The traditional EDC everyday carry was focused more on survival and
preparedness than practicability, like it is today.
With more people focusing on independence, by carrying self-defense tools, their own first aid, or food, it takes the strain away from others they would otherwise be dependent on.
An example of a practical EDC, photo courtesy of John Hritz, copyright license, here. |
With more people focusing on independence, by carrying self-defense tools, their own first aid, or food, it takes the strain away from others they would otherwise be dependent on.
This range of preparedness extends from both extremes, of cases: the worst, in which there's a disaster, and the most practical, in which having your own gauze, lotion, or extra pen can come in handy.
As a summer-semester student, and at the time living in Florida, sudden tropical thunderstorms were a regular inconvenience. At times, they could be dangerous, with flooding, power outages, and high winds. Carrying an EDC meant more than carrying extra pens; I also carried an emergency flashlight, extra batteries, first aid, a Lifestraw, and a multi-tool.
Fortunately, there was never a situation in which I had to use my emergency gear, but if there had been, where someone was hurt and city services couldn't assist immediately, I knew I had enough to provide basic care.
Compare this to the alternative; not carrying anything. Some students came to class with the clothes on their backs, and borrowed pens and papers! To each his own, but I prefer to have some control, over relying on the good will of others.
5.11 Rush 24 backpack and my EDC |
An EDC should reflect both extremes: practicability and preparedness. As pictured above, the majority of my EDC reflects what I typically use.
In place of carrying all my emergency preparedness gear on my person, which can be cumbersome, I've opted to have a dedicated BoB bug out bag, or GHB get home bag, in the car.
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