Creating a New Generation of EDC Survival Kits
In today’s unpredictable world, being prepared for emergencies is not just a luxury—it's a necessity. An Everyday Carry (EDC) survival kit ensures that you have the essential tools and supplies needed to handle unexpected situations, whether you’re navigating an urban environment or exploring the great outdoors. Creating your own DIY EDC survival kit allows you to tailor the contents to your specific needs and environment, making it a highly personalized and effective solution. Lets dive into the process of making a DIY EDC survival kit and look at some tips on how to carry it effectively.
For more specialized EDC kits check out our Ultimate Guide to EDC Kits to see various kits and their contents.
What is an EDC Survival Kit?
An EDC survival kit is a compact collection of essential tools and supplies that you carry with you daily. Unlike a bug-out bag or a larger emergency kit, an EDC kit is designed to be portable and accessible, allowing you to respond quickly to emergencies as they arise. The key to a successful EDC kit is balancing functionality with portability—carrying enough tools to be effective, without being weighed down by unnecessary items. This type of kit is meant to be a general kit having just a few critical items to accomplish each of the desired tasks.
Essential Components of a DIY EDC Survival Kit
When building your EDC survival kit, consider the following essential components:
Cutting Tools
A reliable cutting tool is one of the most versatile items you can include in your EDC kit. It can be used for a wide range of tasks, from preparing food to cutting rope or fabric. Cutting tools that can pull double duty as other tools are especially effective.
- Options: A small folding knife, these are tried and true, but not space efficient. A small fixed blade, dependable, but a limited blade size. Card Size Blades like the Axe and Adze card give you as much knife as it can, while also being space efficient.
- Grim Tip: If space is tight, at minimum consider a razor blade, xacto, or scalpel blade you can haft yourself which can serve as an effective, space-saving alternative if not the absolutely minimal option.
Fire-Starting Tools
The ability to start a fire can be crucial in survival situations, providing warmth, light, and a means to cook food or signal for help.
- Options: Include a mini lighter, waterproof matches, and a small ferrocerium rod in your kit.
- DIY Tip: Cotton balls coated in petroleum jelly make excellent tinder and can be stored in a small, waterproof container.
Water Purification
Access to clean water is essential, and your EDC kit should include a way to purify water in an emergency.
- Options: Water purification tablets or a small portable water filter are lightweight and effective.
- DIY Tip: A small, clear food safe plastic bag can be used for solar water purification if you pre-filter your water.
First Aid Supplies
A basic first aid kit is vital for treating minor injuries on the go. Your limited to minor injuries as this kit is also intended to do other tasks, but for minor cuts, and abrasions, this should be acceptable.
- Options: Carry adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers in your kit. You might also include a small vial of iodine or alcohol wipes for disinfecting wounds.
- DIY Tip: Use a small, durable plastic bag or tin to organize and protect your first aid supplies from damage.
Navigation Tools
Having a way to navigate, especially in unfamiliar areas, is crucial.
- Options: At minimum include a small button compass and a printed map of your local area. Some also carry a small GPS device.
- DIY Tip: Print and laminate a small map of your area, folding it to fit neatly into your kit. A laminated map is water-resistant and durable.
Cordage
Cordage is useful for a variety of tasks, from building shelters to securing gear it's the original multi tool.
- Options: Paracord is a popular choice for EDC kits due to its strength and versatility, but another option would be kevlar line. It can serve double duty as a high strenght, fire resistant, abrasion resistant, cordage that can double as a saw. You can also use fishing line for lighter tasks. There are also specialized tools designed to create cordage from commonly found materials.
- DIY Tip: Wrap a few feet of cordage around small objects, such as a lighters or the handle of your knife, to save space.
Tools
Tools to perform various functions, including cutting, screwing, and prying.
- Options: Choose a compact tools like wire saws, screwdriver bits with a universal holder, mini multi tools, etc.
- DIY Tip: If a full-sized multi-tool is too bulky, consider a smaller version or a keychain-sized tool that still offers multiple functions. Alternatively you can carry an external organizer that wraps around your tin to hold additional gear that might not fit inside the tin in place.
Light Source
A reliable light source is essential for seeing in the dark or signaling for help.
- Options: A small LED flashlight or keychain light is a traditional choice, bright, but limited by battery life consider adding extra batteries. Glow sticks are lightweight, but again limited. Another option is a solar glow tool which gives a dim glow, but is infinitely rechargeable.
- DIY Tip: Glow items can often be charged with a led light. You can shine your light for a few seconds on them, then use the glow for several minutes extending your flashlights run time a great deal and saving it for critical tasks.
How to Carry Your EDC Survival Kit
Carrying your EDC survival kit in a way that is both accessible and comfortable is crucial. Here are some tips for effective EDC kit carry:
1. Use a Compact Container
The container you choose for your EDC kit should be compact and durable. Altoids tins are a popular choice, but small pouches or waterproof cases can also work well.
- Grim Workshop Tip: Consider using a waterproof case or a small pouch that attaches to your belt or keychain for easy access.
2. Consider Your Environment
Tailor your EDC kit to your environment. If you’re in an urban area, focus on tools that help with urban challenges, like a lock-picking set or cash. In a wilderness setting, prioritize items like fire-starting tools and navigation aids.
3. Balance Weight and Functionality
While it’s important to include essential items, don’t overload your kit to the point where it becomes cumbersome. Prioritize multi-functional tools and items that can serve multiple purposes.
4. Test and Adjust
Regularly test your EDC kit to ensure everything works properly. Adjust the contents based on your experiences and changing needs.
DIY EDC Survival Kit vs. Pre-Made Kits
While creating a DIY EDC survival kit allows you to customize every item to your needs, pre-made kits like those offered by Grim Workshop can be a great alternative. These kits are curated by experts and include high-quality, essential tools that fit perfectly into a compact format. They are especially useful for those who may not have the time or expertise to build their own kit from scratch, or for someone who wants a strong foundation to build on.
About Grim Workshop
Grim Workshop is a leading innovator in the design and manufacture of compact, durable survival tools that seamlessly integrate into everyday carry (EDC) setups. With nearly a decade of experience, Grim Workshop specializes in creating tools like Survival Cards, Micro Tools, and Dog Tag Tools that are specifically designed to fit into wallets, Altoids tins, or keychains, ensuring that you always have the tools you need at your fingertips. Proudly made in the USA, Grim Workshop’s products are built to withstand the toughest conditions, making them essential for both urban environments and wilderness adventures. The company's mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to be self-reliant, prepared, and ready for any situation that may arise.
