Unique EDC Fanny Pack Items to Carry

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EMERGENCY PREP

9/16/20245 min read

Unique EDC Fanny Pack Items to Carry for Practicality and Preparedness

Fanny packs have made a stylish and practical comeback in the world of Everyday Carry (EDC), offering a compact, easy-access way to carry essential gear. Unlike traditional EDC bags, a fanny pack provides quick accessibility and a more streamlined approach, perfect for minimalist carry or when you're on the move. Despite its smaller size, you can still pack a surprising number of life-saving and practical tools. Here’s a guide to unique EDC fanny pack items, including compact pistols like the Glock G43 and G19, as well as other essentials for personal safety and everyday convenience. I would highly recommend the FieldCraft Survival Fanny Pack. See my IG post description for the link to their account here: @FieldCraftSurvival

1. Compact Pistol: Glock G43 or Glock G19

A firearm is often the cornerstone of a self-defense EDC setup, and fanny packs are great for concealed carry of a compact pistol. The Glock G43 is a single-stack, subcompact 9mm handgun that’s lightweight and highly concealable, making it an excellent option for fanny pack carry. The Glock G19, though larger, is still compact enough for fanny packs and offers greater magazine capacity and a full grip for better control.

Why It’s Important:
Both the G43 and G19 are reliable choices for personal protection in self-defense situations. Whether you're on a daily commute or traveling in unfamiliar areas, having a firearm in a secure, easy-access position provides peace of mind.

Tip:
Choose a fanny pack designed specifically for concealed carry, with a hidden compartment or quick-draw feature to ensure safe and discreet access to your weapon.

2. Tourniquet

In the event of a serious injury, such as a deep cut or gunshot wound, having a tourniquet in your fanny pack could be the difference between life and death. A compact, military-grade tourniquet, such as the CAT (Combat Application Tourniquet), is essential for stopping severe bleeding and buying time until medical help arrives.

Why It’s Important:
Bleeding control is critical in traumatic situations, and a tourniquet is a compact life-saving tool. It can be deployed quickly and one-handed if needed, making it vital for anyone carrying a firearm or who is often outdoors.

3. Small Flashlight

A compact flashlight with high lumens, such as the Olight S1R Baton II or the Streamlight MicroStream, is a perfect fit for a fanny pack. Choose a small yet powerful flashlight that’s rechargeable, with adjustable brightness settings and a strobe mode for emergency signaling.

Why It’s Important:
Light is essential in countless situations, from finding your way in the dark to emergency scenarios. A small flashlight can also serve as a deterrent by illuminating potential threats at night.

Tip:
Look for a flashlight that uses a USB rechargeable battery to reduce the need to carry spares.

4. Charging Cables and Power Bank

Staying connected is key in emergencies, so always carry a charging cable for your smartphone and a compact power bank. Opt for a short cable that won’t take up too much space and a lightweight power bank, like the Anker PowerCore 5000, which can provide enough charge to keep your phone powered for hours.

Why It’s Important:
Your phone is not only for communication but also for navigation, emergency calls, and accessing vital information. Keeping it charged ensures you’re not stranded without a lifeline.

5. Multitool

Even in the limited space of a fanny pack, a multitool is an indispensable addition. Choose something compact like the Leatherman Squirt PS4 or the Gerber Dime, which includes a variety of tools such as pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, and a small knife.

Why It’s Important:
A multitool allows you to handle minor repairs, open packages, cut materials, and more, all from a single compact device. In a pinch, you won’t have to carry an entire toolkit with you.

6. Pepper Spray

Not every self-defense situation calls for lethal force, which is why pepper spray is an excellent non-lethal option to include in your EDC fanny pack. Products like the Sabre Red Pepper Spray are small, easy to use, and effective for personal defense in close-quarters scenarios.

Why It’s Important:
Pepper spray provides a quick and effective way to incapacitate an attacker without resorting to your firearm. It's especially useful in situations where a firearm might not be legally or ethically appropriate to use.

7. IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit)

A small, stripped-down Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) designed for fanny pack carry should include the essentials: band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and medical tape. You can also add personal medications, gloves, and a compact Israeli bandage for wound compression.

Why It’s Important:
Accidents happen, whether you’re out hiking, at work, or in a public space. A compact first aid kit ensures you’re prepared to treat minor injuries or stabilize more severe wounds until professional help arrives.

8. Folding Knife or Tactical Blade

A folding knife is useful for both everyday tasks and emergency situations. The Benchmade Bugout or Spyderco Delica 4 are excellent choices due to their lightweight construction, sharp blades, and ease of use. Make sure the knife is legal to carry in your area.

Why It’s Important:
A folding knife can assist with a range of tasks from cutting rope or food to self-defense in close-quarters situations. It’s compact enough to fit in a fanny pack without taking up much space.

9. Emergency Whistle

A small emergency whistle takes up almost no room but can be invaluable for signaling for help in a survival or emergency situation. It’s especially useful in scenarios where your voice may not be heard over long distances or loud environments.

Why It’s Important:
Sound carries far, and a whistle can alert others to your presence in dangerous situations where you may not be able to call out. It’s also a non-electronic tool, ensuring it works even if your devices fail.

10. Foldable Water Bottle

A collapsible water bottle like the Vapur Eclipse is an easy way to stay hydrated without taking up much space. When not in use, the bottle folds flat, making it perfect for minimal carry in a fanny pack.

Why It’s Important:
Hydration is critical, and a foldable water bottle allows you to always have access to water without the bulk of a standard bottle. In emergencies or long walks, this ensures you’re prepared for hydration.

11. Microfiber Cloth

A small microfiber cloth is great for keeping your glasses, phone screen, or other devices clean. It also doubles as a quick way to wipe down surfaces or even function as a makeshift bandage in a pinch.

Why It’s Important:
Microfiber cloths are lightweight and versatile, helping maintain clarity on any optics or screens you carry.

Conclusion

An EDC fanny pack is an ideal solution for carrying essential items in a compact, organized way. Whether you're including a compact pistol like the Glock G43 or G19 for personal protection, or other versatile tools like a multitool, tourniquet, and flashlight, a well-curated setup ensures you’re always prepared. While the space is limited, focusing on essential gear that can address a wide variety of situations—self-defense, first aid, communication, and survival—maximizes the utility of your fanny pack.