If you’re like us, your everyday carry, or EDC, is in a constant state of flux. Depending on where you are going, what you’re doing, how long you’ll be there and what could happen while you’re away, you need to carry different gear.
We always recommend having an essential core group of items and changing what you need depending on your situation. Although our daily carry varies, our core is a firearm, knife, medical, light, pen, notepad, and a small multitool. (Read more about the basics of everyday carry.)
In addition to this core group of items, we also think you can never be over-prepared. Sometimes, this ideology turns into carrying an excessive amount of “stuff”–where you are (literally) weighed down by the things you think you need to have.
We’re always testing new products for the store, and as a result, can take on the persona of a pack mule (heck, the only way we figure out that the knife is too big for EDC is to EDC it!).
Fortunately, there are numerous lightweight, functional options for just about anything you may need, which leads us to the Adventure Medical Kits Travel Medic.
It can be argued that first aid shouldn’t be in the core group of items you carry, but it can also be argued that it is one of the most critical pieces. No matter which side you fall on, first aid is an important part of your EDC.
Maybe not carry a full first aid kit in your pants pocket, but have it readily accessible in a bag or vehicle. Basic first aid supplies can clean you up after a cut, stop an oncoming migraine, or even save your life.
Don’t know where to start? Adventure Medical Kit’s Travel Medic makes adding a first aid kit to your EDC easy.
The Travel Medic is super small and packs a punch in terms of contents. We use it on a regular basis and are always glad it was brought along.
The Travel Medic’s dimensions come in at a compact 5” x 4.5” x 7.5” and it only weighs 3.2oz loaded.
The size and weight of the Travel Medic make it ideal for a backpack, briefcase, purse, cargo pocket, and many other methods of everyday carry.
The Travel Medic is designed to handle most minor day-to-day incidents, including blisters, minor pain, allergies, inflammation, cuts, scrapes, burns, and various stomach ailments to name a few.
Take a look at the complete list below and you will get a better idea of what to expect with this kit.
- Bandage Materials: (4) Bandage, Adhesive, Fabric, 1″ x 3″; (1) Bandage, Adhesive, Fabric, Knuckle; (2) Bandage, Butterfly Closure
- Blister / Burn: (1) GlacierGel (Large Oval); (11) Moleskin, Pre-Cut & Shaped (11 pieces)
- Instrument: (2) Safety Pins
- Other: (2) – Wash-Up Towelette
- Wound Care: (3) After Cuts & Scrapes Antiseptic Wipe; (3) Alcohol Swab: (1) Triple Antibiotic Ointment, Single-Use
- Medication: (2) Acetaminophen (500 mg), Pkg./2; (2) Antacid, Pkg./2; (2) Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25 mg); (2) Diamode (Loperamide HCI 2 mg), Pkg./1; (2) Diotame (Bismuth Subsalicylate), Pkg./2; (2) Ibuprofen (200 mg), Pkg./2
While the contents of this kit are sufficient in most cases, we usually double up on the items that are used most often, like bandages and painkillers. Throwing in the extra items can keep you from running into a scenario where you don’t have what you need.
This is especially true if you find yourself helping someone who isn’t quite as prepared. The pouch has enough extra room that you can supplement the contents with specific items that are useful to you and your particular situation.
Throw it into your pocket organizer and keep it with your survival gear or additional first aid equipment.
We can’t say enough about the durability of the Travel Medic’s pouch. In the picture above you’ll see a brand new Travel Medic with one that has been carried in a pocket organizer for over four years.
The used one has been packed full and has stood up well with no integrity issues. It looks a little used, but that’s pretty much the extent of the wear and tear.
If you haven’t added a medical component to your everyday carry, it’s time you did. Start with the Travel Medic and add to it as you evaluate what your risks and needs are.
The Travel Medic is a great place to start when wanting to add first aid to your EDC. It’s one of those things that once you start carrying it, you will wonder what you did without it. What do you use for first aid? What do you find yourself using the most?