edc system

J

jacobts2013

Joined
Jan 1, 2014
Messages
89
Okay so I always see pocket dumps and edc pictures of people carryingthe usual, wallet, phone, knife, and keys, as well as a pistol and sometimes even an extra mag. And then I see some where people carry a wallet, primary folder, secondary folder, phone, pen, notepad, 2 or more sets of keys, flashlight or two, primary pistol (usually a 9mm or larger) smaller secondary pistol (usually a 380), along with mags for both. I'm just wondering how one would dispers all this gear over their person comfortably through every day life. I have two front pockets and two back pocket, and a leather belt and I can't carry more than a folder, wallet, phone, and keys.
 
I usually wear 5.11 brand Tac-lite Pro pants, which adds another 4 pockets to the 4 you get with regular pants. Plus, you can hang a thing or two on your belt, depending on how that works for you.

In addition, you can try to maximize utility while minimizing the size of your EDC, like with a small but bright light, a micro 9mm or .380 pistol, and a Space Pen that carries tiny in the pocket but folds out into a full size pen. Even my wallet is "skinny", i.e., the "Big Skinny" brand that seeks to minimize thickness. So it can be done. I have spent years working on carrying the most utility I can get from the smallest toys. I mean tools.

Realize also that some guys - though no one on Bladeforums of course - are full of bull hockey and never carry the stuff they pretend to carry. They don't have a pocket dump pic so much as an imaginative work of art.

Rock on.
 
I carry a bag of crap. I also carry no guns and half the knives of most guys here, so I don't know. I don't need to feel like jason bourne leaving the house every morning, it all goes in the bag so I have half a chance of not forgetting anything.
 
Haha I find it funny some guys carry an entire tackle box full of gear in their pants.

I can't carry more than knife wallet keys and phone without feeling heavy.
 
Being a heavy set fella, I don't notice the junk I keep on me. I'm accustom to lugging my own weight around on camping trips and wandering's, so the stuff I carry is hardly noticeable. Kind of like a horse barley notice's a rider. I also think its important to wear properly fitted pants. But I don't carry gun, let alone two. So I call BS on those who claim that they carry two. Unless their a LEO, but even then I'm doubtful.
 
Left pocket: Card wallet (4 cards), phablet (bit of emergency cash under the gel case)

Right pocket: Keys, knife

Jacket: Hats, gloves, headphones, pens, etc
 
In addition to the normal four jean pockets, don't forget the lil tiny one inside the right front pocket. All of my jeans have that pocket, I carry a lil flashlight, a lighter and some lip balm in there, sick pocket.
 
I sometimes carry an endura wave in the coin pocket without the pocket clip. Never anything in the back pockets.
 
Wallet pockets pull double duty with a thin EDC light. Little change pocket carries my small multitool. Blade(s) either ride in strong or weak side front pockets or IWB.....along with my trusty firearm. Mag on belt....these smartphones are what I find to be the problem....I miss my small flip phone!!!

Why carry so much? To combat Murphy's Law.....cuz if you stop carrying a part of your system at any given point, that will be the day that you need that exact item...
 
I don't see how you can carry all of that in your pockets unless you have more pockets. I find carrying much stuff in the leg pockets with cargo pants a bit uncomofortable. I usually carry my "extra" folder in one of those pockets. If I am working, I'll slip a flashlight and a small note pad inside one of these pockets too.

If you carry a lot of stuff, guns have to go in holsters outside the pocket. Cell phone (and pens) usually ride in my shirt pocket where I notice the ring a lot better.

Wallet in left rear pocket. Nothing else goes there. My wallet is medium thick.

Pants pockets usually have coins, SAK, and two sets of keys.
 
For me, the pistol is ALWAYS in a holster when I carry.....99% it's in an IWB, the remaining 1%, it's in a standard pancake type holster. As far as blades, I usually carry one primary and a secondary that is in the multitool as I would never use my primary blade to cut open boxes, strings/rope, etc. If one is able to legally carry a firearm, there really isn't a need to EDC 2 full sized blades (folder and a fixed, 2 fixed, 2 folders, etc.). Lets face it....carrying an EDC system on your person is not a comfortable thing....nor is just carrying just a firearm. Anyone that tells you that it is comfortable is lying to you. I'm not a big fan of fanny packs or sling type bags either. Too much telegraphing not to mention, it will become a burden at some point. I use the minimalist mindset in gear selection which makes carrying that much easier and a little less uncomfortable.

...and forgot keys....always on a small clip/carabiner fastened to a belt loop.

Cheers.
 
Right front pocket is small 38 revolver (taurus 85) with PS4 leatherman- left front has small flashlite (maratac aaa) and bic lighter. In rear right has a Kershaw Skyline , Left rear is wallet. If I need more I use a Shoulder bag.
 
Well, this is my EDC, with a different knife being continually rotated. It's not much, but still it does feel "heavy" at times. So yeah, I have no idea how some guys carry a whole toolbox on them. I also refuse to be a bag/fanny pack guy.

EDC2_zpsf9642790.jpg
 
I may not carry as much as other people, but my EDC system is my Wranglers.
left front pocket:
2 ink pens
flashlight- Fenix LD01 or PD22
sometimes a multitool- Leatherman Juice or Charge

right front pocket:
primary folder clipped in
cellphone- iphone

left rear pocket:
standard leather wallet

front belt loop:
car keys on aluminum carabiner


I got one of those spring loaded aluminum carabiners as a freebie sometime in the past. I found that it was very convenient to put my keys on it and clip it to my belt loop. First of all this took my keys out of my right front pocket so they weren't competing with my primary folder, but I found that it was very convenient. Our cars now that have radio transmitter key fobs work well this way- most of the time I use the key fob more than the key itself. I tend to be carrying stuff whenever I go out to my car, things such as boxes or briefcase. The carabiner makes my keys one-hand-operation just like my knife is. I can reach down with one hand and push the unlock button, let go of the key fob and open the car door, put my packages in, and go on. It has proven to be very convenient.

Here is another thought and something I've tried in the past. I have tried clipping my multitool to the inside of my wasteband behind a belt loop. I think this would work well if I did it enough to get used to it. My pants are usually pretty tight and this is a big lump behind the belt but it doesn't seem like it would be that hard to get used to.
 
bdmicarta said:
I got one of those spring loaded aluminum carabiners as a freebie sometime in the past. I found that it was very convenient to put my keys on it and clip it to my belt loop. First of all this took my keys out of my right front pocket so they weren't competing with my primary folder, but I found that it was very convenient. Our cars now that have radio transmitter key fobs work well this way- most of the time I use the key fob more than the key itself. I tend to be carrying stuff whenever I go out to my car, things such as boxes or briefcase. The carabiner makes my keys one-hand-operation just like my knife is. I can reach down with one hand and push the unlock button, let go of the key fob and open the car door, put my packages in, and go on. It has proven to be very convenient.
Click to expand...

There is a reason why teachers and janitors/custodians would carry their work keys on their belt. It doesn't look great, but it is comfortable and since so many do it, I suspect "safe". Good point about the electronic key and hitting the button with the key ring still attached to the belt.
 
It's easy-
LFP- Fenix LD01, mini Bic, Vic Ambassador, small microfiber cleaning cloth
RFP- MiniGriptilian clipped, change, keys w/micro LED and titanium whistle (looks like a short, square straw)
Watch pocket- small "button" compass, throat lozenge
LRP- comb, bandana
RRP- wallet
Shirt pocket- pen, small Moleskine notebook
This gives me redundant light and blades plus a way to make fire and noise, take notes, leave a note, scissors, toothpick, nail file, find my way, and all the things you can do with a bandana with very little weight or bulk. Everything is easy to get at and it all comes in handy. Oh yeah, smartphone clipped to belt at left hip.
 
jonnyt16 said:
Well, this is my EDC, with a different knife being continually rotated. It's not much, but still it does feel "heavy" at times. So yeah, I have no idea how some guys carry a whole toolbox on them. I also refuse to be a bag/fanny pack guy.

EDC2_zpsf9642790.jpg
Click to expand...

Beautiful 1911!
 
I'm surprised no one has mentioned a vest. One of those photography vests, or what they call "safari" vests with a lot of pockets.....if you don't mind the "gear" vs "clothing" look, a fishing vest will work, as well. I can't carry too much in pants pockets; but I've carried quite a bit on a photography vest when I felt I needed to do so.

Not the best way to go incognito; but it certainly works, and it distributes the load pretty well.
 
BlackKnight86 said:
I'm surprised no one has mentioned a vest. One of those photography vests, or what they call "safari" vests with a lot of pockets.....if you don't mind the "gear" vs "clothing" look, a fishing vest will work, as well. I can't carry too much in pants pockets; but I've carried quite a bit on a photography vest when I felt I needed to do so.

Not the best way to go incognito; but it certainly works, and it distributes the load pretty well.
Click to expand...

You nailed it on the head when you said the "fishing" type vest isn't the best way to go incognito. If your EDC system includes a firearm, I would strongly suggest against wearing any type of "5.11" type clothing, sling bags and the like as it reeks of "I'm carrying a weapon".

One has to find the system that works for them which provides for the best possible balance of comfort, necessity and in a lot of cases, stealth. If any part of your kit is too big or heavy for you, that part will most likely end up in your desk drawer in less than a week. An EDC kit needs to be streamlined and should evolve as your needs evolve.

The cliche is true....better to have it and not need it, etc.....
 
If you organize it well, you can carry more gear than you think.

In my left front pocket, I carry this organizer:

The items wrapped in tape are spare batteries for the flashlights. And the back is made of two pieces of velcro stuck together, to hold flat items (spare keys and cash) between them.

In my left rear pocket, I carry this organizer:

Though the Fuse has been replaced by a Rebar.

Right rear pocket holds large Saddleback bifold wallet, with cash, cards, small notebook, Pocket Tool X Piranha, safety pins, paper clips, and hair ties.
Right front holds my primary folding knife (usually some BM) and keys with LM Style, Uncle Bills Sliver Grippers, Fauxton, and Tweezerman folding nail clippers.

On my belt, IWB:

with spare mag on the other side.

This is the same EDC no matter what I'm wearing or where I'm going (except no pistol in the office). And this is done with no jacket, bag, shirt pockets, or cargo pockets.

The only things that won't fit in my pants (when I'm not wearing cargos) are my phone and electronic cigarettes, which go in a jacket pocket for 3 seasons, and a Skinth when it's hot, and my sunglasses, which go in a jacket pocket or bag when I have one, and don't have a good place to go otherwise.
 
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