Everyday Carry Bags: What’s in Yours?

Words and photos by Mathieu Godin @math_godin

In a recent article, Survival: The Emergency Grab Bag, we discussed the importance of having an assortment of pertinent gear when trail running or overlanding. Now, we bring to mind the essential everyday carry (EDC) items to have on any off-roading trip that you really need - not just ‘tacticool’ stuff posted on Instagram. 

Here’s the thing. If your off-roader breaks down in a very remote area without any chance of repair onsite, what do you have to survive until help arrives? What’s worse is getting lost on foot while trying to find help, and your emergency grab bag is in your vehicle. 

Canadian survival expert Les Stroud of the Survivorman episodes suggests taking an assessment of what’s on your person when you’re in a “survival-type” situation. This is important since you can’t always carry the top ten emergency essentials. 

Needless to say, you should have some handy gear ready even if you’re only leaving your vehicle for a few minutes. It may sound extreme, but it’s easy to become lost in the wilderness, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area. 

If you don’t think it will happen to you, at the very least, carry the following:

  • A whistle and signalling devices 
  • A fire-making kit
  • A knife

These items are the bare minimum. I habitually bring along an Adventure Medical Kits’ Pocket Survival Pak that I always keep in a side pocket. 

Additionally, even when you go off-roading with friends everyone should have a survival kit or EDC bag. This allows all members of the group to be as self-reliant as possible, especially if they get separated.

Everyday Carry Tips and Communications

One important item to have is a survival whistle. It’s a cheap communication device, weighs next to nothing, and can be a lifesaver. The high pitch carries a long distance and will even save your voice. Remember, three blasts are the universal distress signal. I keep mine in my Pocket Survival Pak. 

While you’ll most likely have your smartphone, battery power only lasts so long, and there’s a good chance of poor reception - if any - in a remote location. A two-way satellite communication device like a Garmin InReach is another way to initiate a rescue. However, always have an alternate source of off-road communication.

Everyday Carry Bag Fire Starting Tools and More 

The ability to make a fire is invaluable when you’re lost. As weather can be unpredictable or challenging, pack waterproof matches or other reliable fire starters like Survivor Firestarters. 

Clothing is just as important. Dress for the conditions and bring extra layers - most notably early or late in the season. Also, have proper footwear as it may be all you have left to rely on in an emergency. 

Another EDC essential is a reliable knife and a small pocket knife, which can assist you in numerous ways. I own a Spyderco, which is always clipped into a side pocket, so it’ll always be there when I need it.  

Other practical items include an assortment of keychain attachments, navigation smartphone apps, an analogue watch (that can be used as a compass) and a survival cheat sheet with a list of tips and information. 

Establish Survival Priorities

Have you heard of the survival rule of threes? It simply outlines the time you can survive in certain circumstances including: 

  • Three minutes without oxygen 
  • Three hours without shelter (depending on the climate) 
  • Three days without water
  • Three weeks without food

I abide by these rules of threes and I also devised a few of my own for survival readiness: 

  • Three seconds to grab my fire extinguisher
  • Three seconds to access my grab bag 
  • Three minutes to survive a significant injury 

Using these rules - or devising your own - will initiate some thoughts about what is needed to survive in an emergency. However, your priorities are to get out of the danger zone, ensure no one is hurt, find appropriate shelter, and send out an SOS signal. 

Using “Lemons for Your Dynamic Risk Assessment”

Accidents on the trails often happen due to the accumulation of small problems that were ignored. Another tip from Stroud is “counting down the lemons” to help you determine risk assessment and when it’s time to turn around and go home. 

For instance, to apply this method on the trails, bad weather would be considered ‘one lemon;’ challenging trail conditions is a ‘second lemon;’ losing cell reception when you need help while travelling solo would be a ‘third lemon,’ and so on. 

The accumulation of these “lemons” will help you decide whether to continue on your trip. Sometimes, turning around is the safest strategy. Remember, managing risk assessment is essential, especially when you’re travelling solo. 

Conclusion

Some of these suggestions may sound overly simplistic but never underestimate them regardless of your experience and skill set. In a high-stress situation, always stay calm, identify your survival priorities, focus on the best solution and resort to your collection of EDCs.