Every Day Carry (EDC)

A question we're often asked, is what should be in my every day carry?

To answer this you need to ask yourself what do you need every day that caters for the majority of situations you might face. The reality is that if you haven't needed it in the last year, then it's incredibly unlikely you'll need it today.

The more obvious question is what can you fit in your pocket. As the reality is that you're unlikely to continually carry a bag or case around with you, so if it ends up being too inconvenient or heavy then you'll likely leave it at home or in the car; then it's never there to use when you need it.

We'd always have these in our EDC:

• Smart Phone. Waterproof to IP67/68 if possible, with a rugged sleeve to protect it and always keep fully charged (with a backup battery or solar charger close by if possible).

• Watch. Waterproof and dependable. Outside of the obvious, an accurate timepiece can allow you to track and calculate distance travelled and time and measure critical water and food intake. If possible look for ones with added features, like GPS and a compass. Our favorite is the Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition.

• Multitool. Try not to get carried away with looking for the one with the most items, as you'll likely only use a blade, screwdriver, bottle opener and pliers 99% of the time and it's highly unlikely you'll get much use out of a nail file or the tiny saw that come in some versions. If weight is a worry then our favorite is the Leatherman Skeletool.

• Lighter. If you want to carry a flint rod then stick it on your keyring or rucksack, but for every day use then a lighter does the trick instantly and a damn sight easier if you're helping a stranger light a cigarette!

• Sunglasses. Often the one overlooked the most, but as the lightest item in your EDC, these can be a lifesaver in the car, or help you see more clearly in bright conditions, whether that to be to hunt, fish, climb or find help.

• Emergency Whistle. Another one to add to your keyring and another one often overlooked. A great way to attract attention if you're immobilised or under threat.

Ones to dump or switch in your EDC:

• Wallet. Cash and card can be stored inside your phone case and on your phone itself. So ditch the wallet and save some space, or look for a small card sleeve to pack your essentials.

• Keyrings. Switch out your heavy car keyrings with a paracord wrap, flint rod and a keyring flashlight. If you're going to take up the space, then why not make them useful.

• Torch. With a flashlight on your phone and backup on your keyring then we'd leave this in your car or in your bug-out bag, unless you were intentionally heading out at night.

• Knife. If in the UK then it can be difficult to explain why you're carrying a knife, so unless you're travelling into the wild and it's on your clip or in your rucksack, then we'd advise you to leave it at home. Even for use in self defense, you could land yourself in a world of trouble unless you know what you're doing.

We'd love to see your EDC photos, so upload them in the comments!