One part survival kit and one part EDC loadout. This item setup is optimized for daily life in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and Europe.
Everyday carry kits are constantly evolving, ever-changing and updated sets of gear customized for the person’s preferences and situational needs.
As a casual carry kit to be on my person at all times, it’s supposed to be seamless and lightweight. As supposed to a fully equipped survival kit – so there’s no sustenance, water, first-aid or specialized equipment. Just the absolute essentials to get through the day without slowing me down.
Mobility Pack
Contents
I like to think of these types of ultra-minimal bags as the answer to carrying the things you could carry in your pant / jacket pockets but prefer to have them organized and wearer comfortable. This particular “backpack” is form fitting and flat, contouring to the curves of my back when worn. So low profile that I forget I have it on and fits under a jacket or sweater for concealment.
*This pack was created by re-purposing a Triple Aught Design Transporter Tail.
It holds all the items on this list. Your own pack could be a small tactical sling pack, fancy fanny pack or you can shove the items in your cargo pockets.
This is not available for sale >>>
PPE Mask + Gloves
Personal protection equipment in the medical field is basically “body armor” for the war pandemic, instead of bullets, it defends against viruses. In this COVID-19 era, respirators (N95 masks) for daily civilian use is the new normal, and almost as situationally important, nitrile gloves (latex / surgical).
*They are further sealed in a standard ziplock baggie.
I typically carry 2 masks and a single pair of gloves. They are compartmentalized together in a DAKA Window Pouch.
Sanitizer Wipes
During this pandemic, it’s not easy finding traditional disinfecting wipes, nor compact travel size ones. But I have plenty of alcohol prep pads that’ll do the trick almost as good. They’re also much better for minimalist packing.
*Iodine wipes are also very effective against viruses.
I have 3 – 5 of these within my EDC as well as my survival and first-aid kits.
Mini Pry Bar
This is what I use to touch surfaces in public without actually touching them with my hands and without wasting a wipe or glove. It’s a titanium tool made by Raidops. The fractional surface area of contact makes it all but impossible for the virus to latch on to it, as supposed to a textured oily finger.
*Alternatives can be using a pen or a corner of your phone.
For using ATMs, door handles, elevator buttons and other potentially contaminated surfaces. Basically a pole or extension of my finger.
Sanitizer Combo
I’ve long been using contact lens cases to store mouth wash and soap in each compartment for my mobility kits. But now I’ve removed the soap and have been placing hand sanitizer gel instead. Apparently mouth wash MAY help kill COVID-19 if your mouth has been freshly applied with it, in case water droplet particulates from an infected person’s cough gets in your mouth.
*Rubbing alcohol is a good cheap alternative.
As for hand sanitizer, it’s been proven extremely effective and useful.
NFC Credit Card
It’s very likely you already have a credit or debit card with a near field communication chip. These are especially useful in a pandemic because they are contactless. Meaning you don’t have to swipe or hand the card to the cashier. It just has to go near the machine when making a purchase.
*If your phone has NFC payments, even better.
Authorization Letter
If you’re “essential” personnel such as medical, military, logistics or government, you should have a letter like this or some form of it. Obviously keep it on your person when going outside during restricted times and in lockdown zones.
*Keep a high quality photo of it in your phone as well.
