A great everyday carry kit is something I never leave home without. It is something I strongly advocate for other people to carry as well. In the following article, I will show you how to build an EDC Kit for under $100!
This EDC Kit weighs next to nothing and can easily slip into a large cargo or jacket pocket, on pals/molle webbing, in a backpack or on your belt. Being that it is such a small kit it is a great starting point for folks who are wanting to get into everyday carry. It’s affordable and you get familiar with grabbing something small as an “EDC” each time you walk out the door.
Pro-Tip: This kit can easily be transferred to larger kits/load-outs later on.
Purpose of EDC Kits:
A lot of people view being prepared as wearing tin-foil hats or something far-fetched. That stereotype couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Being prepared puts you at an advantage if your car breaks down, a natural disaster occurs, or if we unexpectedly find ourselves lost on a hike. I view being prepared with a simple EDC Kit as an insurance policy to make my life easier, should an unexpected event happen. These items will make my life easier and help me out of a bind.
Everyday Carry Kit Contents
1. Condor Pocket Pouch ($11):
The primary item you will need when building your EDC Kit is something to carry all of your gear in. The Condor Pocket Pouch is my go-to organizer for these types of kits. It’s inexpensive, holds a lot of gear and is very well made. However, the Condor Pocket Pouch is a little misrepresented in its name, because it’s not going to fit into a front jeans pocket. It’s better suited on a belt, in a large jacket or cargo pocket, or in a backpack.
I have used my Condor Pocket Pouch every day for roughly 2 years. I highly recommend it. I feel like it’s a great value for people who are new to everyday carry and need to invest in several items at one time, without blowing all their budget on one piece of gear.
Shop: Condor Pocket Pouch Available on Amazon
2. Pocket Knife ($30 or less):
A knife should be the second thing you look at adding to your EDC Kit after you have your pouch/bag. A great knife will give you a lot of options in your day to day, and is even more crucial should you find yourself in an emergency situation.
- Opinel No.9 ($14 on Amazon)
- Kershaw Cryo 1555TI ($24 on Amazon)
- Kershaw Shuffle ($12 on Amazon)
- Victorinox Swiss Army Cadet ALOX ($26 on Amazon)
- Kershaw Thermite (Pictured Below – $25 on Amazon)
A knife will help with a lot of common tasks such as opening packages, cutting string/rope and preparing your food. But a knife can also be used for a lot of emergency tasks: Last-ditch defensive item, aid in making an emergency fire, building things and so-on. A knife is one of your most important tools.
Read Next: Full Knife Reviews (will open in a new tab)
Kershaw Thermite and Coast HP1
3. Flashlight ($10):
I carry a small flashlight with me every day and I use it more than anything else in my EDC. I stick with common battery types like AA or AAA, as these are widely available in any store.
I would recommend the Coast HP1 (pictured above). This is a fantastic light that runs on 1 AA Battery. I have used this light for over 2 years and it is still going strong.
Coast HP1 Flashlight: Available on Amazon ($10 at the time of this article)
4. Cash:
I recommend keeping $100 separated between your EDC Kit and wallet. Leave this money untouched, so it will be there in case of an emergency. Having cash on your person could come in handy for a number of unexpected events:
- Even though most places accept debit and credit cards, some places do not.
- In the event of a natural disaster, cash could be the only way you’re able to pay for needed items (ie: Hurricane Katrina).
- The power could go out in your area, leaving computers and card readers inoperable (this happened to me recently and I actually browsed the store with my flashlight, then paid with cash).
- Cash can get you better deals in a lot of cases.
The reasons for needing cash are endless. Put some in your kit and you’ll be happy you did.
* The cash that you carry is obviously NOT factored into the cost of creating your kit.
Your medical supplies can easily fit in the side or front pocket
5. First aid supplies (Under $10):
Accidents happen, but you can control them with a simple first aid kit. Simple medical supplies can be picked up at a reasonable price from almost any store. Below is a simple list of what I recommend keeping in your EDC First Aid Kit:
- Gauze pads
- Band-aids of varying sizes (S, M, L)
- Butterfly closures/bandages
- Neosporin
- Alcohol wipes
- Over the counter painkillers (Ibuprofin, Acetaminophen)
- Medical Tape and/or duct tape to secure gauze pads (I personally carry duct tape wrapped around a credit card, which can be multi-use)
6. Firestarters ($10 or so):
Make sure you have a couple of different fire starting items in your kit. I personally carry a ferrocerium rod and a Bic lighter. In the event of an emergency that leaves you stranded outdoors, you will need a way to make a fire to stay warm, boil water and cook food.
ExoTac Polystriker Firesteel: Available at Amazon
Pro-Tip: Your Knife (#1) will come in handy when making your fire as well….See how this EDC Kit works as an entire unit?
Everyday Carry Notebook and Pen
7. Paper, Pen and a Sharpie (Under $10):
Sure we can take notes on our phones. But nothing beats being able to jot down notes in an actual notebook or make a quick sketch with a pen and paper. I personally carry some specialty paper, only because I’m a gear nerd. But you should be able to find a compact pen and paper setup for well under $10.
My Favorite Waterproof Notebook: See it here on Amazon
8. Misc tools ($10 or so):
I personally carry a small Leatherman pry bar and compact screwdriver kit in my EDC kit. These tools allow me to do a number of quick repairs on other items that I carry/use. I would recommend some kind of compact tool in your EDC kit. Tailor this item to your liking and personal needs.
Above is a bit of Paracord next to my ZT 0350
9. 50Ft of Paracord ($5):
Paracord is an extremely versatile and strong cordage that I use regularly. Paracord is made of 1 extremely tough exterior layer, with 7 to 10 inner strands that make it even stronger.
I recommend buying 50ft of Paracord and carrying as much of it in or attached to your Condor Pocket Pouch as possible. Paracord will allow you to secure items by tying them down, make an emergency shelter, render certain types of first aid and a lot more.
550 Paracord: Available on Amazon
10) Chapstick ($1/per):
Chapstick can obviously be a lifesaver for chapped lips or skin. But it has a number of other great uses as well. Here are a few uncommon ways you can use chapstick: as a makeshift lubricant for tools, to waterproof seems or seals, a propellant for fire making and used in combination with a q-tip as an emergency candle.
All of the EDC Kit contents loaded into the Condor pouch
Build your own EDC Kit
Go ahead, hit the links I’ve included and throughout this article to build your own EDC Kit. With these items, you will find yourself more prepared to handle everyday tasks and unexpected scenarios.
Read Next: Camping Gear Reviews | Follow Me on Instagram
Amazon Affiliates: If you’re feeling kind, please consider purchasing from my Amazon Affiliate links throughout this article at no extra cost to you. I get a small kickback from your purchase and it helps me to keep producing content just like this.
DROP ME A COMMENT
Q&A: If you have any questions about the Condor Pocket Pouch or anything else please drop me a comment below – I’d be more than happy to help!
Comments: What’s your favorite EDC Item? Or are you looking to build an EDC Kit? Let me know about it in the comments below!
