you crawl, run, jump, lay prone, roll, climb, and walk quickly without sounding like a toolbox and without losing all your gear? Test your carry method for concealment, retention, and integrity. Also make sure items do not rub you raw or cause reactions or even injure you. When you test your carry first do everyday tasks around the house. See if it changes your walking pattern or noticeably shifts your clothes independently of your movement. This is a sign your kit is too heavy or bulky. As you sit, lie down, and lean make sure items aren’t becoming exposed, slipping, or even falling out. All of these issues must be addressed before you go to the next level. Next, go to the store and do some shopping or go to the park. Do things that require bending, taking long steps, and dealing with the public. Make sure that your kit is secure and undetectable. Even if your kit is somewhat detectable under close scrutiny, this is better than an obvious kit exposed to all. Wear different types of clothing, and jackets. Wear summer clothing, and go for a walk or jog. Lastly, you want to do an extreme test. Go play paintball with your kit. Go play some touch football, or a game of basketball. Make a sort of obstacle course in your yard or at the park. You want to make sure your kit is intact. If you are trying to crawl under a fence, or sneak down a staircase you do not want objects falling out and clattering or hanging up and snagging you to other objects.

In an extreme situation you could be climbing trees, taking cover under objects, jumping fences, running, wading through water, swimming, hiking steep hills, or picking your way through broken glass. You could be dealing with flood, fire, explosion, riot, tornado, rainstorm, blizzard or total darkness. You may be carrying extra gear, injured personnel, pets, or you may be boarding up widows, or digging trenches or stacking heavy equipment. You may be pulling yourself out of a car wreck, or building collapse. These scenarios are not intended to frighten you, only to give you a way to plan your kit for carry and item selection. It is a mandatory aspect of EDC that you test the way you carry your kit. It shows you what is important, reveals weaknesses in your system, and keeps you constantly aware of your EDC kit. Keep in mind that your kit will be exposed to many extreme elements, so you should plan for that accordingly. Purchase or use items that are robust, water resistant, and consider spare batteries for your electronics. Batteries should not be exposed to water or heat. One resource to keep electronics and batteries dry is the cheap zip-lock bag method. You can also use condoms, or waterproof tape. Pelican makes high quality waterproof boxes that are small and break resistant plastic. Prepare your clothing as well. Be aware that some clothing tears easily, and some materials do not dry quickly or melt fast when applied to heat. Some natural materials are excellent for your EDC. Wool is recommended, as it is resistant to most elements, and even when wet provides some insulation. Leather is tough, and can be waterproofed quite easily. Both are somewhat fire resistant. Man-made materials like Gore-Tex dry quickly, stops wind and water, and are fairly resistant to wear. Whatever your clothing choices, be sure to keep clothes in good repair and mend then regularly. Boots and shoes should be polished or waterproofed as needed.

EDC kits become smaller over time, and you begin to adapt to having the extra gear on your person. It is nice having a small flashlight and pocketknife as many know, but having a needle and thread in your wallet is a lifesaver if you rip your pants on the way to work or a button falls off your blouse. Also, as you learn about items doing multiple jobs you discover that fishing line, for instance, makes great floss, thread, and tripwires. Or that having a small magnet can hide a key, retrieve dropped keys, or just keep notes paperwork from falling as you work under the hood of your car. You will enjoy the self-confidence and feelings of self-reliance as you go, and possibly those around you will appreciate your handy presence, and take note. Offered in closing are some words of advice, and also a list of suggested items that have worked well for your peers who also live the EDC lifestyle.

Pocket knife– Make sure the knife is lightweight but strong, and easy to get to fast. Brands that offer written warranty are the best. Save your money, and buy one good quality knife. Then buy more inexpensive back-ups. One good knife can last a lifetime. Clean, oil, and sharpen your knife to maintain its usefulness. Ceramic and titanium both have benefits, but more common steel blades are easy to bend back into shape or expediently sharpen in the field.

Flashlight-With LED type flashlights available, why get anything else? The bulbs burn brighter, last longer, and save battery life. Also, you can use rechargeable batteries and carry spares, as well as use solar, vehicle (12 Volt) or regular wall outlets to charge them. Many of the LED flashlights are shockproof inherently, and water resistant.

Wrist Watch-Most watches of good quality already have all the features one would hope for. The watchband is fairly important, as you want a material that will be strong, and not wear quickly. There are some watches out there that offer panic buttons that tie in with your alarms system, heart rate monitors, radios, TV, and other goodies. Usually, you can buy a wrist compass that attaches to the watchband, but check these for quality.

Multi-Tools-This is definitely a category where you get more bang for your buck. Most choose to carry a full size multi-tool as they are more reliable, and capable of doing the jobs one would use them for. However, they can get quite heavy. Some tools come with a nice black finish that is non-reflective. If you decide to carry one in a pocket, consider a dummy cord or leash lanyard. Real Swiss army knives are great multi-tools as well.

Dust Mask-Paper dust masks come in many varieties. Most will fold up, and can be carried in a back pocket. Bandanas, handkerchiefs, and balaclavas are good too. Most dust masks use an elastic band, so be careful if you have an allergy to this material.

Cash-Try to carry many denominations of cash and coins. If you live near a border to another country, carry their cash too, as well as your passport. Coin purses are great to silence coins, and prevent their loss and they are great to stash other gear too. Hide your cash on your person, using a secret place, such as a money belt or ankle pouch.

Laser Pointer-Amazingly useful for signaling, testing for smoke, and for pointing or “painting” far away objects. Do not point them directly into the eyes of anyone.

Condom-Useful to waterproof gear, carry water, or “hide” valuables. Package has to remain intact however, and this is difficult. Be aware of expiration date. Non-lubed is better for multiple uses.

Tiny Can Opener-If you opt to not carry a multi-tool or Swiss army type knife; you really need one of these. Military P-38 can opener can fit on your key chain and really works. A regular knife can open a can, but it dulls on a steel can quickly.

Large Needle-A heavy gauge sewing needle is great in ones wallet or belt pouch. It is easy to find makeshift thread, but really difficult to find a makeshift needle. Great for taking out splinters, sewing, lancing blisters, scrapping tools, or as a weapon.

Bic Lighter-So cheap, reliable, lightweight, and small that there is no excuse not to carry two. Zippo type lighters or butane lighters are great but require a lot of maintenance. They are also heavy and expensive. Another item that is very useful is the pocket torch. Pocket torches are available at hardware stores, hobby stores and at stores such as Radio Shack. However, these could be considered drug paraphernalia in some states.

D Carabiner-Another great overlooked item for your kit. These are so incredibly useful and strong that they are almost mandatory. They can be used to secure gear, carry keys, stash items, and of course as connective devices. Go to a climbing supply store and purchase a real carabiner, with weight ratings. Don’t go for the dime store copies.

Permanent Marker-Some of these markers write on almost any surface, and don’t wash off. Many types and colors are available. Great for marking property, leaving messages, writing notes (even on skin!), and marking a trail. Most will write on metal and glass.

Belt-Usually the workhorse of carrying all your gear. Also can be purchased as a money belt with hidden compartment. Buy real leather or strong nylon. Cheap is very bad. Some belts will take buckles of different types, and many buckles are made that conceal useful gear and weapons. Be careful of your local laws when considering a weapon.

Slim Signaling Mirror-Can be obtained at sporting goods, and backpacking stores. All metal is better for strength. Mirrors offer a multitude of uses, but are often a pain to carry.

Magnifying Glass-Do some research on this item. Some fit in your wallet and are actually shaped as to focus light to start emergency fires. There are many types, however. Some fit on key chains, or are used to examine jewelry, and some are made of plastic rather than glass.

Pocket Radio– MP3 players and smart phones fall into this area. Some offer TV, short wave, AM/FM, emergency band, and the like. Some can be solar charged, hand pumped (to charge battery), or work on small batteries. Headphones are nice to listen to the radio in quiet, and constantly monitor news stations live. There are many phone Apps that offer many preparedness options: compass, police scanner, weather forecasts, etc.

Sunglasses/Safety Glasses-Protective eyewear is a must. Only purchase quality, proven brands. Find glasses that protect from UV/UB rays, impact, and still allow good peripheral vision. Find glasses that fit your head snug, and consider carrying prescription glasses as well. Oakley is a very good brand for EDC.

Medications-Carry your medications in a waterproof container at all times. Carry at least, a three-day supply. Keep cycling the pills around so fresh pills are inserted periodically. Carry a card in your wallet describing your medical condition. Consider writing directions on dosage, in case you are unable to dose your medication yourself.

Copyright 2006 by duracles. Reprint permission granted provided the article stays intact.

I wanted to write a pretty in-depth article on this but just have not had the time. This is the short to the point version!

Over the years I have spent what I consider a substantial amount of my preparedness budget on clothing for EDC. “Every Day Carry” is what you have actually on you every day…. not a kit you can grab but actually what you are wearing and what is in your pockets.

This is the most basic but also very important gear and very overlooked. Most say “I can grab my kit and go” but many times it is what you have on you that counts. EDC Clothing is the clothes you wear every day for preparedness that doubles as preparedness gear/ what you wear to work, play, etc.

One thing to mention is that since I own my own business and travel a lot, this gives me the freedom to wear whatever I want but also makes what I have on me pretty important. I travel all over the state at all times of the year and at all times of the day/night. I work outside a good portion of the time so the clothing needs to be tough and protective. I prefer cargo pants to jeans for the pockets, but have to wear a nice shirt so that I am presentable to my clients.

3 to 5 years ago

I started wearing Propper Tactical Polos, 5.11 Original pants and Merrell Hiking boots.

This is all season basically unless it snows really heavily in which case I add waterproof insulated boots (off brand), and expedition weight thermal undergarments. (Normally I wear 100% cotton everything as I have very sensitive skin which hates pretty much any synthetic material.)

At first I really liked the Propper Tactical Polo shirts but found them to fade quickly and be too warm for summer here in Colorado. Also, the no wrinkle collar inserts actually cut through the collar and stick out making them look funny. I ended up removing the inserts. The shirts are good for winter however, and besides the fading and collar issue have not torn. They do however stain. In the end for these reasons and also the $35 to $50 per shirt; I gave up on them overall.

Same deal with the 5.11 100% cotton tactical pants. Costly! Not only that, but the 5.11″s also seem to rip in the knees about 2 years out and they are very restrictive in the hips. The seem to aggravate my back condition which I found strange. They are too warm same as above, and stain easily. Another thing I disliked about the 5.11″s is the cargo pocket size and irregularity. I would buy a pair same size, and the pockets were dramatically different sizes or irregularly stitched. Even buying them online on clearance from $20 to $50 a pair they just didn”t work.

I love the Merrell hiking boots however! They are comfortable, long lasting and well made. I wear the Ventillator version for summer, spring and fall; they work great unless there is a very cold day or snow/water. I need shoes that breathe due to my skin, and I easily get foot fungus from shoes that do not breathe. I also had good experiences with Wolverine steel toe leather work boots but they stopped making the version I liked; also the quality seemed to take a dive. The only problem with the Merrells is the cost really. About $120 a pair… but again they last about 2.5 to 3 years.

Other shoes I have tried with moderate success is the Survivor Brand of boots for work. They are very affordable (Wal-Mart or online), and middle of the road overall, and are pretty comfortable. However without fail they do NOT breathe and can allow my feet to overheat or sweat too much. Sweaty feet means fungus and blisters for me; therefore I would wear them only on occasions where I need steel toe protection during work. I also have tried a few of the “tactical” boots out there like Bates. Same deal, decently made but not breathable. I wanted to try the Converse brand but no one carries them in my area so I could never try them on. I did try the 5.11 boots, Danners, and the store brand for Outdoor World but they all felt horrible on my feet.

Currently

Since my preparedness budget is limited I decided to give less expensive EDC clothing a try. First I tried LA Gear Tactical Polos. They are nice! They do not wrinkle or stain; nor do they fade! They are inexpensive at about $15-20 per shirt, they are cut for concealed carry, and although they are not 100% cotton, they are close enough for my skin and they are fairly cool in the summer. Better than the Propper Tactical Polos for sure hands down. They have a pen pocket on the sleeve which is really nice, and they have a treatment that sheds water and stains. They are great and I hope they keep making them. 2 years wearing the same 3 shirts and they show zero wear and tear.

For pants I tried to upgrade to Vertx pants which are not 100% cotton; they have some spandex in them. Big mistake! I had a allergic reaction to the spandex (latex is my kryptonite)…. and also to the price. They run about $45-$60 a pair. They have lots of neat features, are comfortable in general but I can only wear them in my dreams sadly. Then at Wal-mart I saw some rip-stop 100% cotton cargo pants by Wrangler. They are amazing! $18 a pair but better made than the 5.11″s or the Vertx! They have large cargo pockets with velcro closures, rip-stop design, and they breathe nice. They accommodate my CCW belt and holsters just fine. Also, they have not ripped or stained. They also seem to wrinkle less than the 5.11 pants. They do not mess up my back or hips either as they are cut roomy. They also have a neat pocket for a cell phone between the legs and the cargo pocket. Great for spare mags, flashlight, etc. Another winner!

For shoes this fall I decided to try another pair of Survivor boots from Wal-Mart; the “Commander”. They are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned! They were on clearance for $32 which is a crazy low price for tactical boots. They are black leather and nylon with side zip. They are made of waterproof materials, and have anti-foot odor treatment that prevents foot fungus, and they have nice inserts that breathe and wick sweat. The soles are the best feature as they have a tread design that does not collect tiny rocks like the Merrells do. Also, the soles are comfortable…. they feel like you are wearing tennis shoes they are so soft. They are also light-weight! They do not have steel toe protection which is good for the winter here. The side zipper makes them fast to put on and take off. They also polish up very nice!

Summer and Winter variations

In summer I generally wear the Wrangler cargo shorts or pants, LA Gear Polo, and the Merrell Ventillators. I always have a baseball cap on for work, and a bandanna to protect my neck from sunburn. This last summer I got bites on my legs so much that next summer I will just wear pants the whole time. I am outdoors so mosquitoes, biting flies, and who knows what else gets my ankles and legs. One time I even got an infection and had to go on anti-biotics! Also this summer, I had a reaction to a mosquito bite that seemed to match the symptoms of West Nile Fever, a milder form of the West Nile Virus.

For winter I have experimented a lot. I bought a few jackets including the military type and ultimately decided on Carhartt. I have a hooded insulated winter jacket, and an insulated vest. I did buy some insulated bib type pants from Wal-mart but decided that I will upgrade to Carhartt due to the quality difference. A side note is that it is much easier to add outer layers than it is to add insulated under-layers. Therefore when I”m on the road I carry outer layers in my truck unless I put insulated undergarments on at the beginning of the day.

Also for Winter I use layers of clothing. I have a Scottevest hoodie, a Carhartt insulated vest, and a wind breaker Mossino wind breaker (Target brand). The Scottevest is really neat; it has pockets galore! iPad pocket, cell phone pocket, ear bud pocket, magnetic pocket closures etc. It was expensive at $50 but is cotton and is generally well made. When it wears out I will replace is with a Carhartt insulated hoodie. You can”t beat Carhartt for cost and ruggedness period. In the pockets of my vest I carry a synthetic insulated cap, and wool fingerless gloves. Then in the wind breaker I carry a second set of wool fingerless gloves. With all this on me I can add or remove layers for almost any temperature in the winter. I have worn this on 15 degree nights and been good for 1 hour outside. The hoodie and wind breakers both have hoods so with the cap I have 3 layers for my head! This system works by trapping warm air in the different layers.

Again, since I own my own business and work outside I need ruggedness and yet can get away with looking mostly “blue collar”. This system for winter layering has worked really well. If it does get colder I do have the bib pants in my van, a insulated polar Carhartt hooded jacket, and an extra set of winter gloves, hat, scarf, and wool socks. I also have waterproof gaitors but want to upgrade them to actual Gore-tex black colored ones from REI. Like I said earlier, if it is snowing and cold when I get ready for work I will wear Polartec insulated underwear, wool socks, and a thermal shirt.

Strategy for EDC Clothing

My strategy is to have clothing that allows me to work outside/inside, carry EDC gear, have my CCW handgun, and still look non-tactical. I don”t want to look like a “doomsday prepper” just walking around! I want to be invisible and fit in; yet have my gear at the ready. I want the clothing to hide my gear, be comfortable, protect me from the weather, and allow me to do many activities. I also want the clothing to be easy to mend, stay wrinkle free as possible, and look presentable for my clients when I need to meet with them. The system I am using looks blue collar and fits my activities nicely…. it also keeps the survivalist side of me happy.

I don”t wear any camouflage clothing, shirts with political or gun slogans, and I don”t wear anything with NRA or the like to draw attention. If there was a emergency or disaster of some type I just want to look like a blue collar guy NOT Rambo or Mr. Survival Man. In Colorado they say “if you don”t like the weather wait 15 minutes”. Our weather can be extreme in any direction you can think of. So I always wear layers even in summer. I wear cotton socks 2 pair, and a cotton t-shirt under anything I am wearing regardless of the season. This wicks sweat but also gives me extra clothing I can use to make tools, head coverings, bandages, or make-shift bags for gear or food. I always have a bandanna in my back pocket as well as Oakley sunglasses to protect my eyes. Oakley sunglasses are known for their ballistic protective properties as well as their “thermal nuclear” protective lenses for UV/UB rays. I can wear them on the shooting range, working with power tools or just for driving.

Lastly, I have a “Wilderness Belt” or riggers belt I use for my CCW handgun. It is very stiff so carries gear nicely, but it also has a second use as a makeshift rappelling belt. It has a strength rating and caribiner attaching loop in the integral design of the buckle. It is 1.5″ wide and will accommodate a IWB holster or OWB holster, plus my other EDC gear.

Hopefully this article motivates other members here to share their EDC gear and clothing, and reviews of brands. Also maybe some folks that are not using EDC as part of their survival/preparedness planning will be inspired to do so. I have kits also for survival which I have written about in the past here: BOB”s, vehicle kits, Hunker down kits, etc including my EDC. If you do a search in the posts you can find them. If anyone is curious I can write an article on my actual EDC gear but since that is what most people write about I thought I”d touch on something less discussed and maybe just as helpful.

Copyright 2012 by duracles. Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.