When it comes to everyday carry (EDC), your firearm is just one part of the equation. Real-world readiness means being equipped for far more than a worst-case scenario. Whether you’re a concealed carrier, gearhead, or someone who simply likes to be prepared, a well-rounded EDC setup is critical.
Here’s what else should ride with you and why it matters.
A Quality Flashlight
Even in broad daylight, a flashlight earns its keep. It’s not just about seeing in the dark it’s about identifying threats, navigating unlit environments, and signaling when needed.
Look for something compact, 500+ lumens, and ideally rechargeable. Brands like Streamlight, Olight, and Fenix are solid. Wuben has become one of our favorites recently as well. Bonus: a flashlight in your support hand pairs perfectly with your CCW setup for target identification without ever needing to draw.
A Reliable Folding Knife
A good blade is one of the most versatile tools you can carry. It’s not just a backup weapon (knives don’t jam or run out of bullets) it’s a utility tool you’ll probably use almost daily. From cutting boxes to handling minor tasks, a knife is essential.
Stick with something legal in your area, quick to deploy, and durable. Kershaw, Benchmade, and Spyderco are top picks for a reason. Keep it sharp and accessible.
Tourniquet or Trauma Gear
If you’re going to carry something that can create holes, you should carry something that can patch them up. A CAT tourniquet or SOF-T can save lives whether it’s yours, a loved one’s, or a stranger’s.
Consider adding a minimal trauma kit with a tourniquet, gauze, gloves, and chest seal to your EDC bag or glovebox. When seconds count, EMS can be minutes away.
Multitool or Compact Toolkit
From fixing gear on the fly to tackling unexpected tasks, a multitool is one of the most useful items you can carry. Look for solid options from Leatherman, Gerber, or Victorinox and make sure it includes pliers, a blade, screwdrivers, and scissors at minimum.
Scissors might not be the first thing you think of in an EDC setup, but don’t underestimate their usefulness. Sure, your knife can handle most cutting tasks, but when you need clean, precise snips (like trimming gear, tape, or thread), a good pair of compact scissors can be a real asset.
It’s the piece of gear you didn’t know you needed… until you do.
Pen and Notepad
Digital devices are great until the battery dies. Keeping a rugged notepad like Rite in the Rain and a durable pen in your kit lets you take notes, write down witness info, or document situations without fumbling with your phone.
Bonus points if your pen doubles as a glass breaker or self-defense tool.
A Solid Belt
Everything you carry starts with your foundation, and that’s your belt. A weak, flimsy belt will shift, sag, and print badly when you carry. Everything you carry starts with your foundation – your belt. A weak, flimsy one will sag, shift, and print badly. And nobody wants their pants falling down mid-draw like they’re auditioning for Plumber’s Crack Weekly Magazine.
Go with a purpose-built gun belt from Blue Alpha Gear, Klik Belts, or Relentless Tactical. You’ll notice the difference the first time you put it on.
Spare Magazine
Carrying a backup mag isn’t just about more ammo, it’s about being ready in case of a malfunction. A bad mag can shut your gun down, so having a second one gives you options.
Tuck it into a discreet mag pouch or carry it loose in a consistent spot. Just make sure it’s there. You don’t get to control how an incident unfolds and you only get one chance to be prepared. No one ever said, ‘I’m so glad I didn’t bring extra ammo to the gunfight.’”
Identification & CCW Permit
It might seem obvious, but never leave the house without your ID and CCW permit (if your state requires one). If something goes down, you’ll want to be able to identify yourself quickly and avoid additional problems.
Keep it accessible and consistent.
Your Smartphone (Used Wisely)
We all carry one, but in a defensive situation, your phone becomes a mission-critical tool. It’s your lifeline to 911, your tool for gathering evidence, and your way to contact an attorney if needed.
Keep it charged and locked. One tip is to download the maps of your local area and store them on your phone so you can still use them in an emergency if you have no signal.
Pepper Spray
Not every threat calls for lethal force, and that’s where pepper spray earns its place in your kit. It gives you a non-lethal option for self-defense when drawing a firearm isn’t legally or morally justified.
Modern OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray is extremely effective at disabling attackers temporarily, giving you a chance to escape or get help. It’s especially useful in situations involving:
Unarmed assailants
Multiple threats
Areas where firearms may be restricted
- Aggressive dog attacks
Look for compact, high-quality options from trusted brands like Sabre Red or POM Pepper Spray, and make sure it’s easy to access quickly, not buried in your backpack. Some even come with pocket clips or keychain attachments for fast deployment.
Pro Tip: Pepper Gel is even better than pepper spray for some applications because it’s less effected by the wind, so blowback in your direction is less likely. Also, it sticks to an assailant causing irritation they can’t get rid of easily.
However, just like a firearm, pepper spray/gel requires smart use and legal awareness. Know your state laws, and don’t forget to practice your draw and use technique.
Pen and Notepad
Digital devices are great, until the battery dies. A rugged notepad like Rite in the Rain paired with a durable pen gives you a reliable way to jot down witness info, notes, or details during high-stress situations.
Tactical pens also double as glass breakers or self-defense tools, giving them a spot in your defensive toolset.
Lighter or Firestarter
You don’t have to be a bushcraft guy to carry fire. A small lighter or weatherproof firestarter is a low-profile addition with big upside, whether you’re stuck roadside in the cold, lighting a signal, or burning cord ends on gear.
A simple Bic lighter wrapped in a few inches of duct tape is a classic low-budget trick. Honestly, a Bic should be your go to because they’re cheap, reliable, and easy to stash in a pocket, pack, or kit. Even when the fuel runs out, a Bic can still throw sparks with the flint wheel, which is often enough to ignite dry tinder. In a pinch, you can also break it open and salvage the flint for use with other fire-starting setups
Or go high-end with a plasma lighter which is pretty much wind resistant if you’re feeling fancy.
Final Thoughts
EDC is about more than carrying a gun. It’s a mindset. It’s being prepared to handle life not just threats. Every item you add to your kit should serve a real purpose and fit into your daily routine. Keep it practical, train with your gear, and stay consistent.
Because when it’s time to respond, you won’t rise to the occasion you’ll fall to the level of your preparedness.