Everyday Carry Recommendations
A Prepper’s EDC (Everyday Carry) consists of the most important items they need to have at all times. It should make your day-to-day life easier and help you be prepared for emergencies that may come up.
Below are my top pics for EDC Gear:
- Pocket Tool: Victorinox SwissChamp
- Full-Size Multitool: Victorinox Swisstool X
- Budget Folding Knife: Kershaw Cryo G10
- High-End Folding Knife: Spyderco Paramilitary 2
- Backpack: Vertx Ready Pack 3.0
- Concealed Carry Holster: Crossbreed Supertuck
Most of these products have been on the market for many years. During that time, they have served countless users and earned excellent reputations. Below are the reasons why I feel that these items are the best in their respective categories.
*IMPORTANT: Go ahead and assume that any link in this article is an affiliate link. That means I’ll receive a small commission if you buy anything on that website.
J.R.’s Best EDC Gear
Best EDC Pocket Knife: Victorinox Swisschamp
The Victorinox SwissChamp is my favorite pocket tool due to its usefulness and versatility. I’ve carried different Swiss Army Knives since I was a teenager, but eventually, I realized I wanted one with everything I needed in one knife. The Swisschamp fits this need perfectly. It has tools that can help you survive in the wilderness or get through a city in a disaster.
Although it’s relatively large for a pocket knife, it is still smaller than most full-size multitools. It’s also more ergonomic than a multitool due to its rounded shape. The Victorinox Swisschamp features numerous screwdrivers, two blades, a can opener, a ball-point pen, a magnifying glass, a metal file/metal saw, a wood saw, and more. You can see my full review of the SwissChamp by clicking here.
You can find the Victorinox SwissChamp by clicking here.
Best EDC Multitool: Victorinox Swisstool X
If you’re looking for a pliers-based multitool, I recommend the Victorinox Swisstool X. Like most other multitools, the Swisstool features a wide range of tools built around a pair of needle-nose pliers. However, its fit, finish, and ease of use set it apart from other multitools. Many people have described the Swisstool as something between a tool and fine jewelry.
Every tool locks in place for safety. Each tool also has its own back spring to prevent clumping when opening tools. The Swisstool is made of Victorinox’s rust-resistant proprietary blend of stainless steel and features a polished finish. This makes the tool both corrosion-resistant and easy to clean. It also makes the tool more ergonomic than other multitools because the edges are rounded, reducing hot spots that could cause blisters.
There are several variants of the Swisstool, but I chose to go with the full-sized Swisstool X since it includes scissors which I use frequently. You can see my full review of the Victorinox Swisstool by clicking here.
You can find the Swisstool X by clicking here.
Best Budget EDC Knife: Kershaw Cryo G10
I went a long time without carrying a dedicated folding knife. My Swiss Army Knives always did great with small tasks like cutting boxes or food prep. However, there were many times when I could have used a basic blade that I could open with one hand. I also wanted something I could use as a backup to my firearm.
Due to budget constraints, I decided to get a Kershaw Cryo G10. It is a lock-blade folding knife with a flipper-style assisted opening device. The assisted opening action works easily and is very fast. When the blade deploys, it is firmly locked into place with no play between it and the handle. The 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade is 2.75 inches long, making it useful for everyday tasks without taking up too much space in your pocket.
Unlike other Cryo models, the Cryo G10, as the name suggests, features G10 handles. G10 is a fiberglass laminate that is comfortable and provides an excellent grip. The knife also has a pocket clip that can be moved if desired. This allows the user to decide if they want to carry the knife with the blade tip facing up or down.
As of writing this, the Kershaw Cryo G10 is available for less than $30.00. For that price, it’s an excellent value for a budget EDC folding knife.
You can find the Kershaw Cryo G10 by clicking here.
Best High-End EDC Knife: Spyderco Paramilitary 2
When I was able to spend more money on a knife, my first high-end folding knife was the Zero Tolerance ZT-0350. It features Speedsafe assisted opening with the option to use either the flipper or thumb stud. The blade is 3.25 inches long and features S30V steel and has G10 handles on both sides.
And while I do like the ZT-0350, it isn’t perfect. It’s difficult to sharpen, even with a good sharpening system, and it doesn’t carve well. Ergonomics was an issue for me as well, however, that’s a little more subjective.
Eventually, I picked up a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 and haven’t looked back. The classic Spyderco blade shape is simple and well-suited to a variety of cutting tasks. Its simplicity also makes it very easy to sharpen. To be fair, I’m using a Spyderco Sharpmaker, but it’s still a million times easier than trying to sharpen the 0350.
The Paramilitary 2 that I picked up is the standard version with black G10 handles and CPM S45VN steel. It doesn’t have an assisted opening feature, however, you can still open it quickly one-handed. With a little practice, you should be able to flick it open with your thumb or middle finger. The large “spider hole” on the blade makes it easy to open while wearing gloves.
The only negative thing that I can say about the knife is that the tip is fragile, however, that is to be expected. When new, it feels like a hypodermic needle, so it is very fine. Aside from that, the Paramilitary 2 excels at any cutting task I have used it for. It can carve, take down boxes, cut cordage, and, most importantly, open letters as I’m walking back from the mailbox.
You can find the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 by clicking here.
Best EDC Backpack: Vertx Ready Pack 3.0
I like for my EDC to contain items I could use in an emergency or make my everyday life a little easier. However, fitting all of those items in my pocket is impossible. Because of this, I carry an EDC backpack to work, when traveling, or at the range.
My current EDC Backpack is the Vertx Ready Pack 3.0. It is a “tactical” backpack designed for concealed carry but looks normal on the outside. To the everyday person passing you on the streets, it’s no different than the other 100 backpacks they have already seen. This helps you blend in and not draw attention to yourself.
The Ready Pack 3.0 is very durable. I’ve had mine for a while, and it’s still in excellent shape. I got mine from Premier Body Armor with an included Level IIIA ballistic panel. It will stop nearly all handgun rounds along with 00 Buckshot from a 12-gauge shotgun.
You can find backpack and body armor combo bundles from Premier Body Armor by clicking here.
The backpack’s straps are wide and well-padded, making the bag comfortable to carry. It’s also padded on the back, which helps as well.
The Ready Pack has numerous compartments to keep your gear organized. It has a large main compartment with a laptop sleeve, a zipper compartment, and a velcro panel that can accept various accessories. You can use pouches or panels by Vertx or other manufacturers.
The second compartment has MOLLE webbing that doubles as velcro. I use it to hold a Maxpedition Fatty pocket organizer, a Vertx Tactigami Magazine Pouch, and other survival gear. Then, the Ready Pack has two smaller compartments on the front of the bag and a large compartment on the back that can accept a hook and loop holster. I keep a Maxpedition Universal CCW holster in there for times when I need to store my firearm in my backpack.
You can find the Vertx Ready Pack 3.0 by clicking here.
Best EDC Holster: Crossbreed Supertuck
If you are going to carry a gun, a good holster is a must-have. The Crossbreed Supertuck is my favorite holster because it is safe, well-built, and comfortable. It is an in-the-waistband (IWB) holster that allows you to tuck in a shirt over it and the gun. I’ve had mine since the end of 2011, and it has held up well.
The holster is a thick leather backing with a custom-molded piece of Kydex plastic riveted to it. Screws hold metal belt clips in place which are adjustable so the user can adjust the holster to their preferences.
The leather backing allows the holster to mold itself to your body, making it extremely comfortable after it has worn in. The break-in period was pretty uncomfortable, but only lasted a couple of weeks and was completely worth it. The belt clips are far enough apart to spread the gun’s weight across a large area, adding to the holster’s comfort.
The Kydex portion of the holster is molded for your specific gun model. This gives the Supertuck decent retention meaning the gun won’t just bounce out of the holster while you are moving around. Kydex also won’t collapse which makes reholstering safer and easier.
