I am carrying today:
leather wallet
leather notebook
nextel phone
pager
kershaw knife
streamlight flashlight
rayban sunglasses
bandana

No lighter/firestick/matches?

My urban EDC does not include any firemaking equipment, although there is plenty in my vehicle (or any vehicle, for that matter). Obviously,when I leave an urban setting, my EDC changes to include fire starting items. For those who do carry fire starting materials as urban EDC, why? Am I missing something? If I am, I would like to learn now, not during a "situation" of some sort.

My EDC? Let's see:

On my belt/pockets
1 cell-phone
1 Leatherman Wave / Mag-lite combo
1 Watch
1 Wallet/ID (with flat-pack of duct-tape in it)
1 Hankerchief (or bandanna)
1 BIC lighter
1 wound-dressing
1 roll adhesive tape
1 pair of nitrile examination gloves
1 poncho

My survival tin

My Every Day FAK:

2 gauze pads (7.5/5cm)
1 assortment of adhesive bandages
2 alcohol prep-pad’s
4 Band-Aid’s medium
5 cotton-tip applicators
1 pair of tweezers
1 scalpel-blade #24
1 whistle
2 Acetaminophen
2 safety-pins
1 paper-clip
1 small sewing-kit
1 folding scissors
12 matches
1 roll adhesive tape
1 cotton wool
1 bandage
1 wound-cleaning tissue

Keyring:

key's (duh)
1 small folding knife
1 pair folding scissors
6 wind/waterproof matches
2 paperclips
2 safety-pins
3 meters of waxed dental floss
1 whistle
1 Photon 2
1 button compass

Not EDC, but always around:

My medium-FAK
My large survival backpack
A survival-bag

SAK, rambler model
Omega Seamaster Pro Auto
Fisher Astronaut space pen
JanSport nylon wallet
SF group coin
car/house keys
checkbook
mil-spec sunglasses
cell phone
Peak Matterhorn LED liight

I figure that fire making gear can be so small and compact, why not carry it? Of course a couple of days a week I drive 45 miles to work through mostly rural areas, so for me, I keep fire making things close. I find it highly unlikely that I would even find myself in a situation where I would need them to survive, but since I travel so much in rural areas, the possibility, however small, exists. I carry a mini Bic, mostly for melting the ends of cut paracord, but mostly it's a Sparklite and Tinderquik in my PSP. Even adding a BSA Hotspark or Magfire would be little trouble in one of my EDC pouches carried in my cargo pockets. A while back, I questioned the need/usefulness of a fishing kit, because I don't like fish. One response was "it's small and doesn't take up much space or weight, so why not?"
I say the same thing with fire making gear. Of course, my "urban" area (hometown) is about 35k people. Surrounding areas, population is a little over 100k. If you're living in the middle of a major metro, your needs may be different <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Of course it's always nice to be prepared for that TEOTWAWKI scenario, where you're forced to burn priceless ancient books in a public library to keep from freezing to death...need something to light it up! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I'm carrying:

Peak Matterhorn
Titanium credit card knife
Whistle
Pocketwrench
Fresnel lens
Featherlite mirror
Dental floss
Sewing needles
Duct tape
Wax paper
Rite in the rain paper
Space pen refill
Safety pins
Paper clips
Garbage bag
Masons' twine
Small ferro rod
Piece of hacksaw blade
Band aids
Spare keys
Change
Cell phone
Watch

1) Because fire is, was and allways will be one of Man's most useful tool and 2) Fire lighting gear is allways part of your core EDC. So long as I have sharps, fire & water I ain't too worried. No matter what happens. Everything else I can improvise.

Great lists & photos! thanks

anyone with some new stuff? and pictures?

1. Benchmade 705-401 (or Leatherman Charge Ti)
2. Surefire E1e-Ha with KL4 head
3. Verizon Chocolate phone
4. Keys with
-BSA Hotspark flint
-steel waterproof container holding spare battery and Vaseline/cotton
5. Wallet with
-Swisscard lite
-Survival info cards
-Fresnel lense
-lock picks

Not shown:

6. Watch is a Tissot T-touch (thermometer, barometer, compass, ect)

7. Leather belt with hidden pocket
-a few feet of spider wire
-two eye hooks
-spare car key
-safety pin


I also have my bag that I carry my books in, which is loaded with stuff.

EDC:

pen, notebook
latex exam gloves in film canister
bandana
mini-bic, un-modified
gerber clutch
cell phone
Tylenol
band-aids in checkbook
Watch, timex with alarm, timer, etc

-Teacher

On second thoughts:- What does he need matches for? He has got a knife.
Yes I'm winding you up, but there is a lot to be said for learning traditional methods like the bow drill, even in an urban enviroment. Makes a great party trick at barbeques. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

lets see some more pictures of whats in your pockets!

In my pockets are:
SAK
Zippo lighter
Cell phone
Wallet and cash
In the backpack I NEVER leave home without:
Multi tool
Altoids FAK
Compass
Bic lighter
Weatherproof matches
Mini Mag light

Keychain:
Victorinox German Army Knife (old type)
Whislte
Arc AAA-P
Small firesteel
Black 550 paracord wrapped into a bundle
Keys :-)

Wallet (in or attached):
Spare cash
A couple of pieces of waterproof writing paper
Spare AAA battery for the Arc
Spark-lite & 4 tinder tabs
Safety pins
Roasting bag and small binder clip for carrying/purifying water
A couple of MP1 water purification tablets
Victorinox Classic SD
Photon Freedom red covert
Inka pen

Also in pocket:
Butane blow-torch-type lighter (peizo-electric)

Belt:
Mobile phone (has a decent LED light)

Altoids tin PSK (also on belt) containing:
Immodium
Duct tape (from PSP)
Compass (from PSP)
Sewing needles and safety pins
Thread and cord from PSP
Another spark-lite and 6 tinder tabs
Wire saw
Another AAA battery
Scalpel blade (from PSP)
Another roasting bag with clip
More water purification tablets
Possibly other stuff I've forgotten


On wrist:
G-Shock watch with a small compass on the strap

Somewhere around:
A small container of meds; nothing I need critically.

Undisclosed location:
Spare cash (not in wallet)

In/attached to bag (almost always with me, contents depend on season):
Whistle and Res-Q-Me (attached to outside)
1.5 litre platypak (empty)
Knife sharpener
AMK heatsheet
Spare pare of wool socks
Small LED headlamp
Spare tinder
Re-usable cable ties (large)
Extra paracord
Streamlight TL-3 (usually)
Sometimes a stainless steel mug and extra duct tape



eeph

It's kind of funny, I didn't EDC fire-making gear until I saw Cast Away. The thought of Tom Hanks' character being stranded on that island with no apparent way to start a fire got me to add a BSA Hot Spark to my key chain. He didn't think he was going anywhere non-urban, but as fate would have it ...

Let's see ... in my pockets I carry:

ARC AAA-P flashlight
BSA Hot Spark w/ striker
Orange Fox40 whistle w/ the belly ground down
Gerber Micro LST (I carried this before I got the mini Mk1 - still there)
Mini RSK Mk1, black handle
Lip Balm
Cell phone w/ numbers loaded
Clean Hankerchief
Wallet w/ cash, ID, credit cards, insurance cards
Casio watch - nothing fancy

I tend to wear good walking shoe/boots that I could walk some miles in. I try to wear a coat/hat/gloves that would allow me to spend a decent amount of time outdoors - as opposed to inside my truck.

I've been meaning to add some kind of little compass. I bought a Suunto Gem, but the capsule pops out of the case too easily. I don't carry any first aid gear in pockets. A clean hankercheif will suffice in an emergency.

When out hiking or camping the amount of gear in my fanny pack/daypack is much more inclusive. When the PLB arrives next week that will be added too.

Ken,

I'd reccomend adding three band-aids to your wallet; great for small cuts or blisters and zero space

Teacher

I carry everyday:

Freedom II Photon flashlight (on key ring)
P-38 (on key ring)
Gerber LST lockback pocket knife
Gerber Gator Lockback on belt
Gerber multitool on belt
Bandanna
Personal meds in a pocket case (3 days)
Ink pen
Wallet w/pocket magnifier, 3 pieces Tinder quick, cash, one credit card, concealed weapons permit, driver's license
Casio Pathfinder wristwatch
Cell Phone w/ long life battery
Pocket calendar (can use paper for notes, tinder, log, etc.)
Some days I add a Mini-mag w/LED conversion (in belt pouch)
Glock 9mm with 3 ten round clips

I seem to remember that on his keychain in that movie he carried a swis army knife, which he gave to Helen Hunt, because she forgot her own keys, just before he boarded the plane.
Moral: Keep your Keys on one ring and Goodies on another and never give up your Goodies if you can avoid it.

EDC:
FAK
Leatherman
Propane lighter
$100
cell phone
water purification tabs
Small amount of TP
40 cal. with 2 - 14 round clips

The EDC question pops up pretty often here, but I like to respond each time I notice a thread on it for a couple reasons:

1) Maybe someone hasn't read these and will see something they'd like to incorporate in their kit.
2) It gives me a reason to review my own EDC and see whether I need to add, delete or change anything!

On person:
LED light on keychain
BIC lighter
SAK
1911 where permitted

In coat:
Mylar blanket
Throwaway poncho
Gloves
Watch cap
Shake flashlight
Another LED
Stainless pill carrier with fishing kit, needles and thread
Paracord lanyard on pill carrier - about 10 feet of cord
PSK in Whitman's Sampler tin (bit bigger than altoids) with:
.BIC mini lighter
.waterproof matches
.fishing kit
.needles and thread
.wire saw
.snare wire
.small pocket knife
.80lb test 3 strand fishing line
.small magnifying lens
.button compass
.small candle
.surgical blade
.bandaids
.condom (for water)
.water purifying tabs
.immoduim
.benadryl
.aspirin
.acetominophen
.small LED
.wrapped with about 10 ft of paracord
.wrapped with about 10 ft of velcro tape

And I probably forgot something so I'll have to pull it all out and check it.

"For those who do carry fire starting materials as urban EDC, why? Am I missing something? "

I think so, but it all depends on what you press into service.

About a year ago we had a hellacious storm knock out power all over a several county area. Everyone was strung along by politicians promising power to be reconnected soon. Hours turned into days to a little over a week or so for some people not on the repair hierarchy.

No restaurants operating, and no way to cook...especially for those with electric appliances. At my folks' house we had the ability to cook because of my gear. But I also loaned out stoves and cooksets to other folks. Additionally, several folks had no matches, lighters, etc. I gave out what I had and used my emergency firestarters for my family. Had I loaned out the emrgency gear, it's likely they would not have been able to use them well if at all.

On another note, I've been stuck for long periods of time on the road (horrible accidents, etc) with no ability to turn around, go another way, etc. In cold weather I've made meals, hot teas, etc right next to my car. Could I have done that with the cigarette lighter? Sure. But IMHO, the gear I had handy was much easier to use.

The absolute, unchallenged, quintessential, grand-daddy of all EDC threads can be found at Blade Forums in its reigning 132 pages of glory. WARNING: Don't follow the link unless you are prepared to waste at least an hour of time. Its competely addictive.

Craig.

lets keep this alive!

Why? You have 5 posts and most have to do with the same question. Why don't you tell us why this is so important to you.

If a thread dies a natural death, let it. Why bother to bump all three? Unless you're getting a jolly off it. Which would just be sad. In any case, for many people, this triple "bump" of yours requires several of us to change our view of the forum so that we can actually work around your little fetish while actually contributing to this community.

Thank you! I was just thinking the same thing.

Yeah this guy "mrwilmoth" seems a little too eager to see what everyone carries.I don't know what to make of it, but it's creepy. It's very fetishistic...kooky too...

just an interesting thread and dont worry about what I post, grow up.

I don't post pictures because of the Offensive Weapon law's in the U.K, and I have to be be very careful about what I say. There are very severe limits on what I can and cannot carry around, and a 2 year term of imprisonment (which they are about to increase to 5 years) if a court decides that what you are carrying does not constitute a "Lawful Excuse. " That means that locking bladed knives are a no-no for EDC and even a Leatherman Wave is iffy. Even my Right to Life under the terms of the European Convention of Human Rights won't protect me.
Before anyone asks: No, the Half Wits in Parliament cannot tell the differance between tools and weapon's or care for that matter. The same goes for the police and the judiciary. Sooner or later someone, probably a small child will die because no one had a knife on them that could be opened quickly.
Just to illustrate that point: I was in London just before Christmas. A young couple tried to get on the Underground carriage that I was in. With a pram. The father got on first. Turned round to lift the front end of the pram on. Got it half way through the doors when the doors closed. On the pram. In theory the train cannot move with the any of the doors open. There was a nasty pause. I had one hand on the emergency stop and the other on my Spyderco UK penknife. If that train had started to move I would have tripped the alarm and then shoulder slammed the father out of my way so that I could cut the child out of the pram. Fortunately the driver reopened the doors and all was well. But that could have ended very badly indeed.

You're right Mr. Wilmoth, but really, the thread is just too long. It's been covered, and re-covered, and then covered again.... all in the same thread. It's interesting but, like the James Kim tragedy, it's gone as far as it (should) go.

Allthough I find this a very interesting thread, I agree with the other members that say that this thread is to big.
Heck,the other day I had to go thru 2 pages before getting to the other posts.

How about making a nr4. thread?

I find it very interesting to read about why a topic shouldn't exist. For those who don't like the topic, don't read it. As you can see, I am almost as interested watching what the complainers contribute as I am in what they carry in their pocket!

The summation of what EVERYONE has to say is very interesting.

The top item on my "EQUIPPED TO SURVIVE" carry in the pocket list is a GLOCK 23. Idaho residents with CWP's don't care if flaming liberals are offended. We don't even care if topics focusing on firearms are locked. We will defend the liberals right to FREEDOM OF SPEECH however.

I'm not saying it shouldn't exist- maybe it should be a single, pinned thread that is forced to display in collapsed view (I don't know if UBB has that ability), or maybe set aside in a different part of the forum (but it doesn't have enough traffic to make it worthwhile). I AM saying it looks damn odd for someone who hasn't made a single contribution to this forum in over a year other than to reheat the same thread, now for the third time, to "bump" it AND the older iterations in this manner. It gets old, it gets long, it wastes bandwidth and time (like wading through 200+ posts in a block, most of them more than three months old, half of them over a YEAR OLD, which is just rude) and more than just beating a dead horse, it starts to get a little creepy. We all talk about EDC, all he has to do is participate, rather than looking for his own thread of gear porn.

I also take a great deal of exception to the user's attitude- look through the second edition of this thread and you'll see what I mean.

Oh, and before you talk about liberal, smile when you say that here, or if you are using any other overly broad ideo(il)logical stereotypes. There are plenty of people here who donated to both the ACLU, and the NRA- it's called being a realist.

Hi there!
These mrwilmoth is member on at least what i saw 5 or 6 forums
with posts like:
bump,
keep this alive,
more pictures and so on and so on........... <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Major PITA!!!
He asked pictures but he couldnt be so decent to post his...
Pathetic...

no comment.