Question on carrying an EDC bag

[ConcoursRider]

I was just curious, do any of you carry a sling bag or back pack everywhere you go? I'm talking about when you run errands, go to the grocery store, clothes shopping ,etc. It would contain items that you consider your EDC items.

-Chris

[Fyrediver]

I usually carry a Mountainsmith lumbar pack slung over one shoulder.  The waistbelt tucks away so it's just a sling bag.   I've also got a pair of shoulder straps that turns it into a back pack.  It's my EDC and a component of my GHB.  It can be stand alone or combined with my Ribz pack for my GHB. 

In Seattle it fits in as general REI culture.  Not tactical at all, just gray man.

http://www.cabelas.com/backpacks-fanny-packs-mountainsmith-day-lumbar-pack.shtml?WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03110967&rid=40&mr:trackingCode=53F1B754-4B41-E011-B97A-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=22031774231&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=22549717391

http://www.rei.com/product/671335/mountainsmith-strapettes

[ConcoursRider]

And you carry this everywhere you go?

[endurance]

I can certainly see it with some jobs that have you going from vehicle to vehicle and traveling away from home.  When I worked for the Forest Service my lunch pack was probably close to 30 liters.  Of course some of it was because I was the trail crew supervisor and needed to carry a large first aid kit, spare food for when crew members forgot their lunch, and having a few extra tools sometimes allowed a job to get in one trip that might otherwise require a trip back to the shop. 

Now that I'm a city critter I'm prone to keep a small bag at my desk, a good sized GHB in the car, and a good flashlight, keys, android, folding knife, resqme, and cash in my pockets & belt.  Of course when I hit the trails, my pack increases in size to meet the predicted weather and duration, from a small fanny pack with a very basic wilderness survival kit for trail running to a 25 liter camelbak for long day winter hikes or xc ski trips.

I think the critical stuff to have on you is keys to your transportation home and lighting.  I've seen too many situations where folks are on the opposite side of their building at work when a fire alarm goes off and they can't get back to their office.  What if it's a real emergency like a gas leak or fire and it's -20F outside and you didn't have time to grab a jacket, your wallet or anything else not on your person.  That's when a set of car keys and a GHB could make your day.  If the lights are out in the stairway, well, that's why I'm never without a light, even if it's just a puny Fenix LD-10 (but generally it's my Sunwayman v10r).

[chrisdm8]

I carry a maxpedition jumbo veripack everywhere. Usually, the main compartment has my lunch but if I have the kids with me, it holds a diaper or two and some snacks nicely as well. Then the surrounding compartments are stuffed with EDC type stuff ... backup flashlight, backup multi-tool, FAK, meds, cellphone battery backup, MP3 player, sunglasses, etc. I still carry EDC on my person though (keys, cellphone, flashlight, knife, multitool, etc). I consider the bag a backup, or stepping stone to better supplies in the car or at home.

[ConcoursRider]

My situation is, that I'm a manufacturers representative, so I'm on the road just about everyday for work. My job involves seeing my distributors and end users, so I'm not going to wear it into those meetings. More than likely it will sit in the car and then come in with me at night. I plan on buying this 5.11 Rush MOAB 24 for my GHB, which would stay in my car at all times.

When I'm home on the weekends, we are always riding my motorcycle...during the season that is. During the colder months, we'll run errands together and do other normal weekend things. I also like the idea of taking this with me on the bike for our trips and even bringing it on the plane when I travel for work and vacation.

I'm starting to wonder if it's something I even need to have now. I really love this 5.11 Rush MOAB 10 and thought this would be a good EDC. I also like the idea of this connecting to the 5.11 Rush MOAB 24 that linked above.

Think this would be a waste based on my situation?

-Chris

[Ripper]

When I was less experienced and had a loose concept of what EDC really meant, I carried everything in a Maxpedition colossus. Like everything. The more I carried that heavy thing, the more I began to realize what I needed and what I didn't. I downsized to a Maxpedition lunada and carried it everywhere. The down sizing continued until all I carried was a small streamlight, leatherman skeletool, benchmade, and my glock19.
My experience with sling bags (Maxpedition Colossus & Lunada) is that they look kinda cool but they're not worth it if you're carrying any real weight for more then about 10 minutes. A two strap backpack is better for that.

The only bag I carry nowadays is an SKD PIG gRUNT pack and I use it more like a saddlebag. It stays in the jeep unless I leave it or get in another vehicle. It carries my kindle, solar charger/spare batt for my phone, some paracord, couple cliff bars, 32oz water bottle, and a notepad.

I would take a look at what you're carrying, configure it in as small a package as possible (taking out the stuff that's gonna be on your person) and get a bag based on that size instead of picking a bag first. I "invested" a lot of money before I figured out I didn't have to.

[mvrck]

I carry a 511 Push Pack. I have tried a few different bags and I try to use a lot of what gets carried. Like Advil or extra cash, beef jerky and an extra carry firearm. My wife calls it my man-purse.  I don't carry it around, but leave it in the car I came in...

[Fyrediver]

Yes, I carry the bag almost everywhere. 

In the front pocket is my leatherman, a flashlight, an Israeli Battle Dressing, a large space blanket, and a pocket survival kit.  In the inside zipper pocket is a little toiletries kit, a notebook, pen & pencil.  The main compartment has my sunglasses & cleaning kit, small binoculars, packet of food (peanut butter packets, Tonka bars, energy bar).   I will remove the food & binoculars if I'm going indoors somewhere like a mall. 

This is the second iteration of my EDC bag.  The other one was stolen from my car when I wasn't carrying it!


On another note, I have the 24 Rush Bag but it's a special edition red.  It's my Technical Rescue bag at work.  It's pretty much our standard Tech Rescue Team bag now.  My Dept doesn't buy them for us, but our team's settled on this one.  Very heavy duty and well made. 

It's got my helmet, Nomex Coveralls, knee and elbow pads, gloves (x2), safety glasses (x2), ear plugs (x4),  harness, prussiks, webbing, locking carabiners (6), spare flashlight, food, water, reference books for various Tech Rescue scenarios, small tools, sharpie and wax pencils, notebook.  It carries my Tech gear and still has room for more.  If I'm on a long term operation then additional stuff goes into the bag for the mission. 

[ConcoursRider]

When I was less experienced and had a loose concept of what EDC really meant, I carried everything in a Maxpedition colossus. Like everything. The more I carried that heavy thing, the more I began to realize what I needed and what I didn't. I downsized to a Maxpedition lunada and carried it everywhere. The down sizing continued until all I carried was a small streamlight, leatherman skeletool, benchmade, and my glock19.
My experience with sling bags (Maxpedition Colossus & Lunada) is that they look kinda cool but they're not worth it if you're carrying any real weight for more then about 10 minutes. A two strap backpack is better for that.

The only bag I carry nowadays is an SKD PIG gRUNT pack and I use it more like a saddlebag. It stays in the jeep unless I leave it or get in another vehicle. It carries my kindle, solar charger/spare batt for my phone, some paracord, couple cliff bars, 32oz water bottle, and a notepad.

I would take a look at what you're carrying, configure it in as small a package as possible (taking out the stuff that's gonna be on your person) and get a bag based on that size instead of picking a bag first. I "invested" a lot of money before I figured out I didn't have to.

That's my fear...spending a ton of money on something that's not necessary. Tends to be par for the course for me sadly. 

[Ripper]

That's my fear...spending a ton of money on something that's not necessary. Tends to be par for the course for me sadly. 

Yeah, it's a learning experience and sometimes it painful. I think that if I'd gone slower instead of diving into it like I did, I'd have learned as much without dumping so much $$. On the plus side, there's always someone out there looking for the gear you've got. I sold off my Colossus to a buddy who uses it for a camera bag. I still have my Lunada because it's small enough to use as a carry on for plane rides.

For me, if I cant put it in a pocket, it's not EDC. There's plenty that I put in my backpack and leave in my jeep, but I don't consider it Essential Daily Carry (EDC.)

[Hootie]

That's my fear...spending a ton of money on something that's not necessary. Tends to be par for the course for me sadly. 

While those bags look great, they might be over kill for your needs. It is very "taticool", but I just use the bottom part of my lunch box (like this one). This way I don't look suspicious at the office, but mainly because it is cheaper bag  .


Most off other posts have already said this, in one form or another, but think in terms "Zones of Preparedness." Patriot Nurse, kind of goes over this in her youtube videos. 
I think in terms of:

• what do i have in my pockets
• what do i have at my desk
• what do i have in my car
• what do i have at home

[blueyedmule]

I carry so much stuff, both on me and with me at work. . .I have a job where on any day, when I leave the home, I can be gone for up to two weeks or home in the morning (I work nights). I can be running on interstates or over 5000 ft mt. passes that can have weather six to eight months a year. That job really started me prepping a la Dave Canterbury. I have everything from a zero degree sleeping bag and snow clothes to tarps, trash bags and a woobie, pill bottles of lint, different fire strikers, pistol and K-bar, a week's food and clothing. . .I've got it all in the truck, which is my office and pretty much my home--I drag most of it into the hotels when I get in. I've got so much that if the SHTF I'd have to leave stuff behind if I were walking out. I've got a week's vitamins, gallons of water (for the radiator and me, both good drinking water), bolt cutters, rain poncho. My pockets are full of things like a knife, kubaton, lighter, flashlight, whistle/resQme/aspirin around my neck on a lanyard. . .I got a lot of battle-rattle at work.

If I ever go to an office job I'll definitely have to re-evaluate what I carry on me and with me. 

[endurance]

That's my fear...spending a ton of money on something that's not necessary. Tends to be par for the course for me sadly. 

Given your previous post on why you want an edc bag, you're one of the few folks that probably can carrying it around since your office is on the move and you're away from your personal vehicle.

I'd aim for smaller, more realistic, and based on the most likely scenarios.  A cell phone charger would be near the top of my list, either one that is rechargeable so you can charge without plugging in or one that is both 12vdc and 120vac so you can use it anywhere.  Beyond that, a multitool is a good item to have, as is some high density calories that you can eat on the move.  You'd be surprised at how many times a year a $0.99 disposable poncho can come in handy and having a few spares can make you a hero.  Flashlight is a no brainer, but consider a smaller one on your person an a larger in your edc or a couple spare batteries to your pocket flashlight in your edc.  Oh, and if you take the time to learn, a lock pick set is a very useful item to have around.

If most of your time is in an urban setting, focus on that.  To me, that means I'd rather have a few hundred in cash concealed in a Bullhide belt than walking around like robocop with a pile of stuff I'll rarely or never need.  I don't have to carry a sleeping bag with me if I have enough cash or credit to get a hotel room.

Of course if you're miles from nowhere on your travels, a lightweight compact kit that includes a down jacket and wind pants might make a lot of sense.  You can always stuff car seat foam or crumpled up newspapers in your wind pants for bulk and insulation. 

I'm a minimalist, with years of backcountry experience that helps me replace stuff with skills.  If you're new to all this, you may need more stuff, but keep reality in mind.  The odds of an alien abduction dumping you in a wilderness area are pretty low.

[ConcoursRider]

Great advice from everyone. I'm definitely not going with an EDC bag because...I really don't need it. I'll have my GHB in the car, once I finish putting it together. That will have everything I need and I can leave it in the car. One thing my wife and I plan on starting next weekend is to hike this winter with our GHB so we can get ourselves in better shape and see how we hold up with the weight. I have a feeling that we'll have to make multiple adjustments in order to make it comfortable.

[Fyrediver]

Good plan to actually go out hiking with your GHB!  I've read many inventory lists of what people are carrying and they're REALLY heavy loads.  Can't move very quickly or for long with a really heavy load.  Also, it helps to give them a test drive to try the balance and comfort of the pack with said load.

[Jeff Brackett]

FWIW, here's my 2¢.

I work in IT, and carry my laptop to and from work every day.  Since that's a basic requirement of my job, I simply upscaled my laptop case to an LAPG 3-day pack, use the main compartment for the laptop, and dedicate the bottom back compartment to EDC.  It's big enough that I can keep a small weather radio/flashlight, mini-FAK, extra glasses, multi-tool, Trent charger for my smart phone, and a rain pancho.  In addition, many items that I carry as part of my job also double as prep for EDC (for instance, I keep a 250GB external hard drive drive has several apps for work, but also has encrypted copies of important docs).

And of course, there are little items I carry in my pockets - knife, sharpie, a personal 64GB jump drive (Corsair Survivor) with another copy of those same important docs, and an iPod with various podcasts on it (like TSP  ).

[Amator]

FWIW, here's my 2¢.

I work in IT, and carry my laptop to and from work every day.  Since that's a basic requirement of my job, I simply upscaled my laptop case to an LAPG 3-day pack, use the main compartment for the laptop, and dedicate the bottom back compartment to EDC.  It's big enough that I can keep a small weather radio/flashlight, mini-FAK, extra glasses, multi-tool, Trent charger for my smart phone, and a rain pancho.  In addition, many items that I carry as part of my job also double as prep for EDC (for instance, I keep a 250GB external hard drive drive has several apps for work, but also has encrypted copies of important docs).

And of course, there are little items I carry in my pockets - knife, sharpie, a personal 64GB jump drive (Corsair Survivor) with another copy of those same important docs, and an iPod with various podcasts on it (like TSP  ).

Ditto everything here. I have a Targus laptop backpack with my laptop, lunch, coffee, rain poncho, and EDC gear (Flashlight, Leatherman, Mora knife, M95 mask, extra phone battery and charging cable, pepper spray, FAK, and a few other items. I like to keep a minimal amount of stuff in my pockets (SAK, jump drive photon microlight, lighter, bandanna, wallet, phone, keys, and sometimes a Spyderco Tenacious in addition to the SAK).

[LBSurfer]

FWIW, here's my 2¢.

I work in IT, and carry my laptop to and from work every day.  Since that's a basic requirement of my job, I simply upscaled my laptop case to an LAPG 3-day pack, use the main compartment for the laptop, and dedicate the bottom back compartment to EDC.  It's big enough that I can keep a small weather radio/flashlight, mini-FAK, extra glasses, multi-tool, Trent charger for my smart phone, and a rain pancho.  In addition, many items that I carry as part of my job also double as prep for EDC (for instance, I keep a 250GB external hard drive drive has several apps for work, but also has encrypted copies of important docs).

And of course, there are little items I carry in my pockets - knife, sharpie, a personal 64GB jump drive (Corsair Survivor) with another copy of those same important docs, and an iPod with various podcasts on it (like TSP  ).

I run basically the same mentality.  My work backpack is actually a black O'Neill surfing backpack that fits my 17" laptop.  Outside pocket fits my water bottle and the pockets on the inside fit all my odds and ends - knife, notepad, pencil/pen, business cards, etc.  I one of the ID card holders to house this Tool Logic EasyCarry Kit that Clymb.com accidently sent me.  Not the best kit, but it'd suffice in a pinch.  I need a flashlight and a IFAK of some kind to round it all out.  I've found, though, that I'm constantly tinkering with what's in the bag based upon how my day looks and what I find is useful/nonuseful.

[Aussie-SPG]

I have used both a sling and back pack system to carry my EDC. I personally have to carry medical supplies due to being a type 1 diabetic. This + the fact that I am a bit of a gear head means I carry a bit around with me. I find that I am more inclined to carry the sling (Maxpedition Fat Boy Versipack)
everywhere and I am less likely to leave it in the car on short trips into a shop etc.
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/FATBOY-VERSIPACK-p31.htm

I am currently using the Platatac Alpha Modular back pack as my carry system and its size is perfect for those wanting to EDC a little more kit without being weighed down with a larger pack.

http://www.platatac.com/short-range/platatac-alpha-modular-no-bladder-special/w1/i1404056_1023950/

The only problem with using a larger EDC carry system is you tend to shove in more stuff which when you think about it is the reason for a pack EDC system.

[Theswerd]

I don't really have a proper EDC, or BOB/GHB. I do have a bag, with stuff, but it seems like it's neither fish nor fowl.


I walk to work and have to carry my breakfast and lunch with me. Add to it I am... eh... well insulated and trying to thin out a bit, I decided to just carry something heavy.


I took my tiny first aid kit, emergency blankets, windup flashlight, storm-proof matches, some mountain-house food (mainly so I didn't eat the Rice and Chicken right away, and in case I forgot to pack lunch. It's happened.)  some packs of instant oatmeal.... Um... I forget what else. Just bits and bobs of things I thought would be good. It stays in my cubical while I am at work. Not sure how heavy it is, but it has to be helping me work harder on the walk in, so I'll take it.


If I were in better shape, I would just carry a "man-purse" bag with some things in it and have a knife, flash light, etc in my pockets.

[Shaunypoo]

I carry an older North Face Recon backpack wherever I go.  I goes in to work with me but usually stays in the car everywhere else.  I can be a bit of a gearhead as well, but I always have a flashlight and knife on me and usually my handgun as well.  The backpack carries a first aid kit, larger flashlight and various other survival gear in the smaller pouch.  I carry lunch, my current book and some paracord in the larger pouch with enough room for some extra gear if need be.  I have a small tin ready with some survival stuff in case I would have to ditch the bag.  It is my GHB and is not essential but helpful gear.  The essentials I have on me or easily accessible. 

I don't mind the weight and regularly wear it while trail running.  My philosophy is if you are going to have a GHB you need to be ready to GH with it without your vehicle if you need to abandon it.  I could put some more non-perishable food in it, but I do have water purification abilities.  I try to clean it out and reassess every 3 months or so.

[11 Bravo]

I have a small Maxpedition pack that goes with me wherever I go. Looking in it now, I have the following: old dog tags on the outside, police badge clipped on the outside, flashlight, couple energy bars, two extra loaded mags for my Glock 22, space blanket, glasses, sunglasses, paracord, multi-tool, couple ink pens, handwarmer, gloves, stocking cap, baseball cap, 20 oz water in outside pocket, compass, set of epi pens for allergic reaction, hearing aid kit that has cleaning kit and spare batteries, and a couple extra AA batteries. In a zipper pocket is floss, bandages, tums, benadryl pills, dramamine, DayQuil pills, sudafed, nose spray, extra contact lenses, saline, neosporin, benadryl cream, styptic pencil...and a few other odds and ends....call this bag what you want....to me, it's a Necessary Bag. It goes everywhere I go, it sits on the passenger seat floor in my cruiser when I am working. Some of the stuff is things for me, some for work, some will get me home, and on occasion, some is for others. I have the epi pens because I am allergic to cashews for example, and used one on a lady suffering a severe reaction from a bee sting. Her own wasn't enough, she was going unconscious, so I used one of mine in addition.

So, it isn't always physically on me, but it is always near. Due to a medical condition, I have to have, at the very least, the hearing aid gear, allergy pills and dramamine with me 24/7. The only thing with me more often than that is a handgun.

[ConcoursRider]

Awesome feedback! I currently have a Samsonite laptop briefcase that I carry everyday. I'm wondering if any of you who are in sales, actually have some kind of backpack or sling bag you actually bring in during your sales calls/meetings? The big thing for me is that I want it to logo professional and not something my boss would question. I don't think the "tactical" look would be that professional looking, plus it could put some on edge.

Any feedback would be great.

-Chris

[BamaPrepper]

I keep a "get home bag" in my truck at all times that has my basic supplies in it, but that is not a bag that I can easily carry to work (I also work in an office).  I have a briefcase that I picked up a couple years ago that is leather and "professional" looking that I can keep my work stuff in and it also has a few pouches that I can put some of my EDC items in.  It is a good blend for me.....I have also noticed that in my line of work, it has become pretty common to have a sport style backpack as your briefcase (not a tactical pack) and that no one even notices it.  Hopefully that helps a little....

[ConcoursRider]

I have my GHB that contains most of the items I was thinking of carrying. I guess I'm over thinking this. . .again!!!

[ChrisFox]

When I bought my leatherman it came with that lame pouch that just makes it harder to get the thing out. So I picked up the nylon sheath that goes with it. It's got 3 pockets where I keep my sidekick, wet wipes and front pocket is really small so I haven't figured out what to put there. 2 side elastic loops for a stubby pen and single AAA Rayovac flashlight.

http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-934810-Wave-Nylon-Sheath/dp/B0002H49E4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361837995&sr=8-1&keywords=leatherman+sheath

I've gone though a evolution on my edc. I also use to carry my backpack around with me with enough stuff to survive in the office for weeks on end but I've taken a machete to everything. I now call it my educ. Every day use carry. If I don't use it every day it's not on me. I've still got the bag in the truck and a bigger one at home.

I am looking for a belt pouch just a tad bit bigger. The flashlight I carry is pretty lame but it's really fits in there snug, bigger one won't fit. Plus I would also like to carry my cell phone in there so I don't have to put it in my pockets. I hate having anything in my pockets, drives me crazy.

[upstate]

Im a 60 year old woman with some physical limitations.So I can't carry a heavy bag.And since Im old and cranky, I not carrying a bag in and out of my car everyday.I live in NYcatskills mountains so Ive had to give real thought what I need and where to put it.I keep some things in my purse, small tools 4oz of water and such. I keep a 3 days supply of stuff at work as well as long under wear and sweats and walking shoes.
In my car i have  a wheeled lugage bag with a lot more. but also clothes and shoes.I bought a case or 4 oz water "packets" from the catalog cause they can freeze and thaw with out a problem.Im not carring a luggage bag in and out of my car.Did I say im cranky? And old?I keep a couple of boxes of granola bars .They freeze and thaw well also.And instant coffee.All the usual stuff. The onething ive added to my car is 2 of those canes with built in seats.If I had to walk home from work it would be 7 miles.I can do it but would like to set down a time or two.My husband would need to also and he can not get off the ground easily.
Then I keep emergency grab bags at home.I use 2 of those duffle bags on wheels . it works out well didnt cost a forturne.And meets our needs.
 
 

[tnprepper]

I take my EDC bag with me every time I leave the house. If I go to the grocery store, if I go out to eat, if I take the trash off it comes with me. I had mixed feelings about my dedication and even some people who question me about it. It really came down to one thought for me; I would absolutely hate knowing I could have done something if only I had brought my bag. That feeling of helplessness or remorse would be awful.

My job requires me to go out of town sometimes so in my vehicle I also have a large Kelty backpack with enough stuff to last a few days plus some other tools that are too large for my EDC bag. My EDC bag is in case something kinda bad happens. My backpack is in case something really bad happens and I need to get home. The reality is my bag is not very heavy and I love knowing that if I need it I have it right there with me.

Having said all that I don't go so far as to take it into the store or restaurant with me but it's in my vehicle and if I need to I can get to it really quick. Of course my knife and CCW always stay on me!