Well, I know that I would have a bright one for being seen, and one for not... <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If you want to be found, a bright bandanna can be worn, put out a window, tied to a tree - many different ways, including tearing it for tracer strips.

The earth toned one... all sorts of things. hair tie, broach, pteridactyl (bwahhh, bwahhh)

Sorry, too much T.V. in formative years.

Any cloth can be used for:
straining water/liquid
Filtering air for breathing
holding small items(from gathering in your area)
compress or turniquet(spelling, bad!) in emergency
map(like the silk ones for pilots)
Signaling

and other things...

Rena

I usually carry wallet, keys, cell phone (if I remember it), ballpoint pen, small notebook for writing stuff like phone numbers, and my wristwatch. The key ring has a Photon II (LED light) and Spyderco Jester knife (2" lockback). The knife is a fairly recent addition. I just can't see needing most of the stuff mentioned in this thread in a normal urban environment.

do-rag,
sling,
head band,
wash cloth,
pot holder,
hand towel,
emergency feminine hygiene product,
dunk bag,
dip net,
compression bandage,
gear rag,
and maybe more ...

M

Maxpedition Hard Use Gear makes some awesome cellular carriers ...



While the CP-S will only carry the phone; the M2 and others in the series will carry a cellular, PDA, and a host of other essentials. The M2 is available in black, camo, or the OD as shown. In the M2 shown; there's a GPS, a Leatherman Pulse, a minikit, a StreamLight 2L Twin Task Light, and some sunscreen ...

M

Most are preparing for when the normal urban environment changes. Most of us are preparing for scenarios from a major natural disater, terrorist threat, urban uprising to less immediate threats such as a power outage.

I think it's not to hard to argue that you can get through a normal day with out any special equipement but I'm looking ahead to the day when things are far from normal.

My EDC is very minimal:

Leatherman Wave and mini-Bic lighter (carried in front pants pocket.)

Photon III (on keyring)

12' 550# paracord and $35.00 emergency cash (stashed in wallet.)

Of course I am almost never more than 100' from my pickup with its well-stocked BOB.

Regards, Vince

Lots of great ideas here....but.
I assume that a governmental/municipal bldg. may be a target of a terrorist attack. There are almost none here which I've been able to freely enter with ANY knife larger than the SAK on my keychain (1 3/4" blade) and many places won't allow that. So, sadly, my EDC has to be bladeless.
I've had NO PROBLEMS.. anywhere.. with Doug's new kit, once I removed needles, pins, and scalpel blade. And, replaced with a bic and photonII.

That is a consideration - knives and tools can be considered wepons when trying to enter secured areas. And many of the savvy security people do not take kindly to ceramics.

I have heard that there is a bill being proposed in Michigan to outlaw multi tools. Multiple blade locking knives, I think is what it is going after. Even for tourists.

I didn't know that there was a screener at the border there...

Rena <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

My EDC has changed drastically over the last 9 months.

It used to be:

1) Sidearm + spare magazine
2) Switchblade (high quality)
3) Mini-Mag
4) Leatherman Tool
5) Zippo
6) Keys
7) Cell phone

Recently I've deleted:

1) Sidearm + Magazine
2) Switchblade (Though in EMS I'm finding I'm gravitating back towards it for rapid extrication when you only have one hand free)
5) Zippo (Mostly because I don't want to lose it. Had a bad experience with TSA recently when they Confiscated one of my lighters For My Own Safety - it was expensive. I was NOT amused.)

I'll probably stuff an el-cheapo lighter in my pocket and go with the rest of the new list. That's about all I can remember to put from one pair of pants to the other.

I hate to admit it, but Sarah is more prepared, equipment wise, than I am.

Panz

well aside from the reasons mentioned, you can wipe your face and head with the bright one and your bottom with the brown one so you dont mix them up.