Micro EDC

[dangerman]

My 'EDC' that was, previously posted, was all this:



And if I'm completely honest, I don't take it everywhere. It's just not practical, it's quite heavy for the amount of use it is. And I spend most days avoiding using what's in it so that I can keep it for when I really need it. I'm still very pleased with it, and I've continued to add stuff too. Including back up stuff and odd things that I've spotted around and about.

It's a useful size, I can stick it into my backpack and take it to uni or work. Then I can take it out of the backpack and throw it into my tank bag on the bike or boot of the car. Or take the sling out and carry it as a back pack if out and about and use it as a day pack at the beach or something. I'll continue to use it for the latter purposes, but keeping it in my every day backpack is going to give me a hernia. I've fallen into the trap of keeping back ups of back ups of back ups etc. I've got loads of repeated items. In my work bag I've already got charging leads, headphones, inhalers etc. So it's overkill to carry it all twice.

And so! I've been watching videos of the micro EDC system. And personally, I love it. Although, I'm already falling into the trap of having back ups of back ups. So I'm still honing it. But so far, my wallet is looking the best. But I need a better wallet to make it perfect. I'm also waiting for a few eBay items.

My biggest problem is my keys - my current set it massive and I have no idea how to reduce it. They're awkward and bulky and I'm afraid to leave anything at home because I use them all so often. Plus, separating them is such an arse. I've got the TrueUtility key organiser but I don't trust it, I've already had keys slip off it in my pocket. One fell onto the floor and was lucky to see it before I left it forever.

The micro EDC itself is just a small first aid pouch from poundland. Fits in my pocket easy and has some luxury extras that I can't fit in my wallet. I'll post some pictures and a list later - meantime, have any of you sorted yourselves out with one?

Ideas would be handy - ways of making things smaller, more useful, more carryable etc.

Fanks!

[Hoipoloi]

I hope you find a solution for keys, I've got two big bunches and they're a right pain. Doesn't do your pockets any good either.

[Briggs 2.0]

I don't know if this helps you at all but I have got a few of the Maxpedition EDC pouches, going up in size, each with different levels of kit and I then transfer them from bag to bag depending upon where I'm going and what I'm doing.

[dangerman]

Yep, the keys are a proper arse Hoipolol. I'm messing with them constantly, work, home, car, bike, shed, garage, mum's house etc... Anyone know of any good, solid, reliable key separators?

The maxpedition pouches are the ones that everyone has on YouTube, all the micro EDC videos use them. They're just so expensive - I need to achieve the same thing but on a budget, and then I could gradually upgrade my kit as I can justify it. What I'm after at the moment is some ideas - the main thing that I find myself wanting while out and about is a quick and cheap snack and/or drink. But most other every day things I can squeeze into my wallet and on my keys. Of course, being a modern geek, I don't go anywhere without my phone.

Here is a list of stuff for my micro EDC that will fit into my jeans front pocket easy, the one inside the little first aid pouch (the asterisk means that I've still to acquire it, all other stuff I've already got):

paracord bracelet/firesteel/whistle*
mini tiny torch*
BG compact multi tool
peanut lighter
plasters
anti-septic wipes (and other first aid bits?)*
Folded duct tape*
small pencil
a few pages of small notepad paper
tiny micro usb charger* (currently a full size USB charging cable is in there)
pen drive with info and documents
two spare contact lenses
big fat long paperclip*
tablets, ibuprofen & paracetamol
mini sharpie* (big one in there for now)
Roll up measuring tape*
Mini opinel knife
tiny nail clippers* (full size ones in there for now)

Here's pictures:





Anyone think this is too much? Or anything more I might need?

[Devonian]

Anyone think this is too much? Or anything more I might need?

If we are talking 'True EDC', then for "me" it has to fit in my wallet or on my key ring, anything else goes in the GHB which will normally be in the car.

The view I take is a bit like when you are told to clear out your wardrobe, ie: if you haven't worn it in the last 12 months, you don't need it.

So look at what you've got and ask yourself about each item, have I actually needed this (to be carried with me!) in the last 12 months.

ie: Just how essential is it for you to be able to cut your nails with your nail clippers when you are out and about? Or has there ever been an occasion when the knife on the multi-tool was not sufficient and you had to get the Mini opinel knife out - I doubt it.

Also you mention Uni, you might want to be careful what you are carrying around uni, the carrying of 'any' knife may be seriously frowned upon (?) so check the rules that apply at your uni....

[dangerman]

Loads of people have little SAK keyrings - my opinel is about the same size. Really tiny. I'm not worried about carrying it around.

You're right that there aren't many occasions that I use the little knife, especially since there is one on the mini multi tool, but it's so small I don't see the harm in carrying it and the more I do carry it the more opportunities I'll have to need it.

I suppose it's not a true EDC, but it's a small little package that contains things that are handy on an everyday basis. It's small enough to fit in the same pocket as your wallet but expands versatility. And as Briggs says, even if it's not a true EDC (although if I carry it every day, why isn't it?) it still is a very small little thing that can fit anywhere and can be moved easily from bag to pocket to glove compartment etc. There are many occasions where I've needed a plaster for one of my kids, a pair of pliers, a small knife or a screwdriver to adjust something on my car or bike. And who hasn't needed a pen and paper sometimes! In fact, everything in there are useful on a daily basis except for the paracord bracelet and a few other tiny things that don't take up any space.

[dangerman]

In fact, that little loop on the zipper is just a spare key thingy, so once I've removed all the bits I've doubled up on I will probably be able to attach it to my keys and then put the keys inside it. Pocket saved from wear!

[BeardedGrandad]

I got my Maxpedition pocket organiser for about £10

http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/Maxpedition_ ... tem=653103

[dangerman]

Looks good - does it have a belt loop? I'm just a bit confused about what you're paying for, does it do anything special or is it just a nicely built little thing?

Also, here is my wallet EDC - this is in every sense and true every day carry. It's a bit pointless, no need to the extra knife and I can't see the matches are for occasional back up if I'm in work or camping. But it's all so small and carriable that I've done it anyway. I've got a cheap tactical pen and a pen type torch that I'm planning on adding to it when I change wallets. Then I can relegate the pouch to my bag and just stick it in my pocket when out with the kids or something.

Here, have a look. Asterisks are yet to acquire.

Wallet (soon to be canvas, maybe a maxpedition spartan?)
Emergency/family contact details*
emergency fiver (and some USA cash for some reason)
credit card knife
tactical pen*
pen torch, streamlite*
£1 coin
Credit card & debit card
National Trust Membership
Student ID
couple of sheets of waterproof paper*
Spare phone battery
Strike anywhere matches wrapped in duct tape
11in1 credit card tool
Micro SD card to SD card adapter

[BeardedGrandad]

Unfortunately there aren't any pocket/belt loop but to be honest the way it zips open (personally) I don't think it could would with them. It does however sit perfectly in your pocket and depending on what you're carrying isn't uncomfortable to have there either.

I just use it instead of carrying a bag around with me though granted it isn't going to be able to carry the same amount of stuff but it's enough to fit a pretty effective EDC