EDC or everyday carry is a dedicated collection of items that we take with us whenever we leave the house. The term "everyday carry" was popularised by the growing EDC community and enthusiasts who shared their curated collections online. One of the catalysts for the EDC movement was the emergence of sites like "What's In Your Bag" and EverydayCarry.com which flooded the internet with glimpses into individuals' daily carry essentials.
While some prefer to be fully loaded out with all the essentials in case of an emergency or disaster, I prefer to take the less is more approach in my city environment. I am not a fan of bulging pockets or heavy bags either.
Here are my personal must-have minimalist items that I carry every day for city use that keeps me independent, productive, and prepared.
Watch
While I have a decent-sized collection of watches and I always rotate according to the occasion, the one I use the most would be the Timex Expedition. It is rugged, strong and water-resistant so I never have to worry about wear and tear, whether I am just having lunch or splashing on the beach. If I’m in the mood for sports, step-tracking or health monitoring, I will switch over to my Garmin Venu Sq.
Slim Leather Wallet
As far as wallets go, I have always picked slim wallets as opposed to large thick ones. I opt for a black leather slim wallet from Extreme. It has a minimalist design that not only keeps my essential cards and cash secure but also ensures a sleek and unobtrusive profile.
"Its not about the things in your pocket, its about being prepared for whatever situation comes your way." – Anonymous
Car and House Keys
I have tried many times to use key organizers, but I have eventually settled for a carabiner. While it may be frowned upon by some EDC enthusiasts, this is what works for me. I never leave home without my house or car keys as they are an inseparable part of my EDC. Not pictured here are my house keys which always have a Victorinox Classic SD multitool attached to it.
Everyday Carry Multitool
I am a huge fan of multitools and I am an even bigger fan of Victorinox Swiss Army knives. I still have my first Victorinox Classic SD which was given to me by my grandparents more than 25 years ago. Just imagine how excited I was to have the chance to visit the Victorinox factory in Switzerland when I was in my late teens.
As a city-dweller, I don't carry around a folding knife or a fixed blade due to regulations. Instead, I opt for the versatile Victorinox Cadet Alox for its sleek, slim and non-threatening profile but I do occasionally rotate between the Victorinox Camping and Spartan. On rare occasions, I carry the Gerber Compact due to the pliers. Whether it's opening tricky cat food bags, popping the cap off an ice-cold beverage, cutting up some food or tightening some screws, having a multitool is an essential part of my everyday carry.
Smartphone
In our digital age, a smartphone is indispensable to our everyday carry and almost everyone has one. It serves as a communication hub, navigation aid, source of information and of course a source of light. Need I say more?
Vape
An additional component of my minimalist EDC, a vape is a discreet and convenient way to satisfy my nicotine cravings when needed. I switched to a Caliburn Koko as it is a tiny device that sits in my pocket without taking up much space.
EDC when leaving the house for longer periods of time:
While the above list is my absolutely essential everyday carry or EDC items for city living, there are times when I am out of the house for longer periods of time or for work. During these times, I will carry:
A small backpack or sling bag
Laptop or tablet
Headphones
Powerbank
Charging cables
Sunglasses
Conclusion
Everyday carry or EDC is a philosophy that encourages us to be intentional about the things we carry and the role they play in our lives. Keeping the right tools on hand can make all the difference to keep you prepared for a variety of situations when you are away from home.
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