Hello everybody,
First: Thank you Doug and the others for all the infos you share!

I'm asking me, what is the ideal minimal EDC for an urban lifestyle.

For the moment, my EDC consists of:

- Victorinox Tinker, lightweight with a Phillips screwdriver



- Doug Ritter Special Edition Photon Freedom Micro-Light, impressive <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

- a simple bic lighter ( I smoke a little, shame on me ).

- a mobil phone of course.

The EDC must fit in a pant pocket so he must be very lightweight.

I posted this a few month ago. Feel free to start here
Welcome to the forum! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Only complaint I have about that SAK is its lack of a saw. As a suggestion: Aqquire a small tin. One of those one's that mints come in. Stock it with a button compass, a couple of spark-lite tabs and a few MP1 tablets. Add a couple of plasters and some asprin if you feel like it. Consider it your hollow handled knife kit. Minimal, but usefull in a pinch.

Not really minimal, but anyway:

My EDC

My EDC is very similar to yours :

1) Victorinox Manager (pen!)
2) Fenix L0P flashlight
3) Car keyring, home keys keyring with 256 MB USB memory
4) Sony Ericsson Z520a GSM phone

I'm starting to have some annoying problems with my L0P : it doesn't turn on everytime I turn the cap. I have to twist and turn it several times before it works. I tried cleaning the contacts with a rubber eraser but it doesn't last. Any ideas appreciated (by PM please not to disturb the thread).

I tried carrying a Victorinox Huntsman for a while but I felt it was too bulky in my front pockets. I don't like sitting down feeling a big bump-o-things in my pockets!

I think our EDCs suit us well! <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Enjoy...

I live and work outside of Chicago (in the Suburbs). My EDC:

Key chain with:
-Spare keys
-Arc Premium AAA flashlight w/ lens covered w/ a plastic cap
-BSA Hot Spark and metal scraper
-Fox 40 whistle trimmed down
-Gerber LST Micra locking folder

In other pockets:
Car/House keys
Hankerchief (clean)
Mini RSK Mk1
Cell phone (w/ battery kept charged) loaded w/ important phone numbers

I have an umbrella and SAK at my desk, and the truth is that I could walk home if needed (though it would take some time).

About the only real life-changing event that I could imagine here is either an earthquake, a plane hitting my building (7 floors), or a nuclear bomb hitting the Chicago area. Other stuff - like tornados, fire, and such would be nasty, but have a limited effect on a relatively new modern building like mine. Heck, I can see the nearby fire station from my 2nd floor window.

Thanks for the answers.

One thing in my case: my EDC isn't a true survival EDC, it's more an "easy life EDC in an urban environment" who can help me for the everyday issue.

I think I miss a pen/pencil, a small duct tape, a(n?) howler, a little notebook ( or some paper )...

For the pen/paper, write in the rain has free samplers.

www.riteintherain.com

My EDC was pretty much identical to that (minus the lighter after I quit smoking in the '80's) for years. It worked great. The Tinker is a very useful knife. In case you didn't know, it comes in two sizes - small (84mm) and regular (91mm). I prefer the small.

I also have the Super Tinker, which is the large Tinker with scissors. Even more useful. I find the "Multi Purpose Hook" to be a complete waste, but there you go.

To add to this but still keep it minimal, I'd carry a handkerchief or bandana, a ballpoint pen and a scrap of paper. I'd also make sure I had a couple of bandaids and maybe a packet of Advil in my wallet.

That's not really a survival load, but it will get you through the vast majority of situations in the urban environment.

Kevin B.

...Of course there's always a two day snowstorm that shuts down the city...