By Tim Gamble
A USB key, also called a memory stick or flash drive, can be an important part of your everyday carry. I consider this almost a must have in today's digital world, especially if you, like me, don't fully trust online cloud storage. It allows you to carry files between home, work, and school, as well as back-up copies of important documents and information you don't want to lose. You can even keep a photo log of expensive household items for insurance purposes in case of fire or theft.
I have a Gorilla Drive (they are apparently back in stock on Amazon) on my keychain, and a back-up in my bug-out bag that I regularly update every couple of weeks or so. I keep a copies of my important personal papers and pictures on it (encrypted with this free and easy encryption method), lists of family and friends, along with their contact and other information, maps and driving directions to assorted destinations I may need, music files (you got to have some fun), and various videos and .pdf files relating to survival and prepping.
I've used Gorilla Drives for many years (at least since 2014). They been through a lot, being dropped countless times, left outside overnight in freezing temperatures, left in my hot car during the summer, and used very heavily. Only once have I had a Gorilla Drive fail. They are rugged.
I installed the free PortableApps Platform which allows me to carry mobile versions of various applications such as Firefox, Open Office, VLC media player, and a .pdf reader, among others. Since it is on my keychain, it goes wherever I go.
But it won't work after an EMP event! I know that is what some of you are thinking, and you are right. However, it will work until such an event happens, if it ever happens. Until then, having a USB as part of your EDC is extremely useful.
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I have a USB stick on my keychain. It's a 64GB by Scandisk. I put an encryption program in it. VeraCrypt. I have important papers, family photos, several survival books in .pdfs, etc.
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