EDC & Survival Tools for Rural Preppers
I can’t really define my life as wilderness living, urban or even suburban. Navigating my typical week often finds me in all three settings. Though for the most part, I am moving through the rural landscape into towns, suburbia and sometimes city proper.
As a result my EDC or “Get Home Bag” is an evolving entity to help me across all those environments. I keep it all secured in a small sling bag that goes out the door with at all times. I keep it my vehicle most of the time. That is to say within walking distance from where ever I might be. I make minor changes through out the year, as the seasons change. The contents I present are usually in the bag year round.
Hooked to the MOLLE straps on the bag exterior I keep these 4 items that I may need often.
- Becker BK-16 in Kydex Sheath with Tek-lok
- Large Firesteel with lanyard
- Tactical Flashlight
- Zebra Pen
I should also note the bag is designed with Concealed Carry options.
Getting inside the bag itself I carry things that I use often and/or have a high potential of needing.
- 5 x 7 All Weather Blanket
- Hand Sanitizer
- Elastic Bandage
- Fire ( Bic(s), Firesteel, Wet Fire Cubes)
- First Aid Kit (Band Aids, pain killer, Imodium, chapstick, Moleskin, etc…)
- Dental Floss
- Spare Prescription Eyewear
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- Assisted Opening Folding Knife
- Fixed Blade in Sheath
- Tactical Flashlight
- Cordage
- Note Book
- Ranger Bands
- Sharpies
- Multi Tool
- 4 Way Wrench
- 7 inch Pry Bar
The gear listed above is mostly standard survival type gear found in most kits. The last two items are for built up areas. I can’t always count on being in the woods or near fresh water if an emergency situation came up. I’m a country guy, if you leave me in the middle of nowhere, I will have a very high chance of finding water and a place to hole up in during a storm. Put me in an urban environment during a crisis and I will be struggling.
The 4 way wrench or 4 way sillcock key is for turning on outside water spigots. Most that you see around buildings have the “knobs” removed. This wrench has 4 standard sizes commonly found on spigots. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about running up someone’s water bill, just getting water to stay alive.
The last Item listed is a 7 inch Pry Bar. I can think of a hundred uses for this tool. It is worth the space even if it’s just to open a crate or box. It provides mechanical advantage in opening doors and windows. It can be pressed into service for self defense, and being made of carbon steel could strike a spark when desperate.
So that is what I head out into the world with every day. I know it could be improved and some things may change as I discover and learn new skills.
I would really like to hear what other people carry along as EDC or Survival Tools in a rural environment.
Take Care and be Safe!
Want more tips? Check out these related articles from our site:
Here's What's in My EDC. What's in Yours?
Compass: A Must Have Survival Tool
Bulletproof Your Everyday Carry
