Thoughts on Everyday Carry (EDC)

Throughout most of my adult life, my routine has been pretty standard: get dressed, make some coffee, and grab the essentials I'd need throughout the day.

I'm talking the basics: keys, wallet, phone.

Then, at some point, and I don't remember exactly how, I stumbled on the EDC subculture.

Until that time, I thought EDC was a giant rave in Vegas. I'm more of a rock and roll kind of guy, but I could be convinced to dabble in a little electronic dance music.

Anyway, as it turns out, EDC has another meaning: everyday carry, and it's exactly what you think. A reference to the essentials (and some arguably non-essentials) you carry with you every day.

Now, if you're new to this term, you may be asking yourself, "I have my phone, wallet and keys, what else do I really need to be carrying around?"

It's a good question, and one I had as well. Below are some of the staples dedicated enthusiasts are carrying.

• Knife
• Bag
• Sunglasses
• Earbuds
• Watch
• Notebook
• Pen
• Camera
• Lighter
• Multitool

Some of these objects, like sunglasses, are pretty standard, and not necessarily "hardcore" EDC. And then others, like a multitool for instance, might be considered "above and beyond." At least that's what I thought. But let me tell you, I have been genuinely surprised at the number of times my multitool has come in handy. Sometimes in the most random situations.

Why is EDC so popular?

In the last decade +, the EDC subculture has skyrocketed.

Subreddits like r/edc and other dedicated gear sites prove the demand for aesthetic "daily carry" is real.

I think EDC's popularity comes down to a few things.

• The first of which is necessity. The majority of these items provide real utility you need in your everyday life.
• But beyond that, there is something about the heft of the objects that bring a tangibility often lost in today's increasingly technologically driven world. Perhaps this is a subconscious calling toward a more simple, ancestral life that we have lost. Alright, that's a little philosophical.
• And then, of course, there's the creative aspect. Showcasing the intentionality of how you prioritize what belongings you carry around has evolved into an art form. See the pictures above.

Speaking of creativity, There's something about the "pocket dump" pictures that has a satisfying, clean aesthetic to them.

Take a look.

It's big business

There are entire websites dedicated to these "pocket dumps." But it's more than cool pictures. It's big business.

According to Grandview Research, the combined multitool and smart wallet markets alone account for ~ 1.5 billion dollars annually, and that is just those two objects.

If you really want to get crazy, you could even argue the scope of the EDC market is in the hundreds of billions.

What I'm carrying lately

My first foray into EDC was a basic pocket knife. mHere are some of the primary items I've been carrying over the last 5 or so years. These have all served me well in varying capacities and they don't hamstring me.

Knife

My first foray into EDC was carrying a pocket knife. I sort of had to force myself to do it because it wasn't habitual for me.

I wasn't sure if I was ever really going to need it, but I wanted to try. As I am writing this, I can confidently say I've used my knife hundreds of times over the last five years. The amount of ways it has come in handy is beyond what I initially imagined.

Multitool

Alright, hear me out. You should carry a multitool.

First of all, what is a multitool? It's a small, handheld craft that covers 90% of your basic tooling needs in one package.

Leatherman is the premier brand that dominates the market and they have some pretty amazing products.

Your typical multitool will contain: knife, pliers, screwdriver, bottle opener, wire cutters, saw, and a ruler, among many more.

Key

Sunglasses

After I jumped off of a boat dock into a lake in Northern California, the day after buying a $250 pair of sunglasses, I told myself I'm never spending more than $60 on a pair of sunglasses again.

Inspiration for your build

Maurice, from the youtube channel, Maurice Moves has an excellent overview of what you should consider inside your personal EDC. Check it out below. Worth the watch.

Maurice does a great job here building a completely new EDC kit from scratch. One of the points he emphasizes is that the perfect build really depends on the individual's needs and preferences to make your life more efficient. Lots of good ideas in this vid.