We talk about EDC, or everyday carry items regularly. But what is EDC?
EDC is simple – it’s a hobby that pays a little extra attention on the tools, gear, or other functional items that you carry and use on a daily or regular purpose. Simplified, EDC is about personal tools and gear.
Or, it can be descriptive, without any hobby or personal interest connotations. The hobby aspect can be implied or ignored, depending on the context.
Your keychain is EDC. So’s your wallet. Your phone is too.
For law enforcement, military, or security personnel, or individuals with CCW permits, EDC can include their sidearm. EDC is anything that is included in your everyday carry.
My intent isn’t to convert you to an EDC enthusiast, but to help you better understand what EDC is all about.
If you carry an adjustable wrench in your bag, such as this 4″ Channellock, that counts as EDC.
Pocket knives ( here are some ToolGuyd revieweds) are an especially popular area of EDC, given how many people use them on a consistent basis.
Whether it’s a $5 knife or a pricier model, a pocket knife is part of your EDC.
Multi-tools, at least when carried on your person or a bag, can be EDC. If it’s in your glovebox? Technically, it’s not.
Flashlights are another popular EDC item, but the category can also include other personal lighting products. A worklight that has to be plugged into an AC outlet would be an example of something that is not EDC.
Watches are usually included as EDC.
Pens, pencils, and notepads can also be EDC.
A keychain tape measure also counts.
There are also all sorts of EDC market-focused gear, such as key-shaped flashlights.
EDC can be simple, or complex. One person interested in EDC might be more casual about their opinions and focus. Another might be meticulous about all aspects, with specific preferences down to the clips connecting their mini flashlight to their keychain.
Some people have preferences about what they eat or drink. Coke vs. Sprite. Whole wheat bread vs. white bread. Spaghetti vs. ziti. Apples vs. oranges. Or what they wear. Sneakers vs. shoes. T-shirts or polo shirts. Jeans vs. khakis.
With EDC, you simply focus a little more on your personal-use tools and gear.
Everybody is different. Sometimes EDC strays beyond consistently-used tools and gear, into collector territory. But that’s not always the case. You can enjoy something or share in an interest without becoming an aficionado or collector.
For some, EDC is all about maximizing functionality. For others, there are some aesthetic considerations, or personal preferences.
Consider someone interested in pocketable EDC flashlights. There are a multitude of options to consider. What size batteries does it require? What materials are it made out of? Is it weather-sealed? What color temperature is the illumination? Spotlight or flood light? How do you turn it on, with a knob that you twist, or a button that you press?
A multi-bit screwdriver can be part of your EDC.
EDC is mainly the exploration of the many choices and preferences we can have regarding our everyday carry gear. Items or preferences can be purely functional, or an enthusiast might have preferences more related to ornamental aspects.
Most EDC enthusiasts don’t get into it looking for another hobby. Speaking personally, I think I was looking for a multi-tool review or information, or something of the sort, when I came upon EDC-related forums. Maybe I was searching for reviews of the Kershaw Leek knive (reviewed here) before I purchased mine on sale.
To sum things up, EDC relates to whatever personal tools and gear are integrated in your lifestyle or workday.
If you’re a contractor, tradesman, or tech, sometimes your tool bag and its contents could be considered EDC.
If you put a lot of effort into choosing the perfect daily-use cordless drill, ratchet, framing hammer, or other tools, that’s the same spirit as EDC.
Update: I didn’t mean to ask it, but the first couple of commenters had a great idea – thank you!
What’s your EDC?
