SHTF Items You Can Carry Without a Bag

Here, we’ve compiled a list of essential items that can be carried on your person 24/7, without requiring a bag, so you’re always ready for whatever might come.

GEAR & TOOLS

11/1/20247 min read

Essential 24/7 SHTF Items You Can Carry Without a Bag

In a “SHTF” (Stuff Hits The Fan) scenario, preparedness can mean the difference between getting through a situation unscathed or being caught off guard. The right gear can prepare you for everything from self-defense to emergency communications, and even surviving in the wilderness if needed. Here, we’ve compiled a list of essential items that can be carried on your person 24/7, without requiring a bag, so you’re always ready for whatever might come.

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Important Urban prep Items to have:

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What is an EDC or Everyday Carry?

It depends who you ask, where, and when. Someone in north Alaska in the woods will have a different opinion from someone in south Florida in little Havana. No matter where you live, medical care and self defense are core principles of an EDC. The bear threatening someone in Alaska or the gang member following someone in a city. both can require the control of bleeding and defense. And even everyday challenges like needing a knife to cut part of the pants off a someone who is bleeding out so you can apply a tourniquet to their leg to save a life. Even the life of your attacker, as strange things can happen for unknown reasons and off connections are built.

Every day carries (no pun intended) the potential for unexpected challenges—some as minor as a flat tire, others as catastrophic as a natural disaster or a sudden act of violence. Having an Everyday Carry system, or EDC, is a lifeline when you least expect it. It's the tactical advantage you take with you when leaving the relative safety of home.

Think of the EDC as your first layer of defense and preparedness. Whether you realize it or not, you’ve likely already adopted a basic version of EDC. Your keys, wallet, and phone are the bare essentials that many wouldn’t dare leave home without. But in the face of a disaster, these alone are insufficient. Expanding your EDC to include tools that can save your life or the lives of others is not a luxury.

Imagine this: You’re driving through an urban area when a major earthquake strikes. The road fractures beneath your tires. Traffic is paralyzed, cell towers are overwhelmed, and panic grips the streets. If you’re prepared, your EDC might include a sturdy multitool, a flashlight, and a compact first-aid kit. These items transform you from a passive victim to an active problem solver. The multitool enables you to cut seatbelts, pry open a jammed door, or repair minor vehicle damage. The flashlight pierces through dust and darkness, signaling for help or illuminating your path. A first-aid kit helps you tend to injuries until professional assistance arrives. Without these tools, your options narrow dramatically. One great tool that can be carried on your belt to make room in your EDC is the KA-BAR original TDI knife, which comes in large and small for concealment. Correction officers use this to prevent someone from sneaking behind their primary weapon. I have found it incredibly useful for emergency cutting and also defense whether on the weak or strong side. Also I would recommend getting familiar with the knife you intend to carry and practice knife fighting using dry erase sharpies, which simulate blood. Of course Instagram limited my knife fighting reel because their blue hair nose ring brigade of moderators decided a sharpie was: LiKe oH mY GoD... SoOoOo oFFeNsiVe. But its okay, I have tons of other disaster prepping and survival content on Instagram.

For those who commute by foot or public transportation, the scenarios change, but the stakes remain high. A simple power outage in a crowded subway system can devolve into chaos within minutes. A small tactical pen with a glass breaker, a charged portable phone charger, and a whistle might make all the difference. These tools, inconspicuous in your bag or pocket, could help you break through barriers, keep communication lines open, or draw attention in an emergency. If you live in a blue state, get a good quality tactical Kubaton pen, since guns and knives for carry are banned in most of these states e.g. New York, a modem day cesspool of safety. Though there are some blue states that still allow it (for now).

It’s not just about disasters, either. Everyday inconveniences can escalate without the right gear. A sudden downpour can ruin your day if you’re without a compact umbrella or weather-resistant jacket. A dead phone can leave you stranded if you lack a backup power source. These minor inconveniences underscore a broader principle: preparedness gives you the edge in maintaining control over your circumstances.

The EDC mindset requires a balance of practicality and foresight. You don’t need to carry a forty-pound survival kit to the grocery store, but each item should earn its place through utility and reliability. A sturdy knife isn’t just for emergencies; it’s for opening packages or slicing through rope. A small, refillable water bottle isn’t just for hydration during a hike; it’s a lifeline if you’re stuck somewhere for hours. By tailoring your EDC to your daily routine and potential risks, you’re quietly arming yourself with the tools to adapt, survive, and protect.

EDC also bridges the gap between the physical and the mental. Carrying gear is only half the battle; knowing how to use it is equally critical. A flashlight is just a chunk of metal and circuitry if you don’t know how to adjust its beam or replace the batteries. A first-aid kit is useless without basic medical training. Every item in your EDC should come with a promise—not just that it’s there when needed, but that you’re equipped to wield it effectively.

Modern life is filled with distractions that lull us into a false sense of security. The lure of convenience and routine masks the fact that danger doesn’t announce itself. The sound of tires screeching, the flicker of failing power, or the rumble of shifting earth can erupt without warning. An EDC system isn’t just gear; it’s a mindset. It’s about walking into the unknown with confidence, knowing you have the tools to face whatever lies ahead.

1. Concealable Pistol

A reliable, concealable pistol offers immediate defense capabilities. Look for a compact model that’s easy to conceal, like a Glock 43 or Sig P365. These models pack power while remaining easy to carry under light clothing. Remember to familiarize yourself with your weapon and practice regularly.

2. Two Extra Pistol Magazines in a Fobus Holster

Additional ammunition is a must in an SHTF situation. A Fobus holster or another slim-profile magazine holder lets you carry two extra pistol magazines comfortably and discreetly. Fobus holsters are lightweight, durable, and easy to conceal, making them an ideal choice for extra ammo storage.

3. Concealable Knife (e.g., Ka-Bar TDI)

A concealable knife like the Ka-Bar TDI with a steel belt clip is a solid backup self-defense tool. Its design allows for a natural grip and quick access, perfect for unexpected close encounters. When placed in the right position on your belt, this blade will stay hidden and easily accessible.

4. Zoleo Satellite Communicator

In situations where cell towers are down, a satellite communicator like the Zoleo is essential. It enables you to send emergency messages from anywhere with a clear view of the sky. The Zoleo device is compact and can clip onto your belt, ensuring that you’re never out of reach for assistance or emergency contact.

5. Burner Phone To Disappear

A secondary, prepaid burner phone is useful for emergencies or maintaining anonymity. Keep it in a safe pocket for those times when your primary phone is compromised or out of reach. Burner phones can also provide valuable secondary access to communications if your main device fails.

6. Tourniquet with Optional Pouch and Steel Belt Clip

A tourniquet can be lifesaving in an emergency, especially if you’re far from medical help. Compact models come with pouches and steel belt clips, allowing you to secure it to your belt without taking up much room. Quick accessibility and ease of use make a tourniquet an essential item for personal safety.

7. Push Dagger Necklace

A push dagger on a necklace worn around your neck offers another self-defense option. Use paracord instead of a metal chain to ensure that the necklace is as versatile and durable as possible. With a quick reach, you have an additional layer of personal defense in a close-combat scenario.

8. Mini Flashlight

A mini flashlight is essential for visibility in low-light environments, helping you find your way, assess surroundings, or signal for help. Look for a compact, waterproof model with a strong clip for easy attachment to your belt or pocket.

9. Waterproof Small Notepad and Kubotan Pen

A waterproof notepad allows you to jot down critical information, track tasks, or leave messages, even in the worst weather conditions. A Kubotan pen serves a dual purpose as a writing tool and a self-defense weapon if needed. These items can slip into a pocket or small holster, ensuring they’re always on hand.

10. Passport and Cash To Vanish

Carrying a passport and cash can be a lifeline if you need to leave the area quickly or face a situation where electronic transactions are unavailable. Conceal them in a secure inner pocket or money belt to keep them safe and accessible at all times.

Additional Recommendations:

These items collectively offer a combination of self-defense, emergency communication, medical response, and essential tools for survival. It’s important to practice carrying and using each item regularly so you’re comfortable with them if an SHTF moment arises. Additionally, ensure any local or national laws around carrying weapons and certain devices are adhered to, as this list includes some regulated items.

By carrying these essential items, you can be prepared for anything, anywhere. Whether you’re going about your day or facing an unexpected crisis, having these tools on hand may be the key to staying safe and in control.