Every Day Carry Bag/Emergency Kit

Much is said, written, taught, promoted and sold in regards to Every Day Carry Bags, Bug Out Bags, 72Hr Kits, Get Home Bags, etc. Recently here in Utah we had a magnitude 5.7 earthquake on top of the current COVID-19 concerns/isolation protocols. As if there wasn't already an issue finding toilet paper...now a significant number of other emergency supplies have started flying off the shelves. Right after the earthquake a work colleague reached out asking what she should put in her emergency kit as she realized that she wasn't prepared for a potentially bad situation. I was grateful I could help her out and wanted to pass this along in case it helps someone else!

My goal with this article is to make a little sense out of the madness, give you an actionable plan to be prepared for emergencies and bad situations as well as to provide a bit of comfort that comes from being prepared. It doesn't matter if you are at work, at the store, driving to grandma's house or at home. This kit can mean the difference between being ready if someone gets injured at work, if you are in a car accident or even if you are at home and the power goes out due to an earthquake. Although this article is focused on the Every Day Carry Bag/Emergency Kit, I also have a longer article that spells out the differences between these kits and a Get Home Bag, Bug Out Bag and 72hr Kit...but I won't get into those today.

It is imperative that you prepare for emergencies, big and small. I can tell you that although at times I have concerns, I am not afraid...because I am prepared! If you are in college and going into a testing center do you take an extra pencil (if you need your own writing utensil)? If you are going camping do you bring your own firewood in the event there isn’t any in the campsite? If you are going to the store do you have a little cash in case the credit/debit card machine isn’t working? OK, that last one may have caught some of you off guard…BUT there are countless situations where we need to be prepared. Most of the time it is nothing crazy or secret…instead it is common sense things that unfortunately have become less “common”. 

My first line of defense is my Every Day Carry Bag (sample list of items below). This is sometimes called an EDC Bag or just EDC but this is separate from your “EDC” or everyday carry. See my post on my EDC on Instagram: @grifftactical. This will give you an idea of what I keep on me always, including when I travel, at church, work, etc. Now…an “EDC bag” is the additional things I carry in a backpack that I may need in everyday life whether due to an emergency (which has happened) or when I need to maintain comfort and/or safety in daily life. This is not designed to be a serious “Get Home Bag” as it needs to be small and light enough that you can carry it with you everywhere you go. In some situations it may be under your desk at work, in your car or somewhere else close by but it should be the bag you grab when something happens or needs to happen. Once you see the list it will make more sense and I will give more detail with each item I list. Also, as I state at the end of my list, there are other items you may feel you need or don't want to carry. make it personal to you and usable. I add things occasionally that I find myself using more like pain killers, band aids, gum, etc.

EDC Bag Contents:

Bag- This should be comfortable and durable BUT something you will actually carry. I have a 5.11 Tactical bag. Good quality and designed for my lifestyle. Oh, and my bag doesn’t look “tactical”. It looks like I’m going on a hike as I don't want to draw any unneeded attention.

Knife- this is a valuable tool for cutting, opening, etc. Spyderco, Benchmade, Emerson, Gerber and Kershaw are some brands I trust. A knife can be used for self-defense if needed BUT only if you are trained to protect yourself with a knife.

Multi-tool- One of the most important items- having scissors, screwdriver, saw, pliers, etc. can be extremely helpful in everyday life, much less an emergency. I trust Gerber and Leatherman. 

Flashlight- Critical tool! If the power goes out or it is nighttime, being able to see is one of the keys of safety and survival. I have a small NiteCore. Small BUT powerful! 

Emergency Cash- if the power goes out how do you pay for things? If Venmo is updating or the credit card machine is down at the store then what? Always have cash on hand. I recommend $100 minimum in $20 bills.

Whistle- very handy when trying to get someone’s attention. Either when trapped or lost.

Tactical Pen- another MUST have item- you always need a pen but if trapped in a car a tactical pen can help break glass and can be used as a weapon if being attacked. More on this in my self-defense videos. Mine is from Stealth Gear USA. Find one you like. 

Notepad- in case you need to write details down from an accident, a conversation, a To-Do list  OR in case you need a little paper to help start a fire. I have a Write-In-Rain brand.

Fire Starting Kit- (lighter, flint/steel, cotton ball/lint)- keep this simple. This can be a lighter. Whether to melt the ends of rope, start a fire in an emergency or for emergency light, the ability to start a fire is critical if the power goes out.

Tourniquet- One of the most under-rated first aid devices. I carry 2. If a limb is severely lacerated in a vehicle accident, work accident, natural disaster, etc. the ability to stop the bleed may mean the difference between life and death.

Sharpie- Because you need to be able to write, but sometimes you need something permanent or more bold. Worst case can be used to write the time a tourniquet was applied on the casualty’s forehead.

Gloves- I have a pair of mechanics gloves. Durable for changing a tire, doing work on a car, outdoors or other emergencies. Also great for keeping hands warm and when you need to carry something heavy.

Water bottle- you can’t live long without hydration. I ALWAYS have clean water on hand!

Food- (Trail Mix, Granola Bar for emergency calories)- in case you need quick calories, don’t have access to food or are with someone going into diabetic shock…calories can save your life. Stuck in bad traffic or traffic stopped due to an accident or snow storm. A little food can make all the difference.  

Phone charging back up battery- I carry a small battery charger by Goal Zero- critical when you need to make a call, send a text or get information but don’t have any other power. In this case the one I carry maintains a charge for months. 

Phone cord- may seem simple but when you need it, you need it! 

Paracord- I carry about 100ft. Easy to tie things down, fasten things, hold things up or make an emergency shelter. I helped a friend keep his trunk lid secured when his latched failed... 

USB charging cord- This would be the mini USB to charge the back up battery or anything else that doesn’t fit your phone cord.

First Aid Kit- Critical! I keep bandaids, ointment, extra tourniquet, safety pins, Tylenol and ibuoprofen, trauma dressing, gauze, nitrile gloves, triangle bandage and a few other items. This is my more simple first aid kid. Not my trauma kit that has chest seals, needle decompression, etc. See my posts and videos for more details on this. You can’t go wrong with anything from North American Rescue.   

USB Thumb Drive- always a good idea to have a way to get information transferred electronically if needed and a good place to store important docs securely.

Water Filter- what if you run out of water? Going to drink from a stream? That’s a quick way to get sick. A basic water filter (I have a LifeStraw) can keep you hydrated and healthy. Ever lived somewhere that had contaminated water. I’m not talking Mexico…here in Utah a couple cities had contaminated water emergencies…Not to mention, if you travel to a foreign country and don't have bottled water this will keep you healthy!

Rain Poncho- I use a foldable one that is about the size of a wallet. It is extremely light but if you are caught in the rain staying dry is one of the keys to staying warm and healthy.

Additional Items- a few other things I carry include chap stick, decongestant medicine, hand sanitizer, extra pen, headphones, and anything else you may need day to day that fits your lifestyle or needs. 

**Firearm- optional AND follow all local/state laws but if you carry a firearm, it should be something you train with frequently and are comfortable using in a self-defense situation should the emergency warrant it. I carry a Glock 19 and/or a SigSauer P290. Both in 9mm.

**Extra Magazine- Goes with the pistol above – In a bad situation, extra rounds are crucial.