What’s In Your Everyday Carry Bag Right Now?

[BlueMarigold]

Curious what folks are actually carrying day-to-day, not just the ideal kit. Mine’s pared down lately: multitool, water filter straw, small LED, firesteel, and a basic med kit. Is there anything you’ve found essential that’s missing from most lists?

 

[StarlitNavigator]

Curious what folks are actually carrying day-to-day, not just the ideal kit. Mine’s pared down lately: multitool, water filter straw, small LED, firesteel, and a basic med kit. Is there anything you’ve found essential that’s missing from most lists?

A water filter straw is a smart choice—I see a lot of folks skip water filtration in their EDC, but you never know when it’ll come in handy. The only thing I’d add (and it might seem old-school) is a laminated local map and a small compass. Phones are great until the battery dies or there’s no cell signal, which seems almost inevitable during bad weather around here. I also keep a tiny notebook and pencil for jotting down info or coordinates when I’m out geocaching. BlueMarigold, do you carry any cash? I’ve been in a few situations where no one could take cards and my little stash of small bills proved useful. My med kit is pretty basic too, though I throw in some antihistamines—found that comes in handy more often than you’d think. Not sure if it counts as an everyday essential, but I’ve got a tiny sewing kit with a needle and thread as well. Never needed it for clothes, but once it saved a broken backpack strap in a pinch!