A little less than a month ago, I posted about “A Gap in My Preparedness” when I realized an emergency can happen while I am far from my home where I have most of my preparedness supplies.
Since then I have carefully chosen a few items to keep with me at all times. Each item is useful enough to keep around, even if there is no emergency. Here they are in no particular order:
- Solar watch – I decided to switch to a watch that runs on solar power, as I got tired of having to buy new batteries every time.
- Mobile phone
- Paracord bracelet – I started making them as a hobby
Paracord bracelet - Taser/flashlight – I posted about getting this as a gift (see https://wp.me/p1dmhM-g4). Because this is illegal in some states, I would not carry it while traveling
- Pepper spray
- Tiny First aid wallet – has various sizes of band-aid, pain reliever, diarrhea and allergy medicine
- 8 oz Bottled water
- Small granola bar, 1-2 pieces of candy, gum
- Sunglasses
- Multi-tool, safety pin
- Small wallet that includes ID, insurance information, debit card and $20 cash
- Pen
I keep the purse organized and clean out old receipts and papers weekly to keep it light and not overly stuffed.
What do you use the paracord bracelet for?
The paracord bracelet can be un-wound into about 6 feet of paracord. Paracord is useful for tying things, can be a substitute for shoe laces, and anything else you may need rope for.
How about a knife? I never leave home with out my folder knife… UNLESS of course I am going to an area where they are prohibited (ie; Courts, Air Ports, City Buildings, etc.) I carry two key chains… One with keys only, and the other with a few items for “just in case”. I carry a whistle, a peanut lighter, tiny magnesium/ferrocerium rod, and a tiny multi-tool. And how could you forget a CELL PHONE… Mine has GPS and a few apps that will help me get through the day….
That’s just my two cents…
I have a knife, but its not too handy to carry in the purse so mostly keep the multitool which has a small knife. Heh, left out the cell phone, it does go with me all the time, it’s usually in my pocket. Thanks!
Where did you get your solar watch? Thanks
I got the solar watch from Amazon they have a pretty good selection. The one I own works fine, but has a few things I am not too crazy about (instructions are hard to follow and I had difficulty during daylight savings time) so I did not make a recommendation. I’ll add a few to my Amazon store as examples. Just check out the feature that are essential to you.
Quite a useful list. I wouldn’t have thought of a solar powered watch. I’ll have to look into that!
Nice EDC. I’d suggest adding a lighter, too (never know when you’ll need to make a fire), as well as a smaller flashlight (something that you can keep on your keys) for those times when you don’t have your taser on you. For a knife, let me recommend the Ken Onion Mini Mojito. It’s lightweight and small for carrying, but sharp enough for most everyday jobs.
I will check out the Ken Onion Miji Mojito knife, had not heard of it before. Thanks for the helpful suggestions!
I see a huge advantage women have over men as far as EDC abilities – a purse. A purse can hold quite a bit more than the pockets in my jeans.
Good choices and follow up suggestions. It may not be possible – but a Springfield XD sub-compact would probably fit nicely.
Take care – Rourke
Will have to check out the Springfield XD sub-compact. Thanks!
Could you possibly send a link of some sort about your wallet sized first aid kit? I’ve never heard of anything like that. Thanks in advance!
I will be posting about the wallet sized first aid kit in a few days. Thanks!
Great post! I loved your list of items, it was really helpful. Thanks for posting, keep it up! Thanks for keeping us all a little safer and more prepared :).
I wouldn’t muck with a solar powered watch although it may have more bells and whistles. How about a simple automatic watch from Swatch as a back-up for it after an EMP episode?
Hi waypoint, there are a few solar ones that are way too complicated; I did find one that is just standard and has no frills. A simple wind up watch would do the trick as well.