For a lot of folks, their EDC equipage is carried in their pockets, briefcases, bags, lady purses and man purses - sorry - “messenger bags” (who are you kidding, you know it’s a man purse!). This gear list starts out like the gear that every other modern person carries. A mobile phone loaded with apps, a watch, and maybe some cash and credit cards (unless your divorce went badly). These can all assist in your survival, especially the phone. But why stop there? EDC gear can include tools like a pocket knife, a multi-tool, a small flashlight and even a lighter (your easiest tool for fire starting). And for many, EDC often includes a sidearm. In blessed states where open carry is still legal (until the next election…), you can carry your holstered handgun in a jaunty way that says, “Hey, I’ll be cool if you’ll be cool.” And if your area has more of a stick up their butt, then concealed carry (with the proper permitting) may be a sensible and legal option. The anti-gun crowd can’t freak out if they don’t know you’re packing. And finally, as a counterpoint to the death dealing shootin’ iron on your hip, it wouldn’t be dumb to carry a trauma dressing, if you have room for it in your other gear. A 4 inch Israeli bandage is no bigger than a small wallet, and typically lighter. It could also save a life.

These tips, and many more survival skills, are in MacWelch’s books:
Prepare For Anything
Hunting and Gathering Survival Manual
How To Survive Anything

And if that’s not enough, you can:
Follow Tim on Twitter @timmacwelch
Take one of his survival classes at www.advancedsurvivaltraining.com and check out more of MacWelch’s outdoor skills and survival articles at Outdoor Life Magazine’s survival site, The Survivalist.