If you’ve ever shopped for tactical gear, you’ll inevitably read about something called “EDC gear.” Usually, it’s referring to multitools and small bags, but why? What’s this gear for?
With our guide to EDC gear, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this subculture of tactical bag and firearm communities. Let’s jump into what it is, what it isn’t, and what to carry in your EDC bag.
Key Takeaways
- EDC gear is meant to be carried every day.
- Gear is often compact, designed to fit in either a pocket or a day bag.
- “EDC bags” are bags that offer maximum functionality for daily life without being bulky.
- You should at least have a utility knife, though we also recommend some form of self-defense.
What is EDC gear?
EDC stands for “everyday carry.” If you’re a gun owner, that usually refers to the firearm you always have with you. However, it’s also used by people into collecting tactical gear (such as multitools and backpacks with MOLLE webbing), photographers, and more. In short, something is EDC gear if it is carried every day.
EDC gear is what you’re carrying every day, so it needs to be a weight and size that won’t be too heavy or bulky to carry comfortably. While some EDC tools are designed for pants and coat pockets, many people carry a dedicated “EDC bag.” These bags have all the features the carrier needs to keep their gear organized and easily accessible.
Can anything be EDC gear?
Not necessarily. Deciding what to carry in your EDC bag starts with assessing your needs. Do you frequently need to unscrew screws or get at things with pliers? A compact multitool is perfect. However, it’s really unlikely you’ll need an emergency blanket with you at all times so that probably wouldn’t be considered EDC gear.
How to Choose EDC Gear
Choosing and packing your EDC gear is a lot like packing for a long hike. First, consider what situations you’re most likely to face or the scenarios you want to prepare for. If you live in a big city and often walk around alone or at night, you probably want to prioritize self-defense. If you spend a lot of time working outdoors, then survival items, first aid kits, and utility knives are going to be higher on the list.
And what good is EDC gear if you’re struggling to carry it all? Consider how much you can and are willing to carry, and keep it realistic. You don’t need to stuff your pockets or a backpack. Most of the time, a few well-chosen items are all you need to get the job done.
Suggestions For EDC Gear
If you’re only starting to learn what EDC gear is, trying to choose what to carry in your EDC bag can be overwhelming. Here are some suggestions for your EDC bag:
1. Kubaton
The kubaton is one of the most compact and versatile self-defense weapons used in the modern era. At just around 6 inches long, it’s designed to fit in your hand, supporting attacks that range from pressure-point strikes with its sharp tip to hardening your fist for punches. The best part? It comes with a loop to attach to a keychain, so it’s easy to carry with you everywhere you go.
2. Magazine Base Plate Window Breaker
In car accidents, you need to get out fast. But if your door is jammed and you don’t have much room to bash it, breaking through the window is hard, leaving you trapped inside. You need something that can shatter it, even when you’re at an awkward angle. That’s why a window breaker is what EDC gear enthusiasts recommend as one of your first items.
If you’re a Glock owner, you can mount a window breaker tool to the mag base plate of your EDC weapon. Both your gear and your gun are combined, saving you space without compromising on your preparedness. All you need to do to shatter a window in an emergency is slam the base of your grip into it!
3. Compact Utility Knife
When you ask an EDC prepper what to carry in your EDC bag, one of their first suggestions is a pocket utility knife. From opening packages to scraping sticker residue, the sharp blades of utility knives are endlessly useful. Since compactness is what EDC gear is all about, a pocket-sized one (ideally one that can attach to your keychain) is best for EDC instead of the standard size found in most hardware stores.
4. EDC Pry Bar
EDC gear is what we rely on for problems we face every day. If you regularly open crates and break apart things nailed together, then an EDC pry bar tool is perfect for you. We recommend one that has a hole for a lanyard, allowing you to hook it onto your bag or work belt.
Customize Your Glock and Prep Your EDC Bag With MILSPIN
We don’t just help you decide what to carry in your EDC bag. Glock components and EDC gear are what we’re all about. MILSPIN has been manufacturing gun accessories and parts since 2017 from our warehouse in Columbus, Ohio. Explore our collection and customize your loadout with high-quality parts and tools from MILSPIN today.
