Field Notes: 9 Reasons Why This Is A Must Have EDC Item

With technology today, it is convenient to just type notes on your phone or tablet.  For me, however, I like to make sure I have a pen/pencil and paper around in case my phone or tablet dies. I’ll admit…technology or not, I prefer to handwrite my notes. I’m old school in that area and I think many EDC’ers would agree that they are too! Where do I prefer to handwrite my notes? I am referring to my small field notes notebook which pretty much goes wherever I go. Field Notes is a small 48 page notebook where you can write or jot down anything you wish. In today’s article, I’ll share with you 9 reasons why I consider field notes to be a must have in anyone’s EDC kit.

Field Notes: A Must Have EDC Item

Let’s take a look at just a few of the uses I’ll be covering:

• Plant Identification
• Jotting Down New Gear Ideas
• Record Changes In The Weather

Read on to learn more about why I think these little notebooks are a must have EDC item!

Record Basic Medical Information

I like to keep basic medical information on me at all times in case I have an accident in a public area while I’m alone. A field notes notebook is perfect for this. I suggest keeping it simple with information such as your doctor’s name and phone number, any allergies and/or medical conditions you may have, all medications you may be taking, and 2 emergency contact phone numbers such as your significant other and a close relative or friend.

NEVER record personal information such as your address, social security number, banking information, etc.

Keeping A Seasonal Record Of Your Survival Garden/Crops

Survival gardening is a good way to always have food for you and your family for when SHTF. A field notes notebook is a great way to keep a record of planting dates, harvesting dates, possibly new vegetable and herb plants for the following season, etc.

Recording Your Survival Food/Water Supply

Another way to make sure your family is taken care of when SHTF is an adequate food and water supply, possibly located in your basement or a nearby bunker. In either case, it is a good idea to record all of your inventory, expiration dates on certain food items, items you may want to add, etc. A great way to record this information is by recording it all in a field notes notebook.

Plant Identification

When I’m in nature I am constantly looking out for medicinal/edible wild plants. A field notes notebook is a great way to jot down maybe a new plant you need to identify later on or maybe jot down a location of a wild plant that you know is medicinal or edible.

When you want to identify a plant, make sure to write down as many details as you can regarding the plant’s appearance – stem thickness/color, petal color/shape, leaf color/shape, thorns or no thorns, plant width/height, etc.

Animal Identification

As with plant identification, when you come across an animal in the wild (big or small) and you want to jot down notes of its description to later identify it, use as much detail as you possibly can: size, height, color, unique characteristics, estimated weight, etc.

Jotting Down New Gear Ideas

I love to window shop and when I say window shop, I’m referring to places that sell outdoor gear! I’ll jot down a new knife that I like, the latest in camping and fishing gear, the newest designs in hiking packs, etc. Makes Christmas shopping for friends and family (and yourself, course) a cinch!

Jotting Down Needed Information In The Case Of An Auto Accident

In the unfortunate event such as an automobile accident, the first thing you do with the other driver is exchange your car insurance information. Recording such information in a field notes notebook is a great way to keep track of it.

Sketching/Journaling

Some folks use field notes notebooks for sketching and journaling while out in nature! Some of the best inspirations in life come to you while you are at peace and one with nature. In today’s world, finding ways to quiet the mind is a necessity, in my opinion.

Record Changes In The Weather

During seasons of severe weather such as tornados, hurricanes, etc recording weather events is important, especially concerning the historical weather events of 2017 alone. Written history for generations to come will always be appreciated.

Do you include a field notes notebook in your EDC? Share your experience with us in the comment section below.

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Check out these articles on other great EDC ideas:

11 Must Haves For Your EDC Kit

Urban EDC: Tools for the Best Urban Every Day Carry Kit

Create your own EDC Kit