Dear Shadow Tribe,
Today’s directive covers the EDC I consider non-negotiable if you want to function in this modern dystopia.
I’m assuming you already carry the basics: wallet (cash, cards, license, insurance info), keys, phone, and glasses or sunglasses if you wear them. Wear practical shoes. Flip-flops and high heels are a liability in an emergency. Keep a usable pair of shoes nearby if you must dress for the office or an event. Weapons I leave up to you, but I am a strong believer in self-defense and the second amendment (enough said).
What I actually carry and use.
1. USB key (memory stick / flash drive)
Almost a must-have in a digital world I don’t fully trust. Cloud storage can vanish, get locked, or get read by people you never invited. I don't use it. Instead, a USB lets me move files between home, work, and school, keep offline backups of important documents, and store a photo inventory of expensive household items for insurance after fire or theft. I keep mine on my keychain, encrypted and password-protected. I also keep a copy in a locked secure folder on my phone. Redundancy is cheap. Losing the only copy is not. (Amazon link for USB with encryption software)
2. A good multi-tool
I’ve carried one on my belt every day since 2008: a Leatherman model they no longer make. I use it constantly. The pliers alone justify the weight. Skip the $10 Walmart specials. Get a real Leatherman or Victorinox (Amazon link). Cheap tools fail when you need them.
3. A good pocket knife
Useful for a hundred small jobs: opening packages, cutting cordage, breaking down boxes, food prep, and a dozen other daily tasks. Pay a little more for something that holds an edge and opens reliably. My main EDC pocket knife is a Old Timer Trapper (Amazon link), a great knife that gets the job done. When I want something more rugged, the Cold Steel Finn Wolf (Amazon link) is my go to.
4. A quality pocket flashlight
Humans see poorly in the dark. Power outages, parking lots at night, under a sink, that dark closet... A small, reliable light should live in a pocket. Find a decent one on Amazon and actually carry it. (Amazon link)
5. A lighter
Fire is still one of the oldest and most useful tools we have. You do not have to smoke to carry a lighter. A cheap Bic works (Amazon link). A Zippo looks better and lasts if you maintain it (Amazon link). Either beats hoping someone else has a flame when you need one.
6. Extra cash
Obvious, and still ignored. Keep cash in the wallet, then keep a second stash on your person in a different pocket. I keep cash in my wallet plus some more in a money clip in a different pocket. Cards and apps die with the grid, your bank’s “system,” or a simple “card declined.” Small bills beat a single large one.
7. Notebook and a good pen (tactical is fine)
Something physical to write with and leave a note. It does not have to be fancy. I use a small stack of index cards held with a binder clip. I love these tactical pens: (Amazon link) They write great!
8. Water
Staying hydrated is second only to staying oxygenated. Make it a habit to have a bottle with you. Thirst and heat make people stupid faster than most threats.
Bonus Gear (not on-body, but nearby)
You don’t have to pocket these every hour, but they should live in an office drawer, glove box, bag, or pack you actually take with you:
Today’s directive covers the EDC I consider non-negotiable if you want to function in this modern dystopia.
I’m assuming you already carry the basics: wallet (cash, cards, license, insurance info), keys, phone, and glasses or sunglasses if you wear them. Wear practical shoes. Flip-flops and high heels are a liability in an emergency. Keep a usable pair of shoes nearby if you must dress for the office or an event. Weapons I leave up to you, but I am a strong believer in self-defense and the second amendment (enough said).
What I actually carry and use.
 |
| Some of my actual EDC |
1. USB key (memory stick / flash drive)
Almost a must-have in a digital world I don’t fully trust. Cloud storage can vanish, get locked, or get read by people you never invited. I don't use it. Instead, a USB lets me move files between home, work, and school, keep offline backups of important documents, and store a photo inventory of expensive household items for insurance after fire or theft. I keep mine on my keychain, encrypted and password-protected. I also keep a copy in a locked secure folder on my phone. Redundancy is cheap. Losing the only copy is not. (Amazon link for USB with encryption software)
2. A good multi-tool
I’ve carried one on my belt every day since 2008: a Leatherman model they no longer make. I use it constantly. The pliers alone justify the weight. Skip the $10 Walmart specials. Get a real Leatherman or Victorinox (Amazon link). Cheap tools fail when you need them.
3. A good pocket knife
Useful for a hundred small jobs: opening packages, cutting cordage, breaking down boxes, food prep, and a dozen other daily tasks. Pay a little more for something that holds an edge and opens reliably. My main EDC pocket knife is a Old Timer Trapper (Amazon link), a great knife that gets the job done. When I want something more rugged, the Cold Steel Finn Wolf (Amazon link) is my go to.
4. A quality pocket flashlight
Humans see poorly in the dark. Power outages, parking lots at night, under a sink, that dark closet... A small, reliable light should live in a pocket. Find a decent one on Amazon and actually carry it. (Amazon link)
5. A lighter
Fire is still one of the oldest and most useful tools we have. You do not have to smoke to carry a lighter. A cheap Bic works (Amazon link). A Zippo looks better and lasts if you maintain it (Amazon link). Either beats hoping someone else has a flame when you need one.
6. Extra cash
Obvious, and still ignored. Keep cash in the wallet, then keep a second stash on your person in a different pocket. I keep cash in my wallet plus some more in a money clip in a different pocket. Cards and apps die with the grid, your bank’s “system,” or a simple “card declined.” Small bills beat a single large one.
7. Notebook and a good pen (tactical is fine)
Something physical to write with and leave a note. It does not have to be fancy. I use a small stack of index cards held with a binder clip. I love these tactical pens: (Amazon link) They write great!
8. Water
Staying hydrated is second only to staying oxygenated. Make it a habit to have a bottle with you. Thirst and heat make people stupid faster than most threats.
Bonus Gear (not on-body, but nearby)
You don’t have to pocket these every hour, but they should live in an office drawer, glove box, bag, or pack you actually take with you:
- Portable water filter (Amazon link)
- Real first-aid / trauma kit (not a box of Band-Aids) -- Check out Refuge Medical & Refuge Training (affiliate link for 10% off at checkout).
- Extra pair of glasses or sunglasses
- Phone charger and power bank
- Pair of work gloves
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