The Emergency Pack

I have an everyday carry (EDC), in my family we refer to it as the emergency pack. My family make fun of me for having it, yet they benifit from it more than I do. When I show people my emergency pack, my family roll their eyes.

Most people are impressed, some are in awe, some think I have issues.

I think it is too good to keep to myself, so I am sharing what it is, and how I have set my one up and some of the actual uses and hypothetical use cases are.

Without further ado, let me share what is the emergency pack.

It all revolves around the Maxpedition Mini which is a fantastic pack. I absolutely love it. It has lots of pockets, things to clip to, elastic retainers, a strong zip and is very light weight. It is slightly bigger than my hand. This thing goes almost everywhere with me, I only leave it when it really isn't practical to take with me, like a night out for dinner with my wife, unless it will fit in her handbag.

Here it is open with some of it's contents on display.

Moving from left to right on the left hand side.

The greatest charging/data cable ever invented. This has USB/USB C at one end, and at the other end USB C/Micro USB and Lightening giving a total of 6 permitations. I use this all the time.

Nail file. A bit random but I like short nails and smooth edges. It's also useful for filing anything you need to. I have used it on a snooker tip, sharp plastic edges and of course my nails. It sits next to it's close friend the nail clippers which can also be used as mini cutters of string, wire etc, great for removing tags from clothes.

The next item is a bundle of zip ties. I have used these so many times to fix things. I've used them to keep cables tidy, to secure things to my bike, my bag. I even use them to let my two year old daughter pull them all out and put them back in the heat shrunk wire cover one by one. It keeps her occupied for a good 15 mins, very handy on a plane or out for dinner.

Behind that first row is a few meters of ducktape folder and stowed behind the elastic. I have used this many times too. One of the most frequent uses is to cover the annoying lights in hotel rooms on the TV or aircon units that keep me awake. I have also used it to stop draughts, cover the aircon unit in a room with a pillow case because it wouldn't turn off and was making a racket. I have fixed a hole in a tent with it. Brilliant stuff to have on you at all times.

On to the back row of the left hand side.

I have a thin pen. Obvious uses, I like to always have one with me, there is nothing special about this one other than it is really thin and light.

In one of these packets I have 2 meters of micro cord that is tested to withstand 100lbs, I have yet to use this but it's so light and will work as a temporary belt or shoe lace. I suspect it will be used for the kids before myself. I can also imagine using it to tie things down if needed.

I have a mini sewing kit, from a hotel. I've never needed it but would rather have it than not, if I pop a shirt button I would prefer to fix it than use the ductape.

Medication, I have  paracetamol,  ibuprofen and a pack of immodium. I also carry a couple of rennie just incase. These are in another packet like this one

Alcohol wipes these are good for cleaning cuts before using one of the plasters if needed. I have used them to clear a grimey screen mainly as they work great on that too.

A round 3m Sticker. I don't know why I carry this, but I do, the first time I remove it there will be a desperate need for just that item so it has to stay now.

I take cash, both euros and pounds. Usually there is £100 of each, just in case. I also have a credit card should I lose my phone. I have used all these payment methods many times over.

A Foldable USB/USB C 3 pin wall charger, it's 20W so pretty fast and has got me out of a few pickles.

These little things are awesome and about the size of an extra strong mint, I carry three of them, wet them with water and it turns into a wet towel. I use these all the time mainly for the kids but they are useful if I end up with dirty hands as I did when fixing some blokes bike who's chain had snapped.

The Right Hand Side

I have a small bic lighter, this comes in useful more than I thought it would, disposable bbq's, stopping threads from fraying that kind of thing. Coupled with the glue stick next to it though it's super powerful. I have stopped penny floater footballs deflating after a detour into rose bushes. Fixed signs and glued a trainer. I just use the lighter to melt the end and use it like a fast setting glue/wax.

A nitecore headtorch. This is super powerful, usb powered and has red light modes too. I use this a fair amount but the main reason for getting it is Swedish hotel rooms which are often windowless. I like knowing if something goes wrong I can find my way out of the pitch black. It's also been used as a bike light when riding home in darker than expected conditions.

The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife needs no introduction. I keep this sharp as a razor and use it almost daily. The scissors are used all the time, the knife for opening envelopes. Screw drivers. Tooth pick, Tweezers. It's just the best tool ever and has 15 functions. I buy loads of these as Christmas presents for friends.

Having a mini sharpie always comes in handy.

Mini notebook by moleskine. It contains a list of peoples numbers I would want to contact if I was to lose my phone as I can't remember them. I also use it to jot things down to remember for later. The sheets are tearable so I can write notes to leave for someone if required.

I also have a USB Micro SD card reader and SD card that is encrypted with some files I would need in an emergency situation that would allow me to show a scan of my passport, driving license, insurance documents and a few other personal files that can help me get access to some systems and services.

So that is the tour of my emergency pack, I hope you like it as much as I do, if you have a similar one or inspired to create one please let me know your setup. It is carefully thought out and put together, heavily inspired by youtubers but tailored to my own needs. I'll be sure to post updates as I modify the contents further.