In looking over my bare-minimum, urban EDC, I find that I really have redundancy in only two things: blades (RSK and KF4 Juice), and fire (mini-Bic and Magfire). What like pairings can others find in their EDC gear, and what items do you think should have backups, or even backups X 2?

I think you should 2 redundant options with fire-strarting and signalling.
And only one redundancy for your sharp stuff.

For my waist pack size PSK, I got rid of the Bic, matches and Magfire, and went with a simple 1/8" rod flint (Misch metal) and wax/magnesium impregnated cotton balls (or Coghlins tinder). I also got rid of the signal mirror and the button compass (the latter an almost worthless direction finder IMHO) and replaced both with a mirrored lid compass, like the Silva Trekker.

I take a different tack on this -- My edc is backed up by my car kit and my BoB.

Teacher RO

I agree with the button compass/mirrored compass replacement, but I would definately practice with the compass mirror as a replacement for a true signal mirror.

I find it vastly easier to use a proper signal mirror (Rescue Reflector) to using my mirrored compass. One handed, focused precision with the RR mirror vs 2 handed aiming with no sight hole or fireball verification. I would add back a proper signal mirror.

"And only one redundancy for your sharp stuff."

Actually, I carry the Juice because of the screwdrivers, saw, file, and pliars, not the blades. But I do like the fact that there are two blades on it.

When I got my Magfire I considered ditching the mini-Bic. But Bics are so damn easy and one-handed to boot. I will never be without one if I can help it. Am I to take it that there is no redundancy in your kit?

Edited to add: OK, I just took a look at your fanny pack kit. (Nice by the way.) Right off the bat I can see redundancy in your painkillers and cordage. And your alcohol swabs could perhaps double as tinder. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hi norad,

I agree with you totally regarding the Bic. I think you're all good with your redundancy! Don't forget the water... Purifying means (MP1) and a container (any kind, Ziplocs, etc.).

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

IMO one of the most important things to have 2+ of, if not the most important, is a flashlight. I try to be something of a minimalist with my EDC, though, and for me, the light from my cell phone is sufficient for a backup. I know, some of you may scoff at that. For me, a light and a writing utensil are the two EDC items that can quit without warning, so those are top on the list for me. The phone also serves as a backup for my Fisher Space pen because I can record notes in it. Of course a knife is also very important, but at least it won't quit suddenly and even if it becomes dull, there's a chance you can still use it (although it won't cut as well) or even find a way to sharpen it.

So far people seem to pack two of blades, fire, cordage, and light. Writing utensils are a great idea.

flashlights (I carry mini mag and a LED)

I carry a small swiss army knife and a small multitool. There is a lot of redundancy between them: two blades, many screwdrivers, two bottle openers, two tweezers etc.One has scissors and the other, pliers. I also carry a PryBaby which also has screwdrivers and can do many of the things you could use a knife for (but not cuttng).

A lighter and a ferro rod. The ferro rod is too hardcore for me, so I'd get rid of it, except that it is clipped to my keyring - the lighter I sometimes forget. It's also wrapped with a hacksaw blade striker and a I really like the idea of being able to cut metal.

Quite a lot of tinder. I don't know if that counts as redundant because it is a consumable. In my experience if you want to start a fire its not enough to have a lighter, you need good tinder too. In theory you can find it in the field but I feel safer carrying it. It doesn't add much weight or bulk. Some is in my wallet, some wrapped with the ferro rod, and some loose in my back pocket.

3 flashlights.This is overkill, but all are very small - two Photon-style keyring lights (on different keyrings) - and the other is a loose Orb Raw which is a fun light.

Paper clips and safety pins. There's overlap between them - both can be straightened with the pliers. Also several rubber bands. Again these are all consumables. If I just have one I don't use it for fear of having a greater need later.

3 writing implements. Overkill. My real tool is an Inka Pen on my keyring. The others are frankly rubbish - they are 2 Fisher refills left over from when I was searching for a good solution. One is in my wallet and the other in a pill-fob. I don't get rid of them because they take so little weight.

2 supplies of writing paper - one in the pill fob and one in my wallet. Both small.

2 supplies of spare cash.

So quite a lot of redundancy overall. Also, quite a lot of stuff. My EDC waxes and wanes and at the moment it is at high ebb. It is all kept in my trouser (err, pants?) pockets. I don't count jackets or my waist-pack as full EDC.