YOUR OUTDOOR EDC KIT SHOULD COVER ALL THE BASICS OF SURVIVAL

BY EDC STAFF | PHOTOS FROM THE MANUFACTURERS

LENA ELISSEEVA / DREAMSTIME.COM

When you venture far off pavement, naturally the gear you choose to carry in your pockets or pack will be aimed at accomplishing very different goals than the things you use daily in the concrete jungle.

You outdoor EDC kit should be concerned primarily with the survival basics. An untimely fall leading to a sprained ankle or a wrong turn off the trail can turn a happy day in the woods into an unexpected night exposed to the elements.

First, you need to be able to make fire. With fire you can stay warm, purify water through boiling, cook a meal, ward off bugs with smoke and provide a degree of reassurance in an otherwise scary situation. Tools-knife, saw, hatchet, multitool-allow you to build a shelter or improvise other things you need. You’ll want some navigation devices too-compass, map, GPS unit-to help keep you on course even if you have no intention of leaving a marked trail. A water bottle, metal cup, high-energy snack bars, emergency blanket, signaling devices, firearm and first-aid kit are other considerations.

01 EXOTAC NANOSTRIKER XL

Exotac specializes in fire-starting products. All are made in the U.S. and are excellent. The nanoSTRIKER XL is a ferro rod that’s small enough at 3.65 inches to fit well in a pocket and large enough to start around 3,000 fires. The rod is replaceable. It’s contained in a protective aluminum tube that becomes a handle extension during use. Unscrew the ferro rod and striker from the tube and you’re ready to shower hot sparks onto your tinder. The included lanyard cord can be looped through the striker and around your fingers for a more secure grip.