What is your EDC?

So, what do I mean? I’m not just talking about a gun, although that can be part of it.

What else do you carry? What’s your version of the American Express card, the thing you never leave home without?

Maybe you don’t have an “EDC,” but an “MDC.” Most Days Carry. Or “SDC.” Some days.

Does it matter where you’re going, or how long you’re going to be out? Let’s explore a bit.

I think I should also point out that I’m almost certainly over-complicating this. As a rule, I’d say your best bet is to find one setup that works for you and stick with it. Why don’t I do that?

1. I’m usually testing something or another, which leads to different setups.
2. I do different things that I consider different levels of risk.
3. At one time, I’d go to work, have to store my gun while I was in there, then put it back on and go home. Stop at the store or whatever on the way. That’s not my life now.

My EDC is actually pretty sparse.

I work from home. Which means that what I carry every day is on me at home. Since I’m at home and I have almost everything within a few feet, I don’t need to encumber myself with stuff on my body. Hell, the only reason I get dressed is to flip my brain into work mode.

So, the one thing I always have with me is: my S&W 360PD. In a cheap little pocket holster I bought on Amazon, I think. Not sure. I also have a cheap, little IWB holster for it that I’ll use occasionally, but the pocket is how I normally roll.

There are times I’ll carry something else but it’s for testing purposes. For example, when I recently picked up my Sig P365 I wore it in my Warcat Tactical holsters. It gave me a chance to check things out in a completely safe environment. I can even practice drawing and dry fire while on the phone or between calls.

Next level.

I’m taking a walk in my neighborhood. I won’t be going far and I’ll be out 1/2 hour or less. The only real difference is that I’ll add in these two speed strips, giving me a total of 17 rounds. I’ll also add in my keys, because how else would I lock my door? It’s a safe neighborhood, but still. Besides, the mailbox is down the street and I need that one.

Like above, when I’m testing a new gun or holster to write about, that I’ll add in. For example, for the last few weeks if it’s night and cool enough for a jacket I’ve been carrying my Springfield XD-M in the Blackhawk Omnivore I wrote about recently.

This also depends on the season. In winter the J-frame is sufficient. In the summer I tend to carry something else, as well. Why? Because the first two rounds in the revolver’s cylinder are going to be snake rounds. With 40% of my capacity being ineffective against anything larger than a snake, I want a second gun. It may be a belt-mounted 9mm or another pocket gun, like my Beretta Pico.

At this point, if it’s dark, I’ll probably add in my Surefire G2X, as well. In fact, pretty much any time I’m out that I may be after dark I’ll likely have that with me.

I’m going to use my car.

More additions. I’m almost certainly still keeping the 360 in a pocket; probably my left one. My right hip, 3:30 – 4:00, will have a 9mm. Perhaps a .40, but mostly like a 9mm of some kind.

Which 9mm? Normally, it’s my CZ RAMI in my Vedder LightTuck. Now that I have my Sig P365 I’ll sometimes carry that one. I generally prefer the CZ because it’s hammer fired. The P365 is great, but I still like hammer over striker.

Sometimes I just feel like the smaller one. Maybe the shirt I pulled out that day is a little tighter or lighter than normal. If it’s going to be after dark that increases the likelihood I’ll take the Sig. It has night sights and the RAMI doesn’t. The Sig also has the capability to add a light, but I don’t have one on it. That may change.

I will also carry a spare magazine. I probably won’t need it, but for me, they’re a set. Better to have it and not need it… If I have enough pockets I may go ahead and put in the speed strips. If not, I’ll have them in the car somewhere.

I also throw in my regular pocket stuff. As you can see, my regular knife is a Swiss Army Knife. I have a couple other, more “tactical” knives; I just normally don’t carry them. I’ve little confidence in my ability to defend myself with one so I don’t really see the point.

Also note that I have fingernail clippers. I have been carrying a set of those almost as long as I have a pocket knife. Handy things; not just for torn fingernails, but loose threads, etc. They work much better than a knife for those.

And then there’s the second set of keys. That set has pepper spray on it. I think it was $10 or so at my local gun store. I like that it clips onto my pocket and is ready to hand.

I’m working in my car.

Two different possibilities. I could be driving passengers or packages. Either way I don’t know where I’m going or who may be there when I get there. I usually upgrade a bit. Specifically, I take one of my Sigs. Either the SP 2022 in my VersaCarry Element or my P229 in the Crossbreed Supertuck or the Urban Carry Revo.

I will also have the J-frame, possibly with snake shot in the first two chambers if it’s that time of year. Both sets of keys, a spare magazine for the autoloader, and the two speed strips.

I will always have the Surefire flashlight I mentioned above. I have a couple different headlamps; I keep one of those and cheap, rechargeable flashlight in a backpack I use when I’m working. Each car also has a cheap flashlight in it, too.

Miscellaneous.

As I said, I have that backpack. It has a basic first aid kit in it. Also a couple neck gaiters for dusty times. The aforementioned lights, and a four port 12v USB charger with different cable types. Also a brick battery.

I also have several different multi-tools in various locations. Each car has one, my range bag has one, and there’s one in the backpack. I have a couple different Leatherman brand, one from Lowe’s, and at least one that I seem to have gotten from a Cracker Jack box or box of cereal.

I don’t hike that much anymore, but when I do I have a large fanny pack that will carry a full sized gun, up to four spare magazines, and another pocket for phone, keys, etc. I’ve also been known to use it when walking at night; it just depends. When I do it has my Springfield XD-M with the Surefire TLR-1 HL on it.

Conclusion

As you can see, I don’t have a single EDC. That just doesn’t fit my current lifestyle. I think it’s worthwhile to come up with something that works for you and sticking with it; I just can’t do it.

The one thing I’ll say is that I always have some sort of light with me. If not the good one or a WML then at least one of the cheap rechargeables. Other than my keys, that’s probably the thing I use the most.

Best case, since my carry stuff is all over the place maybe you can see something that gives you ideas for your situation.