This was a question I stumbled across on Facebook recently. A guy was asking for suggestions on what to keep in an urban EDC kit. Some of the comments seemed to come from people who perhaps misunderstood the assignment.
Building an Urban EDC Kit
An urban EDC kit isn’t intended for use out in the forest. It isn’t an evacuation kit or a bug out bag. It’s not a survival kit, at least not in the traditional sense. It’s an assemblage of items that could prove useful in solving day-to-day sorts of problems.
We’re not talking about running for your life during an alien invasion. Think more along the lines of you were running late for work and you forgot something essential. Luckily, you have something in your urban EDC kit to solve the problem.
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Before we go further, let’s define kit. Typically, we use that term to describe a collection of gear that’s stored together in a container devoted to that purpose. An Altoids tin, for example. While that’s definitely a viable approach to urban EDC, don’t limit yourself.
If it works better for you to keep some things in your pockets and others in a satchel or backpack, go for it. You make the rules here. If someone tells you that off-body carry isn’t allowed for EDC, you have my full permission to ignore them entirely.
Here are just a few things I recommend for an urban EDC kit.
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Flashlight
While I carry a Streamlight Wedge in my pocket, I keep a second flashlight in my EDC bag. It’s a backup in case my Wedge loses too much power. It’s also something I can loan out to someone else if needed.
Power Bank
I try to charge my phone every night, but I’m human and sometimes forget. A decent power bank works wonders for keeping me powered up on the go. In addition, I have a power cable and wall wart plug so I can charge my phone without using the power bank, reserving it for times when a wall outlet isn’t available.
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Multi-Tool
Sometimes you need a helping hand, and a decent multi-tool will do the trick. Leatherman and Victorinox make some of the best ones on the market today. Look for a model that has a ¼-inch bit driver to really expand your options.
Cash
Cash can solve an awful lot of problems. If you’re going to use a backpack or other off-body EDC conveyance, consider stashing a little cash in an interior pocket. Not a ton, but enough to keep you going for a day if you lose your wallet.
Tooth Care
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It’s important to take good care of your teeth. Keep a toothbrush and travel size toothpaste in your kit so you can freshen up after lunch. Dental picks and floss aren’t bad ideas either, especially if you’ve had an Everything Bagel.
OTC Medications
You never know what the day will bring. Pick up a pill organizer and use it to carry some OTC meds. You might want something for an upset stomach, acid indigestion, pain relief, as well as cold meds for congestion and cough. Label the compartments so you don’t get confused about what each medication is.
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If you’re already carrying a briefcase or messenger bag for work, these items aren’t going to add much bulk nor weight to the load. And the first time you need them, you’ll be glad to have them at hand.
