A Complete Guide To Choosing The RIGHT EDC Bag For YOU
Because owning and wearing an EDC bag allows you to be more prepared EVERYWHERE you go. It allows you to carry more critical gear and, thus, handle more emergencies.
That’s why I take my EDC backpack with me Every. Single. Day!
I did my research and found a bag that’s:
- Comfortable
- Organized
- Fits my style
- Within my budget
And I want the same for YOU!
TOPICS IN THIS GUIDE… ↓(click to jump)
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Brief Intro. Into EDC Bags
A quick look online proves I’m not alone in my passion for Everyday Carry Bags.
There’s an overwhelming number of options to choose from nowadays… But THAT’s the “problem.
It’s hard to figure out which one will work best for you.
Nowadays, there are dozens of everyday carry bag manufacturers, each with a unique lineup of styles and sizes. So many, in fact, deciding on the “best bag” can feel a bit overwhelming.
But at least we’ve moved on from the ’90s when fanny packs were all the rage!
↓ Hilarious Fanny Pack Dance-A-Long
Opp… never mind, my wife just told me they’re BACK…
1. Determine Your EDC Gear
The biggest mistake people make is buying their bag before they know what’s going into it.
This means you’re not selecting the best tool for your specific needs.
You’re making your plans fit the bag instead of your bag fitting your plans. This is a recipe for disappointment! You’ll end up with a bag far too big or too small without the needed features.
This means it will not be as useful as it should be, and you won’t carry it.
Defeating the purpose of building your bag in the first place! So let’s go over a few of the most popular Everyday Carry Items you may want to carry broken down into 3 main categories:
- The Standard Don’t-Leave-Home-Without Items
- The Mission Critical Tools and Devices
- The Convenience Matters Items
The Standard Don’t-Leave-Home-Without Items
Ok, take a moment to think through your daily situations. What tools do you absolutely NEED to succeed in those situations?
↓ EDC List – My Everday Carry Setup
List all the items you’d turn around and head home if you forgot.
Sure, many of these will be the items that you “could” carry in your pockets. But I also urge you to resist the temptation to add too many of these items to this list.
You want to keep it short and concise as this will be the primary load you carry EVERY day. Some examples that fall in this category are:
Keys
You’ll need them at some point, whether it’s a car, home, or office.
Wallet
I’ve found out the hard way; it’s difficult to get anything done without the contents of my wallet.
Cell phone
People didn’t have cell phones 50 years ago and somehow got through the day. But times have changed.
The expectation of instantaneous communication is now part of daily life.
The Mission Critical Tools and Devices
Next, consider the tasks, challenges, and threats you might encounter during your day.
This will help you choose the items that help get your job done, reduce your risks, and help ensure your safety. This might include:
Small Specialty Tools
If there’s a small tool you use frequently, it might be worth keeping a spare in your EDC in case you need it.
I used to keep a spare ultra-small screwdriver in my bag for adjusting delicate equipment.
It was the only tool I knew I couldn’t borrow or improvise on the job.
Flashlight
There are many reasons to carry a compact flashlight for work and safety in the dark.
You can even get a smaller tactical flashlight without adding too much size or weight.
Safety Whistle
Survival whistles are compact, lightweight, and great for signaling for help.
Self-defense Weapons
Daily life carries certain risks.
Ones you can only properly mitigate with self-defense weapons.
Whether that means a knife, pepper spray, or firearm, this can be an essential tool to have at the ready.
Radio
Cell phones are great, but they don’t always have service.
Some situations call for direct communication, and a small radio receiver is perfect for this.
If you get your HAM license, you can access all communication channels.
Multi-Use Items
You might want to add a small roll of duct tape, some paracord, and a good multi-tool.
Think of the little odds and ends you reach for to solve all kinds of problems.
Laptop
It’s a reality of daily life that some people have to carry a laptop computer throughout the day.
I go from meeting to meeting for most of the workday, so I have to count myself among them.
I chose a smaller, lightweight laptop with good battery life so I can leave the cords at home.
Convenience Matters Items
Finally, choose the convenience items that make your daily tasks easier.
These aren’t critical items but help your productivity, and you use them frequently.
A few suggestions:
USB Battery Pack
If you depend on your cell phone, you know how quickly the battery can die.
If you’re not in the office throughout the day, it can be hard to recharge, so toss a USB battery pack in.
Notepad & Tactical Pen
I take lots of notes. Sure, some of it can be done with a notes app on my phone.
But a small paper notepad and tactical pen can be indispensable for sharing information or leaving a note for someone.
Sunglasses
Let me say if I forget my sunglasses on a hot, bright day, I’m not a happy camper.
Water Bottle
A small water bottle is another wise addition. I use a collapsible one, which stores small when not in use.
Headphones
It’s unnecessary, but headphones can help you focus on tasks or block out extraneous sounds.
Your EDC list will be different from mine based on the situations you face.
These are things I’ve found I often use enough to warrant carrying. However, I’m constantly reevaluating my EDC list.
Determining if I still need to carry an item or to decide if I should upgrade to a newer, lighter version.
Over the years, I’ve found that some items that were once necessary no longer apply to a new daily routine.
Remember, these items shouldn’t be identical to the ones you carry in your Bug Out Bag. There may be some overlap, but your EDC bag should be much lighter because you’ll be taking it every day.
Think of it as the least amount of tools to get through a day.
If you add too much, you’re weighing yourself down.
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2. Choosing The Right Bag Size
Now that you have a well-rounded list, it’s time to see how much space your load requires.
If you plan to carry some of these items in your pockets or on your belt, you can set them aside for now.
For example:
I keep my cell phone and a folding knife in my pocket, so I don’t need space in my bag for them.
Often, the largest item in your EDC list is the thing that drives your bag selection.
My bag has to fit a 13″ laptop, so anything smaller isn’t a viable option.
You’ll face a similar situation if you carry rain gear, safety equipment, or heavy tools.
Everyday carry bags range from small organizer pouches to full survival backpacks.
So, bag choice is heavily influenced by the amount you need to carry.
I recommend choosing one on the smaller end of the range that fits your EDC items.
This will do two things:
- Force you to stay organized
- Keep you from adding more items “because there’s room.”
Once you’ve identified your largest items, it’s time to think about how you like to organize the rest.
There should be a lot of organizational pockets.
That way, you have plenty of flexibility to organize in any way that suits you.
I keep most of my items sorted by use (electronics in one pocket, first aid in another, etc.) and by the frequency of use.
My car keys are in a secure external pocket.
That way, I can grab them without digging through the rest of the bag. But my cell phone battery stays near the bottom since I don’t need it as often.
3. Selecting A Bag Style
Just as there’s a wide range of features and sizes, there are also several different styles of bags.
I don’t mean “style” in the same sense as “fashion,” but more in the shape and functionality of the bag itself.
Depending on how you plan to use your bag, you may prefer one style over another.
EDC Organizer Pouch
The smallest bags aren’t “bags” at all.
Instead, they are organizational pouches that fit in your pocket or on a belt.
Most of them are under 1L in volume, roughly the size of a water bottle.
Due to the small size, an organizer pouch is more discrete than many other options.
This can be a great option if your EDC list is short and all the items are small.
1
FTIM-5×7 (Gen-2) Maximizer
The Vanquest Maximizer pouch is made from military-grade 500-D Cordura Nylon.
It’s 7″ tall, 5.5″ wide, and about 1.5″ deep.
It features fast pull-down access to keep all your tools and gear organized.
It has one external & two internal storage pockets with 24 elastic webbing slots.
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↓ Vanquest FTIM Maximizer Organizer
2
Orca Tactical MOLLE Utility Pouch Gadget EDC Admin Organizer
The Orca Tactical is a large pocket pouch at 8.5″ H x 6″ L x .25″ W. They claim it’s the largest MOLLE EDC Utility Pouch on the market.
Meaning tons of room to store your everyday or tactical essentials.
This pouch is made from 600D polyester material with sturdy double stitching all around.
The sides include large interior pockets with elastic bands. Slots are included to hold smaller items such as a small flashlight, pens, pencils, a pocket knife, nail clippers, and small tools, etc.
Rear MOLLE straps make this EDC pocket pouch compatible with any tactical MOLLE gear. Works great attached to a belt.
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EDC Lumbar Pack
If you need a little more space but still want to avoid a pack on your shoulders, check out an EDC lumbar pack.
Unlike the formless “fanny pack” of the 1980s, these packs are well-built and full of features.
They have many inner compartments and water bottle pockets to keep you organized.
They remain tight against your lower back and keep your gear from shifting back and forth while on the run.
You can slip it to the front for quick access when paired with a messenger bag shoulder strap.
Some are even compatible with backpack straps to haul around heavier loads.
4
G4Free Sport Outdoor Waist Pack Tactical Sling Bag
This G4Free Outdoor Tactical pack is made from high-density polyester fabric. Meaning it’s both lightweight and durable.
The 3 ways design, allows it to be used as a shoulder bag, waist pouch, or handbag.
A Molle system allows you to add even more gear or pouches to the outside of it.
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5
Mountainsmith Day Lumbar Pack
The Mountainsmith Day Lumbar Pack is made from tough and durable 610D HP Cordura.
It includes a tuck-away waist-belt and a front panel bungee attachment system.
The outside also includes 2 side webbing compartments for quick access supply storage.
It also includes an interior foam padded sleeve for tablet carry and smartphone compatible waist belt pockets.
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↓ Mountainsmith Day Lumbar Pack
EDC Sling Bag
The EDC sling bag is the next step up in size, between a lumbar pack and a backpack.
They’re designed to hug close to the upper body and swing around for quick access.
With the size increase, more features are available such as:
- A hydration system
- Laptop sleeves
- Concealed carry pockets
6
Tactical Sling Bag Pack Military Shoulder Sling Backpack
This small tactical rover sling is made of durable 600D polyester.
It’s 12″ tall by 9.5 wide by 6″deep. Meaning it’s big enough to carry a 9.7 iPad.
Plus, it can easily carry all your other EDC gear such as a small notepad, keys, wallet, cell phone, flashlight, gloves, a bottle of water, chargers, etc.
This bag also works well as a pistol range bag for 1-2 handguns and lots of ammo.
It includes an adjustable shoulder strap and also has two smaller straps to help reduce the sway of the bag while moving.
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7
5.11 Rush Moab 6 Tactical Sling Pack
The 5.11 Tactical Sling Backpack is fully customizable.
It has an adjustable cushioned shoulder strap and is made of water-resistant sturdy, lightweight 1050D nylon.
It includes a tech pocket at the shoulder, a covert pocket at the rear, and a second double zip pocket.
The total carry volume capacity is about 11 liters.
This sling bag includes plenty of MOLLE and small stash pockets. Plus, it features a hydration pocket with a pass-through port.
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↓ 5.11 MOAB 6 – The Perfect Man Purse?
8
Allen Tactical Lite Force Tactical Sling Pack
The Allen Tactical Sling Pack is made with concealed carry in mind.
This unique sling design helps to keep your gear on your back. But you can also swing it to the front without removing the pack!
It has a carrying capacity of about 19 liters; plus, it has an expandable carrying capacity with the extensive MOLLE web system.
It’s also considered a “hydration ready” pack.
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↓ My New Extended EDC Sling Bag
EDC Backpack
Finally, for the more cumbersome loads, look into an EDC backpack.
If you’re committed to carrying a laptop and a decent amount of other items, this may be your best (or only) choice.
These have ALL the options and features available.
Plus, tons of space for all your EDC items, but they can get quite cumbersome if you’re not careful.
9
5.11 Tactical Military Backpack
The 5.11 RUSH12 features 16 individual compartments.
Including a very large main storage area and dedicated hydration pocket.
The sternum strap is adjustable and you get two external compression straps. Plus, a contoured yoke shoulder strap system.
All these add up to extreme carry comfort.
It’s made with water-resistant, durable 1050D nylon.
The outside of the pack has wrap-around Molle, so it’s got plenty of expansion capabilities.
This assault pack is ready for any rescue or adventure for all of your gear and equipment.
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↓ Why Keep It? 5.11 Tactical Rush 12 Pack
1. The Bag I Own
EVATAC Combat Backpack
This tactical EDC backpack is as tough as they come at a fantastic price point.
It has heavy-duty zippers, padded shoulder straps, a chest strap, and enough compartments to keep all your survival gear properly organized.
This bag includes a 40L storage capacity. Making it the perfect bag for those who have a lot of gear to haul around.
It’s made from thick, durable 600D Polyester.
It comes with heavy-duty clips. Because a bag is only as good as its clips.
It has padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel for maximum comfort. Because a comfortable bag is essential, especially for daily use.
It has a quick lock chest strap securing the bag even while on the run or scrambling. This helps to prevent the bag from bouncing while on the move!
All compartments are waterproof. This is a must-have feature for high-quality tactical bag.
It includes a total of 10 separate carry compartments. This allows for maximum organization!
Heck, it even has a dedicated padded laptop compartment. This helps protect your fragile items from bumps and knocks.
Similar bags with all these features sell for over $159 (some as much as $229 in many outdoor specialty stores).
But you can get The Combat Bag From EVATAC at a fraction of those insane prices. Click here to see if this fantastic deal is still available.
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↓ The Combat Bag by EVATAC
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4. “Gray Man” Theory & Urban Bags
If you’ve learned about the “gray man” theory in emergency situations, you’ll know that it’s wise to blend into a crowd.
You’re less likely to be identified as a threat (or a savior).
That way, you can accomplish your objectives with the least amount of hassle.
This can mean the difference between:
- Becoming sucked into the problem or
- Slipping past unnoticed
However, you’re probably also wondering how an everyday carry bag fits into this idea.
Many have a very distinct, tactical look.
These survival bags tell a story.
They advertise to everyone you have resources inside.
This isn’t ideal if you plan to be discrete while out in public.
Even if you aren’t looking to blend into a crowd, sometimes the tactical look isn’t what you’re looking for.
A rugged pack covered in MOLLE in my office looks out of place.
It would set some of our clients on edge in a way a more streamlined bag wouldn’t.
Luckily, gear manufacturers today make EDC packs that blend into an office setting.
This stems from the rise of cycle commuters in the outdoor-friendly Western US.
Nearly everyone on the street in cities like Portland and Seattle has a daypack or messenger bag.
A bag for all sorts of settings, from rainy city streets to Silicone Valley boardrooms!
Whether you have to blend into a crowd or just fit into the company dress code, urban EDC bags are a great option.
5. Pulling The Trigger – Choosing Your Bag
At this point, you should have some answers to the following questions:
- Which items do you want to carry daily?
- How much space do you need to carry them?
- Which style of bag do you like best?
So now it’s time to choose the one that suits you.
Whether you buy online or in-store, take the time to try packing your potential bag to see how things fit.
Sometimes, you’ll find that dimensions aren’t accurate, and a 15-inch laptop won’t fit in the “15-inch laptop sleeve”!
While you’re getting hands-on time with the bag, check for the quality of construction and materials.
Return it immediately if you notice bad seams, crooked attachments, or other signs that the bag wasn’t made with the highest care.
Remember, this is a bag you’ll carry daily and count on for years.
If you see problems at the start, they’re not going to get better as time goes on.
Again, the process of selecting your items and the best bag for EDC is a very personal one.
The features that work for me may not work for you.
It’s also a process. One you should revisit on occasion as your needs change.
You may find yourself carrying different items to adapt to your daily tasks.
Remember, at the end of the day, you’re building yourself a toolkit to get through your everyday life.
It’s a whole lot easier to face those everyday challenges with a bag full of your personal gear.
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