No matter what situation you find yourself in, you need the right tools for the job. You might get caught in a wildfire while camping. You might find yourself in direct combat with a criminal on the street. You might even get trapped underground after a nuclear blast. In order to survive, take a page out of the Boy Scout Handbook: Be Prepared — for anything.
This is what tactical gear is made for. But while doomsday preppers are stocking up on canned food and bulletproof vests, these aren’t practical items to carry around with you all the time. Part of being prepared for anything is having tools that don’t interrupt your regular lifestyle (by being too bulky, expensive, or otherwise too strange to carry in public), but that you can also deploy with ease should the situation call for it. These are your everyday carry (EDC) tactical items.
In this post, we’ll help you build the most practical tactical loadout for everyday carry, withitems for any scenario so that life never gets the drop on you. Here’s our guide to EDC tactical gear you need to have in your inventory.
What Makes a Tactical Item Good for Everyday Carry (EDC)
In scenarios where tactical or survival gear is needed, you face limits. Limited time to grab what you need. Limited space in your backpack. Limited ability to carry a ton of weight. The tactical gear you rely on can be a matter of life and death — it’s important to choose wisely. So what should you include in your tactical loadout?
Since you can’t always predict what kind of tactical situation you’ll find yourself in, it’s best to pick items with the most utility for your everyday carry.
To build your tactical EDC pack, focus on:
- Smaller items: To save space in your backpack, opt for items that you can store and hold easily. The more compact the item (without sacrificing the same utility), the better.
- Lighter items: There’s a reason why many backpackers often measure their camping gear in grams. When you’re hiking with a bunch of gear for miles at a time, you feel every ounce. Pay attention to the weight of every item you choose.
- Useful items: Multi-purpose tools allow for a maximum item-functionality-to-space ratio. If you can do the same exact task with one tool or two, you’d rather go with the all-in-one solution for your EDC pack.
Put it this way: A two-person tent or a buck knife (while certainly useful) aren’t great tactical EDC items. They’re heavy, bulky, and take up a lot of space. Likewise, carrying around ballistic chest plating and a helmet isn’t exactly practical. Good luck bringing those with you on vacation. The aim of EDC is to carry items that are nondescript, multifunctional, and useful in almost any mission profile.
18 Best Everyday Carry Tactical Essentials
These items will prove useful in almost any survival or combat situation you encounter. When building your tactical EDC kit, these items won’t let you down.
1. Leatherman Bond Multi-Tool
Nothing beats a well-designed pocket knife or multi-tool. A knife is critical for survival. It can subdue an attacker or kill, clean, and help you eat any game you catch.
The Leatherman Bond is a prime choice for EDC with an earned reputation for excellence. Its stainless steel and rugged design, portability, and ease of use make this a top pick for any survivalist, adventurer, or everyday citizen. These multitools offer an optional pocket clip or belt pouch for practical on-body storage.
The Bond includes needle nose pliers, regular pliers, hard-wire cutters, wire cutters, a wire stripper, a 420HC Blade, an awl, a can opener, a bottle opener, a wood/metal file, a Phillips screwdriver, a medium screwdriver, a small screwdriver, and a ruler (8 in/19 cm).
This multitool isn’t designed to be a combat dagger or a fighting knife, but it can act as one in a pinch. That quick versatility is valuable in an EDC item. The Bond is also less conspicuous than a 6-inch boot knife, which can help you avoid unwanted attention. Like MacGyver, you can ace almost any situation with the Leatherman Bond.
- WEIGHT: 6.21 oz. / 176 g.
- CLOSED LENGTH: 4 in. / 10 cm.
- OPEN LENGTH: 6.5 in. / 15.87 cm.
- PRIMARY BLADE LENGTH: 2.9 in. / 7.36 cm.
- WIDTH: 1.21 in. / 3.0 cm.
- OVERALL THICKNESS: .56 in. / 1.4 cm.
- MATERIAL: 420HC Stainless Steel
2. The Surefire EDC LED Flashlight
Surefire is known for producing accessories like weapon lights and tactical gear for several occasions. Reliable and affordable, their brand usually isn’t a bad pick for EDC items. Now, they’ve developed a flashlight specifically for your tactical EDC loadout: the Everyday Carry Light 1.
This handheld light is less than five inches long, so it’s easily stowed in any pack. But while it might be small, this flashlight packs a punch. It has dual output with a high of 500 lumens (lasting 1 hour) and a low of 5 lumens (lasting 45 hours) — all on a single 123A battery (included). Plus, it only weighs about 3.3 ounces. Use it to illuminate any room, find your way in a dark forest, or as a weapon light.
Here are some specs on the EDCL1-T:
- High Output: 500 lumens
- High Runtime: 1 hour
- Low Output: 5 lumens
- Low Runtime: 45 Hours
- Peak Beam Intensity: 7,600 candela
- Batteries: One 123A (incl.)
- Switching: Dual-stage tactical tailcap
- Length: 4.5 in (11.3 cm)
- Distance: 175 meters
- Body Construction: Aluminum
- Finish: Mil-Spec Hard Anodized
- Weight (w/ batteries): 3.3 oz (95 g)
- Liquid Ingress Protection: IPX7
3. Calorie Mate Survival Rations
In tactical or survival situations, you’re far more alert and burning more fuel than normal. Hunger affects your strength, mental stamina, wits, and senses. Having a handy and mess-free calorie replenishment is imperative in a tactical EDC setup.
Luckily, the Japanese developed aesthetically pleasing and delicious survival rations that are packed with calories. The Calorie Mate Block has been around since the 1960s and is widely used in the military/survivalist scenes. Since its inception, preppers have caught on to the trend as well. Calorie Mate Blocks are tasty, satisfying, and supply two-to-four days’ worth of pure energy for your body— in just one package. The long shelf life and compact packaging ensure you’ll never be hungry in dire circumstances.
Check out the stats on the chocolate version:
- Ingredients: Wheat flour (Japan-processed), chocolate spread, sugar, eggs, almond powder, powdered skim milk, soy protein, wheat protein, salt, starch/sodium caseinate, modified starch, fragrance.
- Nutrients: Per 4 blocks (80g):Energy: 400kcal, Protein: 8.7g, fat: 22.4g, carbohydrates: 41.7g (sugars: 39.7g, dietary fiber: 2g), sodium chloride (salt) equivalent: 0.81g, calcium: 200mg, iron: 2.5mg, magnesium: 50mg, phosphorus: 90mg, vitamin A: 385μg, vitamin B1: 0.6mg, vitamin B2: 0.7mg, vitamin B6: 0.65mg, vitamin B12: 1.2μg, niacin: 6.5mg, pantothenic acid: 2.4mg, folic acid: 120μg, vitamin C: 50mg, vitamin D: 2.8μg, vitamin E: 3.2mg
- Fun Fact: Solid Snake,the hero of the sensational video game Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, ate Calorie Mates on his mission to save the world from international nuclear war. The producer of the game,Hideo Kojima,even hired JGSDF (Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force) commandos and professional survivalists from around the world to help him create one of the most accurate survivalist-tactical-espionage games in history — and Calorie Mates were part of that.
4. XMRE Blueline MREs
If you want more of a meal than survival rations, but one that’s still easy to stow, try XMRE Blueline meals. XMRE offers a large palette of meals to choose from that will keep your stomach satisfied and your morale high. The XMRE meals are sealed up tight to protect against bugs, water, general wear, and abrasions. They can also double as foldable bags when cut open and can store tinder, matches, and leftover snacks. Remember: EDC is about squeezing the most use out of every single item.
XMRE provides a number of meat and vegetarian options to choose from, bready items, mess-free snacks, a cascade of drink options (usually in the form of powders), meal sides, and of course, desserts to sustain your blood sugar. The meals’ pack dates are embossed on the packaging, making it easy to rotate or replace older stock. However, you can generally keep an MRE stowed away for 3 to 7 years, sometimes even longer.
Here are the stats on the XMRE Blueline meals:
- All meals are fully cooked and can be eaten out of the bag
- No water necessary
- No refrigeration required
- Lightweight & durable waterproof packaging
- Comes with or without flameless ration heaters (item #9213 comes with heaters, item #9212 does not)
- Each case comes with 12 sterile meals and six menus
- Entrées: Variety of beef, tuna, chicken, pork, pizza or vegetarian options
- Side Items: Crackers, breads, or tortillas, peanut butter, cheese spread, fruit jellies, fruit jams, nut raisin mix, peanuts, dry fruit mix, corn nuggets, wet packed fruit, side dishes, bars, pound cakes, brownies, dessert cookies, or other assorted items.
- Beverages: Single or assorted fruit-flavored drink mixes or others available
- Accessory kit includes: Spoons and napkins
5. Rothco Tactical Insulated Beverage Holder
Scientists studying the psyche under long-term, high-stress situations and combat learned that boosting morale is incredibly important for survival. The effect of a nice hot or cold drink can be physically and mentally invigorating.
No matter what kind of drastic situation you’re in, the Rothco Tactical Insulated Beverage Holder is a great item to keep on hand. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or trapped at a family reunion, this beverage holder can discreetly and effectively keep your drink at the perfect temperature. Plus, it features a slot made specifically to customize with a flag or patch. Featuring a foam-insulated interior and MOLLE straps (yep, just like your rifle case), this essential piece of gear will always keep your drink tacti-cold.
Here are the specs:
- Material: 100% polyester
- Diameter: 3 inches
- Colors: Black, field tan
- Fit: Most 12oz cans
6. Westley’s Military Surplus Collapsible Cups
A cup is a crucial EDC item. Throughout history, soldiers have carried cups and bowls to survive effectively and nourish themselves between battles. Rust-free materials (like 304 stainless steel) are best because they can survive the rigors of everyday carrying and beyond.
Westley’s offers the perfect set of stainless steel collapsible cups. This cup has an 8.5oz capacity when expanded. When collapsed into the included hard case, it’s small enough that you can stow it in a glovebox, or even hook it to your key ring.
Here are the key stats:
- Volume: 8.5 ounces (liquid)
- Dimensions: 3-3/8" x 3-1/8" expanded, 1-1/8" x 3-1/8" collapsed
7. Rothco MOLLE Tactical IFAK First Aid Kit
Sometimes life throws curveballs, and the world can get ugly real quick. You need to be ready for anything, and the right medical gear can help.
The IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) is a necessity for soldiers, survivalists, and adventurers. The Rothco MOLLE Tactical IFAK First Aid Kit has several items you need to treat injuries in a variety of situations. Because it’s on the smaller side, it’s an easy addition to any already-stuffed survival pack.
TIP: Sake sure you supplement every medical kit with more than you think necessary (including extra rubber gloves) — you never know what might happen or when.
Here are the contents of the Rothco MOLLE Tactical IFAK First Aid Kit:
- 2 military bandages
- 1 MOLLE Tactical Pouch (Dimensions 7" x 8" x 3")
- 4 2" steripads
- 2 3" steripads
- 2 1/2" adhesive tape roll
- 8 3/4" x 3" bandages
- 4 1 1/2" x 7/8" bandages
- 1 3" elastic bandage
- 1 3" x 4" telfa pad
- 2 medium alcohol prep pad
- 2 antibiotic ointment
- 2 BSK towelette
- 2 small packets of sugar
- 1 1/2 oz. soap
- 1 4 oz. peroxide
- 1 medium cold pack
- 2 aspirin/pkg of 2
- 1 tweezer
- 1 pair of examination gloves
8. Wolf and Grizzly Fire Set
Fire is both a weapon and a survival tool. Whether we’re using it to cook our food, keep us warm, light our perimeter, or repel the beasts and humans who wish us harm — fire is a key tactical resource. Luckily, we can also carry fire in our pockets, in the form of a Zippo, an Austrian wind-proof lighter, DuPont waterproof matches, or a fire starter.
The problem with lighters is that they can be easily extinguished. They’re also difficult to dry if wet, and they probably won’t work in that condition. There’s no guarantee waterproof matches will stay waterproof either, but a class striker-style fire starter should make a spark regardless of the conditions.
The Wolf and Grizzly Fire Set is an excellent alternative for EDC. This fire set combines knife-grade steel strikers with 100% ferrocerium, along with flammable jute inside the paracord wrist strap, making this an effective, all-in-one striker-and-flint set.
Here are the key stats:
- Weight: 65 g (2.23 oz)
- Lifespan: Approximately 20,000 strikes
- Spark temperature: Up to 5400 degrees Fahrenheit
9. Timex Expedition
Keeping track of time is critical in an emergency, especially when the power goes out. You need a sturdy, water-resistant watch with a long battery life and illumination capabilities. There are many watches out there with all sorts of extras: day-month-year counters, built-in compasses, and even barometers.
The Timex Expedition is a solid tool for survival. You can beat the crap out of it and it’ll keep on ticking.It’s not so expensive that it can’t be replaced, but just as reliable as some higher-end models. This makes it a perfect EDC item that works in both normal and not-so-normal situations.
Here are the specs on the Timex Expedition:
- INDIGLO® night-light
- Durable metal case
- Buckle/Clasp: Buckle
- Crystal/lens: Mineral glass
- Dial color: black
- Dial markings: Arabic (full)
- Watch movement: QUARTZ ANALOG
- Strap and lug width: 21 mm
- Water resistance: 100 meters
10. Drager CDR Gas Mask
Gas attacks are one of the most uncontrolled and devastating forms of attacks — and they can happen in an instant. Wind can quickly carry harmful pollutants or chemical weapons for miles, faster than local authorities can send an alert to your phone. However, 90% of the world’s governments are not equipped for mass gas-attack operations. That’s why a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN)-rated gas mask is one of the best tactical EDC items you can purchase.
While it’s not something you want to wear to work, keeping the Dräger CDR 4500 full face mask in your bug out bag or EDC tactical bag is a good idea. With this stashed nearby, you can keep breathing in just about any hazardous situation. Here are the stats on this CBRN-rated gasmask:
- Product type: Single-port full-face mask
- Protection against: Particles and/or gasses and vapors — depending on the respiratory filter used
- Mask body material: EPDM (Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber)
- Communication system: No
- Speech enhancer diaphragm: Yes
Of course, you’ll also need a filter to make the gas mask worth anything. MIRA safety is one of the most reliable brands in terms of safety equipment and tactical gear. Their P-CAN Police Gas Mask Filter one has a 10 year shelf life and provides up to 12 hours of protection from tear gas and similar riot control agents.
11. Anker Power Bank
The last thing you need in an emergency situation is a dead battery preventing you from calling EMS or 911. Rechargeable power banks can provide back-up power to the various portable devices that are now essential to daily life.
Generally, power banks are multi-use, but some have unique purposes and are better suited for charging certain items. You can now charge a laptop or tablet with a phone on just one power bank! You can typically find charging banks that are solar and/or electrically charged as well, and they hold that charge for a long while. These come in handy for hurricanes and other natural disasters, too.
Anker portable power banks ensure you’re able to charge your phone or laptop in a situation where power outlets are rare or inoperable. The Anker 737 Power Bank features:
- Bi-directional charging
- 24,000mAh battery capacity
- Ability to charge an iPhone 13 almost 5 times
- Ability to charge a 2021 iPad Pro 12.9" 1.3 times
- Smart digital display
- 24-month warranty
12. Energizer Batteries (For Your Equipment)
“Nothing beats the bunny.” The Energizer Bunny is a household name for a good reason — it delivers lasting, durable, and fully capable battery life you can count on.
Whether it’s AAA, AA, D, or other common battery types, Energizer has you covered. Rechargeable batteries have been popular since the ease of recharging them emerged in the late 80s and mid-90s. We can rely upon a stock of non-reusable or reusable batteries to supply our lights, devices, watches, and other EDC tactical items in your pack. Because they power so many devices (including some on this tactical list) they’re an essential carry. If you’re in pitch black and relying on a flashlight, it’s comforting to know you have back-up batteries on hand. Check your devices ahead of time and pack the right batteries, making sure to store them and any electronics in waterproof/airtight containers.
General specs for Energizer AA rechargeable batteries are:
- MilliAmp hours/mAh: 2,300
- Number of times they can be recharged: 1,500
- Average battery charge hold: 12 months
13. Axon Taser
The Axon Taser 10 is a new and revolutionary, all-in-one, non-lethal de-escalation weapon. No one wants to use lethal force if they can help it. While we fully support concealed carry, we understand that carrying a gun in some places just isn’t practical sometimes. However, you can pull out this taser like a gun and never fear your attackers.
This highly developed tool aids police officers, military, and concerned citizens in taking down violent or belligerent individuals with half the logistical paperwork required when discharging a round from a gun. It’s an electrocution device in the palm of your hand — what more convincing do you need?
Here are some notable features of the Axon Taser 10:
- Strobe light at high frequency disorients and confuses enemies
- High-pitched warning chirp and wail further overloads your attacker's senses
- Interchangeable magazines
- Rechargeable battery
- Daylight green laser to paint targets
- Submersible in water up to 30m
- Dust-resistant
- Heat-resistant
14. Sabre Mini Stun
For a more affordable taser, the durable Sabre Mini Stun packs 600,000 volts of power in an efficient and easy-to-conceal design. Its high-powered flashlight augments can further stun attackers, for a one-two punch.
Stunners and stun guns are extremely popular with women looking for effective self-defense solutions. The Sabre Mini Stun enforces personal safety in hostile situations, and can be easily fit in a purse or go-bag.
Here are the stats on the Sabre Mini Stun:
- Extreme stopping power
- 120-lumen LED flashlight
- 95 dB zapping sound
- Rechargeable battery
- 600,000 volts
15. The Coleman U.S. G.I. Lensatic Compass
A compass is an essential tool for any adventurer, frontiersman, or survivalist, especially in situations where maps aren’t available. A solid, rugged compass can help.
Similar to the gear used by the U.S. military, the Coleman U.S. G.I. Lensatic Compass makes finding your way much easier thanks to its familiar design. With simple and convenient features and a water resistant, sand proof, aluminum body, this compass should stand up to just about anything. The phosphorescent model glows in the dark, while the Tritium model includes micro-lights which illuminate the compass for over 10 years. Here are the stats:
- Accurate to +/- 40 mils
- Versions: Phosphorescent or Tritium
- Color: OD Green
- Dimensions: 6” x 4” x 3”
- Carry case includes a clip
- Temperature rating: -50° F to 150° F.
- Water resistant
- Sand proof
16. Camouflage Garments
Camouflaging materials, garments, scrim, or covers are good to have in just about any situation where you might need to conceal yourself or your position. Of course, the choice of camouflage patterns depends upon your destination or environment. You can find most military surplus or reenacting supply shops offering camouflage garments. Check your surroundings, and buy the appropriate camouflage or civilian clothes that best match your area of operations.
There’s a reason German camo is still popular today — they practically invented the patterns that today’s designs are based upon. For instance, this reproduction German "Dot" camo M43-styled field blouse does forest camo right while still being stylish enough to wear casually.
17. Extra Clothes
Nothing is worse than soggy feet or hands. Sometimes it’s downright painful. The simple fix is to pack extra socks. If you only have one pair, you don’t have much of a chance to dry them out in your tent. One extra pair allows you to rotate your socks while the other pair dries, ensuring you always have at least semi-dry feet. Pack even more if you can.
Quick-drying material in undershirts, street clothes, and undergarments can make a world of difference. Investing in good clothing, like gear, can save your life and sanity. If you’re looking for a solid pair of socks to count on in just about any situation, any of these hiking socks should serve you well.
18. Bulletproof Backpacks
The disheartening reality is that no one is safe. This world has pushed us into the arms of the Mother of Necessity. Thankfully, she provides — in the form of innovative body armor.
The bullet-resistant backpacks of today give the wearer the ultimate form of protection. While many are rated only for handgun rounds, they still provide better protection than your typical Jansport. Since it’s a backpack, it serves other purposes, like carrying the EDC tactical items on this list.
Some models, like the XS Armored Backpack from AR500 Armor are focused a bit more on style, but are still rated to stop 95% of gun-related homicides. Others, like the Phoenix Armored Backpack are a bit more robust, containing a Dupont Kevlar with a Honeywell Spectra Shield. The plate in this particular backpack makes it a bit heavy — but would you rather suffer from sore shoulders or bullet wounds? The choice is clear.
Here are some stats for the XS Armored Backpack:
- Material: Cordura nylon
- Armor protection: Level IIIA integrated soft armor rated to defeat 6 rounds of .44 Magnum, and .357 Sig at 1,430 feet per second
- Protective and lightweight anti-microbial and water-resistant rip-stop laminate cover
- Padded rear backing for comfort + padded, fully adjustable backpack straps
- Large main pocket size: 13” h x 11.5” w x 5" d
- Front pocket size: 7.25” h x 9.5” w x 2.4” d
- Weight: 2.28 lbs
- Shelf life: 5 years
Here are some stats for the Phoenix Armored Backpack:
- Material: 1680D Cordura Hypalon
- Armor specs: Dupont Kevlar, Honeywell Spectra Shield, and Honeywell Gold Shield Ballistic Fabric
- Armor protection against .357 SIG FMJ Flat Nose (FN) bullets with a specified mass of 8.1 g (125 gr) and a velocity of 1470 ft/s (+/- 30 ft/s)
- Armor protection against .44 Magnum Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) bullets with a specified mass of 15.6 g
- Weight: 1.72 lbs (not including armor)
- Padded rear backing for comfort + padded fully adjustable backpack straps
- High traction Hypalon bottom is abrasion and water-resistant
- Large main pocket size: 18”x13”x9" (with laptop sleeve)
- Medium front pocket size: 10”x10”
- Small pocket size: 6”x10”
- Shelf life: 5 years
Be Prepared: Stock Up on EDC Tactical Gear
At Pro Armory, we’re run by a team of veterans with real field experience. We know the importance of being prepared for any situation. We have the ammunition you need, prime choices for your tactical EDC items, and recommendations to help keep you and your family protected, no matter what life throws your way.
With this guide, you’ll be ready to handle almost any situation you encounter. There are a lot more items that might make it into your EDC tactical kit, but these are the ones we consider most important.
Have questions about how to use these items or want recommendations for specific scenarios? We’ve got your six. Ask Pro Armory any questions you have about purchasing the equipment you need to stay safe and secure. We have the knowledge and experience to make your everyday carry tactical kit a powerful advantage for you and your loved ones.
Check out our tactical gear at Pro Armory to find your EDC essentials for a great price.