EDC stands for everyday carry, which refers to the items that you carry with you on a daily basis. These items can vary depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and needs, but they usually include things like your wallet, phone, keys, knife, flashlight, pen, notebook, and more.
However, carrying too many items can be a burden, both physically and mentally. It can weigh you down, clutter your pockets, and distract you from what matters. That’s why some people opt for a minimalist EDC, which is a way of carrying only the essentials that add value and functionality to your life.
What is minimalist EDC?
Minimalist EDC is a philosophy of carrying less but better. It means choosing quality over quantity, and focusing on the items that you actually use and need. It also means eliminating or replacing the items that are redundant, unnecessary, or inefficient.
Minimalist EDC is not about having a fixed number of items or following a strict rule. It is about finding the optimal balance between minimalism and utility for your personal situation. It is about being intentional and mindful about what you carry and why.
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Why should you consider minimalist EDC?
There are many benefits of adopting a minimalist EDC approach, such as:
- Saving space and weight: Carrying less items means having more room and less bulk in your pockets, bag, or backpack. This can make you more comfortable, agile, and mobile. It can also save you from back pain, shoulder strain, or pocket tear.
- Saving time and money: Carrying less items means spending less time and money on buying, maintaining, organizing, and searching for them. This can free up your resources for more important things in life.
- Reducing stress and clutter: Carrying less items means having less mental load and physical mess. This can make you more focused, calm, and productive. It can also help you avoid losing or forgetting your items.
- Increasing satisfaction and happiness: Carrying less but better items means having more appreciation and gratitude for what you have. This can make you more content, confident, and happy.
How to create your own minimalist EDC kit?
Creating your own minimalist EDC kit is not a one-time process, but an ongoing journey of experimentation and refinement. Here are some steps that can help you get started:
- Audit your current EDC: The first step is to take out all the items that you currently carry with you on a daily basis. Lay them out on a table or a floor and examine them one by one. Ask yourself questions like: Do I use this item regularly? Do I need this item for my safety or survival? Does this item bring me joy or value? Is this item worth the space and weight that it occupies? Be honest and ruthless with yourself.
- Eliminate or replace the unnecessary items: The next step is to get rid of the items that you don’t use or need. You can sell them, donate them, recycle them, or store them away. You can also replace some of the items with smaller or lighter alternatives. For example, you can switch from a bulky wallet to a slim cardholder, from a heavy flashlight to a compact keychain light, or from a paper notebook to a digital app.
- Organize and optimize the remaining items: The final step is to organize and optimize the items that you decide to keep. You can use tools like key organizers, pocket clips, pouches, or slings to keep your items neat and accessible. You can also use tools like multi-tools, pens, or knives that have multiple functions and features to increase your versatility and efficiency.
Conclusion
Minimalist EDC is a way of carrying less but better items that add value and functionality to your life. It can help you save space and weight, save time and money, reduce stress and clutter, and increase satisfaction and happiness. You can create your own minimalist EDC kit by auditing your current EDC, eliminating or replacing the unnecessary items, and organizing and optimizing the remaining items. By doing so, you can carry less and live more.