Practical Prepping Podcast

Episode: Every Day Carry And A Complete EDC Dump
Date: September 29, 2025
Hosts: Mark & Krista Lawley

Overview: Main Theme & Purpose

In this practical and engaging episode, Mark and Krista Lawley dive deep into the world of Every Day Carry (EDC)—the items you keep with you daily, whether in your pockets or bag. Departing from prepper extremes, the hosts focus on realistic, personal strategies for everyday readiness. Through a detailed "EDC dump," Mark reveals what’s actually in his bag (mess, oddities, and all) and encourages listeners to assess, update, and tailor their own routines for real-world peace of mind.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Defining EDC: On-Body vs. In-Bag

[01:50–03:24]

• There’s debate within the community about what “counts” as EDC (on your body only? In a bag?).
• Mark disagrees with purists: anything you routinely carry—on your person or in a bag—qualifies.
  • Mark [02:14]: “I very well disagree with him.”
  • Krista [02:15]: “I have several everyday carries...for work and for personal.”
• Your EDC is personalized by your daily needs, job, and lifestyle.

2. Pocket Dump: Mark’s On-Body EDC

[04:23–06:46]

• Right front pocket: RFID wallet, business cards, debit card, cash, money clip, pocket knife.
• Left front pocket: Lighter (“even though I don’t smoke”), two challenge coins.
• Right rear pocket: Badge case (retirement badge, ID, "get home" money).
• Left rear pocket: Bandana, comb.
• Belt: Full-size multitool (7–8 o’clock), full-size concealed handgun (4–5 o’clock) with vest/jacket for concealment, extra magazine, flashlight.
  • Mark [06:06]: “I am [pretty loaded down].”

3. Purse & Bag Philosophy

[06:51–08:20]

• Both Mark and Krista favor small crossbody bags for EDC—secure, always on their person.
• Krista [06:55]: “I like the crossbody style...I never leave a bag unattended in a cart. It's on me.”
• Your EDC bag’s contents should be dictated by your personal/professional needs.

4. Krista’s Professional vs. Personal EDC Bag

[07:41]:

• Professional bag: Tablet, level, L-square, tape measure, pens, pencils, tissues, business cards.
• Personal bag: Wallet, lip balm, pens/papernotepaper, sunglasses, other personal items.

5. Evolving EDC: The Need for Reassessment

[09:03]:

• Mark, prompted by a recent podcast, realizes he hasn’t reviewed his EDC bag contents in a while and decides to do an “EDC dump.”
  • Mark [09:42]: “I decided it was time for me to do an EDC dump...Dump it out on the desk and rebuild my bag.”

6. EDC Dump: Surprises and Amusing Finds

[09:49–12:44]

• Mark lists (sometimes bewildered) a hodgepodge of items, including:
  • 21 floss toothpicks
  • Unidentified key
  • Key to a truck he no longer owns
  • Two sets of nail clippers (“when one just won’t do” [11:11])
  • Lighter plug, various cords/power bank, empty contact lens case, carabiners, multi-tools, safety pins, wallet, meds, AA battery, and empty Altoid tins.
  • Krista [11:21]: “You is ridonkulous.”
  • Krista [12:06]: “That’s a Mr. Prepper right there.”
• Many items don’t make sense anymore—Mark admits it’s time to clean out and slim down.
  • Memorable moment: Mark discovers he carries things he no longer needs and even can't identify (like mystery keys).

7. Bag Rebuild: Mark’s Updated, Organized EDC

[12:48–15:31]

• Mark now prioritizes:

  • 4 floss picks (instead of 21)

  • Business cards

  • Wet lens wipes (for glasses/sunglasses)

  • Organization: painkillers, indigestion/antidiarrheal meds into labeled Altoid tins

  • Multiples of AA/AAA batteries (switched from single batteries)

  • Essential tools: thumb drive, lighter adapter, wall charger, multi-headed cord, flashlight

  • Streamlining knives and multi-tools

  • Separate first aid kit in a sunglass case ("outgrown the Boo Boo kit")

  • Tourniquets (inside/outside pouch)

  • Earbuds, paper journal, room for additional trip-specific items

  • Mark [16:53]: “Yeah, I got the right stuff back in my bag.”

8. Purpose of the EDC Bag: Not a Survival or “Get Home” Bag

[16:54–17:09]

• Mark emphasizes this isn’t a survival kit, get home bag, bug-out bag—just a daily-use setup for little emergencies.
  • Krista [16:57]: “This is an everyday carry...when you leave the house on a regular day.”
• Purpose: ease, comfort, confidence for daily life’s unpredictability.

9. The Value of Regular EDC Review & Seasonal Updates

[17:40–18:44]

• Mark [17:40]: “Encourage you to organize the things that you normally carry.”
• Krista [18:44]: “Everyone can benefit from a level of preparedness...confident, well resourced, and panic free.”
• Suggestion: Review your EDC (and car/get home bags) seasonally or when routines change; update contents to match current realities.
• Mark recommends using “change of season” as a reminder.

10. Lessons from COVID & Real-World Emergencies

[18:55–19:46]

• Mark [18:55]: “How did you do during the COVID toilet tissue shortage?”
• Krista and Mark reflect on real events (like lockdowns, supply chain hiccups, and hypothetical weather emergencies) to illustrate why everyday prepping matters.
  • “How long can you keep your family warm and fed?” (Mark [19:36])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “EDC is everyday carry. What do you carry?” — Mark [03:06]
• “We don't do zombies, we don't do bunkers, we don't do alien invasions. But we talk about the practical stuff. And as Krista always says, stuff happens. Stay prepared.” — Mark [19:48]
• “You have no secrets from me.” — Krista (playful moment, [05:21])
• “You is ridonkulous.” — Krista (teasing Mark's over-packed bag, [11:21])
• “That's a Mr. Prepper right there.” — Krista [12:07]
• “This bag is not set up for survival...just when you leave the house on a regular day.” — Krista [16:57]

Important Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Content | |-----------|----------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | 01:50 | Defining EDC: The Debate | On body vs. in bag | | 04:23 | Mark’s Pocket Dump | Detailed rundown of on-body EDC | | 06:51 | Mark & Krista’s Bag Preferences | Crossbody bags and daily use | | 07:41 | Krista’s Professional & Personal EDC | Work vs. personal bag breakdown | | 09:42 | Mark’s EDC Dump | Dumping out and reviewing his bag | | 12:48 | Bag Rebuild | Rationalizing and reorganizing EDC | | 16:54 | It's Not a Survival Bag | Clarifying EDC purpose | | 17:40 | The Value of Reevaluating EDC | Encouragement for listeners | | 18:55 | Learning from COVID & Real Events | Realistic prepping examples | | 19:48 | Signature Sign-Off | Practical prepping mantra |

Conclusion & Takeaways

• Personalize your EDC: Start with what you actually use, not hypothetical scenarios.
• Routinely review and update: You’ll find outdated, unnecessary, or missing items.
• Keep it practical: Everyday carry is about making real life easier and emergencies less stressful—not prepping for fantasy disasters.
• Let real-world events (like supply shortages or weather emergencies) guide your priorities.
• Signature wisdom: “Stuff happens. Stay prepared.”

For expanded notes and more resources, visit: practicalprepping.info/444