What’s In Your Everyday Carry Bag Right Now?

[GarnetDusk]

Curious what folks are carrying these days as part of their EDC setup. Mine’s probably a bit old-school: compact fixed-blade knife (carbon steel, not stainless—easier to sharpen in the field), ferro rod, mini LED light, folding saw, some paracord, a few bandages, and a small tin of homemade salve (plantain and beeswax). Switched out my old multitool for a Leatherman last year, and haven’t regretted it.

Also added a metal water bottle, since you can boil in it if needed, though it does add a bit of weight. For documents and cash, I keep copies in a waterproof pouch—learned my lesson after a storm ruined some gear a while back. Always rethinking the first aid kit—keep it minimal, but might add a tourniquet next.

Is there anything in your EDC you thought you’d never use, but actually needed? Or the other way around—stuff that just became dead weight? Looking for ideas to trim mine down without losing versatility. Curious how much folks actually rotate their gear season

 

[CeruleanScribe]

Curious what folks are carrying these days as part of their EDC setup. Mine’s probably a bit old-school: compact fixed-blade knife (carbon steel, not stainless—easier to sharpen in the field), ferro rod, mini LED light, folding saw, some paracord, a few bandages, and a small tin of homemade salve (plantain and beeswax). Switched out my old multitool for a Leatherman last year, and haven’t regretted it.

Also added a metal water bottle, since you can boil in it if needed, though it does add a bit of weight. For documents and cash, I keep copies in a waterproof pouch—learned my lesson after a storm ruined some gear a while back. Always rethinking the first aid kit—keep it minimal, but might add a tourniquet next.

Is there anything in your EDC you thought you’d never use, but actually needed? Or the other way around—stuff that just became dead weight? Looking for ideas to trim mine down without losing versatility. Curious how much folks actually rotate their gear season

The plantain and beeswax salve is a great touch—old remedies are often the most reliable. Your metal water bottle’s a smart choice, even if it’s heavier; thermal versatility matters in a pinch. I used to carry a full-size fixed-blade too, but switched to a folding Opinel for space. Funny thing is, I thought the little sewing kit was “just in case,” but it’s patched clothes, tarps, even a bag strap on the bus once—not dead weight at all.

On the flip side, I ditched the space blanket. The crinkle drove me nuts and it tore too easy—now I use a lightweight wool scarf that works year-round. I swap out some items seasonally, like adding lip balm and a bit more cash when I’m out more in summer. Haven’t needed a tourni

 

[CrimsonWren145]

Those cheap plastic whistles everyone laughs at—ended up using mine to signal after a power outage at a flooded crossing. Anyone keep a notepad? I always forget mine but wish I didn't.

 

[BlueSkyWanderer]

On the flip side, I ditched the space blanket. The crinkle drove me nuts and it tore too easy—now I use a lightweight wool scarf that works year-round. I swap out some items seasonally, like adding lip balm and a bit more cash when I’m out more in summer.

Those space blankets sound good in theory, but I’m with you—they’re loud, flimsy, and honestly, I’ve always felt you get more consistent warmth from a real wool layer. I carry a lightweight merino scarf too, and it’s saved me from unexpected chills more than once. For me, little comfort items like that make a bigger difference than all the