The fact is having the right gear in your car, purse or laptop bag or on your person could save your life in an emergency…
Even in a nonemergency, the right gear makes life a heck of a lot easier. Right now, I’d like to share with you my everyday carry (EDC) gear — the 11 items I carry with me anytime I leave the house.
- Gun — Unless I’m going to a place where I can’t carry a gun (the post office, a courthouse, the state of California) I’ve always got a gun on me. I have four guns in my current everyday carry rotation. These include a Glock 19, Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm, Ruger LCP and Smith & Wesson Model 642 revolver.
- Knife — Just like I mentioned about my gun, I’m always carrying a knife on me, unless I’m in a place it’s illegal, such as on an airplane. I have a few different knives that I carry. These include a Benchmade 9100, SOG Flash and Kershaw Vapor II. I also have my credit card knife with me pretty much wherever I go.
- Lock Pick Set — I carry a credit-card-sized lock pick set in my wallet at all times. Once you learn how to pick locks, you’ll be amazed at how often you put this skill to use. (It’s saved me a number of times.) Also, because I get this question often, lock pick sets are TSA-approved, which means you can carry them on airplanes, which I always do. I recommend upgrading your order to get the Maximum Home Security Package. It includes a special report that will teach you everything you need to know to pick a lock in 30 seconds or less.
- Cellphone — I don’t need to explain this one too much. It’s common sense to have a cellphone on you in case there’s an emergency… just make sure yours is always charged.
- Bobby Pins — Bobby pins are used to escape handcuffs and pick locks. Plus, they’re lightweight and they don’t take up a lot of space. I carry at least two bobby pins on me everywhere I go.
- Hair Barrette — These are also used for escaping from handcuffs. A hair barrette is actually my favorite tool to use in this situation (if I can’t get to my handcuff key). I always carry two hair barrettes on me just like I do bobby pins.
- Parachute Cord Keychain — On my keychain, I have some paracord. Paracord has a ton of amazing uses — it can be used to escape rope or zip ties, replace broken shoelaces or tie up almost anything. A single length of this lightweight nylon rope can handle up to 550 pounds of weight. You can also use it as a tow rope or to secure a tarp, start a fire, create a splint, make a sling or, in an extreme situation, make a tourniquet to stop massive bleeding.
- Handcuff Key — I carry a handcuff key on my keychain just to make life a little easier if I am ever handcuffed. (I do have my bobby pins and hair barrettes, too.)
- $200–300 in cash, including a $100 bill — There’s a reason why cash is king. If you ever find yourself in a tight spot, a little bit of cash could get you out of a major jam if credit card machines are down and there’s no ATM in sight. If you travel overseas, you’d be crazy not to carry cash on you for emergencies. Plus, being able to flash a $100 bill will motivate a lot of people to help you out.
- Flashlight — A flashlight will come in handy in a number of situations. These days, it seems like we have a million and one choices when it comes to flashlights. One great option for everyday carry is the SEAL Torch 2000. It’s waterproof and extremely durable. The blinding beam provides a ton of light and the strobe feature can be used to blind an attacker if necessary. Plus, if you upgrade to the SEAL Torch Survival Pack, you’ll get two pocket versions of this amazing tool to keep in your desk, glove compartment, purse, etc.
- Tactical Pen — This is one of the most important self-defense tools that I carry on a daily basis. There are places I can’t bring a knife or a gun, but my tactical pen goes everywhere with me. It’s made of solid aircraft-grade aluminum with a razor-sharp tip. Not only can you use it to stop an attacker but it can also be used as a glass-breaking device in the event of an emergency. Plus, it writes just like a regular writing pen.
Those are the items that make up my everyday carry gear. Obviously, what you choose to carry daily is up to you. You can pick and choose from the list above and add any other critical items to find what works best for you.
As I mentioned earlier, your everyday carry gear could save your life in an emergency — so plan well and be prepared.
