I thought about this list before I started writing. There are some items I carry in special circumstances/environments which are extremely useful to me (i.e. LifeStraw while hunting). However, I was asked to compile a list of items I would have everyday, regardless of special circumstance/environments. So what follows is what you can always find on my persons, but I will add some almost made-it items at the end of the article.
Firearm: S&W M&P Compact (Specifications from smith-wesson.com)
- Caliber: .40
- Capacity: 10+1
- Weight: 21.9oz
- Length: 6.7″
- Height: 4.3″
- Width: 1.2″
I picked this weapon because it is similar to my duty carry (H&K P2000 .40). Sharing calibers meant I didn’t need to buy new cleaning kits, and a lot of the kit for my duty weapon would be compatible with the M&P Compact. I like .40 because of the balance it strikes between capacity, and stopping power. I have other handguns I use in special circumstances (Kel Tec P-3AT when spaces is limited), but this is my go to firearm.
Blades: SOG Micron & Zero Tolerance: 0900
Zero Tolerance 0900 (Specifications taken from zt.kaiusaltd.com)
- Manual open: KVT ball-bearing system
- Frame lock: hardened steel lockbar insert
- Reversible clip: (left/right)
- Steel: S35VN, stonewashed finish
- Handle: Titanium: stonewashed finish
- Blade length: 2.7 in. (6.9 cm)
- Closed length: 3.9 in. (9.9 cm)
- Overall length: 6 .6 in. (16.8 cm)
- Weight: 4.3 oz. (121.9 g)
SOG Micron (Specifications taken from sogknives.com)
- Overall Length: 3.38″
- Closed Length: 1.88″
- Weight: 0.50 OZ
- Blade Length: 1.5″
- Blade Thickness: 0.05″
- Edge Type: STRAIGHT
- Steel Type: 420
- Blade Shape: TANTO
- Hardness: RC. 51-53
If you remember, this Zero Tolerance knife made my #2 overall on Top 5 Police blades. It is just the right size to easily slide into your pocket, the blade is large enough for defense and small enough to be practical. It is a manual opener, but the baring system is extremely smooth, and fluid. I absolutely love this blade, and plan on using it for years. The SOG Micron is a supplemental blade, a back-up if you will. Its tiny, fit on your key ring tiny, which is exactly where mine lives. Having it on my key chain means I never forget it (unless I have lost my keys), and it is always readily available.
Fashion: Ranger Tab/Scroll Hat & Gatorz Shades
The hat is from a Veteran operated company called RangerAO (this hat has directly resulted in free beers, discounts at certain stores, and saving a bachelor party from missing out on a river tubing adventure).
“I started www.RangerAO.com 4 years ago out of my garage just making my own polo’s because I couldn’t find any I liked. Now I take great pride in supplying current and former Rangers with quality Polo’s, hats and custom T’s for the Quiet professionals!” -Owner of Ranger AO
If you are looking for anything Ranger related give this guy a look, his products are quality. The shades are from Gatorz. I recently fell in love with a ballistic pair of shades from Emerson, but I wanted to try a metal framed glasses to see how it compared. Specifically, I got the Polarized Magnum (Black Frame/ Sunburst Mirror). I enjoy these glasses, the polarizing is of extremely high-quality. It may sound corny, but its like looking at things in HD when I have them on. I still use my Emerson glasses while at the range, but other than range time these Gatorz are my go to shades.
Accessories: Trayvax Wallet & IPhone 6
I have previously wrote about Trayvax wallets (here, or here), and nothing has changed since then. These are high-quality, American-made, innovative wallets. Since gaining popularity, there are now many companies who sell a similar product to Trayvax. Like most copies, they are rarely as good as the original. Trayvax has a diverse product line and is worth checking out. Want to give a dude in your life a gift that’s unique and he is guaranteed to like? Drop $30 on a Trayvax wallet and watch him degrade into a giddy child. There isn’t much to add, on the phone front. People like various phones for a variety of reason, none of which is more correct than the other. Apple works for me, and I am invested in iTunes.
Hydration: HydroFlask 12oz & Yeti Rambler 64oz
I recently wrote about the HydroFlask 12oz in an article called SOFREP Mini Crate Club: Quarterly Report. If it hadn’t been for this club I don’t think I would have ever considered this travel mug. Now, I can’t imagine myself without it during my morning commutes.
HydroFlask 12oz (Specifications taken from hydroflask.com)
- TempShieldTM Protected
- Keeps hot up to 6 hours
- Keeps cold up to 24 hours
- 18/8 Pro Grade Stainless Steel
- BPA-Free and Phalate-Free
- Durable, sweat-free powder coat finish
- Lifetime Warranty
- Fits under most coffee brewing systems
- Compatible with Wide Flat Cap, Hydro Flip Lid and Wide Straw Lid
Yeti Rambler 64oz (Specifications taken from yeti.com)
- 18/8 durable kitchen-grade stainless steel
- Double-wall vacuum insulation
- No Sweat design
This rambler was a solution to a problem I was having in my house. I drink at least one gallon of water daily, in doing so I was producing a ridiculous amount of milk-jug style trash. To the point we were considering a larger recycling bin. However, with this rambler I can use the larger water containers to re-fill this guy and I produce a fraction of the waste. There is also the added bonus of my water staying super cold for long periods of time. Perfect for hunting, fishing, camping, or even while at work (this is where I use mine the most). Stay tuned for a stand-alone review of this product, and his little brother the 18oz Rambler.
So these are my EDC items. As I mentioned at the start I had some almost made-it items I believe warrant a mention here.
Flashlight: Streamlight Protac 1L (Click here for a full review).
First Aid: Tourniquet (Click here for why you should have a tourniquet).
Mental Toughness: Regardless of the situation this attribute can help (Click here to learn about Mental Toughness).
I hope you guys enjoyed my EDC list. Is there something unique you carry as an EDC item? If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below (or via our Comms Check).
