Preparing for anything the day throws your way is the point of having a well-rounded EDC, but there’s more to it than buying the coolest gear you can find. You need to know how each item will fit into your carry, and it should be reliable so you don’t need to baby it every time you put it to use. With the help of our friends at 5.11 and in honor of Preparedness Month, here’s a list we prepared of a few items that do just that. They’re great for everyday carry, won’t break the bank, and most importantly, you can rely on any of these items when things get tough.
5.11 Outpost Chrono Watch
When things go south, keeping track of time is an often overlooked piece of a solid kit. The 5.11 Outpost Chrono is a tough watch you can rely on when you need it. A stainless steel case and mineral crystal face mean it can survive almost anything you throw, including a trip underwater. While it isn’t a dive watch, it’s still rated to go down to 100M. The stopwatch is perfect for timing water, while the bright orange chronograph hand and luminous finish help you keep track of time even when conditions are poor. It comes with a 22mm webbing band, but you can also toss it on your favorite NATO.
Icarus DP Knife
Any good emergency kit needs a good knife. For that, look no further than the Icarus DP knife. It’s a classic, get-the-job-done kind of nice while still having a modern design that looks good in a large hand and feels even better. The blade is a practical 3.5” drop point blade with a liner lock to keep it locked in place while using it. Textured scales and great jimping on the blade’s spine combine for better control while slicing, and nicely placed thumb studs make one-handed deployment a breeze. If you’re looking for a reliable knife that you can rely on without breaking the bank, this one might be for you.
EDC PL 2AAA Flashlight
You never know how great a solid flashlight is until you’re nowhere near your car with the sun setting. Stay ready with the EDC PL 2AAA flashlight. It’s roughly the size and shape of a pen, so there’s no excuse to be without it. This flashlight is aerospace-grade aluminum and comes in a hi-vis orange finish to help you find it easier in the dark. A single Cree XP-G3 LED provides you with a max output of a respectable 107 lumens and a beam that can go up to 26 meters. It accepts two AAA batteries allowing you to quickly swap them out and get even more continued use. That said, a single pair can provide you with around 4 hours and 20 minutes of usage on high-power mode. The light is also IPX4 water-resistant and has an impact resistance of 2 meters, so there’s no need to be precious with it. Exactly what you want in an EDC flashlight.
A/T Mid Boot
A great boot will likely outlast any sneaker and protect your feet, but they’re also usually large and cumbersome. The 5.11 A/T Mid Boot is a good compromise between a tough build and a versatile size. It has 3D molded toe and heel protection without sacrificing an outsole made for traction. The inside is just as carefully designed, with a built-in support plate to help load-bearing during heavy-duty work. It also has lightweight foam impact cushioning and an Ortholite footbed. Ensuring your feet are comfortable on the inside is just as important as protecting them from external damage. They come in four different colors, multiple sizes, and have regular or wide versions, so chances are pretty good that there’s a perfect fit for you.
Load Ready Utility Lima Bag
Whether packing tools for the road or snacks for the beach, the 42L Load Ready Utility Lima is a bag you shouldn’t overlook. This 12 x 18 x 11-inch bag has a waterproof internal lining, and it’s made using 1050D nylon with a TPU coating for good measure. It has a zippered mesh pocket for quick access to your most used items. You can also make good use of the side and top handles so you can carry it however you find comfortable. If you already have a trusty backpack and are looking for another unique way to carry your gear, then the Load Ready Utility Lima can find a place in any setup.
AMP10 20L Backpack
If you’re looking for a more traditional-style backpack, 5.11 makes some of the best around. Its AMP (All Mission Pack) backpacks are versatile and damn near indestructible. The 20L AMP10 fits right into that lineup as it’s tough enough to be the bag you rely on in the field or your morning commute to the office. It features multiple pockets and webbing so you can fit whatever you want, whether spare clothes, tools, or some groceries. It’s a clamshell opening backpack with quad zippers so you can get to your gear from any angle, and there is also internal mesh and quick access pockets for smaller items. The body of the bag is made with 500D water-resistant nylon, so you won’t have to worry the next time you get caught in a rainstorm.
This is a sponsored post presented by 5.11.
