The term EDC also refers to the philosophy or spirit of 'preparedness' that goes along with the selection and carrying of these items. Implicit in the term is the sense that an EDC is an individual's personal selection of equipment, arrived at after deliberation, rather than a standardized kit.
EDC items normally fit in pockets or a small pack, and/or are attached to clothing such as a belt. Emphasis is placed on the usefulness, accessibility and reliability of these items. The core elements of a typical EDC might include a knife, a flashlight, a cell phone, and a multi-tool.
List of common items[edit]
A knife, multitool and/or Swiss Army knife
A wrist watch
A flashlight (either a key-chain light, a headlamp, or a "tactical" flashlight which has a brighter output used to temporarily blind and stun assailants)
A whistle or airhorn (noise makers)
A cell phone or other electronic device like a digital camera to record evidence (sometimes satellite phones if in remote areas)
Sustainment items such as bottled water and high energy foods
Pen, pencil, or a tactical pen similar in concept to a Kubotan for striking and stabbing
Pocket notebook/memo (smart phones and electronic note-taking devices are increasingly being used instead of notebooks)
Medicine for common ailments and maladies such as allergies and gastrointestinal problems
A metal pocket comb that can also be used as a weapon or tool
Prescription medicine that has to be taken daily
A compact first aid kit
Rope or paracord
Handkerchiefs or other utility cloth
Keys containing key chain and accessories like a flashlight, nail clipper, pill bottle, folding scissors, carabiner, or Kubotan
Gloves, which can be latex, nitrile, leather, or synthetic
Pepper spray/OC spray or stun gun/tazer
Pistol and holster
Lighter or matches
Compass
GPS device
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