The hardest part of putting together my edc system, was finding the bag itself. I am not a huge fan of fanny packs due to having a bad back, and I didn't want anything as big as a daypack. All of the shoulder bags that I was looking at weighed too much and were still too large. I already have my camping/bugout bag in my SUV, so all I really needed was something that I could bring the basic essentials. ( realize I live in Queens, NY, and unlike other parts of this country where one could be in the middle of nowhere with miles away in every direction from civilization, I am not too far away from help, so my edc bag may have less items then others).
What I finally settled with is an adjustable water bottle sling bag with cell phone compartment and mesh pocket ( similar to the Adidas Hydration Crossbody Water Bottle Sling Bag ) The 1st thing that went into this bag is what I use the most, my Victorinox SwissChamp or the WorkChamp XL pocket knife/tool. I bought the knives with the Swiss Army Sheath w/sharpening Rod and both will fit perfectly inside the cell phone compartment of the bag.
Since I am not using this bag for a water bottle, the inside compartment is just one large area for the rest of my gear. in a zip lock bag I have the following:
1. Mini LED Flashlight ( 3 AAA Batteries and I placed a non conductive plastic insert under on/off push button so the batteries do not drain )
2. Ferro rod and striker
3. Doan Magnesium fire starter
4. Permanent Matchless lighter (capable of starting 15,000 fires)
5. Survival Wire Saw (also known as a commando wire saw: 2 strong thick key chains connected to a barbed like wire, used like a chainsaw)
6. Two Mylar Solar Blankets
7. Water Purification Tablets
8. Compressed Camp Towel ( looks like a miniature hockey puck until opened)
9. Bic Lighter & waterproof matches
10. extra 3, AAA Batteries
11. Waterproof poncho
12. Meds
13. Cell phone
I also Carry the Schrade SCHF57 behind the gear (which is in the Zip Lock bag), but not in the bag, so that I have easy access to this knife for Bushcraft choirs. Last but not least, attached to the harness strap I have a 550 lb. paracord bracelet/w button compass that is wrapped around the strap.
I should also note that this water bottle bag is waterproof so that I can use it as a water container and drop the water purification tablets right into the bag filled with water. I also have a couple of supermarket produce bags used for water storage too. And of course, my wallet and a tactical pen are in the bag too.
On my Keychain that I attach to this edc bag, I have a Magnifying Glass, a mini folding pliers that I bought in Europe at a hardware store, the military P38 can/bottle opener, a mini high pitch whistle, and a Lucky Rabbits Foot ( think Tinder)
What this setup gives me?
Light: Having a non conductive piece of plastic over the battery compartment means that I will always have light, up to about a year after the battery expiration date. This prevents accidentally having the flashlight turn on inside of my pack and prevents the slow drain on the batteries from being connected, so no power drain over over the years during inactive use.
Shelter: The paracord survival bracelet separates (untangles) and can be used in conjunction with one of the Mylar Solar blankets to create a makeshift shelter while the other Mylar solar blanket is used as a reflective heat blanket.
Water Storage/Purification :The plastic produce bags can be filled with water then tied and left upright in the sun for 6 hours for SODIS ( Solar Water Disinfection), or can be used to collect moisture from foliage from the morning dew, and the shoulder bag can also be used for more immediate water purification via tablets.
Rain Gear: The waterproof Poncho is great for getting out of an unexpected downpour.
I have 6 means of creating fire, Bic Lighter, Magnesium Fire starter, Ferro rod and striker, permanent Matchless Lighter, & Magnifying Glass (focusing sun rays onto tinder), & waterproof matches.
I also have the means to procure firewood: The Swiss Army knife has a wood saw, then there is my Commando wire saw, and my Bushcraft Schrade knife can split logs using baton method, chop down dead trees and branches. Don't forget the rabbits foot which is like tinder when you apply a spark.
Food procurement: Both the wire saw & paracord can be used as a animal snare, the paracord can also be used as fishing line, and the needle in the Swiss Army Knife can be used as a makeshift hook.
Communication, Navigation & Survival info: The cell phone has apps for GPS, compass, flashlight, Maps and star mapping on top of being able to make phone calls. Downloading the PDF Viewer app or Kindle App allows you to read full downloaded books on your phone such as EMT books, edible plants info, and “How to” books.
For someone that lives in a more woodsy, outdoorsy, isolated area, I would suggest a heck of a lot more stuff. Items like : a map & compass, walkie-talkie, firearm, a more in depth 1st aid kit, canteen, & Ezbit stove or hobo stove, MSR mini-works water filter, and more paracord.
the edc Knife I use : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Bookmarks