After 48 years of carrying, I seem to have more "stuff" now, than ever before.

[george burns]

I laid out all my EDC yesterday when I got home preparing for the drinking and eating on New Years Eve. It's no wonder my back keeps getting worse every year. For those who haven't looked at "EDC" the website, check it out for a chuckle.
The average guy who lays out his daily carry equipment, is at the point of needing a Camel to carry it around. I deleted the picture before my wife could get her hands on it. Argument is still going on as to why we need this stuff. You just can't win, unless you get into trouble and the non believers see why we carry 2 knives, one or two guns, extra mags, and assorted other necessity's. But I am starting to consider carrying a 380 as my backup, or 2, 380's period.
Springfield just came out with their version called the 911. And in close quarters with good ammo, it should do the job, unless you are shooting over 30 yards, which is not likely in a self defense scenario. I just sold two Heavy guns, that I just knew I would never carry anymore. The Glock 19 is about it for me, maybe with the 26 on the ankle and split the mags.

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

I kinda got caught up in the EDC everything game. After a career as an LEO and security specialist, I found that since I retired I spend more time on gun sites and gun video channels, and began carrying more stuff now, than when I was sworn and off duty. I think it's more getting caught up in the advertising of the latest and greatest, for me anyhow.

I began to rethink it and realized I really don't need that heavy automatic knife when my pen knife will and has done me fine for 50 years. My cell phone (something that wasn't available for over half of my career) has a great flashlight in it, as well as a camera and recording capabilities. I mounted a full size maglite in the jeep just in case.

My handgun doesn't have to be a full size duty weapon anymore, although I have a couple. I have a S&W Shield that has become my 95% CCW with one extra mag. IF I need deeper concealment, I have a Taurus 380 and an extra mag. If I think I need more, I have options that I seldom need to use.

I will never judge someone on what they feel they need or want to carry, it's their peace of mind that matters. I just found that I started having more money in a drawer of stuff that was to be EDC and then put aside after only a short time of use.

 

[sgt127]

When I first became a baby cop, I carried my duty gun (a 1911) and, two extra mags everywhere I went. And a Surefire. Camo vest hiding everything.

Then a 1911 and one extra mag.

Then a Detonics and one extra mag.

Etc. etc. until I wound up with a S&W 642 and a speed strip.

That just wasn't enough.

Finally settled on a Sig P239 in 357 Sig and 2 extra mags. A Spyderco endura and a Peak Eiger flashlight.

I KNOW I'm going towards the shots. 33 years has put that in me. I need enough gun to go on the offense if I need to.

But, I can carry my full EDC with shorts and a T shirt.

That's my bottom line. No suit coat, Cammy vest with the sleeves torn off, jacket etc.

 

[CoalTrain49]

Finally settled on a Sig P239 in 357 Sig and 2 extra mags. A Spyderco endura and a Peak Eiger flashlight.

P-239 is a nice carry. Mines a 9 MM. I'm really not sure why it isn't more popular, probably the expense. I just bought a 229 but I like the 239 better for carry. Mags are single stack and easier to conceal/carry. The 239 is good to 15 yards in my hands. That's all I need.

Most 380's and SNR's are impossible for me to shoot well.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Used to carry a belt gun and a backup on the ankle- in addition to a good 3.5" folder and a Zippo. Dad used to say Man should always have blade and fire.
Ive since taken to carrying either the belt OR ankle gun....I now reckon if I'm going into a situation dangerous enough to need two guns, one had better be a rifle.

Still EDC blade and fire though.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Folding knife, keys, wallet, handkerchief, gunbelt, holster, spare magazine and pouch and a Kimber UCC II .45 ACP

 

[herrwalther]

Even in my early 20's I had back problems caused by carrying big stuff. So I tried to keep my EDC carry (crap) to a minimum. Tried anyway. At one point I would be carrying a XD45 with spare magazine. Backup NAA with a spare reload. Leatherman, keys, wallet, card multi tool, pocket knife, flashlight, and some various other pocket stuff. I had a few other firearms to substitute for the XD45 or the NAA and it was just as bad to have all that carrying off my belt or other body areas (like ankle holsters).

I like to think I have gotten better with some smart shopping. I rarely carry a double stack full size firearm outside work. I have a single stack 9mm that comprises of most of my off work carry, one spare magazine with it. If I feel the need for a backup weapon, it is a can of Freeze spray. I carry a lighter knife, a lighter flashlight. No more Leatherman or multi tools. Pretty soon I will be finding a slim/minimalist wallet for carrying cards/IDs etc

 

[Armored farmer]

I have heavy hitters to carry, and good holsters for them....but the lcp usually is my edc.

 

[Mizar]

"Overkill", anyone? I still fail to see the reason for carrying two knives for example. And I do consider myself a knife person - not leaving home without a folder in my pocket. This EDC thread brings memories - I was visiting a friend that just showed up from the grocery store near by and he was carrying:
1. A S&W CS9 pistol with extra magazine
2. Expandable baton
3. Pepper spray
4. Folding knife
5. Fixed blade knife
6. TWO flashlights
7. Various "survival" stuff in a 5.11 shoulder bag
When I asked him if he thinks that his EDC style might be a little bit overkill for visiting a store 50 yards away from his front door, he didn't even understand the question...

 

[bannockburn]

After many years of carrying too much stuff around I currently go with either a Kahr CM9 with one spare magazine, a Kershaw Leek, my cell phone, some sort of Swiss Army Knife, and my keys or else a S&W Model 638 with two speed strips. Trying to keep it really simple and basic.

 

[JR24]

I did the whole carry bunches of stuff and 2 guns plus reloads for a while and finally settled on:

1. 1 Gun (usually a 1911 of some flavor)
2. 1 knife
3. 1 reload
4. Wallet
5. Phone
6. Flashlight

Considering adding a zippo or butane lighter just in case, but haven't.

 

[Armored farmer]

Considering adding a zippo or butane lighter just in case, but haven't.

As much as I like my Zippo, it has let m down because of the fuel evaporation. I don't smoke so I forget to fuel it up.
I carry a bic in the leatherman sheath behind my leatherman. Super handy.

 

[Mizar]

Off topic, but Imco Triplex petrol lighters have a way better sealed fuel tank, have flame adjustment and the whole tank assembly is removable and it doubles as a candle. Same price as Zippo, but it has that retro-European look... I say it lasts about 3-4 times more until it requires refilling, but it's definitely not that sturdy and long lasting as a Zippo.

 

[.455_Hunter]

For me, it's pretty simple...

Gun (front left pocket)
Reload ( back right pocket)
Wallet (back left pocket)
Phone (front right pocket)
Flashlight (clipped to front right pocket)
Folder Knife (clipped to front right pocket)
Chapstick/Change (front right pocket)
Handkerchief (back right pocket)
Keys (Usually jacket/hoodie pocket or back right pocket)

Except the gun/reload, all of those items are used daily.

A backpack with more goodies is kept nearby or in my vehicle.

 

[bassjam]

I’ve spent time trying to carry larger guns, flashlights, and multi-tools but always end up going back to a more minimalist EDC set up. Here’s my list, in order of importance.

1 – locking pocket knife, no more than 3” blade (I don't leave my bedroom without it)
2 – cell phone (with flashlight app easy to find)
3 – small handgun, typically a j-frame if I’m out or NAA .22 around the house
4 – thin wallet with only a small amount of cash and only the cards I need
5 – key ring, with only my truck key and a bottle opener on it.

I’m normally within walking distance of my home or truck, and I keep enough “emergency” stuff in both locations with easy access. I could probably survive for a long time off of just what’s stashed in my truck!

 

[sean m]

My EDC, has become:
Ruger LCP with spare magazine
Swiss Army Tinker knife
Maglite Soltarie LED
Mini BIC lighter
16GB flash drive
Collapsible ballpoint pen
Android smartphone
Wallet


In my work shoulder bag.
2 spare mag
Collapsible baton
Leatherman wave
Pocket radio
Spare glasses
Samsung tablet
Assorted chargers
Bottle of water
Some granola bars

 

[Tiro Finale]

I usually carry:

• My phone (has a light and camera)
• My wallet (which has one of those handy credit-card-size multitools)
• An Ozark Trail multitool
• A thing of matches (I like the windproof ones that come in the little orange plastic container)
• A knife, either folding or fixed-blade (I often carry a karambit that I'm quite fond of)

I'm looking at the Glock 29 as a carry piece.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

I worked the streets in the most violent area of the city for 5 years. I really saw no need to carry off duty what I carried on duty. My EDC for the past 17 years has been a handgun of some sort with an extra mag, a folding knife, cell phone, handcuff key and $50 to $100 in cash.

 

[george burns]

I picked up a 45,PC shield over the weekend and honestly compared to my PM9, it's heavy, 22 ozs vs 15. I will still take it over the Glock 30 S, I loved, but sold because it was too large, "not as heavy as the shield, at 20 ozs, but thicker and once loaded, with 11 rounds it became heavy. I like the shield because it's flat, under an inch. I would have liked a safety only because the trigger is under 5 lbs, " I must have a freak" ,it would have been the first one with a safety, but I am so used to not having one for decades now, that it doesn't really matter. But that PM9 really spoiled me. I just can't carry a double stack gun anymore, "except my Glock 19".

 

[HB]

I have enough carry “stuff” in a tote but rarely carry anything but a 38 and a knife. Lighter and wallet. I shoot the pistol a lot, use the lighter and knife a lot more......

 

[chicharrones]

I've never been able to comfortably carry a lot due to my work clothes and I like to still be able to bend at the hip. Of course, I'm not an LEO of any kind.

My pockets are full enough with:
- Remington RM380 in Recluse TS holster
- Kershaw 1730SS lock blade (cheap but used daily)
- tri-fold wallet
- key ring with 10 keys on it
- car key/remote combo
- and the small 2 year old smart phone I'm typing this on