The Best Community EDC Gear: Pocket Dump from @everydaychuckcarry

About This Everyday Carry

My preferences for EDC are for items that can be carried/attached and worn discretely. I also prefer multi-function items to enhance the value of carrying something.

My journey and subsequent immersion into the world of everyday carry was influenced by a few different factors. Having survived the pandemic and lengthy lockdowns while binge watching The Walking Dead I realised it might be a good idea to be more prepared for more scenarios. Not so much full scale prepper but more like Batman’s utility belt. I also wanted to improve and enhance what I was already carrying. This included a wallet, phone, key fob and glasses case.

My goal was to add functionality and streamline my planned EDC without adding bulk. I also wanted to incorporate as many multi-functions as possible to increase the value of carrying something as well as to cater for more scenarios. I wasn’t prepared to carry a Maxpedition pouch full of pocket knives and pry bars but instead work within the 4 core items I was already carrying.

I stumbled across Dango Products and felt their mission was almost exactly what I was trying to achieve. Their products were well-made, rugged and had some tactical aspects too. I initially purchased the A10 Spec-Ops bifold wallet with pen holder insert but this was a very, very thick wallet that was difficult to carry in most pant pockets. I then changed to the M1 Maverick Spec-Ops bifold and this was a much similar thickness to my existing leather wallet which made transitioning and carrying very easy. I then added the pocket clip to store cash and the carbon fibre backplate to save weight. I also changed some habits by no longer carrying coins and utilising Google Wallet to carry less cards. Adding the Victorinox Swiss Card into the outer pocket was a great addition and I love how the scissors line up with the cut out to be accessed easily.

My previous key fob was bat shaped with wings that wrapped around the keys. It was functional but protruded from the body too much and clipped onto a belt loop. This could’ve been yanked off and stolen which means I’ve lost my car keys and some house keys. My next key fob needed to be streamlined and attached more securely. The “Titanium Quick Release Keychain Clip Multi Tools for Belt Key Clasp with Keyrings Kit by Bang TI” was the perfect solution. It sits over a belt and clasps shut while incorporating a pry bar, ruler, bottle opener and 3 hex slots with space for keyrings. The keys are now stored in a Bellroy Key Cover Plus which has a slim profile. I don’t carry too many keys so I had space to add a Nitecore Mini Knife NTK05 and a key tool by True Utility because why not. A lot of research went into sourcing the swivel connectors to minimise hanging distance and the detachable one has a nice locking feature.

The sunglass case was a bit hard to accommodate initially but it’s comfortable now. My prior case was a generic type that looked ugly in a back pocket and had to be removed when sitting. The WYNEX Tactical Molle Glasses Pouch hangs off my belt at an 8 o’clock position and can be used one-handed. It also has extra storage capacity in the inner lining accessible through a velcro pocket where I store a signal mirror, slim 5000mAh rechargeable battery and an MT05 Multi-tool from my previous wallet. The exterior has also been enhanced by swapping out the pull strings with Exotac tinderZIP and a lockable belt clip. The D shaped connecting shackle also has a pry bar edge.

When placing an order through Dango Products I needed to buy more for free postage and added a Capsule Slide. I wasn’t sure what would fit inside or its purpose but eventually I realised it could be a first aid kit. AeroAid makes sachets for antiseptic cream and burn gels and these fit neatly inside along with some band-aids and a couple ibuprofen. A paracord sling by Dango Products attaches it to my wallet.

In my quest to add more functionality to my everyday carry I improved my belt by upgrading to the Dango Products belt buckle. It has an internal storage capsule which is not readily accessible but I store a small ferro rod inside.

When Nitecore released their EDC27 I had to have it. An innovative flat pocket-friendly design and had EDC in its name. Around the same time I also discovered Viperade. They make pouches of all sizes and I first tried their VE29 but the flashlight would keep turning itself on (even though it was locked) and burnt a hole through it. I then swapped it for the PJ33 with a pen holder which takes it out of my pocket and mounts on a belt. No more burn holes and my phone doesn’t get scratched up anymore. The quick access strobe feature together with a Smith & Wesson SWPENMP2BK tactical pen can help in emergencies.

My future additions might include Mighty Hanks, Leatherman Raptor Shears and I also really like the survival cards and micro-tools by Grim Workshop. I’m also researching running pouches which can be worn on the calf for more carrying potential.