Everyday carry gear and survival items are largely viewed as two very different segments, and for good reason, as the former is markedly more focused on injecting utility and preparedness into one’s daily commute or routine while the latter is primarily aimed at off-grid, more bushcraft-leaning applications. Though it’s fairly rare, there are products that straddle the line between these two spaces, occupying the intersecting section of the EDC-survival gear Venn diagram. And it’s this group of both off-grid and EDC-ready kit that we’ll be highlighting today in this guide to the best everyday carry survival gear.
Flint And Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket
Famously worn by Pedro Pascal in his portrayal of Joel Miller on HBO MAX’s The Last Of Us, The Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket is an apocalypse-ready layer that’s cut from a weather-resistant waxed 7oz Martexin sailcloth with a full flannel liner. Cut, sewn, and finished by hand in Los Angeles, this best-selling jacket will also slowly form a unique patina over time with regular use.
The Friendly Swede Trilobite Paracord Bracelet
Secured via a rugged stainless steel D shackle, The Friendly Swede’s Trilobite Paracord Bracelet is a military-inspired item that serves as a fashion accessory on a day-to-day basis. In survival situations, however, this bracelet can be unwound, providing its wearer/user with approximately 10’ of Paracord for making traps or shelters when off-grid.
Outdoor Element Firebiner
Carabiners have long been mainstay EDC essentials, though the Outdoor Element Firebiner manages to put a survival-focused twist on the product space with a classic gated design that incorporates a flat-head bit driver, a pair of hanging slots, a utility razor, bottle opener, and a fire-starting spark wheel into its titanium-coated body.
The Gear Spool Duct Tape Spool
As MacGyver has proven time and time again, a few pieces of wire, twine, or duct tape can be a literal life-saver in the right situation. The Gear Spool’s Duct Tape Spool is a pocketable, alloy spool that measures less than 3” in length and allows its user to neatly carry a few dozen yards of tape, Paracord, and a variety of other materials that lend themselves to outdoor and survival uses.
LifeStraw Peak Series Solo
Able to screw onto a standard EDC water bottle, the LifeStraw Peak Series Solo is a personal water filtration system that features a 1.7oz membrane microfilmer that can filter a liter of water in just 20 seconds and do so for a cool 2,000 liters of water before needing a filter swap. The entire thing is also made from post-consumer recycled, BPA-free plastic.
Exotac titanLIGHT
Made in America and backed by a lifetime warranty, the Exotac titanLIGHT is an insanely rugged, waterproof, crushproof survival lighter that’s precision-machined from aircraft-grade aluminum. Offered in four anodized color options, this item also boasts an O-ring-secured quickTHREAD cap that can be opened in a single twist/revolution.
Olight Baton 3 Pro
IPX8-rated, the Olight Baton 3 Pro is a pocketable and potent EDC torch that offers ample battery life and durability — traits that also make it perfect for outdoor and off-grid use. Measuring less than 4”, this torch features a machined aluminum body, a 175-meter throw, and a maximum output of 1,500 lumens.
My Medic Sidekick First Aid Kit
Whether in the city of off-grid, accidents happen. Which is why we always recommend being armed with at least a small first aid kit. And when it comes to compact EDC-friendly FAKs, it doesn’t get much better than My Medic’s Sidekick First Aid Kit — a USA-made kit that’s comprised of over 70 items and backed by a lifetime warranty.
ExoTac xREEL
The ExoTac xREEL is a highly-compact all-in-one tackle kit that contains everything needed to catch fish while off-grid. Constructed around a machined aluminum body, this American-made item comes loaded with over 50’ of 15-lb test monofilament line, as well as a pair of floats, and half a dozen hooks and splits.
Leatherman Signal Outdoor Multi-Tool
Backed by a generous 25-year warranty, the Leatherman Signal Outdoor Multi-Tool is a 19-function butterfly-opening item that includes regular and needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, a 420HC combo knife, a hammer, can and bottle openers, a Ferro rod, a safety whistle, a carabiner, and a bevy of hex and bit drivers — all of which collectively make this modern multi-tool highly conducive to both EDC and outdoor use, alike.
Extrema Ratio RAO
Created for the Italian Armed Forces’ elite Ricognizione ed Acquisizione Obiettivi” (Target Acquisition Regiment), the Extrema Ratio RAO is an extremely rugged folding knife that boasts an aluminum handle mated to an ultra-beefy Böhler N690 blade measuring nearly a quarter inch thick. Spanning 10.24” overall, the RAO also comes with a special pin that can be inserted through the handle and blade when opened, securely double-locking it into place and transforming the folder into a fixed blade that’s ready to take on hardcore bushcraft applications.
Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Outdoor Watch
Made in Switzerland, the Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Outdoor Watch is a super hardwearing chronograph that’s constructed around a lightweight yet thoroughly rugged 45mm CARBONOX composite case capped off with a 316L stainless steel case-back. Water resistant down to 1,000 feet, this survival watch also sports Luminox’s Constant Glow tech which shines brightly for a cool quarter century.
The Basic Survival Skills Every Man Should Know
Survival gear is incredibly useful, but only if you know how to properly use it. If you aren’t privy to this knowhow then be sure to check out our guide to the basic survival skills that every man should know for a detailed breakdown of these off-grid survival fundamentals.
