I’ve definitely tweaked my EDC since noticing more empty shelves at the stores. Along with the usuals (small multitool, band-aids, notepad, pen), I started packing a few old-school items: a chunk of beeswax (works for thread, stuck zippers, even lip balm in a pinch), a sewing needle, and a tiny roll of sturdy twine. Tossed in some dried plantain leaf in a little baggy after reading up on its use for bug bites and scrapes—not exactly herbal tincture, but it’s helped once or twice!
Also, a laminated card with emergency contacts (sometimes tech just fails, right?), and a deck of playing cards. You’d be surprised how handy having cards is when you’re stuck somewhere waiting things out.
Thought about a portable water filter but haven’t found one that doesn’t take up too much space yet. MarigoldBreeze, which one did you choose? Wondering if anyone carries extra seeds—seems odd for EDC, but I figure if I ever got stuck somewhere rural, sprouting something could be useful or