My Everyday Carry

Everyday Carry (or EDC) for most people is just their phone, wallet, and keys. Maybe you also bring along a small pocket knife. That’s fine for just walking around town, but what do you bring to the crag or on a multi-pitch climb? Here’s my EDC bag that comes with me every single time I go climbing and weighs less than 500g.

The bag itself: a lightweight stuff-sack with a drawstring closure

I’m able to quickly toss this kit from my big cragging pack into my smaller multi-pitch pack without worrying if I’m forgetting something. The bag itself came from a sleeping pad. It’s not waterproof or anything, but it’s light and gets the job done.

Sunscreen: zinc oxide

Yes, you will be pasty white, but you won’t be burned! I use a 3oz silicone container found in the travel section of the grocery store so I can bring just a bit of star goo with me instead of the whole bottle. I prefer zinc oxide over other sunscreens because I find it doesn’t run into my eyes, a little goes a long way, and it reflects UV rays instead of converting them to heat like chemical sunscreens.

Lip balm

Along with sunburn, you can also get wind burn. I find my lips can get destroyed if I don’t keep them hydrated and covered with some SPF. I tend to have a tube of lip balm in my pocket, but I’d rather just keep this in my EDC so I never forget to bring some along.

Garmin InReach mini

I go a lot of places without cell phone service. The ability to call for rescue is literally a life-saver. Don’t forget to activate the service!

Mylar blanket

Ideal for when you want to cosplay as a baked potato. This thing will keep you and a buddy warm in the wind and rain when you have an unplanned bivy on top of the mountain. I personally haven’t had to use this yet, but I imagine I’ll be thankful to have more than just the clothes on my back when the time comes.

Knife: CRKT NIAD

This knife is discontinued (the Trango Piranha is very similar), but it’s my favorite climbing knife I’ve used. Obviously, you can cut ropes and cord, but I’ve cut other things (shoe rubber, packs, clothing) with it as well. The serrations really help bust through soft goods. I wouldn’t use it for anything food related, but I guess you could. Since it’s a dedicated climbing knife, it stays securely shut and has a carabiner hole if you want to keep it on your harness.

2mm cord, shoe-lace length

I honestly don’t actually know how long this is, but it’s the length of one of my approach shoe laces. Very handy for fixing a busted lace on climbing or approach shoes. You could also use this to fix something on your pack, make a tether for a tool, or make a horribly unsafe (but very grabby) prussik loop.

Headlamp: Petzl Bindi

This thing is small, but bright. I wouldn’t want it to be my primary headlamp, but I keep it in here for those times you stay out a little later than expected, my buddy’s (or my own) batteries die, or when someone in the party forgets a headlamp. It charges with micro-USB, same as the Garmin.

Lighter: mini bic

Melt ends of cord or rope, deal with frayed bits of clothing, sterilize a needle, cauterize a wound, or start a forest fire.

Tweezers

Mostly used for removing thorns of all sorts, but also useful for re-lacing shoes. Ever fall into a cactus? You want a pair of tweezers on you. This could go in my med-kit, but I end up using them enough that they’ve earned a place in the EDC.

Nail clippers

This set is quite small and probably can’t do toe nails, but it’s more than enough to trim your finger nails and help you get a little more purchase on those tiny crimps. Also great for clipping off dead skin if you get flappers.

Sharpie

Arguably, this should be a mini Sharpie. Regardless, having a marker comes in handy. Use it to leave a note with some tape or a business card. Keep track of information during medical emergencies. Mark the middle of your rope when it’s faded or incorrect. Give your friend a mustache while they sleep.

Climbing tape

Blister prevention, pully helper, maybe somewhat mend a pack or something else? It’s just good to have tape. I usually add this to help bandages stick to sweaty skin.

Business Cards

This one is just for me, but I suppose you could bring some along if you like! Besides handing them out to folks, they allow me to identify myself or my possessions if I’m unable to do so with my voice.