It's not just the rugged outdoors that necessitates having the right equipment when needed. Carrying a common-sense urban EDC (everyday carry) bag can help you stay prepared for any inconvenience or disaster life throws at you.
Once you start with urban EDC, you'll likely never go without your essential kit again.
Urban EDC Essentials
Urban EDC involves having the right essentials on hand when you need them. What constitutes an essential can vary from person to person, but a few pieces of equipment stand out as particularly helpful.
A multi-functional wallet is one of the best bits of EDC gear you can carry. The right wallet will help you keep your cards, IDs, and cash organized and may even prevent your funds from becoming lost, stolen, or damaged.
Aluminum wallets make excellent options for everyday carry thanks to their high durability and inherent RFID blocking. Another urban EDC essential is a compact key organizer. Bulky, jingling keys are problematic for more than a few reasons.
They're difficult to carry around, easy to break, and can even harm your posture. Using a key organizer will allow you to access the correct key right when you need it -- and you'll be able to rest assured that your keys are never lost or stolen. Finally, you should purchase a tactical pen.
These special pens serve multiple purposes, including writing, self-defense, and emergency tools. Their discreet design allows them to resemble an ordinary pen, but the tactical refills allow you to use the pen nib as a sharp tool fully equipped to ward off an attacker or break glass when trapped.
That's not to say you can't equip your everyday carry bag with even more useful tools. In the rest of this article, we'll look into some of the best additional accessories and gear you can add to your EDC gear bag.
Urban Preparedness Tips
Aside from the basic urban EDC supply essentials, it helps to have a few special pieces of gear on hand for emergencies. A pocket knife and a compact first aid kit are good options, as are a portable smartphone charger and a mini flashlight.
One of the most important pieces of gear you can carry is a compact first aid kit. Essential supplies like bandages, antiseptic towelettes, and antibiotic ointment are all essential to have on hand for treating minor injuries.
You don't just have to stick to the basics, either -- you can include extra supplies like antihistamines to address challenges you commonly encounter in urban scenarios.
You should also pack a portable phone charger in your EDC kit. Between online banking, digital communications, and integrated apps like your GPS, it's nearly impossible to go without a smartphone in the modern day.
Carrying multiple cables, box adapters, and high-capacity power banks will ensure you have everything you need to stay connected while on the go. Finally, you should add a pocket-sized mini flashlight to your bag.
Carrying a flashlight allows you to conserve your phone's battery and keep your phone safe and secure, all while navigating the dark streets of the city. Many flashlights offer features like adjustable brightness levels, crank charging, and even power bank ports.
As you complete your EDC bag, consider the unique challenges you've encountered while out and about and look for tools that would help you.
There isn't one EDC bag that is right for everyone, but packing gear that brings convenience and functionality to your life is a great way to build an EDC bag that's right for you.
Stylish Functionality
Carrying accessories that combine function and fashion is the best way to complete your EDC bag. You should make an effort to learn about your personal style, whether you prefer sleek minimalism or rugged classics, and make an effort to look for accessories that complement your style.
One of your biggest statement pieces is your EDC bag. You should shop for an urban-friendly bag or backpack with plenty of organized internal compartments.
Messenger bags, sling backpacks, and classic backpacks are all great options. Look for a bag that can suitably organize your preferred everyday carry tools.
Prepare for the City's Adventures with Urban EDC
Embracing urban EDC is one of the best ways to prepare for all the adventures and challenges the city has to offer.
By carrying a bag and equipment that combine style and functionality, you can stay prepared for any emergencies that come your way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can urban EDC items be tailored to different cities?
Urban EDC items can be tailored to different cities. For example, carrying a rain poncho in Seattle, an ice scraper in Buffalo, and sunscreen in Austin is a great way to adapt to your city's unique climate.
Other EDC items, such as dust masks and wet wipes, may be helpful when confronting unique challenges such as pollution, smog, or wildfire smoke.
How do I choose EDC items that align with my personal style?
The best way to choose EDC items that align with your personal style is by shopping online. Browsing the hundreds of thousands of products available on the web will allow you to determine what styles and materials resonate with you quickly.
Once you have an idea of your personal style, most web marketplaces will allow you to filter by characteristics like materials and product dimensions.
Are there specific EDC tools for urban emergency situations?
There are many specific EDC tools for urban emergency situations. For example, dust masks can help protect you from fire smoke. Antiseptic wipes are a great EDC essential if you're worried about the spread of disease.
Legal self-defense accessories, such as pepper spray or pocket knives, can help protect you if you are attacked. Aluminum wallets can protect your cards from digital RFID theft.