What is EDC? A personal journal on Everyday Carry.

What Is EDC?

A Personal Journal on Everyday Carry

A lot of people might think of EDC, or Everyday Carry, as a strict set of rules you follow or a checklist of gear you're supposed to carry. The more time I've immersed myself in the community, the more I've realized that isn't true at all. EDC is just what you carry every day, with you, on your person, as part of your normal routine. Nothing more complicated than that.

At some point, it clicked for me that I already had EDC without even thinking about it.

Phone. Wallet. Keys.

That was my baseline. That's where it starts for most people, whether they call it EDC or not.

How My EDC Has Changed Over the Years

My EDC has evolved multiple times, mostly depending on what I was doing for work. When I was working more labor-intensive jobs, I tried carrying a pocket notebook and a pen. It seemed like something I should have on me, but I never actually used them. After a while, I stopped carrying both because they were just taking up space.

Now things are different. I carry a pen every day, and I actually use it. My routine changed, so my EDC changed with it.

Lately, I've also been carrying a handkerchief. It's not something I used to think about, but now that I'm dealing with screens and cleaning knives throughout the day, it's become one of the most useful things I have on me. It's a good reminder that what seems unnecessary at one point can become essential later.

What's Actually in a Typical EDC

There's no perfect setup, but most everyday carry lists tend to include things like:

• Phone

• Wallet

• Keys

• Knife

• Flashlight

• Multitool

• Watch

• Pen or Permanent marker

• Lighter

• Handkerchief

• Battery pack

• Small first aid items

• Firearm

Some people keep everything in their pockets, while others carry a bag or keep extra gear in their vehicle.

Creators Who Shaped How I Think About Gear

A big part of how I built my EDC came from watching other people on YouTube. Preparedmind101 was one of the first creators I followed consistently. I picked up a lot from his content early on, even though he doesn't seem as active anymore.

After that, I started watching BestDamnEDC. I've had the chance to meet him a few times at different Blade Shows over the last few years, which was a cool experience. His content definitely influenced how I think about gear.

GideonsTactical was another channel I learned a lot from. His approach to practical gear stuck with me.

Watching different people helped me realize there's no single right way to do this. You take ideas, test them, and keep what works.

EDC Is Never Really Finished

At this point, I see EDC as a constant work in progress. It's not about carrying the most gear. It's about carrying what actually helps you in your day to day life. What you carry should reflect what you do.

If there's one thing I've learned, it's this.

Your EDC will change.

Pay attention to what you actually use. Get rid of what you don't. Add what makes sense for your current routine.

That's what everyday carry really comes down to.

If you're in the Cottleville, Missouri area and want to see this kind of gear in person instead of just reading about it, stop by our shop, Men's Modern General Store.

We carry a lot of the everyday carry essentials mentioned here, like knives, multitools, and pens, plus other gear worth building a real EDC around.

We're always happy to talk through what actually makes sense for your day instead of just selling you the most expensive thing on the shelf. You can also shop our full selection online through our website if you can't make it in.