Are you someone who is constantly on the move? Do you like staying organized and prepared for whatever the day throws your way? If so, it may be time to upgrade your everyday carry (EDC) gear with a dedicated everyday carry bag. From organizing your EDC essentials to building a reliable EDC list, the right bag keeps all your everyday carry essentials within easy reach. Follow our comprehensive EDC bag guide to get started.
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What is an Everyday Carry (EDC)?
An EDC backpack is built to support your everyday tasks by keeping your essential items organized, accessible, and ready when you need them most. What you carry will vary based on your lifestyle. A working nomad might pack a laptop, charger, and water bottle, while someone more adventure-focused may rely on a versatile tool, tactical pen, flashlight, and power bank to stay prepared.
No matter your routine, having the right setup helps you handle both expected demands and unexpected situations. To make it easier, we’ve created a guide to help you build a reliable carry system for whatever the day brings.
Types of EDC Bags
EDC bags come in different shapes and sizes depending on the person. A runner might opt for a fanny pack. Newspaper delivery boys often opted for slings. But when it comes to versatility and comfort — a backpack is often the best type of EDC bag. A prime example is Knack Pack’s expandable backpacks, which expand and compress to meet the requirements of people who have changing needs from day to day.
What to Carry in Your EDC Bag?
It’s a question that people have been asking since the dawn of time. Ultimately, the answer is up to you. You probably have a good idea what items you need on a day-to-day basis. But given our passion for One Bag Life, we’ve created a list of the most crucial items to carry in your EDC bag based on three common categories.
The Working Professional EDC
Do you need to carry around supplies for your remote or on-site job? You’ll likely want to carry the following items in your EDC bag.
1. Laptop:
A laptop is the most important EDC object for many working professionals. It’s also the most expensive so protecting it is key. Also, we know know how heavy and uncomfortable laptops can feel in backpacks. That’s why all Knack bags have easy-access, padded computer pockets for protection and ergonomic shoulder straps for comfort.
2. Phone & Laptop Chargers:
It’s always a bummer when your laptop or phone dies right when you need it most. Stow your essential chargers in easy-to-reach pockets for an immediate recharge. When you have multiple devices, consider a multi-purpose cable bundle.
3. External Battery:
When your laptop or phone is about to die, and there is no wall outlet in sight, an external battery saves the day. Look for a slim, durable external battery that has multiple charging ports. We also recommend a charger with at least 3000 mAh charging capacity (which will fully charge a typical dead phone). But take the manufacturers’ capacity claims with a grain of salt: independent lab tests indicate that claimed capacity can overstate actual capacity by up to 40%.
4. Jacket:
Whether you’re in the Pacific Northwest or the Mojave Desert, it gets chilly. It never hurts to pack a jacket just in case. Knack Packs have a hidden suitcase compartment that expands up to 45% for more carrying capacity, making any jacket easy to stow.
5. Pen & Notebook:
Everyone should have a trusty notebook and a pen in their EDC bag. That way you can write out to-do lists, take notes during meetings and brainstorm for new projects. They’re essential items that help you stay on top of things.
The Survivalist EDC
For those who frequent the great outdoors (or even drive through them), it’s a good idea to have a few survival necessities in your EDC bag. You don’t have to be the ultimate outdoorsman to prepare yourself by packing these essentials.
1. Fire Starter:
Fire is perhaps the most important survival tool. You can use it to disinfect water, stay warm, scare predators, and make a rescue signal. A zippo lighter is an easy fire starter option. But if you need something waterproof, consider a flint and steel fire starter tool.
2. Multitool:
As the name implies, multitools can be used for a variety of situations. Knives, scissors, pliers, screwdrivers and so on. It’s never a bad idea to have one of the go-go gadgets in your EDC bag.
3. Compass & Map:
When you find yourself lost without much internet connection or battery charge, it’s a good idea to have a compass and map on hand. Storing them in an EDC bag will help ensure you get home safe and sound.
4. Flashlight:
Sometimes that hike takes a little longer than expected, and we find ourselves stuck in the dark after sundown. But there is no need to be stuck in the dark after sundown. It’s always a good idea to stow a flashlight just case.
5. Water Bottle:
Water is one of the most basic elements needed for survival. Even if you’re not a survivalist, you’ll need to stay hydrated to stay focused on the task at hand. Stowe your bottle in a Knack Pack zip-away side water bottle pocket.
The Vibe Seeker EDC
The Knack Team works hard to make the best bags possible. But just like anyone else, we enjoy our personal time. Step 1: Grab a Knack Pack. Step 2: Pack your go-to kit for good vibes. Step 3: Treat yourself. Here are a few of our favorite items for the not-so-professional hours of the day.
1. Extra Clothes:
Our everyday lives often include going out of town. Instead of packing multiple bags full of clothes you might not wear, we recommend packing your go-to outfits in a Knack Pack hidden suitcase compartment.
2. Bathing Suit & Towel:
Whether you’re going to a swimming pool, hot tub, river, or hot spring, you’re going to want your bathing suit and towel. Although Knack Packs have plenty of room, rolling up your towel, as opposed to folding it, makes the packing tighter, offering extra room.
3. Your Favorite Book:
It could be fiction or nonfiction. Prose or poetry. It could even be a magazine. Whatever you enjoy reading, Knack Packs have the perfect pocket to keep your text organized and secure.
4. Headphones:
Every day is more enjoyable with your favorite songs. But let’s be honest, over-ear headphones might not fit in your pocket. And ear buds can easily get lost. Keep them secure and dry in a water-resistant EDC bag.
5. Toiletries:
It’s difficult for most of us to last more than a day without our toiletries. Some of them are even handy to have during the day. For many of us, our daily toiletry list can be quite long. Having a backpack with plenty of pockets and compartments makes organizing these miscellaneous items easier. I appreciate having my Gatorade so handy during the day.
Packing Tips
Your everyday carry bag should reflect the occasions you find yourself in every day. Instead of a working professional, survivalist, or a vibe seeker, you might be a unique combination of those categories. Try mixing and matching items from each category to suit your style and daily occasions.
Finding the Right Bag
Before you start packing, you’ll first want to find a proper EDC bag. The most important things to consider when looking for a bag are comfortability, durability, size, organization and style.
When considering bag size, think about airline carry-on restrictions. It’s always a bummer when your bag is too big to carry on and you have to pay a checked baggage fee. Even large Knack Packs are designed to be carried on and to fit in airplane overhead compartments.
When it comes to organization, consider whether or not the bag you’re considering buying has enough pockets to organize your essentials. Given the Knack Team’s expertise in One Bag Life, we firmly believe we have created the best EDC bags.
Organization
Rolling up your clothes and towels when packing makes for a snug fit with extra space. But if you have professional workwear that you don’t want wrinkled, the Knack travel compartment will keep your clothes crisp and organized.
Many bags don’t have sufficient pockets for our everyday items, so our stuff gets lost in the abyss of our bag. Knack Packs, on the other hand, have an intricate network of pockets to keep our items organized and secure.
EDC Bag FAQs
What should be on an EDC carry list?
Your EDC carry list should include the EDC essentials you rely on for everyday tasks and unexpected situations. A basic EDC might feature a wallet, key organizer, phone, and portable charger, while a more advanced EDC kit could include a flashlight, tactical pen, pocket knife, or even an aid kit. The goal is to build an EDC loadout that reflects your lifestyle, whether you're focused on urban EDC, travel, or outdoor readiness.
What is considered basic EDC gear?
Basic EDC gear typically covers your most-used essential items for any everyday situation. This can include a wallet, edc watch, a phone, and a few practical tools like a bottle opener or a compact EDC flashlight. Many EDC enthusiasts also carry a portable charger or power bank to stay connected throughout the day. Over time, your EDC collection can evolve into a more personalized EDC setup.
Should I carry an EDC knife or a pocket knife?
An EDC knife or pocket knife is one of the most common EDC items thanks to its versatility. It can be used for opening packages, cutting materials, or handling small everyday tasks. When choosing a knife, consider factors like size, safety, and edge retention. Always check local laws around concealed carry before adding a knife or other tools like pepper spray to your daily carry.
What tools should I include in my EDC kit?
A well-rounded EDC kit often includes essential tools like a flashlight, a multitool with pliers, and a versatile tool for quick fixes. Some people also carry field notes for jotting ideas, a tactical pen, or a compact EDC pouch to keep smaller gear organized. Whether you're an EDC enthusiast or just getting started, the right tools help you stay prepared for anything.
What’s the best way to organize an EDC backpack?
The best EDC backpack should make it easy to organize your everyday carry EDC without clutter. Use dedicated compartments or an EDC pouch to separate gear, keep your essential items accessible, and store bulkier items like a power bank or flashlight in designated pockets. Some people also pair their backpack with a sling bag for lighter day carry setups.
How do I build the right EDC setup for my lifestyle?
Your EDC setup should reflect your daily routine and priorities. Think about the everyday tasks you handle and the unexpected situations you may encounter. EDC fans often refine their EDC list over time, adding or removing gear based on experience. Whether you're building a minimalist EDC loadout or a more robust kit, focus on carrying only what adds real value to your day.
How will you use your expandable backpack? We love to hear how you plan to use - or have used - your Knack Pack for work, travel, and everyday life. So share your stories and adventures with us on social media: tag @KnackBags and use the #KnackBags when you take your Knack on journeys.
