How Old-School Tools Inspire My Everyday Carry

Above: A cowboy-inspired EDC by the movie Silverado. I highly recommend watching it.

Introduction:

A good friend of mine recently asked me what "EDC" means. I responded it's "the stuff I use and take with me pretty much every day." I realize now that wasn't a very detailed answer. So, I decided to write a more substantial post about what EDC is, my EDC philosophy, and how to start building your own.

A quick disclaimer: I am not sponsored by any of the products I mention in this post.

What is EDC?

Starting with the basics, EDC stands for "Every Day Carry." The term refers to the collection of items you carry consistently to manage daily tasks and unexpected situations. They can range from practical tools like keys, wallets, and phones to specialized gear such as multitools, flashlights, and first aid kits. It's the stuff you check your pockets for before walking out the door.

My EDC Philosophy

My approach to EDC is guided by a simple principle: Utility. It's the stuff I find useful every day.

1. Practicality Over Novelty

My EDC is defined by how often I use a particular item. If it proves useful in my life, it earns a place in my carry. This ensures that every piece of gear has a purpose and isn't just there for show.

2. Adaptability

My EDC isn’t static; it evolves based on my needs and activities. My carry changes based on the situation. My essential travel items are different from what I take to the coffee shop to work on The Modern Xplorer. I adjust my carry to suit the situation.

3. Quality Over Quantity

Investing in high-quality items that are durable and reliable is crucial. It’s better to upgrade your carry slowly and have a few well-made pieces rather than a lot of cheap, unreliable gear.

4. Personalization

Everyone’s EDC will differ based on their lifestyle and preferences. What works for me might not work for someone else. The key is to tailor your EDC to your own needs.

My EDC Essentials

Phone

I always have my phone, whether I like it or not. I use an Apple iPhone 11 Pro. There's no denying that modern cell phones are incredibly powerful. It combines a decent camera, wallet, music player, notebook, and watch in the palm of my hand. With something so powerful, why carry the remaining items on this list? Because my phone is incredibly distracting. By using the rest of the items on this list I can avoid the distractions of my phone.

Wallet

Having a place to keep cards, cash, and keepsakes is important. My current wallet is the Johnny Wallet by Loyal Stricklin. It's a leather wallet made from one piece of leather folded into itself like origami. It's minimalist while having plenty of room for all of the cards and cash I carry daily.

Headphones

I'm constantly listening to music if you couldn't tell by the playlist drops. When I'm writing, I always have music playing in the background. My go-to headphones are the Apple AirPods Pro. They are comfortable, have a small footprint, and feature noise cancellation. I tend to drop things so I've got them in a Nomad Goods case.

Notebook

I've started writing a daily "Get It Done" list. These are the five or six things I need to get done on a given day. Rather than use the notes app on my phone, I've chosen the old-school approach of a soft-cover Field Notes notebook. The feeling of accomplishment I get when physically crossing something off a list cannot be overlooked.

Pen

What's a good pocket notebook without a good pen? Having a pen on hand has many uses. A pen comes in handy whether you're jotting down notes in a lecture, playing tic tac toe, or signing important papers. I carry a Machine Era markup pen in brass. It's made with no springs or mechanisms, so it's built to last. A feature I look for in everything I use.

Pocket Knife

I recently started carrying a pocket knife. Right now I'm carrying a Bear and Son Sideliner Pocket Knife. It's a staple for many people's EDC lists for good reason. A knife has many uses from opening boxes to cutting loose threads.

Watch

Of course, you can check your phone for the time. However, pulling out your phone is not always the best look. Whether you're in an important meeting, at the movies, or at dinner with in-laws, glancing at a watch on your wrist is better than staring down at your phone screen. A favorite of mine is the Casio G Shock DW5600TL-7. It's built like a tank, the battery lasts for a long time, and it looks cool.

Building Your EDC

1. Assess Your Needs

Think about your daily routine and the situations you commonly encounter. Do you find yourself needing to cut things, fix small problems, or navigate in the dark? Your answers will help determine what items are essential for you.

2. Start with the Basics:

Begin with a few core items: a pocket knife, a flashlight, a multitool, a wallet, and a phone. As you get used to carrying these, you can start adding other items that you find necessary.

3. Upgrade Slowly:

The latest and greatest EDC items can be pricey. Nice pocket knives regularly cost upwards of $300. While investing in quality gear is important, I recommend using what you already have. See what you use most and upgrade where and when you need to. Start small and experiment with the things you use more. Then, invest slowly in higher-quality items.

4. Customize Your Carry:

Your EDC should be tailored to your specific needs. Don’t feel pressured to carry items because they’re popular in the EDC community. If you don't need a pocket knife, don't carry one. Focus on what’s practical for you.

6. Regularly Reevaluate:

Periodically review your EDC. Remove items you haven’t used and consider adding new tools that might be more relevant to your current lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to change your carry as you discover new needs or better solutions.