One way to EDC I rarely see is a small pouch on the belt; like a cell phone care, or one for a deck of cards.

Like this:
belt pack

But not this :
a little much

Nor this: too Butch?

Well as my wife tells me on more than one occassion when I wear my Leatherman...I look dorkish. Could be why the belt pouch EDC hasn't caught on like wildfire. I see the value in it...it's just the wife doesn't and if she ain't happy ain't nobody happy. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I feel your pain brother. I dream of a day when all men are free and it is socially acceptable to wear a utility belt ala. Batman, and be able to walk the streets without being judged, ridiculed or harassed by my significant other or the public or the guys in white with the butterfly nets. One day brother, one day.

Marc

<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Yep. Dork. Until something happens, and I pull out the tool and fix the problem. Or pull out a band-aid. Or pull out an alcohol pad and some antibiotic ointment.

Then the "dork" comments stop, and the idea that "maybe I should put together a little kit" starts.

I don't worry anymore about being called dorkish. I'm resigned to being a dork. I wish I had saved my slide rule.

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

1. Consider the source (people too stupid to save thenselves, much less anyone else).

2. They're just jealous.

Sue

as long as it doesn't look like a knife pouch, the white collar crowd won't get nervous, otherwise ... you get to talk to human resources

Oh I know what you mean. Several years ago we moved to a new house. The wife ridiculed me for moving a garbage bag full of Heavy Duty Minute Maid orange juice containers. I use them to store water. Well I moved them and filled them. Then one evening the power went off in our house. Well since we were outside the city, the water plant that pumped our water went down to...no water. Well she had just put conditioner on her hair.....Insert superhero music here. I filled up a pot with some of my OJ container water, heated it on the stove for her and solved the problem...I don't here to many complaints about saving containers anymore. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I don?t mind being considered dorkish by some people but I would definitely mind to look like an idiot because of the lack of some small items. Those who ridicule will shut up sooner or later (most sooner) when they come for help. That seems to happen invariably.
BTW: I recently bought a slide rule on a flea market a while ago. It was almost mint condition and came with the original manual. It just too cool to resist <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. Some of my colleagues even have difficulties identifying this object.

I still have my Dietzgen Maniphase Multiplex decitrig log log slide rule. Freshman engineering students took an Introduction to Engineering course which included instruction, practice and tests on using a slide rule. Many of us (dorks) carried the rule on a belt clip.
I will admit, tho, I much prefer my $15.00 TI solor calculator.

"There is nothing so frightening as ignorance in action."

In high school we used say "Those who don't know, criticize" <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Man, what I wouldn't give for just a brief interuption in water service. Just enough to quell the looks and the mumbled comments ending in words like "crazy".

Yes, one day men and women of the preparedness mindset will breathe free. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Your "Butch" example is not only the antithesis of keeping a low profile, but it's also an open invitation to a whoopin' <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yep. Right up until everyone forgets a year or two later. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

After Sue and Ors' comments, I'm going to try to work up a nice urban carry that gives a lot of value for the space without looking like you stepped out of a shack in Montana with your AR-15. There has to be a way (even in summer) to look socially acceptible with your gear.

Probably want to leave the body armor out of that kit <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In regards to another post in this thread, I feel fortunate that the nature of my work does not require me to wear a suit or carry a briefcase (both just aren't my style).

Although someone at work seeing a fixed blade knife might cause a stir <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

IMHO;
Another form of survival is "Survival of the Species".
I believe that going to extremes in any direction has a negative impact on species as well as Personal Survival.
Camo gear, clothing, and carrying a K-BAR knife to work or walking through Wal-Mart, makes you stand out from the crowd rather than concealing the fact that you are prepared.

It is my sad lot to carry a brief case to work. Sometimes I carry a day pack instead. Neither draws much notice or comment. Even the tan Maxpedition Monsoon bag I'm looking at might be acceptable to polite company. After all, that is the first place we have to survive. The jungle comes after.
Besides, the chicks (including my wife) don't dig guys too far from center. Within that range the is plenty of room for
individual expression and utility for survival.

worn one for a few year's ,Cruise ship's , travel and in the field.Advantage three compartment's less chance of dumping all your gear.Hidden compartmentt,passport ,cash,GUN <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />Can't be cut off like a fanny pack. http://www.butler-creek.com/adtemplate.a...bcatky2=2000025

You don't roll with a utility belt? I got over caring what the coppertops thought about my "bat kit" a long time ago.
I have a 1 3/4 " wide nylon web with a spec-ops flashlight holster, multi-sheath (w/leatherman), and phone holster.
I am a systems administrator and work in an office building.
In most places in New Mexico, people live a lot closer to the ground and don't look at you too funny for having all that stuff with you. I also carry a mini RSK in my pocket at all times...
But then I wear an aramid shirt and have nomex goves in my pocket when I (am forced to) get on any commercial flight. I have actually been questioned because of my prepared state. Can you imagine... Apparently the government does not like you to be more prepared than they are (which most people in this forum are no doubt approaching).
Being pollitically correct will not help you transport your genes into the future (the ultimate goal of suvival), being prepared will.
Let them laugh and look and point... Just remember that you have NO obligation whatsoever to help them when things get sour and when it's all over you will be telling the story to your offspring while others may not be able to....
Ahh... The wisdom of the Mob... I wonder how many people who ended up in the superdome would have laughed at you in your "bat belt" before they spent a few days in the "shelter" vs how many would laugh at you afterwords?
The wisodom to make good decisions is what you get right after you go through the expereince that would have benefited from that wisdom....

I was once decked out with my multitool pouch and few others hanging from my belt. We were on our way out for the day on a sunny Saturday. I asked My Better Half if I looked stupid. To my pleasant surprise, she replied, "No, you look prepared." That's one of the many reasons we've been married 14 years.

-- Craig

The "dork" comments don't stop, but they still use my gear. Shrug. I'd rather be prepared. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig

New-be here loves this EDC string...
Blending-in is pretty easy here in the Midwest where a farmer in ancient coveralls walks with the well dressed business person; it's a sight you get used to. It must be business dress in big cities where a belt pack might stand out most. Here's an option, a "Karate Ankle Belt" designed to carry weights in separate internal pockets. It looks a bit bulky but I'll bet an industrious person could come up with a working EDC ankle-bag design that would both fit and conceal more stuff, and also allow the business man to carry without having to wear a belt bag. So how do we accommodate the business dress ladies with their EDCs? How about the poofy hair styles from the 60s? The EDC wig, or platform shoes made by Leatherman?

My lady came pre-trained. Way back on our second date, we went on a day hike in a local county park (undeveloped, except for trails). We meet in the parking lot, where she is wearing shorts and a t-shirt (appropriate for the weather) and carrying a hat and a day pack. I ask what is in the day pack. She tells me that I "might think that she is overly prepared, but she always assumes that something bad will happen and she will have to stay overnight and await rescue". In her pack, along with lunch and water, was a complete hiker's first aid kit, and a survival kit packed inside a military surplus canteen cup, and a light jacket. I started to laugh (and she started to get upset with me) until I opened my day pack and showed her that I had about the same thing in mine, with the addition of a handgun. Then she started to laugh. And we went for our hike. No survival situations, but a great second date! (That was almost 10 years ago!)

She works in an computer support unit with about a dozen guys, mostly 20-something. She is the "go-to gal" for tools, lights, etc. Her EDC includes a full-size Leatherman, LED light, and other stuff. I think that her purse IS A 72-hour kit!

At 5-0, 110 pounds, her weapon of choice? A 4-inch .357 magnum, with the first two loaded with .38 +P 125 SJHP, and the remaining four loaded with .357 125 SJHP, three speed loaders, a custom extra-small grip, and a Surefire tactical flashlight. Oh, and at the 7-yard line, she can drive nails with her revolver. What's not to like???

That's a nice story. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig

Sounds like ya got a good one there <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Troy

It doesn't get any better than that!!

Only one "problem"...If I get a new piece of gear, I have to get two. His and hers. I guess that I could have worse problems! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />