I have noticed that some members carry a lot of gear around with them. And yes, I know that for some members its in the line of duty. But, Ladies and Gentlemen, what's you minimum carry? Let's say, by making it interesting, that you can only carry what you can conceal in you pockets and perhaps on your belt.

For myself:
On belt: Keys, Leatherman Wave with a firestick in the side pocket. Surefire torch. Cell phone.

In my jacket, Survival tin (comprises Doug Ritter PSK + Wire saw, Bic lighter, Puritabs). Wallet. Head torch. Ziploc pouch containing Mini-poncho. 10m of line, 4 cable tidies, 2 Wetfire cubes & a lighter. My own version of Doug's key ring. A very light first aid kit.

Any suggestions?

here is a thread I started on this last summer:
http://www.equipped.org/ubbthreads/showt...;sb=&o=

I remember that thread. I quite enjoyed it.

-- Craig

Much as I appreciate having a good pair of needlenose pliers handy, I can't help defaulting to my trusty standby: my SwissChamp.

-- Craig

I looked very hard at the SwissTool. I decided on the Wave for two reason's. One: I think it an absolute nessessity to be able to deploy a blade one handed. The fact that I can open a straight blade or rope cutter/rescue blade one handed is a major plus in the Wave's faviour. Two: The liner lock on the Wave "feels" more robust to me than the lock on the SwissTool. It probably isn't but that's the impression it had on me. I agree that the overall quality of the tools on the Swiss is better. Now if Victorionox were to market a "wave" type tool then Leatherman would have some real competition.

Are you talking a minimum EDC, or an absolute minimum, don't leave the house without it unless the house is on fire?

My minimum EDC is larger than my absolute minimum. But I also have an absolute minimum. I never step out of the house without my keys and my wallet, even if it is just to take out the garbage or play in the driveway for a few minutes.
(BTW, keychain has a flashlight, whistle, and a leatherman micra in addition to keys.)

I will also go on a bike ride around the neighborhood for 1+ hours with just keys and wallet (plus snacks and sippy cup for dd). I usually think about this forum and think that I really ought to bring at least a cell phone with me on my bike rides but I'm too lazy to dig it out. Anyone want to scold me with a realistic scenario? Should I ask DH to fix up a bag of equipment for me to keep in the back of the bike trailer?

-Kuovonne

I always try to remember to bring my cell when playing with my kid in the park, on a walk, etc. There are too many reasons not to bring it. Off hand:

• Medical Emergency: yours or another's - stranger may need it to summon help or older kids could use it for same if trained to call 911.
• Wife needs to make plans or wants me back home in a rush.
• I need a ride: injured myself, equipment breakdown and can't get us back safely.
• Kid needs a ride: pee/poop/puke, exhaustion, boo boo, atomic meltdown, etc.
• Need to order delivery when you realize you aren't feeling up to cooking.
• Forgot something and need the cavalry (Mom).

Then again, I don't typically use my phone for work and not many people have the number. I wouldn't recommend being a chatty Kathy when you need to watch your kids. I see soccer moms blabbering on while their kids run out of sight... just want to smack the phone off their cheek. <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I know what you mean. Their situational awareness sucks. And its the kids who will cop it in consiquence.

Here's a pretty typical example of what's in my pockets daily:



The light shown is a SureFire L1, but it gets rotated with an E2L and, for dress-up carry, a Fenix L1P.

The knife is a Spyderco Delica 4. It gets rotated with whatever the test/review knife I currently have, but it's always with me as my goto.

The mini PSK is housed in a mini Witz See-It-Safe and is a work in progress. The current version is a bit different than that shown - the one shown was "claimed" by my fiancee. Here's the packing list for the one in my pocket currently:

01. ID Card (1)
02. Bandaids (2)
03. Steristrips (2)
04. Alcohol Prep (1)
05. Antibiotic Ointment (1)
06. Sting Wipes (1)
07. Pepcid (2)
08. Gas Relief Tab (1)
09. Sliver Gripper Tweezers (1)
10. Large eye needles (3)
11. Dental Floss (12yds)
12. MicroPur Tabs (2)
13. Water Bag (1)
14. 2x3” Fresnel Lens (1)
15. Mini-Match Magnesium Firestarter (1)
16. Jigsaw blade Striker (1)
17. TinderQuik (4)
18. SAS Compass (1)
19. CR 1220 PicoLight (1)
20. Bison Small Cylinder Whistle (1)
21. Mini Lock Ring (1)
22. Electric Tape (18”)
23. Ranger Band (1)
24. Strike Anywhere Match Striker (1)
25. Neck Carry cord (24”)

My keyring (not shown) contains a new Photon 2 2X, a SwissTech Utilikey, another Bison whistle, a Traser GlowRing, and a vial with 8 days of essential meds...

M

On belt:
Cell phone

In pockets:
Full size RSK
Kel Tec P3AT
Leatherman KF4 Juice
Mini Bic
Keys w/ Magfire, Photon, and P-38
Comb

In LA Wallet:
2 Micropur tabs
1 Pepcid AC
1 $20 bill
DL, CCW, Hunting License
Credit/Debit cards

The tritrium light is a good idea. Have a couple myself. Very usefull.

On the really lazy days, the lumping around in sweats ones, all I have is a Gerber Infinity (yes, I finally switched- you guys talked me into it) and a Vic Climber, along with my wallet when I leave the house.

Interesting. I consider the lock on the SwissTool more substantial than that on the Wave. To each his own. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig

Cell phone, Vic Farmer SAK, CS Large Voyager, Mini Bic, whistle, Photon II, Mini Maglite, bandana and in my wallet a P38, bandaids, wound wipes, Toollogic Credit Card Companion and small fresnal lens.
gino <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

This is my EDC, which, as much as possible, is also my minimum:

* Multi-tool with knife (currently a Leatherman Juice Pro)

* Cellular phone (currently a Motorola RAZR V3)

* Keychain with keys, 2 safety pins, ARC AAA-P flashlight, and 2GB SanDisk Cruzer Titanium flash drive

* Just Arrived! Fisher Space Pen wallet with: "Bullet" pen, cash, spare truck key in key holder, credit card, work ID, driver's license, Victorinox SwissCard Lite (I replaced the tweezers with a SAK toothpick since the Juice Pro has tweezers after learning the toothpick and tweezers were interchangable <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />), 4 small bandages, and 4 credit-card size index cards

Belt:
Nite-ize pouch with Leatherman Supertool, hemostats, small bandage scissors, mini maglite

Inside waistband:
Spyderco Delica

Right Pocket:
Pocket knife with lanyard clipped to belt loop.
'beaner clipped on my suspenders:
whistle and Nova LED light

Left Pocket:
Bag of Tricks: Bic lighter, matches, twine, fingernail clippers, duct tape, electrical tape, safety pins, twist ties, small measuring tape.

Left hip pocket:
Hypochondriac Bag (OTC meds and bandaids)

Fannypack:
CPR faceshield, wallet, PSK.

Probably overkill but everytime I start looking at what to eliminate something happens that justifies my carrying my stuff.

The swisstool spirit has 'sexier curves' compared to its 1st generation sibiling, but no one handed opening blade still. It is still built like a tank. I've used it to hammer some nails into wood and it didn't even scratch the finish on the surface.....
The thing locks solid too.......

Thanks. I consider myself duely scolded (as requested) and will carry my cell phone on future bike rides around the neighborhood. Next step: trying to keep the darn thing charged, since I seldom use it.

-Kuovonne

hehe... sorry, didn't mean to get on the high horse

As for charging, I'm often in the same boat and I'm guilty of forgetting it on occasion too. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Not to scold, but one thing that may be helpful is that last time I was at the bike shop, I noticed that they have cell phone holsters that are designed to mount to a bike's handle bars. Might keep it readily accessible for you. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Anyone know where Traser Glowrings can be purchased for us USA type consumers?

I got mine from Singapore on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...IT&rd=1

never had a problem, have dealt with this individual twice

No customs troubles with the tritium?

Or is it small enough that they count it like they do trit in a watch?

Very cool. Who came up with your "mini PSK?" Whose idea was that?

I guess I can post from work, anyway. I have yet to try my machine at home again.

-- Craig

I'd like to claim it as an original idea, but it probably isn't. I just found a container that was very handy and stuffed it full of essentials that would fit and that were the best gear I could afford to replace...

M

My minimum EDC:
1) weather forecast
2) appropriate dress for the weather conditions
3) wristwatch
4) handkerchief
5) small pocketknife or mini SAK
6) some kleenex stuffed into a pocket or two
7) keys : house and car plus a mini led light
8) some form of currency

The rest is based on situational need. Most commonly I may add....
1) cell phone
2) 20 oz. water bottle
3) Dorcy LED
4) sunglasses
5) medium size SAK or mimi-tool
6) one or more other items depending on what I'm doing that particular day.

My job is in a public school, so I have to be careful what I carry on my person. A school is a relatively safe environment anyway. There is a cop and a nurse and during an emergency a school will get priority treatment. My home is also safe b/c I'm in control. So, I concentrate on the commute between the two. But that's the subject of another thread.

Now I'm a bit envious. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I could not come up with a kit as cool as yours. Unless I copied yours. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig

I can't stand having tons of things on my belt or pockets. My current urban EDC is :

1) Wallet
2) Keyring : Fenix L0P flashlight, Victorinox Manager and keys
3) Ericsson Z520a cellphone

I chose to remove my Fox40 micro whistle from my keyring this week.

How do you like that Fenix L0P? I just bought an L2P and I'm quite happy with it. I am curious as to how the L0P compares to an ARC-AAA P, which is my current EDC. Not that I plan on replacing the ARC; it's a fantastic light!

Oh man, I think i'm getting the L2T! Did you see this?

Fenix L2T



It's the same as the L2P but with TWO output levels : low (longer runtime) and high (shorter runtime).

David Chow is the owner of this store and I have nothing but good words for him. Definately the best place to get the Fenixes (I never found there somewhere else anyways).

Still sorting my EDC but I always carry vinyl gloves and a face sheild (CPR use). The gloves come in useful for all sorts of uses.

I meant to jump into this one a week ago, so this is a bit late. Sorry. I covered my list in a related thread earlier in April, here. Hope this helps.

.....CLIFF
(like, who else....?)

I carry my gloves in a 35 mm film can -- keeps em fresh.

I carry more gear because I value redundancy. I am more likely to be carrying what I need when I need it. Plus, I can share. Plus, if I lose an item, I have extras. I have several whistles scattered about my person, including one on each keyring, and my EDC neck lanyard.

-- Craig

Regarding this post to a Newbie.....what does SAK and EDC mean?.......If I'm going to learn, I need to ask somebody......Thank's.....Krell

krell......do a search by user name (JIM) with the subject acronyms. He has a good list of them.

SAK is Swiss Army Knife. EDC is Every Day Carry.

I've looked it up for you:

PSK: Personal Survival Kit
FSK: Fire Starting Kit
FAK: First Aid KitSAK: Swiss Army KnifeEDC=Every Day Carry
BOB=BugOut or BailOut Bag
RSK=Ritter Survival Knife
SAR=Search And Rescue
AIRSAVE - (USAF) (see also, PALS & MOLLE)
ALICE - All-Purpose Lightweight Carrying Equipment
AM - Amplitude Modulation
BOB - Bug out bag
BTW - By the Way
EAS - Emergency Alert System
EMP - Electro-Magnetic Pulse
Epirb: Electronic positioning indicating radio beacon
FM - Frequency Modulation
FRS - Family Radio Service
CB - Citizens Band
CHP - California highway patrol
CPR - Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
CRKT - Columbia River Knife and Tool
CW - Continuous Wave (synonymous with radio Morse Code)
DIY - Do it Yourself
EBR - Energy bar wrapper (??)
EDC - Everyday carry
ETS - Equipped to survive
FWIW - For What it?s worth.
GMRS - General Mobile Radio Service
GPS - Global Positioning Satellite
Ham - Amateur radio operator (not really an acronym)
HF - High Frequency
HTH - Hope this helps
IIRC - If I recall Correctly
IMHO - In my humble opinion (also; In my honest Opinion)
LBTOJ - Little brown truck of joy ( UPS)
LED - Light Emitting Diode
LTS - Long Term Survival
MLB - Major League Baseball
MOLLE - Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (USMC) (also PALS)
MRE - Meals Ready to Eat (Military Rations)
MURS - Multi-Use Radio Service
NHL - National Hockey League
N.O. - New Orleans
NOAA - National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
OTOH - On the Other Hand
PALS - Pocket Attachment Ladder System (US Army) (also MOLLE)
POV - Privately Owned Vehicle
PSP - Pocket Survival Pak
RSK - Ritter survival knife
RSKM2 ? Ritter Survival Knife w/ M2 High Speed Steel
RTG?S - Radioisotope thermal electric generators
SAME - Specific Area Message Encoding (NOAA EAS feature)
SCUBA - Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
SAR - Search and rescue
SAS - Special air service

SRLB - Self Righting Life Boat


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

My minimum carry is a knife, wistle, light, and fire starter(bic). I usually will also have a bottle of water.

That sounds about right for minimum carry. Fire, light, signaling, shelter. FLSS? I ( and this is strictly a personal choice) would carry a multitool rather than a knife. Simply because it gives me more options.

This is my absilute BARE minimum (e.g. just out of shower) for when I am in the halls or makeing a quick trip to a friends room of my dorm (college). The knife a SAK recrute (sp?) fox 40, peperment matche, and $1 LED. FLSS that is good I think I might need to steal it. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

What are those ?? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Pepperment Matche

! Permanent match !! <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Now, I understand better. I was wondering what peppermint matches could do that non- flavored matches could not !!?? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
yes, I have one or two around, in some kits and as EDC too.

Sorry for getting back to you late, but really Appreciate the Help! Thank's!.....Krell