in the thread about walking home, I brought up the argument for carrying single use devices, especially where proprietary batteries are concerned. For things like cellphones, music players and PDAs, you often don't have the option of carrying spare batteries since the batteries are internal and can only be charged, not replaced, or are of a weird and expensive to duplicate type (like cell phone batteries). The pro is that when batteries die on one device like the camera or PDA, you can still use the cellphone or GPS. On the con side, you're carrying multiple devices which means you may leave some behind. What do people think? I'd even extend my argument out to places where traditionally multi-taskers are favored. A real ax (even a smaller one, like a boy's size one) and a smaller hunting knife are better then just carrying a giant chopping knife. At the same time, if you feel the need to leave something behind, you don't have to leave several uses with one device. You can leave the ax, but still have the knife when weight or speed is critical. Or leave the camera, but bring the cellphone. Heavier layers of tools can be stripped off, without eliminating whole categories of tools.

I have to agree with the multiple layers of tools.
My BOB has a fixed blade, multi-tool, folder, Axe and a chopping knife

Well as far as batteries go (and if this was mentioned in the Walking Home thread I apologize as I didn't follow that one), I take sort of a hybrid approach to the multi/uni tasker argument.

It's just plain hard these days to find a cell phone, digital camera, etc. that will run off of AA batteries. There are some old standards like GPSs that do but you just can't count on it any more. I tend to buy stuff that can charge off of USB these days as it's sort of the new standard, then suppliment that with some a AA powered usb Charger.

Here's a list of some of the stuff I have in my camping/EDC/hiking/emergency compliment of gear which will charge off of USB or is used in the act of usb charging:

Energizer Duo Charger: http://www.energizer.com/usbcharger/language/english/download.aspx
Engergizer Energi to Go Charger: http://www.energizer.com/products/energi-to-go/Pages/ipod-cell-phone-charger.aspx
Ziplinq Power X2 adapter: http://www.ziplinq.com/retractable-cable-pwr.html
Freeplay Eyemax radio: http://www.freeplayenergy.com/product/eyemax-weatherband
Freeplay Sherpa Led light: http://www.freeplayenergy.com/product/sherpaled
Blackberry 8130
12W/12V folding solar panel: http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443281867&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672503&bmUID=1206926414030&deptid=1408474396672395&ctgrid=1408474396672406&subctgrid=1408474396672503

Unfortunately I haven't been able to figure out a way to USB charge my new digital camera yet but my old one is still perfectly serviceable and runs off AAs.

As most of you know I'm very pro-multitask. Try as I might I've never been able to get rid of all the uni-taskers...it's just not always practical or possible...that's where I resort to the above mentioned 'layers' myself (big knife+axe+machete for example). Sometimes it's the act of thinking outside the box which makes something a multitasker, not that items original designed use.

EDC must be multi use. BOB and such are specialized as it is assumed that you can handle the extra weight.
I refuse to be the utility belt guy.

Everything in my bob is single task AA powered with a couple sets of low self discharge NiMH, a few spare and a pack of alkaline.
This is all real survival gear, GPS, scanner, radio so I want it more reliable and standardized.

My EDC where size and weight is a concern I have a combined cell phone, music player, camera, etc with its propritary battery. Thats where I make the exception, I can't carry all those all the time and you can't find a cell phone that runs on AA's like you can a gps or digicam.

My bob gear is for more long term, when we have to bug in or out for a longer length of time where the gear may be used more and need a battery re-charge.

The combined gear I edc isn't as critical, if I can't listen to music then no big deal.

http://www.igo.com/product.asp?sku=3296835

iGo has a AA pack that will recharge phones, smartphone, iPod, cameras, etc with an interchangeable tip.

One AA pack and small tip(s) specific to your device(s)

I think for most folks, edc space is at a premium. I used to be able to pack a shoulder bag with me everywhere that held what I'd consider a massive amount of survival gear for edc. Now I am really compelled to make limited use of pant and shirt pocket space. Bulging pockets, belt packs, and klingons just won't pass muster for me in the office, so in that situation it is imperative that my edc items be as multi tasking as possible, or at least as small as possible if single use. This is not to say I am without a certain level or redundancy, such as two flashlights, two lighters, two knives, but that is mostly the extent of my edc. Specifically, it is what I keep on my person pretty much all the time while I'm awake.

The trade-off, then is to have more items stashed at my various locations, such as my desk or car, that will service my needs further as they come up. This can include more elaborate, bulky and single function type items. Likewise, my BOB is much more robust. Even my computer bag, which follows me everywhere but isn't always right at hand, allows me to pack a whole lot more stuff around than what I can fit in my pockets, thus allowing me to specialize the type of equipment I can stow, including things I don't necessarily use all the time.

So for me, the ideal EDC list will include as many multi tasking items that see frequent use as possible, realizing that this incorporates a certain level of compromise for convenience, but still far better than having to do without a certain function entirely.

As for the putting all my eggs in one basket approach, I suppose there's inherent risk in that, just as there is in not bringing every single use items I can because of space limititations would be. Since I cannot bring a list of devices that each have a discrete function that satisfies my needs for edc, especially from an electronics perspective, I am going to make do with and accept the limitations of having one or a couple of multi taskers that will get the jobs done that I need done, and when the opportunity for gearing up further presents itself, I will capitalize on it as is warranted. In a SHTF mode, I am going to always wish I had more stuff, but inevitably make do with whatever I have, and if it breaks or runs out of power, it is little more than a factor to recognize and account for in the plan.

Otherwise, I am going to end up with a lawn cart full of stuff for edc. Here's another twist of logic, the more stuff you have with you, the more likely it is some of it will fail, break, get lost, or run out of juice. To me it seems to be a trade off on the odds; on the one hand, if you edc a multi tasker and it fails catastropically, then you lose all function, but if you edc discrete items, then the chance that one will fail goes up. Most likely the odds still favor single task items, but then you factor in convenience and it seems to be a wash.

Here's another wrinkle, what about carrying redundant multi-taskers? If I had two Blackberry Pearls, I would have doubled my entire edc electronics functionality. What are the odds both would fail entirely? How about two Leatherman Wave multi-tools? Or two of those hand cranked LED flashlight/radio/siren/batt chargers?

Things that make you go "Hmmmm...".

EDC is one of those things that we continually ponder...especially here!

Last night I decided it was time to semi-retire my Columbia shell jacket for the winter (figures that it froze last night) and switch off to my Scott e-Vest...an article of clothing that I have a true love/hate relationship with. It's very well designed, well put together and has over 3 dozen pockets...but it's like putting a fat kit in a candy store and I always end up with a rediculously bulging, overweight vest.

Last night I tried to transfer my EDC stuff to the vest. Like benjammin I can't walk around work with my SAK and E+Lite on my belt and knives hanging off every pocket...the vest is a good compromise because it's suble enough to carry around if I need to...or even wear indoors, without getting too many funny looks.

Even multi-taskers can be a mixed blessing. I love to carry my Gerber Diesel multi-pliers but they're HEAVY! Sometimes too heavy and I go for just a pocket knife instead or a small SAK. My Victorinox Cybertool is one of my favorites but it's BULKY (by pocket knife standards)...it's all about compromise...usually.

Even today I thought I was at the very limits of maximum weight (to still be comfortable and not have my clothing hang around my shoulders like dead weight) even though most of my vests many pockets were empty. I think I'm only using 5 or 6 in fact. But it allowed me to take my E+Lite, an extra (good) folding knife and my ERT-1 Tool and have easy access to it all without looking tacticool or like I'm shoplifting the kitchen sink or like a clock tower nut case at work.

You guys are killing me!! Just when I am heading down the road towards making up my EDC using a generic multimedia player belt pouch you start this.

Hacksaw, the vest is not an option for me because I overheat so darned easy. I'd be a big ol' nasty, sweaty hog by the time I had the silly thing on for an hour. That leaves me the belt pack.

The belt pack, unfortunately, has already taken on a life of its own. I still don't have everything I want in it. I am probably looking to have to much stuff with me. What an adventure.

Now, on to the subject matter: Multitaskers do show up, as stated, by design and necessity. I believe as we gain experience the designed multitaskers will drift into the background with a few exceptions; Gerbers, SAKs, duct tape, and the like.

Right now I am looking at "tubifying" a PSK/EDC. I have a Nite-Ize Mini POCK-ITS(tm). I will carry the multitasker (Crunch) in there. Then in place of the flashlight (my Inova X5) I may try to use to nickel or quarter collector tubes for the EDC/PSK in the flashlight portion. Since I am partial to the Inova keyring flashlights (cost) I should be OK.

The fun of experimentation.

Okay I'm going to stir this pot a little...

I just found out today that I'll be taking part in an evidence search exercise with my SAR organization...a perfect time to do some multi-tasker vs uni-tasker testing. I want to be 'fast and light' but still be versatile enough to have the proper gear to do whatever is asked (usually the police call the shots and don't always give you all the details...understandably).

This thread plus that news got me to thinking about some of the redundant stuff I often carry. So here's a few examples for you to wrap your brains around while I do the same.

• Gerber LMF II: Lighter than my Gerber Brush Thinner Machete, Gorge folding shovel, or either axe. Much more versatile than my Gerber folding saw. Can dig but not as well as the shovel, can hammer like the axe but not as well, can chop but not as well as either the axe or the machete, can do what the saw does but not as efficiently, can take 'abuse' (like digging in rocks) better than any other option. Plus it's a knife! But can it/should it replace some/all of those other items?
• Crusader Canteen set in carry bag: In the given situation (an evidence search) I only need a good supply of water and shouldn't need to cook anything. Given that the canteen set is overkill but should I run out of water, I then have the option of boiling found water or purifying (as I keep purification goods in the bag itself). I also have the option of making a hot beverage which, given the current season in Alberta, could be desirable...but is it worth the added weight to have those multi-tasks over a Nalgene bottle? Though now that I think about it I've heard stories of people being effictively stranded in place for hours. Once you find a piece of evidence you CAN'T leave until the police (or a CSI) take control of that item/scene (to maintain continuity)...so maybe the ability to cook a small but hot meal is good?
• Gerber multipliers or SAK?: Going into such a search I might not know if the environment is urban, rural, bush, swamp, etc. Would multipliers be a better option or would my swiss army knife? Or should I carry both to be sure despite the added weight and bulk? Tough call again.
• Clothing: Waterproof/breathables all around (bulky but nothing needs to be carried unless layers are shed)...ie Multitask. OR Fast/light clothing with some reserve gear in the pack (rain poncho, windbreaker, etc) ie: Unitaskers. With the former I might not even need a pack...with the latter my mobility would be way better at the cost of some additional weight in my pack...plus those items might be slightly redundant...or not even needed (like if it doesn't rain).

Just because this is an experiment, I think I'm going to go for a lightweight mix focusing on the multi-tasking side but mix it up a bit to see how lightweight I can get. This goes against my typical 'take the kitchen sink, it only weighs 20 lbs' routine and will force me outside my box a little. There can be a LOT of walking invovled and the last thing I want to be is loaded down be it with multi-taskers OR uni-taskers. I can make notes about what I use and what I don't. There is little risk in trying a combo which isn't ideal because it's an excercise.

My "Looney's (Loonie's) worth":

I would take the LMF. You probably are not going to be required to do much digging. Minor excavation around the piece but not full-out digging (assumed).

I think you need a way to carry/purify water. Also, if you have a Pepsi can stove, take it. I believe a warm drink or Ravilois/Dinty Moore (whatever) would be valuable (morale).

The Gerber would be my choice, 'cuz you never know.

Clothing is an area I haven't delved into yet; no opinion.

I'd go with all your multi tasker options, and the small addition of redundancy you mention might be just enough to wean you off the security blanket a bit.

Hopefully you survive the ordeal, having learned something about what is really needed and when the kitchen sink can be left in the kitchen.

I'm not much on the whole digital thing. I got along fine without cell phones or a PDA, GPS or digital cameras for decades. I contend most of the jobs done by these devices is better handled by more primitive means. Most of what my friends have on their PDAs could be stored on a 3by5 card written on with a stubby pencil. Most cell phone calls area waste of time and money. A GPS has advantages in speed and accuracy, at least most of the time, but I get along fine with a map and compass. In some ways I'm more a 20th century guy. More than one has said it's more like 19th century.

I only recently got a cell phone. I still keep forgetting to carry it. Then again I have has a PC since the late 70s. I'm not adverse to technology, when and where it makes sense.

As for combined devices, assuming you really need all those functions, I would lean toward combining them to save weight and bulk. But it isn't as simple as that. The size of the devices has gone down. (Remember when cellphones were the size of a brick and had a hand-set on a coiled cord?) Now you could fit a dedicated GPS unit, a digital camera, a cell phone, a PDA and toss in a MP3 player in a moderately sized pocket. So combining them doesn't save as much bulk or weigh as it used to.

Separate you might be able to share batteries. And if you drop or lose one your still up for other functions. With a combined device your screwed. The other part of this is replacement cost. Combined devices tend to go for a premium price. The exception seems to be the cell phone camera. Which is cheaper than the camera alone.

On the other hand I'm not big maintaining redundancy on my person. One Leatherman and one tiny flashlight and ... well you get the idea. I keep replacements in my truck so they are pretty much always within a couple of minutes walk. I tried carrying multiple copies on me but it got to be I rattled when I walked. I hate the "bat belt" look and feel. Feeling like I have to go through narrow doors sideways and the slight delay on movement. I like to keep it light for every-day wear. If I was camping in the deep woods I would carry more. But I'm not and don't.

It has been decades since I needed more than one knife.

As I said in the other thread, I like each piece of my EDC to be as versatile as possible. Instead of using multiple devices to get the redundancy of multiple batteries, I'd carry one device and some spare batteries. A spare mobile phone battery may be expensive, but it's generally cheaper than another device that includes a battery, and it takes less room. (Plus I can generally afford to pay to reduce weight and volume in my EDC.)

I try to avoid devices that have batteries that can only be charged.

I am willing to put some effort into monitoring battery levels, and prioritising applications of multi-use items. I wouldn't lose use of the phone by over-using its camera. If I had to, I'd switch the phone off and just turn it on when I needed it, and rely on store-and-forward protocols such as text messages and voice mail.

What all can a cell phone replace functionally? Besides being a phone, I can take pictures, shoot video, record audio, keep time, generate a map (no gps for my phone yet, though I see it coming), check email, browse the internet, use it as a daytimer, use it as a low light flashlight, an alarm clock, listen to music, watch movies, and I am sure there's plenty more. I do still carry a flashlight and a watch on my person so there is some redundancy, but it is amazing how much they've crammed into the little platform.