Everyday Carry
Recent events underscore why you should carry a handful of key items daily. Consider these the bare essentials in case of that “OMG moment”.
1) A Good Knife. Opinions vary on the best type of knife to carry, but at a minimum, you should have one with you. I prefer the Gerber Gear 06 FAST for most days and the Gerber Gear Ayako when I need to travel a little lighter. Both serve me well for general utility and are capable defensive weapons in an “escape and evade” scenario.
2) A Flashlight. There are several choices when looking for an EC flashlight. But remember, keep it simple. Look for one that uses AA batteries, as they are always readily available. And stay clear of rechargeable - they just make for an additional point of failure. I prefer the Coast HX5. It is a Dual Power for those who want that option. It is also very inexpensive, making it easy to have several around in your home, car, etc. I also like to carry the Coast G20 (AAA) in my commuter bag as a backup.
3) A Pen. Sounds basic right? But this is about having the right pen. This is not a pen for show, but a pen for go. I prefer the Fisher Space Pen, also sometimes called the ‘bullet pen’. These things are invincible! Hot or cold, wet or dry, clean or greasy, even upside down; these pens will always work.
4) A Notepad. After all, what good is a pen without paper? My choice is the Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Notebook. I prefer the softcover version as I have a leather notebook holder I keep mine inside. The beauty here is that you can write anywhere, anytime, and keep the pen and paper in your pants pocket (except for when you’re writing).
5) A Paracord Bracelet. Again, there are lots of options here, so keep it simple. Look for one that is just paracord. M-Tac Fastex is a cost-effective version that is over 100” long and can support upwards of 400 pounds.
6) Lighter. Another option is not to overlook or overthink. Whether starting a fire or singeing the end of the paracord, a simple Bic disposable lighter will work. They’re sealed, with a clear case, so you know the lighter fluid will be there when you need it.
7) A Multi-Tool. In my opinion, the Leatherman Wingman offers the most features for the size. If this tool doesn’t have it, you probably don’t need it. Small enough to fit in a pocket, but does have a belt carrier, if preferred. A tremendous value for the money.
Finally, once you have these items assembled, take a moment to write all the important information you might need in your notebook. Assume you may need to use a phone that is not your own. Do you know those phone numbers by memory?
Hopefully, now you’re a little more prepared for those, “What if” scenarios.