You never know what’s going to happen or what you might need to have. It’s best to be prepared for every possible scenario, from the best to the worst. Those who have EDC bags want to be prepared for everything and should therefore make certain that they’ve got the right tools. You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money on your EDC bag. Budget EDC can get the job done just as well. But what, exactly, should you put into your EDC bag?

Utility Knife

Having a utility knife is an essential part of EDC. A knife can be both a useful tool and a weapon when necessary. Ideally, the knife you choose should be able to close, either by retracting inside the handle or by folding closed.

Writing Implement

When you think of EDC, something to write with isn’t necessarily the first thing you think of. However, being able to sign a document or fill out a form is a part of everyday survival, too. Plus, if you get the right pen, it can double as a tool to break a window if needed. A space pen, for example, is durable and can write on anything without needing to be completely vertical, and are more likely to be sturdy enough to use as a window breaker.

For the same reasons, a notebook is also a good idea. You never know when you’ll need to write something down.

A Light Source

If there’s ever a situation where the power has gone out, then a flashlight will be extremely useful. You’ll want something with which to illuminate your surroundings in the dark so that you can safely handle any tasks you need to do.

Emergency Impact Tools

Having a set of emergency impact tools could really help you out in a lot of tough situations. You never know when you might need to repair something and having a set of emergency tools is a great idea. Looks for tools that can have multiple functions so that you can buy fewer of them if you’re on a budget. A multitool can be really helpful in a pinch and it also is small so it doesn’t take up a lot of space in your EDC bag.

Keys

It’s essential to be able to unlock anywhere you’ll need to get into, whether that’s a house or a car. Having your keys handy in your EDC bag will help you ensure that you’ve got what you need. If your EDC bag isn’t something you always carry around with you, then a copy of your important keys could be an option instead of your main set.

A Stash of Money

If your EDC bag is with you all the time, your wallet should be included in the bag. This should include credit cards, but you’ll also want to make sure that you have some cash on hand as well. If you have an EDC bag so you’re prepared but don’t necessarily bring it with you everywhere, then you may not want to leave your wallet in it, but having some cash in it is an excellent idea for emergencies.