5 Quick Tips to Make A Better EDC Kit

To understand how to effectively better your EDC kit, you need to understand exactly what an EDC kit is.

Side view of a person with a black handgun in a waistband holster tucked into jeans, with a belt and tools in the pockets.

To state it very simply, your EDC or Everyday Carry kit is, obviously, the items that you carry around in your pockets on a daily basis. That ranges from your wallets and cell phones all the way down to the most basic item, your keys. But while it might seem like an easy thing to do, it’s one of the most common problems that people often struggle with.

If you have a problem preparing your EDC, then you’ve come to the right place. This post will give you 5 Quick Tips To Make A Better EDC Kit. Read ahead if you want to make sure you never have problems with your kit again.

Bettering your EDC kit

Every day holds its own set of challenges and you need to make sure you’re well equipped for facing each and every one of them. That doesn’t mean what one person might need in their kit, you would too; every individual handle obstacles differently. Here are 5 Quick Tips To Make A Better EDC Kit so you’re well equipped for surprises:

Quick Tip #1: Understand the challenges that you’re likely to face

Man wearing over-ear headphones sits on a bench in a cafe, gazing to the left while holding a phone in his hand.

The first thing that you should do in order to better your EDC kit is to assess your situation. That means your day’s activities, the area you’re going to be visiting, the dangers you’re more likely to face and accordingly make list down your items. While some people might do well with a notepad, others would prefer a digitalized version which means your needs would differ as well. Remember, a realistic judgment of your day’s situation and specifying your needs and wants is the most important tip amongst the 5 Quick Tips To Make A Better EDC Kit.

Quick Tip #2: Assess the items that you already carry

Brown leather wallet with a blue carabiner and turquoise beaded bracelet on a pale surface, plant leaves framing the scene.

The second most important tip is to evaluate the items you already carry around. However, even though you carry them around everyday doesn’t mean they’re important. Chances are, you’re only adding to old items which are no longer required thereby increasing the items you carry around. Look back at Tip #1 and then swift through the items you have. Chances are, you’ll find keys to an apartment you don’t live in anymore or a broken pocket knife that’s still there just because you failed to remove it. Well, it’s time to upgrade your EDC kit and throw away or add more items into it. It’s a more useful version of, “out with the old and in with the new!”

Quick Tip #3: Ask yourself, “What do I need to better address the challenges?”

Folding knife resting on a brown leather wallet with bracelets and a watch nearby on a dark jacket surface.

When you look towards the items you need to add to your EDC kit, the best thing you can do is follow your instincts and assess you kit. You might look into common items which aren’t usually useful to your situation, however, when danger strikes, it’s best that you have the following items in your list:

  • A knife
  • A flashlight
  • A pen
  • A lighter
  • A water bottle
  • A rope
  • A notepad
  • A compass

Amongst the many items, these prove to be the most useful and easy to carry.

Quick Tip #4: How you’re going to carry your kit

Person wearing a gray t-shirt with a large black backpack stands on a train platform, looking toward the tracks.

All the items you possess may be important but do you know how exactly you’re going to carry it? If you have this in mind, it’ll make your 5 Quick Tips To Make A Better EDC Kit much more easier to handle. It’s best that you have enough items to fill in a small purse or bag that easily fits in your pocket. If it’s a bag that’s awkward to carry then chances are, you’ll be leaving it behind! Remember, you’ll be carrying t everyday so keep it small and simple!

Quick Tip #5: Review your kit periodically

Cowboy gear laid out on a wooden table: denim jeans, a brown leather belt, and a folding knife in a sheath on top of the fabric edge.

Now you’ve come to the last of your 5 Quick Tips To Make A Better EDC Kit and this is by far, the most important one of all. You need to make sure you constantly keep reviewing your kit after every few months to make sure you are up to date with your items. On top of allowing you to make sure you have the best quality products on your hands, it also makes sure you’re equipped for the changing times.

Simply follow these tips and you’ll be well equipped for any obstacles in your path.

Popular Outdoorsman reader poll
How do you check in your deer?
Thanks, your vote is in. Results show here next week. Get them first in the Field Brief: sign up free →
Last week’s results
How do you meet your state's orange rule?
Full orange coat or jacket ★44%
Orange vest and cap33%
No orange: bow or no rule22%
Blaze pink0%

A full orange coat or jacket was the top answer, ahead of a vest and cap.

James Nicholas
James Nicholas
NFA Firearms Manufacturer & Professional Gunsmith The XDMAN has a talent for taking complex firearms subject matter and breaking it down into an easy-to-understand format that all experience levels can relate to. James is an 07/02 NFA Firearms Manufacturer, a Professional Gunsmith with over 20 years of experience, and a Firearms Writer, Photographer and Firearms Expert. Connect with him on Instagram, X, and Facebook as @therealxdman.

Similar Posts