8 essentials for your EDC-pouch
An EDC pouch is an amazing way to keep a number of essential tools close. Put them in a pouch, throw the pouch in your car or hang it from your backpack with the MOLLE-system. As such you will always have a couple of basic tools close while working in and around the house, when having car trouble or in any other situation. But what should really be a part of your pouch? We listed eight essentials!
Before we start with the contents of the pouch it might be a good idea to look at the pouch itself! Our favourite EDC pouches are the Maxpedition CAP and Maxpedition DEP. For a more compact option you could always consider the Maxpedition Ziphook.
1: Multi-tool
An EDC-pouch without a multi-tool shouldn't be called an EDC pouch. The average multi-tool is a pocket-sized toolbox. Incredibly practical! Pliers will come in handy on so many occasions, not to mention the screwdrivers. A real must-have! Our favourites are the Gerber Center-Drive and the Leatherman Wave Plus. A more compact alternative would be an extensive Swiss pocket knife. Take, for instance, the Victorinox Swisschamp.
2: Flashlight
A flashlight also really shouldn't be missing. Whether you have to look in the crawl space or have car trouble at night. you will notice that a flashlight will come in handy more often than you think. As long as you carry it with you. This, of course, doesn't have to be a massive piece that will light up a stadium. Today small flashlights are already powerful enough. Think of a Fenix UC30 or a Fenix E18R. Both rechargeable, very practical!
3: Band-aids and painkillers
A whole first-aid kit might be a little too much. But during work in and around the house or when playing with knives accidents can happen. A couple of band-aids hardly take up any room and with a couple of painkillers you can easily get rid of that head or back ache. Also consider the fact that you don't necessarily need to take these types of things with you to only cure yourself. These type of small things can be lifesavers for someone less prepared.
4: Sharpening solution
A blunt knife won't get you far. For that reason it is always wise to bring a pocket sharpening stone or small sharpening system in your EDC pouch. To maintain your own knives or to quickly fix someone else's blunt knife. That is how you make friends! We recommend the Fällkniven DC4 of Work Sharp Guided Pack Sharpener. Great for on the road!
5: Pen & Notebook
Even though today the smart-phone is mightier than the pen, we shouldn't completely rule it out just yet. Especially not when combined with a nice notebook. Great for quick notes or schematic drawings while working in or around the house. Things that are slightly more difficult on a smart-phone. In addition, most tactical pens are enhanced with a glass breaker. Practical during emergency situations. We recommend the Rick Hinderer Investigator pens or the Fenix T5. We sell notebooks from Rite in the Rain and Modestone. Both waterproof.
6: Power bank with charging cable
Without a smart-phone our lives might as well be over. It is therefore key to keep it going. A compact power bank is the solution. Also think of a set of matching charging cables for your phone and the flashlight from your pouch. One of our favourites that will fit in many EDC-pouches is the Powertraveller Discovery 6000mAh. Large enough to charge your phone three times.
7: Firesteel with tinder
Granted: if you go into the wilderness you shouldn't have to rely on your firesteel in your EDC-pouch. Yes we expect more from you at that point! And yet, tinder and a firesteel can definitely come in handy during emergencies (or when your BBQ won't work) and they don't take up much room in your pouch. The Hultafors Flint FS firesteel is smaller than a pen, and an Exotac tinderZIP will be perfect attached to the zipper of your pouch.
8: Duct tape, paracord and instant glue
Are, yes, three different things. They, however, are also versatile enough to fix your gear. There are few who don't know what duct tape is. From repairing cracks in clothing and tents to securing broken parts in your car after a small incident with a pole while parking: duct tape can fix it all.
Paracord is incredibly strong rope, originally designed as parachute cord. From clothesline to guy rope and from shoe laces to suture: paracord has seen it all. You will hardly notice a couple of meters in your pouch and it will always come in handy.
Instant glue is perfect for small repairs. For things that are broken, but also for small wounds. Many stories can namely be told about people who had an accident with a knife in the middle of nowhere who were able to repair the damage with instant glue. A good addition to your set of band-aids and painkillers.
Conclusion
With these essentials you will have the right basis to tackle many situations. Feel free to add any other tools! A couple of our personal favourites are a USB stick, lip balm, tie rips, a bit set for pocket knife maintenance, and a BIC lighter. Tip: wrap the duct tape around the lighter. What do you love to take with you? Show your EDC pouch on Instagram and tag us at @Knivesandtools!
