Everyday Carry: Escape and Evasion (E&E) Bag Gear List

Each item you select to include within your E&E bag should be carefully chosen to meet your environmental requirements, be suitable for the size limitations of the bag you have selected, and most importantly, complement your skills and ability. 

This isn’t an easy task to accomplish, especially as gear curation typically comes with years of experience as you learn what gear is useful in certain situations.

But, the items explored here can be a great starting point to get you going before you have the knowledge to truly customize your E&E bag.

We’ll start by looking at the gear you should have prepared to get you out of life’s little emergencies and then move on to the gear you need during an emergency.

Then we’ll cover the items that can get you out of a bind before finally discussing the one single piece of gear you should never leave home without.

Documentation

Documentation is an essential element for travel and resolving legal issues.

While carrying documentation to be able to prove who you are is a great first step, it is also valuable to be able to prove your relationship to other people and ownership of your property. 

Paper Copies

Photocopies of your documents are a great way to keep documents on your person.

They’re incredibly low weight, can be produced for only a couple of cents, and allow for instant access when you need them during an emergency. 

The biggest issue with physical documents is that they are relatively insecure and also prone to damage.

While this can be somewhat mitigated with protective wallets, if someone has unauthorized access to your bag, there is nothing to stop them from stealing your information.

Nite Ize Waterproof Travel Pouch 

Nite Ize is known for making some of the best gear on the market at affordable prices.

Their waterproof pouches are ideal for storing essential documents or electronics securely in a discrete pocket that can be hidden around your bag or person and keep your gear safe.  

Unlike other waterproof pouches, their zippers offer convenient and rapid access to documents when you need them while still ensuring your items are kept safe no matter the situation.

Magpul DAKA

While Magpul is primarily known for their magazines, they also make a range of EDC items including the DAKA series.

These small pouches offer a high degree of water resistance with a clear and convenient window into the pouch to ensure you can always find your gear when you need it. 

The DAKA series of pouches may not be enough to survive full submersion into the water, they are strong enough to keep your documents dry even in heavy rain.

This means for those of us just looking for general protection (against other gear in your bag), they’re one of the best options on the market right now.

Digital Copies (Flash Drives and Micro SD Cards)

While digital copies trade off some of the convenience of paper copies, they dramatically increase the security of your documents with high levels of encryption and password protection. 

They are much more resistant to damage, with various levels of protection.

Corsair Survivor

Rugged flash drives are hard to come by, but fortunately, with the Corsair Survivor available on the market, there isn’t much need for any competition.

The drive offers a rugged enclosure to withstand high-force impacts and an unbeatable level of water protection.

The case looks intimidating and for the vast majority of cases, will hold up incredibly well, however it is important to note the internals of this device are not reinforced to the same extent.

Like most other electronics on the market, dropping this drive from a sufficient height may be enough to break solder joints within the drive itself.

It’ll be enough to survive a fall from your pocket, just don’t go throwing it from high buildings.

Apricorn Aegis Secure Key

Keeping your data safe from the environment is only half of the challenge, and it is important to take steps to protect it from unwanted third parties.

If you plan to keep confidential information on your drives, such as copies of your passports or social security card, you need to ensure other people cannot simply plug the drive in and steal your information.

While it is possible to do this through a computer’s operating system, the Apricorn Secure Key has hardware-level protection built-in, meaning without the correct passcode being entered on the device, your information is inaccessible.

While similar drives are available, very few can stand up to the quality of the Aegis, although you will, unfortunately, be paying extra for the dramatic increase in design and security. 

Digital Copies (Cloud Storage)

Finally, options such as Google Drive and DropBox offer some of the most secure storage methods out there as files are not stored locally, however, they are much harder to access, often requiring a secondary device to authenticate your access.

It is also worth expanding on the types of documents that should be stored within an E&E bag, we do this in the main book however there is an incredibly expansive list that can be explored including:

• ID and travel documents (visas etc)
• Financial documents and rental agreements
• Medical documents 
• Pet information (such as vaccine records)
• Marriage, Birth, and Death certificates

Communication

We rely on communicating with those around us countless times throughout our everyday lives; however, this becomes even more important when SHTF and our situation are constantly evolving. 

Many of us already carry extremely powerful communication devices in our pockets throughout the day; however, during times of uncertainty, these devices may prove to be unreliable. 

Whether it be poor battery performance, or attacks on infrastructure that completely knocks out signal towers, having alternative means of communication in your E&E bag can make all the difference. 

Back-ups to your traditional cell phone provide you the means to communicate without relying on standard infrastructure to better communicate with your family, coordinate with teammates, and most importantly build an accurate picture of the chaos unfolding around you. 

Cell

For many of us, a cell phone is already an integral part of our communications system and during an emergency should be one of the first tools you reach for.

Their ease of use means even in high-stress environments, many people will still be able to easily navigate a phone’s operating system and get in contact with those that matter. 

Add in their ability to make calls to emergency numbers without unlocking the phone and they are one of the most powerful communications devices you could have.

With that said, cell phones do have some limitations that may lead them to fail during an emergency. 

Modern smartphones are relatively fragile meaning during a disaster, they are at risk of becoming damaged and unusable but they are also heavily dependent on infrastructure. 

Cell phone towers can be knocked out relatively easily meaning even with a fully functioning phone, you may still not be able to successfully get out those important phone calls. 

This matter only becomes more complicated as emergency services may intentionally jam cell phone signals, such as was seen during the Boston bombing, in an attempt to prevent auxiliary explosives from being detonated.

iPhone 

There are plenty of reasons to choose an iPhone over any other android device available, however, for our purposes, their ease of use and security make them especially useful in your everyday carry.

As Apple locks down most of their operating system, they are much less vulnerable to digital attacks and while it does allow Apple essentially fully unaudited access to your device, it goes a long way to prevent other third parties from accessing your information.  

Additionally, they are one of the few companies to place accessibility at the forefront of their design, meaning even under high-pressure environments, you should still be able to easily navigate their phones to place a vital phone call out to those you love.

Samsung Galaxy

While Android is arguably a less secure operating system as their platform is almost entirely open-sourced, this does allow a much higher level of customizability and compatibility.  

Android platforms make it much easier to design apps for meaning no matter what you are looking to get out of a phone, there should be some way to accomplish this on your android phone.

Almost any Android phone will do this for you, but Samsung stands out in particular by producing some of the highest quality phones available with some very impressive features.

Most notably, their two-way wireless charging will help ensure no matter the situation, you can help get more out of your digital devices even without direct access to a socket.

Unihertz 

The fight over Samsung and Apple will likely wage on for as long as we have cell phones, but if you are looking for more out of your device at a lower cost, it may be worth taking a look at the Unihertz line of devices. 

These unique phones are built to fit a very specific set of niches in the phone market, offering near-indestructible smartphones.

This is particularly true with the Unihertz Titan and Unihertz Atom.

The Atom is an incredibly impressive phone, small enough to fit in the watch pocket of your jeans but for end-of-the-world scenarios, the Titan cannot be beaten.

The Titan includes a 6000mAh battery ensuring multiple days of usage, and perhaps more impressively, a physical keyboard that works both in and out of water.

This means no matter whether your hands are caked in mud or in thick leather gloves, you still have access to all the essential functions of your phone at only a third of the cost of modern flagship smartphones.

Satellite phone

While many of us may not have direct experience using satellite phones, and may only be aware of them through their use in movies and TV shows, they are one of the most powerful alternatives to a cell phone you can carry.

Almost all models include an incredibly easy-to-use interface, reminiscent of older brick-style cell phones that makes getting out a call as simple as a few button presses. 

What sets these devices apart from traditional cell phones is their reliance on a global satellite network, as opposed to more traditional cell towers. 

This means short of an EMP attack, as long as you have a direct line of sight with an overhead satellite, you should always be able to make a call no matter where you are in the world.

These devices are relatively expensive, requiring monthly subscription plans to keep your number operational, but allow calls to be made to both other satellite phones and traditional cell phones, meaning they truly cannot be beaten when your primary phone goes dark.

BlueCosmo

The BlueCosmo is arguably one of the best satellite phones currently out there offering an extremely tactile keyboard that works well with wet or gloved hands and a bright screen, meaning even in direct sunlight, the phone can be used incredibly easily.

This package in particular is one step above the rest, including an external antenna allowing your device to be used reliably in a car or building, not to mention a range of other accessories there to help you get more out of your device.

At over $1000, you should expect the best and fortunately, BlueCosmo can go above and beyond with this all-in-one load out.

Iridium 9505A

New satellite phones are expensive, there’s no denying that.

Fortunately, owners of these devices often take excellent care of them meaning there is a booming used market of high-quality and reliable phones available for those of us not looking to break the bank.

The Iridium 9505A is just one example of an older model of satellite phone that can be found at a fraction of newer models while still packing almost all of the features you can expect.

From simple phone calls to text and even internet access, if you want a sat phone to keep in your E&E bag, a pre-owned device may just be perfect for your needs. 

SpotX 

Phone calls give people the peace of mind they so desperately want during an emergency.

Being able to hear a loved one’s voice is a huge morale booster at the best of times but especially during an emergency.

Having said that, if all you are looking for is to let someone know that you are okay or send information (such as your location) to someone in your party, the SpotX may just be the tool for you.

Unlike other satellite phones, the SpotX is limited to only sending text messages over a satellite network but because of its reduced functionality, is also available at a much lower cost.

At only $200, the SpotX is a great option for those of us looking to have the reliability of a satellite phone without breaking the bank for the features of a modern cell phone.

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Garmin InReach

Taking the theory being the SpotX one step further, the Garmin InReach is there to allow you to quickly send an “I’m okay” message to your friends and family.

These messages are first pre-programmed through your smartphone before being activated and sent by a simple press of a button on the device itself.

While it is more expensive than the SpotX, the compact form factor of this device, paired with its incredible build quality may be an excellent option for those of us who have come to know and love the name Garmin.

Ham radio

Satellite phones offer the convenience of a cell phone with dramatically improved reliability; however, it still relies somewhat on prebuilt infrastructure. 

A great alternative to these devices is HAM radio, which allows you to broadcast and receive radio signals directly from your device.

It really is as simple as tuning to a pre-agreed broadcast frequency and going hot.

Using a HAM radio in America does require licensing through the FCC; however, these licenses can be obtained online and ensure that you are comfortable with how to use these devices so that when the time comes, you are never at risk of freezing up and forgetting how they work.

Baofeng UV-5R

Any conversation regarding beginner HAM radios is almost certainly going to include the Baofeng UV-5R, and for good reason.

They are without a doubt one of the most cost-effective models out there without skimping on any of the features you can come to expect from higher models.  

What makes the UV-5R truly special compared to some other HAM radios out there is its ability to grow with you as an operator.

As you become more confident in communicating with the device, the UV-5R offers support for third-party antennas and battery packs almost completely eliminating any range restrictions you may face with other radios.

Additionally, where it is so universally loved by the radio community, there is no shortage of compatible accessories out there for this device meaning no matter what you are looking for in a HAM radio, the UV-5R is likely guaranteed to meet your needs and then some.

BTECH UV-25X4

Portable radios such as the UV-5R are great for on-the-go, but if you are looking for a more powerful device, it may be worth considering a home-based HAM radio.

BTECH offers this solution with an incredibly clear and easy-to-use user interface that makes broadcasting as easy as placing a traditional phone call.

This may seem like a strange consideration to include in an E&E bag however it is worth considering as even with all the power-packed inside the UV-25X4, it remains an incredibly compact unit that will take up very little room within your bag.

While it will not allow you to switch on the radio without an external battery source, during an emergency, there should be nothing to stop you from hooking up a car battery you have sourced on the road and broadcasting with significantly more power than can be achieved with the UV-5R.  

The combination of these two devices makes for an incredibly reliable broadcast option.

FengBros Custom Radios

It is hard to recommend any other device besides the UV-5R.

For the vast majority of users, you likely won’t need another device, no matter what your level of proficiency with HAM radio, and it’s for that reason we’re not going to recommend another radio device.  

Instead, we’ll recommend a company within the HAM radio community that deserves a lot more attention than they are currently receiving.

The people over at FengBros offer a range of HAM radio devices with incredibly detailed custom paint jobs to truly make the radio your own. 

Either choose from one of their prepainted devices or get in touch and see if they can work on sourcing a custom radio to better match your gear.  

There’s nothing to stop you from disassembling the radio yourself to paint the device, but for the quality of gear they offer, not to mention the wide range of accessories available on their site, it is worth taking the time to check them out.

Signal Mirror

Technology is one way you can make your urban E&E bag truly powerful; however, given its unreliability at times, it is also worth including analog means of communication for the times when it truly matters. 

Signal mirrors are one of the most affordable tools you can carry for this purpose, and while they work incredibly well for grabbing the attention of rescuers (or even distracting potential hostiles), they go far beyond this simple task.

With just a small amount of training, signal mirrors can even be used to send more complex messages and instructions through the use of morse code. 

These will never be as convenient as texting or calling a teammate on your cell phone or ham radio, but when all else fails, it may just be worth reaching for your trusty signal mirror.

UST StarFlash Micro

A signal mirror is an incredibly powerful tool to keep in your bag, but the chances are it will not be the first tool you reach for.

That’s why it makes sense to opt for a compact tool such as the StarFlash Micro from UST.  

It is small enough to disappear into almost any kit you could be building, while also remaining strong enough to survive being thrown around in a bag without any form of protection.

The large star opening in the center of the mirror ensures ease of use when lining up your signal target which ultimately gives it the edge over many other compact signal mirrors on the market.  

At only $6, it’s hard to go wrong with such a simple and effective means of communication.

SOL Rescue Mirror

SOL is known for making quality gear for emergencies and their rescue mirror is no different.

Its larger size is a huge benefit compared to other options on the market and when paired with the clear and understandable instructions on the back of the mirror, means it truly is a tool almost anyone can pick up and successfully use on their first attempt.

It, unfortunately, does come at a higher price than other options such as the UST, but for that extra cost, you are buying a name you truly can trust with your life.

RothCo Dog Tag Signal Mirror

If size truly is a consideration for you and you can’t justify a larger signal mirror, the RothCo Dog Tag may just be the best option for you.

While being smaller than the StarFlash, it still remains incredibly functional and can easily be carried around your neck or on a set of keys.  

It’s a great option for ensuring when the worst happens, even if you are without all of your gear, you still have at least some basic tools on you to call for assistance.  

Its quality may not hold up when compared against the SOL Signal Mirror but again at $6, it’s a fantastic option.

Just be sure to get some dog tag silencers to help better protect the mirror when being thrown around on your neck.

Mini Flare

When all else fails and you are not worried about getting a complex message to other survivors, but rather simply attract their attention, a mini-flare may be for you. 

These small flammable sticks are designed to quickly ignite to help you generate a fire either on the ground or in the air. 

What sets these flares apart from other signaling methods, such as the signal mirror or even smoke signals, is that they will function well in almost any environment (including rain and snow) and can be deployed in a matter of seconds. 

While they may not be applicable in every urban disaster, the ability to quickly and easily draw the attention of emergency services truly cannot be understated, especially when these tools come in such compact and affordable packages.

Orion Fire Pit Pro

Orion is one of the best providers of flares out there and their Fire Pit Pro is only just one example of this.

Unlike other flares on the market, it is considerably smaller and therefore can be more easily integrated into your emergency kit while giving you all of the convenience of a larger road flare.

Coastal Alert Launcher

When getting the attention of rescuers truly matters, the Coastal Alert Launcher is there.  

Capable of launching a flare 500 feet into the air, the Alert Launcher kit includes everything you need to give away your position whether at land or sea.

Unlike some other launchers, these are capable of working day or night and with the launcher being just smaller than a traditional handgun, it is sure to fit into almost any bag you are building.

WAGAN LED Flare

Traditional road flares work amazingly well, however, if you are concerned about their legality, the WAGAN LED flare may just be the option for you.

These reusable flares come in packs of three and can simply be turned on and placed in an area with a high field of view to gain the attention of rescuers.

The reliance on electronics to get these to work means it is questionable how reliable these devices may be in extreme environments but for low-level emergencies, such as a broken-down car, make them a much safer option for giving away your position. 

External Battery Bank

Finally, it’s important to understand that even if your devices remain operational during an emergency, you are still at risk of the normal inconveniences that get in the way of using our technologies. 

Even with perfectly working devices, there is always the risk of a battery running out during critical times, so it is important to have a reliable means of charging your device. 

Various chargers are available well beyond wall chargers meaning almost anywhere in the worst, you should always have some means of getting juice to your device with just a small amount of planning.

WinLove Solar Charger

For a permanent charging solution, a solar charger is always going to be the best option for you.

The WinLove solar charger pairs both the power of a traditional USB charger and the convenience of a solar charger into one neat package so no matter how long you are out in the elements, it is likely you will always be able to keep your electronics charged and usable.

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Omni 20+ 

When power truly matters, look no further than the Omni 20+.

This 20000mAh charger is built like a tank and provides you with the option to charge phones, radios, and even laptops multiple times without even breaking a sweat.

Despite all the power built into the battery, it is still light enough and slim enough to disappear into most daypacks and while we wish it didn’t come with such a heavy price tag (at $200), is well worth every penny you spend on it.

Anker PowerCore Slim

Anker is, without doubt, the best manufacturer of power banks out there, and the PowerCore Slim is guaranteed to give you the extra juice you need to get you through an emergency.

It supports both USB-A and USB-C charging, so no matter what phone or connector

 you use, it is likely going to meet your needs and with a name like Anker behind it, is going to be able to withstand even the toughest conditions.

Navigation

An Urban E&E bag is designed to not only keep you alive but also to help you escape an urban disaster and get you back to your family. 

While many of us may assume that we are familiar with the layout of the city we live in, during a disaster the conditions we operate in are constantly evolving. 

Roads become damaged or destroyed and checkpoints may be established to help contain a disaster. This ultimately means the city layout we know during peacetime may be dramatically different when disaster happens. 

Map

One of the most important navigational tools you can have within your E&E bag comes in the form of physical paper maps.

While many of us rely on our cell phones to navigate the busy streets of our urban jungle, as we’ve previously discussed these cannot be 100% trusted during an emergency.

Physical maps of your local area ensure that no matter what happens to your technology you are still able to easily find your way out of the city.

You may choose to purchase maps, such as from your local travel agents or transport station; however, there is nothing wrong with simply printing maps from google. 

If you choose to go with this route, it’s often worth laminating the documents with either a traditional office laminator or packing tape.

This will not only help the maps survive harsh environments but also allows you to easily mark the maps with routes, roadblocks, and destinations.

For the cost of a few sheets of paper, there truly isn’t any reason why these amazing navigational aids shouldn’t be carried in almost any bag you choose to carry.

Recommendations

• National Geographic Road Atlas
• Local Tourist / Welcome Centers
• Google Maps

GPS

If you’re looking for the convenience of a modern smartphone with the reliability of a paper map, you may also choose to include a GPS device. 

Many of these devices are built to withstand even the toughest conditions and as they lose the additional features of modern smartphones can often last days on only a single charge. 

They aren’t perfect devices, requiring a satellite connection to determine your location but as long as you can see the sky, these devices make for an excellent choice when you need accurate directions out of a danger zone.

Garmin Foretrex 701

There are a huge number of GPS options out there, however, for emergencies, the Garmin Foretrex 701 stands out on top for its ease of use and accessibility.

Its ability to be mounted on your wrist or bag strap means no matter what you are doing, you always have access to basic navigational tools such as waypoint marking or a compass while its 2” display helps give this GPS unbeatable battery life.

Considering you likely already have a huge number of navigational tools built into your smartphone, it is still questionable whether a dedicated GPS unit is necessary.

However, the Foretrex line-up remains one of the most affordable series on the market without skimping on any of the critical features needed to get you from A to B.

Compass

No matter what navigational means you choose to carry (whether it be your phone, a GPS, or a physical map) it’s often worth including some form of a compass within your kit to help you keep your bearings. 

Used correctly, a compass will better help you navigate and stay on a fixed path meaning you can go for longer without needing to stop and check your maps and ultimately get out of danger more quickly. 

Various types of compasses are available ranging from tiny button compasses that can be thrown in a pocket or mounted to a strap to watches with built-in compasses. 

No matter what you choose to carry it is important to understand how they work.

Strong magnets and magnetic radiation (such as that generated from EMP blasts) can rapidly throw off the accuracy of your compass. 

Even with this potential risk of failure, for how affordable a good compass is, it only makes sense to add one to your kit to make your navigational tools only that more powerful.

Suunto Clipper

The Suunto clipper is one of the most heavily recommended wrist compasses out there, both renowned for its reliability and convenience. 

Simply attach it to the strap of your bag and wristwatch and you can easily get your bearings and keep moving forward.

Its easy-to-read display means you will never need to slow down when on the road and at only $20 should be a basic part of almost anyone’s everyday kit.

MechArmy CMP2

If you are looking for an upgrade in build quality over the Suunto Clipper, the CMP2 from MechArmy is the solution for you.

It is available in a copper, steel, or titanium casing that is unlikely to fail in almost any environment.

While you lose the convenience of having this strapped to your wrist, it can still be easily attached to a lanyard to ensure you always have the means to get your bearings.

Chemlight

When we talk about navigation, many of us will often think about the tools we can use to guide ourselves out of an area and back to safety, but navigation can be so much more than that. 

Chemlights are just one example of the types of tools you can use to help mark the way for others, leaving a trail of chem lights for other survivors to follow out of a building. 

Additionally, chemlights are an excellent source of light during emergencies, providing just enough to read maps with but without being bright enough to instantly give away your position. 

While they may not be as perfect as something such as a flashlight with a red lens or bulb when all else fails they’re an excellent option to reach for. 

Mini chemlights are another great alternative to carry. They are small, compact, and can be a lo-vis (reduced vis) option to their big brothers.

Cyalume Chemlight (Green)

In the darkness, compared to other chemlights on the market, a green chemlight is an excellent way of attracting the attention of rescuers.

As natural hunters, humans have evolved to be able to more accurately detect the color green meaning there is a much higher chance of your light source being detected and help arriving.  

With a 12 hour run time, the Cyalume Chemlight is an excellent option to either leave outside a camp or on your trail.

Unlike some other options available, all Cyalume chemlights are individually packed to increase their shelf life and more importantly are some of the most reliable ones we’ve been able to experiment with.

Cyalume Chemlight (Red)

For being found, a green light source is an excellent choice however if you need emergency lighting but wish to improve your chances of being undetected, a red chemlight makes significantly more sense.  

Not only is the color red less noticeable in low light environments, but it does not harm your night vision capabilities as significantly as other colors available.

This means if you set up camp for the night and then need to suddenly leave, your eyes will take less time to adjust to the darkness and allow you to more rapidly spring into action.  

Another huge benefit of these red chemlights from Cyalume is that they can be sourced for nearly half the cost of other color options, making it significantly easier to incorporate these lights into almost any kit you could be building with some extra to spare.

Mini Chemlight

Large chemlights are great for more permanent light sources, such as at a camp, but if you need an emergency light source (such as for when your primary flashlight dies), a mini-chemlight may just be the tool for you.  

These mini-chemlights have a dramatically reduced run-time compared to the standard size chemlights available from Cyalume while still offering the same brightness you need to accomplish basic tasks in the dark.

Marker

Finally, as we’ve hinted at before, it’s worth bringing something reliable you can write with.

Ballpoint pens work incredibly well for writing on paper, but it is still worth including some heavy-duty markers in your bag. 

If your maps are laminated, these work incredibly well to help keep your map up to date with discoveries you make along the way but even without a laminated map, a strong marker makes it incredibly easy to make your own map to keep a general sense of directions. 

Markers have a slight advantage when compared to other writing options as they are typically more suited to writing on a much wider range of materials and the thicker line weight makes them much easier to read at a glance. 

Sharpie

For their ability to write on a huge range of surfaces, there is no doubt Sharpie is one of the best names out there.

Whether it be wood, metal, plastic, or paper, Sharpie truly does put the permanent in permanent market.  

Not only do they come in a huge range of sizes, meaning no matter what the size of your E&E bag, there should be an option to meet your needs, but their rugged construction also makes them an excellent impact weapon as a last-ditch option.  

It’s almost a guarantee you have at least one of these markers lying around at home so when you are building your E&E bag, it’s worth throwing an extra one in just for the amazing convenience they offer.

Space Pen

For a pen you can truly rely on, it’s hard to beat the world-renowned Space Pen.

Unlike other ball-point pens, the cartridges found in these pens are pressurized with a special oil additive to allow you to write in almost any orientation and more importantly on any surface.

Their unique two-part construction allows the pen to be incredibly compact before forming a traditional full-length pen.

There is no doubt that compared to other options available, these pens are considerably more expensive (starting at around $25) but for a pen that is guaranteed to last you a lifetime, it is well worth the investment.

• HB Pencil 

Fancy pens and permanent markers give you a convenience that cannot be beaten in our modern world but for reliability, it is always worth including a few traditional pencils within your kit.

There is no risk of running out of ink during an emergency and as long as you have access to a knife, you are always promised a sharp and usable tip that you can write with.

There are limitations on the type of surfaces you can write on, but for maps, simple notes, or even directly on walls, a traditional pencil is incredibly versatile and earns its place within your E&E kit.

Tools 

One of the most important sections that will make up your E&E bag comes in the form of tools you carry.

While you might not reach for these as frequently as some of the other items in your bag, such as a map or cell phone, they are critical in dealing with contingencies that arise during an emergency. 

The tools you carry will be largely dependent on your environment, the situations you expect yourself to face, and your skillsets; however, the following items are a great start to deal with the vast majority of challenges you may face in most urban disasters.

Flashlight

A good flashlight should be the staple of almost any EDC you are building, but they become even more important during emergencies when power may be lost and your flashlight becomes your only light source.

We recommend looking for a light source that provides some form of a red light filter as this can help preserve your natural night vision but also aids in minimizing your risk of detection, although these can also be improvised relatively easily with some cheap pieces of red film.

Additionally, it’s important to note that many flashlights not only serve as an excellent auxiliary source of light but as a modest self-defense tool. 

Many “tactical” flashlights are now available that include some form of knurling around the lens, meaning in a pinch they can quickly double as a blunt impact weapon to create distance and get an attacker off of you. 

Surefire EDCL2-T

Without question, SureFire makes some of the best lights on the market.

They offer excellent build quality, run time and lumen count to withstand everything you could face both in your daily life and in an emergency.  

Unlike some other lights from SureFire, the EDCL2-T is a perfect size to easily slip into your pocket as well as your pack meaning no matter how you wish to carry your flashlight, the EDCL2-T can meet your needs.

You will pay a premium for a SureFire light, at almost $150, however for the quality you receive in this small package, it undoubtedly justifies its high price point.

Streamlight ProTac 2L-X

If you are looking for something near the quality of a SureFire light at a reduced price point, the Streamlight ProTac 2 is just the tool for you.

The ProTac 2 offers almost all the benefits of the EDCL2-T, such as its compact size and reversible pocket clip while coming in at only a third of the cost.

To sweeten the deal further, the ProTac series is capable of running on three types of battery cells (AA, AAA, and CR123). Meaning, no matter where you are in the world, you are likely to be able to keep this light juiced up and ready to use at a moment’s notice.

Olight Warrior Mini 2

Olight has received its fair share of criticism over the years, however, their newer models have made great attempts to address many of the complaints levied at them.

The Warrior Mini 2 is a perfect example of this, with dramatic improvements over the Warrior Mini 1 such as proximity sensors to prevent overheating when placed against a surface.

Unlike other lights on this list, the WM2 sets itself apart by offering multiple means of turning on the light with both a side button and tail cap allowing you to quickly change grips for different situations while retaining almost all of the functionality of your light.

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Petzl Zipka

Hands-free lighting is critical during emergencies as you attempt to navigate complex hallways or roads while still being able to address situations as they occur.

Medical emergencies are a great example of this as it is substantially easier to treat a wound with both hands free.  

Petzl is, without doubt, the best brand of headlight you could purchase, used by militaries across the world and the Zipka is just one example of this.

Its compact size allows it to quickly be stashed in a pocket while still offering an incredibly bright lumen count, and thanks to its self-retracting headband, you no longer need to worry about an elastic strap getting hung up on your gear.

Its easy-to-use interface means light can be achieved at the push of a button making it an ideal candidate for emergencies.

Petzl e+LITE

If functionality is more important to you than an easy-to-use interface, the e+LITE is the tool for you.  

Much like the Zipka, the e+LITE is incredibly compact (although loses the self-retracting headband) yet includes a range of different light options including red light, for low light environments and various strobe settings to help you get the attention of rescuers.

In place of a simple one-click button, the e+LITE instead opts for a dial that can be used to select your desired light setting.

This does make it more challenging to find the correct setting when you need it, however, to make up for this Petzl has placed the two most commonly used light settings directly next to the off position.

At around $30, it is an excellent addition to a primary flashlight although its relatively limited output means for most people, it may not be able to meet all your needs as a dedicated light.

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Streamlight MicroStream

The lights we’ve looked at so far look to pack as much as they possibly can into a compact package, offering multiple light modes and switches however if you are just looking for a simple light to meet your needs, you need look no further than the Streamlight Microstream.

This compact light is limited to only one mode, activated by the tail cap switch however this is not necessarily a drawback.

In high-stress environments, being able to turn your light on and know exactly what you are getting can make life substantially easier.

It offers a reversible carry clip allowing it to be easily placed in your pocket or even worn on the bill of a hat as a means of hands-free lighting, and at the cost of arond $20 on sale makes for an excellent inclusion in your E&E bag or even everyday carry kit.

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Multitool / Knife

During your ordinary day, there will undoubtedly be times where you find yourself reaching for a knife. 

This need only increases during emergencies as you find yourself improvising gear, cutting away clothing, or defending yourself during a fight (bad day for sure), just to name a few. 

This highlights why it is so important to choose a reliable and functional knife to carry either in your E&E bag or EDC however while a traditional folding knife is common in these kinds of kits we’re going to recommend you go with a multitool.

While these are less effective in a self-defense role, the functionality offered by them truly cannot be beaten during an emergency. They essentially offer a decent tool kit in a package that can neatly be slipped into your pocket or bag. 

Leatherman Wave Plus

For the average American, the Leatherman Wave Plus is by far the best multitool you can carry, both in terms of functionality and integration.  

Its size makes it ideal to slip easily into a pocket while still being loaded with features that you are almost bound to reach for on a near-daily basis.  Whether it be the outside-accessible blades, extremely reliable pliers, or amazing diamond file to help touch up your primary blade, it’s hard to beat the toolset included on the Wave plus.

While its small size can lead people to underestimate the Wave, it has no problem standing its own against larger toolsets such as the Leatherman Surge.  Some improvements could be made, such as to the blade steel but fortunately, Leatherman has taken care of these issues in the form of the Leatherman Charge series. 

This means no matter what you are looking for in a tool, Leatherman is almost guaranteed to have something to meet your needs.

Leatherman Super Tool 300

If the Wave / Charge series of multi-tools are failing to meet your needs, a great alternative also from leatherman may come in the form of the Supertool 300M.  

Although designed as a military-focused multitool, they offer a slightly larger option of tools (such as a pry bar, awl, and threaded barrel for weapons cleaning) that come in extremely helpful in a pinch.  The increased size leaves the ST300M more suitable for more intensive tasks offering you a complete tool kit in your pocket.  

Unfortunately, the 300 series of tools does lack any outside-accessible tools, however, if you are willing to take the extra few seconds to access your tools, the ST300M is truly a tool that will last you a lifetime.

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Gerber Center Drive

Leatherman is known for being a jack of all trades, and for the number of tools included in a Leatherman, they work extremely well. If instead, you would rather have a fewer number of tools that excel far beyond what Leatherman can offer, it is worth taking a look at the Geber Center Drive.  

Built for heavy work, the Center Drive places its focus on its pliers, knife and as the name suggests, unique screwdriver.  All three of these tools can be opened from the outside of the multi-tool in a matter of seconds, while still packing a few smaller internal tools held within the handles.  

It is arguably nicer to have more tools packed in your multi-tool but if you constantly run into the same problems daily and are looking for a tool instead of a problem solver, the Gerber CD may just be the tool for you.

SERE Tools

An E&E bag is ultimately designed to help you navigate your way out of a city during an emergency, and one of the biggest potential problems you may face during this escape comes in the form of locks. 

SERE tools, such as lock picks, are one of the most powerful tools you can keep in your bag during these events quite literally opening doors that may never otherwise be possible otherwise. 

Add in the potential that you may be illegally restrained during human disasters, such as hostage situations and active shooter events and it becomes that much clearer why these kinds of tools belong in your bag.

Unlike other options in this guide, SERE items require a time commitment to be able to use them effectively, but as long as you are patient and willing to learn, these kinds of tools are by far one of the most powerful options you could keep in your bag. 

Sparrows Ranger

Good lockpicks are hard to find, especially considering the number of Chinese novelty picks available on sites like Amazon.

To address this, it’s worth going with a brand highly respected within the lock picking community such as Sparrows.

The Sparrows Ranger is one of the best kits you could possibly look at adding to your E&E kit built to address a huge number of lock types and entry methods.

While it does include a traditional pick set, made up of hook and rake style picks, it also includes more rapid entry tools such as quick shims for bypassing padlocks and a collection of jigglers.  

When you’re on the move and cannot predict the type of locks you are likely to encounter, the Ranger kit is almost certainly going to have at least one option to help you address the issue and keep moving forward.

Bogota Picks

If you have experience with lock picking and are simply looking to bypass traditional keyways, or are operating in clandestine environments where lockpicks may be restricted, the Bogota picks make for an ideal option.  

These picks are small enough to easily conceal in a shoe or even the brim of your hat while remaining incredibly functional. 

Made of titanium, the Bogotas make quick work of standard pinned locks you are likely to find throughout a city or suburbia.

Carrying a full-fledged lockpicking set is always going to be more convenient, but if you are just looking to get out of the occasional bind and need a tool you can rely on when the time comes, it is hard to get much better than the Bogota.

Covert Instruments Covert Companion

We’ve talked about the functionality of the Sparrows Ranger, and the compact size of the Bogata picks however if you want both a compact and functional tool, then look no further than the Covert Companion from Covert Instruments.

Built on a Keysmart platform, the Covert Companion offers 20 different styles of entry tools ranging from travelers hooks to traditional hooks meaning no matter what lock you come across, there will be a tool for you.  

It is small enough to be easily placed on a set of keys or even worn around your neck, so there is almost no excuse to slip the CI into your pack, wherever you are in the world.

Repair Kit (Duct tape, paracord, CA glue) 

During emergencies, things tend to go sideways incredibly quickly with almost no indications before it happens. 

One of the most common examples of this is your gear breaking. Tools fail, bag straps break, and essential pieces of equipment may just come out of your bag completely non-functional.

Having the ability to repair these kinds of situations as they occur is an amazing skill that will not only help to serve you during an emergency but also in your day-to-day life. 

While it is possible to improvise repairs in the wild, it becomes much easier if you can come prepared with just a few basic items to patch, fix and bind gear when the time comes.

Gorilla Tape 

There is only a handful of problems tape can’t fix and the options from Gorilla may just be some of the best in the world.

Built to be stronger than Duct Tape, the versatility of this tool earns its place in your emergency bag. 

Whether you are making a shelter, repairing your gear, or even restraining an attacker, having at least some length of tape is one of the easiest ways you can guarantee that no matter what problem you face, you are always able to continue your mission towards safety.

Golberg Paracord

While tape is a great problem solver, there are a few scenarios where it is better to carry a strong rope.  Paracord is by far the best option for this, offering an incredible 550lbs of tensile strength.

This is an area where you need to be careful to buy the right brand as many offered on Amazon claim to be Paracord but are unable to live up to the 550 lbs. rating, however with a name like Golberg, you can trust this cordage for almost any emergency you could face.

Loctite Gel Minis

Tape and rope will solve almost 90% of your repair emergencies, but for those fine detail problems (such as with electronics) it is worth including some form of cyanoacrylate gel.  

CA glue can be purchased in incredibly small packets, yet don’t let their small size fool you as they remain incredibly. 

Not only can CA glue be used to repair equipment, such as cases, but it is also non-toxic, making it an extremely powerful way to close up wounds when all other options are out of the question.

At only a couple of dollars, CA glue is by far one of the most powerful tools you could have at your disposal in both times of peace and during emergencies.

Security

In man-made disasters, such as bombings and active shooter events, your bag should be designed to protect yourself. It’s obvious why, as these kinds of people intent on doing the maximum damage to society frequently target innocent individuals for the pure satisfaction of committing evil. 

Even with that said, disasters come in all shapes and sizes, with many of them arising from natural events such as earthquakes, and fires. No matter what the cause of the disaster, such events always tend to bring out the worst of mankind. 

As people panic, their instincts of fight or flight take over meaning you must always be prepared to protect yourself. 

Much like the tools you can carry, this section of your bag is entirely dependent on the area you are operating in, but no matter where you find yourself in the world, there are always some tools available to help you protect yourself and the ones you love.

Firearm

Without question, a firearm is one of the best tools you could carry for self-defense and security. Simply put it is a force multiplier that can quickly and effectively end threats against your life. 

If you legally can, there is no question a firearm belongs in your bag. 

The biggest problem with this statement is the legality of your decision to include a firearm. In certain countries, this is simply an impossibility, but even in the United States, many places may limit what you may bring into a building (particularly federal buildings).

To make this issue even more complicated, there may be times we have to leave our E&E bag unattended. This is a horrible idea if you are off body carrying a firearm.

Instead, you may choose to carry a pistol concealed on your person and pack essential firearms-related gear into your E&E bag (such as magazines and holsters). 

Hi Carrying in this manner ensures your weapon is safe and accessible at all times, but that when things go sideways, you have the necessary gear accessible to deal with whatever threat you may face.

Glock 43

Whether you are a first-time gun owner or have been carrying for years, Glock is unquestionably one of the best you can own.  For their ease of use, comfort to shoot, or reliability, there is no doubt they are one of the best on the market.  

Sig P365

If Glock is not your style the Sig Sauer P365 is arguably the next best sub-compact pistol you can carry, offering an extremely comfortable grip and reliability that cannot be beaten.  

While Sig has had its share of problems over the years, its newer models are heavily regarded for their reliability and ease of use. 

They fit comfortably in almost any hand and due to their compact size, can be carried in almost any position without printing while remaining incredibly effective in a gunfight.

Kimber Micro Nine

For those of you looking for something more premium to carry, the Kimber Micro 9 is truly a work of art.  Based on the 1911 platform, the Micro 9 can disappear on your person and be ready for action at a moment’s notice.

The one primary drawback of this weapon is that it does have a manual safety, which may be off-putting to some people. However, for those who like the added insurance, the KM9 cannot be beaten in quality.

S&W 637

Magazine-fed pistols are amazing for their ability to quickly put lead downrange, however, they are prone to problems feeding, especially in dirty environments. 

While this is much less of a concern than when they were first introduced, if this is truly a concern for you during an emergency, a revolver (such as the S&W 637) may make more sense.

As revolvers have much fewer moving parts, they can more reliably operate and most importantly can be more easily be cleaned and maintained in the field. 

This does come at a significant cost to capacity and reload speed, but if you are looking for a weapon built to survive the apocalypse, a revolver is just the tool for you.

The 637 from Smith and Wesson is built to exceptionally high standards and with their relatively unique J frame construction, can be concealed incredibly easily. 

While it’s true revolvers may not be for everyone and certainly have their drawbacks, for those comfortable shooting them, it’s hard to go wrong with a 637.

Knife

Even in the event you are able to reliably carry a firearm on your person, it is also worth including some form of a knife on your person. 

Not only can they often be deployed much easier than a concealed firearm, but short of having your knife taken from you or snapping during a fight are much more reliably.

As Clint Smith from Thunder Ranch has often said, “Your knife will never run out of ammo”.

Choosing the right knife for a fight is a challenge with so many different styles and sizes, and just like firearms, you do run the risk of running into legal issues if you carry select knives in the wrong locations. 

Ultimately, however, knives are a much more accessible option for people all around the world and if in the right hands, can prove just as effective as a firearm.

The one important thing to remember when fighting with a knife, however, is that your goal should be to create distance. Unlike a firearm, you are rarely looking for a killing wound with a knife. 

Instead, you should aim to get an attacker off of you to either create an opportunity for you to run or transition to a more effective tool (such as a firearm) depending on the situation you find yourself in.

Benchmade Adamas Mini

Many of us already carry an everyday carry knife built for light tasks, such as opening boxes or cutting food, but when you need a knife you can trust with your life, the Benchmade Adamas is there.  

This titan of a knife is built to survive the very worst and gladly accepts almost anything you can throw at it. 

Although it is a folder, it is more than capable of almost any task you could ask of it, whether that be batoning, prying, or chopping.  

The knife is built like a tank, and could likely withstand being run over by one, and while it may not fit comfortably in everyone’s pocket, is more than at home in a dedicated E&E bag.

Spyderco Para Military 3

For a more general-purpose knife, the Spyderco ParaMilitary 3 is the best in its class. 

Its high-quality blade steel allows it to go weeks without sharpening, even with relatively heavy use yet disappears into a pocket in a matter of seconds.

While its blade shape makes it a relatively weak blade for self-defense situations, the rear liner lock gives the blade an incredibly firm lock up for the more demanding tasks.  

Ultimately. for the price, it is hard to find a better knife out there for the vast majority of problems you are looking to solve with a folding blade.

Gerber Covert Knife

Knives are tools, however, as a last-ditch option, there is nothing to stop them from being used as a self-defense option. In this case, the Gerber Covert is an excellent option. 

Its dagger-like blade allows it to easily penetrate, while still remaining functional in more typical applications.  

What sets this blade apart from other recommendations we have is its assisted opening mechanism. 

That’s not to say the other knives are slow to open by any means, however being able to deploy this blade in less than a second, truly could make all the difference in an emergency. 

Emerson NSAR

As we’ve said, knives are tools and if you wish to truly embrace this idea, the Emerson NSAR is just the knife for you.  

It lacks any real ability to be used in a knife fight with its blunted tip, however, to make up for this drawback offers a rescue hook and partially serrated blade. 

This makes it ideal for use in rescue applications, such as cutting through seatbelts or clothing. 

It may not be the perfect knife for everyone, but during an emergency, it makes an excellent addition to your kit, especially when housed with medical gear.

Non-lethal

Knives and firearms are without question the most effective means of fighting you can have, but even during emergencies, the use of lethal force presents a huge number of legal issues that you must bear the consequences of.

For this reason, it is important to include non-lethal options within your E&E bag. These do not guarantee your safety during a fight, but may just give you enough of a chance to get away from a would-be attacker to make it to safety.

More importantly, these items are much easier to carry in a wider number of locations as they are not seen as a deadly threat. This in places that you may be without your firearm you are still not completely unarmed and are better able to defend yourself should the time ever come.

Sabre Red Pepper Spray

The goal with any non-lethal defense method should primarily be to disorientate your attacker to create distance between yourself and a threat. 

Pepper spray excels in this role as it burns the eyes and olfactory senses, temporarily disabling your attacker so you can break contact.  

Sabre Red is ideal for this purpose as it is loaded with OC spray to slow your attacker down. 

Not only is it effective on an attacker, but Sabre goes one step above their competition by using a special gel spray which is less likely to be caught by the wind and be blown into your face. 

It’s an excellent tool for emergencies or more simple situations, such as just feeling safer during a run.

Byrna Self-Defense Pistol

If you have already put in years of training becoming proficient with the use of a pistol for self-defense, the Byrna may make more sense as a non-lethal tool for protecting yourself.

Built to mimic a compact frame pistol, the Byrna shoots .68 caliber projectiles powered by a CO2 cartridge with enough force to easily slow an attacker down without causing long-lasting harm. 

It’s essentially a compact bean bag gun that can be carried and deployed like a standard pistol.

It’s not a perfect tool and by no means replaces an actual firearm but when lethal force may not be an option for you makes for an excellent option.

NPE Defenses

Lethal and non-lethal options are great tools to have in your arsenal to help keep you safe; however, it is important to understand that in some locations, these options may be completely unavailable. 

Airports are just one great example of this where their high security means that any item that could theoretically be used in an attack is banned.

These kinds of environments are considered non-permissive environments and refer to any location where being armed and dangerous could land you in serious legal trouble. 

Fortunately, these environments have been a challenge for years meaning for your average gray man in the modern world, there is a huge wealth of tools out there to help keep you safe. 

Most commonly, this is achieved by giving the tool another function such as a flashlight or pen but there are various other options out there designed to simply be more concealable so they can be better hidden and carried into restricted areas.

Gerber Impromptu Pen

The Gerber Impromptu Pen is one of the best tools you can carry to defend yourself when all other items are out of the question.

The unique pattern lining the pen offers an excellent grip to prevent it from sliding when deployed against an attacker, while still offering a comfortable position when used as a writing instrument.

To top it off, the Impromptu offers a glass breaker allowing it to be used as a rescue tool should the time ever come.  

While there are arguably some more discreet tactical pens out there, for an effective self-defense option, the Impromptu is truly hard to beat.

Black Triangle G10 Blades

If you are confident in your ability to conceal a weapon on your person but are simply looking for a way to bypass digital means of detection such as metal detectors, the Black Triangle lineup of G10 tools have the answer for you.  

As G10 lacks any magnetic signature, it can easily pass through these scanners without any concern of being detected while still being strong enough to withstand the forces associated with a self-defense event.

These tools do come at a premium price, averaging just over $100, however for those of us in the right situation where we frequently have to go through security checkpoints, fill a niche within the knife community that most other competition fails to come close to.

Door wedges / Door Alarms

Your E&E bag should contain the means necessary to defend yourself during a fight however you should also aim to keep some tools available to keep you out of a fight. 

One of the easiest ways to do this is by having some means to reinforce a door to provide yourself with some form of saferoom. 

While these can be improvised relatively easily on the fly, door wedges take up virtually no space and are often far superior to an improvised solution.

Not only do door wedges help keep attackers out, but many options on the market include alarms built in that can detect the impact of an attack on your door to help get your attention and ready yourself for an attack. 

While alarms for this purpose can be improvised extremely cheaply, having the convenience of an all-in-one package cannot be understated.

Super Grip Deadbolt Strap

Deadbolts can be easily deactivated either through the implementation of an under-the-door tool that hooks onto the deadbolt or from the outside with a key or picking attack.  

The deadbolt strap is designed to completely lockout this lock by fixing the switch in place, essentially meaning once you are locked inside a room even those with authorized access (such as hotel staff) are locked out until the strap is removed.

It takes some time to be able to use it proficiently, and as it is only reinforced with velcro may not offer you strong protection against brute force attacks but if you are looking to slow down an attacker, it makes an excellent tool that can be thrown in almost any bag.

UnderDoor Wedge

A strong under-the-door wedge works exceptionally well to slow down a brute force attack and help keep a door sealed. 

While it’s true there are better ways to reinforce a door, a simple wedge is easily pocketable and goes a long way to stop unwanted access to your room.

The UnderDoor Wedge from Law Industries is arguably one of the best on the market as its toothed design provides a better grip to both the door and floor, offering you even more protection however for their low cost and efficiency, almost any door wedge you purchase is going to help offer you some form of defense.

Saber Safety Alarm

While it is always worth reinforcing your door to keep unwanted third parties out, it is also worth integrating some form of alarm into your kit to know when someone attempts to breach an entryway.  

Many companies now make door wedges with integrated alarms, however, for most people, a simple electronic rape alarm may be a better option.

These can be velcroed to a door frame and then hooked to the door handle, causing the alarm to sound whenever the door is opened. 

Sabre again makes some of the best on the market with an unbeatable decibel rating and long battery life for a low cost.

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Zip Ties

We’ve talked about how to win a fight and how to prevent a fight, but after you have won a fight (assuming the person is not deceased) you’ll want some means to restrain an individual and prevent any later attacks.

Ropes and handcuffs can work in this role exceptionally well, but for their lightweight and ease of use, it is arguably better to consider adding zip ties to your kit.

These won’t be enough to keep someone restrained forever, and as we’ve discussed in our SERE section can be defeated relatively easily with the right tools, but creating distance between yourself and an attacker is an exceptional tool that cannot be beaten. 

Flex cuffs are built with this purpose in mind and often include metal reinforcement to limit how easily the zip ties can be cut, but for your average criminal, a heavy-duty set of zip ties adjusted correctly behind their back should be more than sufficient for the outcome we are looking to obtain.

Vamrome flex cuffs 

A strong set of flex cuffs make for an ideal way of detaining someone. 

They offer a much stronger method of detention as opposed to a simple binding made of duct tape, however, can be more easily carried and concealed than metal handcuffs.

The Vamrome flex cuffs can be easily sourced from sites such as Amazon and make for an excellent addition to your kit.

Unlike other methods of detention, these are a one-use item as they have to be cut off a subject after being placed around the wrists however for emergencies some are extremely useful.

Kingrol Steel Zip Ties

While flex cuffs offer a great way of detention, there is nothing to stop you from using a normal set of zip ties to bind an attacker. 

Add in the repair abilities of traditional zip ties and it makes sense why they belong in your kit.

We recommend the Kingrol steel zip ties in this application as they are considerably stronger than other zip ties on the market, benefiting you both from a repair and security perspective while still remaining relatively affordable.

If the metal signature is a concern for you, a standard set of zip ties from your local hardware store will make a suitable replacement however if you have the option, the upgrade to a steel material will undoubtedly be much appreciated.

Medical

Almost all items within your E&E bag can be improvised on the fly, with one very important exception.

Your life may very well depend on the medical equipment you choose to carry so this is one section where it only makes sense to invest quality gear you can truly depend on. 

While first aid items are obvious items to include in your bag to deal with a range of medical emergencies from simple scrapes and cuts, all the way to gunshot wounds and broken bones, it is also important to consider gear to keep you healthy.

Protective equipment is intended to help keep you safe and ultimately help keep you from ever having to reach into your IFAK. 

IFAK

A basic individual first aid kit (IFAK) is one of the best medical items you can keep in your E&E bag.

These kits are built to treat yourself with a range of injuries from burns and blunt force trauma to simple scrapes and cuts. 

The exact scope of these kits is largely up to your discretion, and while there’s nothing wrong with building your own, there is a wide range of premade kits available online built with everything you could need from high-quality suppliers. 

The important thing to remember with these kits is that they are primarily designed to treat yourself.

If you are expecting to travel in a larger party or help those around you, it may be worth looking at incorporating more supplies however with each item you add comes bulk and weight.

Warrior Poet Society Ankle Med-Kit

The most important medical gear is the gear you have on you, and the Ankle Med-kit ensures that no matter where you are in the world, your gear is always accessible.

The kit includes most of the basic items you could need to deal with extreme trauma, such as a gun-shot wound or blunt force injury, however, what truly sets it apart is its carry style.

WPS has developed an extremely comfortable and breathable ankle holster that easily disappears under the cuff of your pants.  It is relatively expensive for a medical kit, at almost $130, however, for medical gear, you can rely on and always access is well worth the price.

Eagle IFAK

The Eagle IFAK comes in a larger package than our other recommendations, but again includes all the possible medical gear you could need during a serious emergency in an extremely convenient package.  

The small MOLLE compatible pouch easily rips open giving you immediate access to your gear when it is needed, while also serving to keep it organized. 

For what you are getting, it is pricey but Eagle is a name you can trust so the added cost is justified when you truly are relying on this gear with your life.

ITS Trauma Kit

Imminent Threat Solutions (ITS) build gear for the real world and their pocketable Trauma Kit is just one example of this.  

Like all our other recommendations, all the gear you could possibly want is included in this kit however unlike the other options out there, this kit is designed to easily fit into a cargo pocket.  

As the gear is vacuumed sealed, it does take slightly longer to deploy in an emergency however this drawback is off-set as the vacuum seal does guarantee your gear will last longer and more importantly be protected from the environment.

Particulate Mask

Almost any disaster brings with it smoke, debris, and potentially gas that are harmful when inhaled. This may be from an explosion, fire, or structural damage.

Keeping this out of your airways is a challenge; however, a particulate mask can go a long way to help keep your lungs safe and functioning normally.

Of all the masks you can choose to carry, an N95 or KN95 mask are some of the best out there and can even help to mitigate exposure to airborne pathogens. 

These aren’t perfect, but assuming you can effectively seal the mask around your face, they should help buy you enough time to get out of immediate danger and into fresh air.

N95 Mask

N95 masks, in addition to N95K masks, are some of the most portable protection tools you can carry. 

When sealed correctly around your face, they offer one of the highest levels of protection you can find from smoke, particulates, and even viruses.

These masks can be hard to find, especially as online companies online are willing to miscategorize their masks, however, if you can find a reputable distributor (such as 3M), they are truly deserving of a place in your E&E kit.

Unlike larger respirators, they can fold completely flat and disappear into almost any pocket and more importantly do not appear intimidating to those around you. 

Parcil Full Face Respirator 

For the highest level of protection, a full-face respirator cannot be beaten. 

These offer a much greater seal around your face to keep unfiltered air from leaking into your mask. 

Not only do these styles of masks protect your lungs, but they also offer incredible protection to your nose and eyes that is hard to match.

The Parcil respirator offers two PA3 replaceable filters, guaranteeing you clean and breathable air however what sets this mask apart from other respirators is its large visor. 

This is critical during an emergency when situational awareness is key, and even allows you to reliably operate your firearm to accurately send lead downrange and respond to threats as they appear.

New filters can be purchased for $40 directly from Amazon and with a year of customer support, makes this mask one of the most affordable respirators you could include in your E&E kit.

3M Half-Face Respirator

Finally, the 6300 half-face respirator offers the breathability of a full-face mask with much of the convenience found with a smaller N95 mask.   

They are incredibly affordable at just under $20 (not including filters) and with a name like 3M behind it, are almost certainly going to hold up to even some of the worst possible conditions.

From our experience, the 3M respirator can form an extremely strong seal around your face while remaining comfortable even when worn for extended periods of time. 

You won’t forget that you’re wearing a respirator, but it’s unlikely to ever get in your way when responding to an emergency.

Bandana/Shemagh

An N95 mask is one of the most powerful tools you can carry to keep debris out of your lungs; however, they only do one job. Instead, you may choose to carry a bandana or shemagh. 

These large fabric squares can be used in almost a countless number of ways to help keep you safe, ranging from limiting sun exposure to an improvised mask or even a bag. 

It does take some practice to understand exactly how they can be used most effectively, but considering their low price and versatility, they’re a great piece of gear to include in almost any bag you could be building.

Buff Sleeve

A Buff Sleeve offers many of the same protections as other face-covering however comes in an incredibly small package that can be easily tied to your wrist or gear and deployed in seconds.  

It does have some basic filtration capability to help keep larger debris and smoke out of your airway, however, what truly makes this face-covering so deserving of your money is its versatility. 

From a face mask to a watch cap or even a balaclava, there is not much this covering cannot do.

To sweeten the deal, Buffs come in a huge number of color options and patterns so no matter where you are operating in the world, they are almost guaranteed to give you some option to help you blend in either with the local environment or populace.

Free Soldier Shemagh

Shemaghs have been worn throughout the world as a way to keep the sun off your skin and sand out of your face. 

The Free Soldier Shemagh is by far one of the most affordable ones on the market right now, yet again offering incredible quality that is honestly hard to beat even with $30 options.

Much like the Buff, their versatility cannot be understated as they can be worn in a huge variety of ways while also excelling in other roles such as in the medical field as a sling or even a hobo-sack for storing any supplies you happen to find on the road.

Their added size compared to the buff is arguably their biggest weakness, second only to the fact that they are not commonly seen within the western world but during an emergency, they remain incredibly useful and worthy of a spot in your emergency kit.

Goggles

Protecting your lungs is one of the most important steps you can take to keep safe during an emergency; however, your eyes should not be forgotten.

They are critical for helping you navigate, identify threats and respond to situations around you. 

While many of us may not enjoy using eye protection and find it to get in the way, its importance truly cannot be understated. You need your eyes, especially in times of crisis.

Safety glasses help mitigate the risk of damage to your eyes to some extent, but for true protection, it is worth investing in a quality set of goggles. 

These not only protect your eyes from impact, such as from an explosion but more importantly, create a seal around your face to keep small particulates from getting in your eyes. 

This is an area where it is worth investing in quality gear to ensure they can be comfortably worn for long with a firm seal around your face.

Gatorz Sunglasses

Gatorz make eye protection to survive even the worst conditions in the world. 

Their wrap-around design offers a high level of protection from debris and dust even without forming a sealed connection to your face, while their huge number of designs still allow you to remain fashionable. 

Ultimately, whether you are wearing these to a day at the beach or responding to an active shooter event, the Gatorz are there to keep your eyes safe.

Gatorz can be purchased in both polarized and clear lenses, and while we wish these lenses were more readily interchangeable, they still remain one of the best options you can buy.

SolidWorks Shooting Glasses

If function over form is more important to you, the SolidWorks Shooting glasses are the option for you.

Unlike the Gators, these eye pro have a foam lining to help create a better seal around your face for protection from smaller particulates and more impressively can be worn as either traditional glasses or with their provided headband to help keep them on your face.  

At less than $20, for an entry-level pair of eye protection, the SolidWorks is one of the best glasses you can buy, whether you are buying them as your primary glasses or even a backup pair to keep in your bag.

Oakley L-Frame

Oakleys are renowned for their ski goggles and they work incredibly well during emergencies to keep your eyes safe.

Unlike glasses, the larger lens of a set of goggles provides you a wider field of view to better respond to threats and more impressively an unbeatable level of comfort.  

While their lenses may not hold up to the abuse as well as a pair of Gators,  they are much more affordable and can be found from a large number of distributors.  

Cash

In almost any situation you come across, one of the best solutions you can potentially carry comes in the form of money.

Whether it be for bribing an official, trading for supplies or simply using a payphone, having cash on your person during an emergency will undoubtedly make your journey easier. 

This raises a huge number of questions, such as how much money you should carry, what currencies are best, and most importantly, how to carry valuables on your person?  

While it may seem obvious that carrying the local currency of whatever country you find yourself in is going to be the most effective, it’s also important to note that several currencies are seen as immensely valuable around the world meaning the answer to some of these questions may not seem as obvious as they first appear.

• Local Currency
• USD
• Travel Cards (prepaid visas with various currencies loaded onto them)
• Travel Wallets

5.11 Phantom Bifold

The 5.11 Phantom is an amazing wallet. Whether you are hiking the trails or in a tuxedo, its traditional design allows it to blend into almost any environment.

As with other bi-folds, it has a huge carry capacity however what truly makes it shine is the countless number of hidden features and compartments. 

These primarily come in the form of two hidden card wallets located behind the primary card pockets and more impressively, a key retention mechanism in the cash wallet. 

These added compartments can add considerable bulk to the wallet, however, as long as you are careful with how you load up your bifold it is unlikely to be noticeable when held against any other wallet.

RoomierLife Belt

Wallets are an easy target during attacks such as muggings, so if you are looking for a great alternative, the RommierLife Belt may just help you keep your essential items safe. 

Built into the inside face of the belt is a hidden pocket that runs along the entire length of the belt allowing you to conceal various items such as currency, keys, or even escape tools.  

Accessing the contents of this pocket in public may require you to make a quick run to a more discrete location, as undressing in the middle of a checkout aisle is generally frowned upon, however, it is by far one of the best solutions to make sure you have access to emergency cash.

Lewis N Clark Stash Wallet

Finally, the Stash Wallet from Lewis N; Clark looks to pair the concealability of a belt wallet with the convenience and functionality of a traditional wallet.  

The exterior pocket clip hooks to your belt allowing it to be carried inside the waistband and more easily concealed, while also allowing you to rapidly access your money when you need it.

It won’t keep your gear safe if you are subject to a stop and frisk, however, if you are traveling and worried about pickpockets or are simply looking for a more secure method of retention to keep your wallet safe, the Stash Wallet cannot be beaten.

Bags, Packs, and Organizers

Finally, it’s important to have a reliable means of actually carrying all of this gear on your person.

Most of us likely have at least one bag we use regularly. 

While it may be able to handle light day trips, for an emergency response bag, it’s important to choose one that can be comfortably carried for long hours, disappear easily into a crowd, and store all of your belongings in an easy to carry manner.

Like many of the other items on this list, this is a huge area with no clear winner so to help narrow down your search, it may be worth starting with some staples of the survival industry including Maxpedition, 5.11, and Vertx.

Carrying your gear is only half the battle; however, as you also need to be able to access equipment quickly.

For most of us, this means having gear neatly organized to better help you know exactly what you are carrying and where it is. 

For this reason, we’ve also included a breakdown of some of the best organizers on the market to keep your gear looking clean and ready at a moment’s notice.

Maxpedition Entity

The Maxpedition Entity lineup of bags is built to survive the toughest environments while still blending into an office or school environment.

They offer sizes from 7L up to 35L, with support for a concealed weapon in the rear compartment of the bag.

Our favorite option can be found in the 21L EDC backpack for its minimal aesthetic yet versatile and customizable organization system.

5.11 

5.11 is best known for its tactical line of gear, but their COVRT line of bags make an excellent choice for a gray man.

They are arguably more suitable for a tourist than an office worker, but for the price, offer one of the most capable bags on the market for all your needs.

Vertx

Vertx offers a huge lineup of bags specifically built for the gray man, but they are primarily built to carry a weapon covertly into almost any environment.

Starting at $100, their quality cannot be beaten while offering you everything you could need to keep your gear organized and accessible at a moment’s notice.

Gear Organizers

Maxpedition Fatty

Maxpedition makes some of the best gear organizers out there in a huge range of sizes, from pocket organizers to soft-firearms cases.  

Coming from Maxpedition, they are built to survive almost anything you could throw at it and while it offers relatively little protection from the elements, ensures a very secure and easy-to-use organization platform to allow instant access to your gear.

Thyrm DarkVault

If you are more concerned about keeping your gear safe as opposed to keeping it organized, look no further than the DarkVault from Thyrm. 

This MOLLE compatible case offers the same level of protection as some of the best-built Pelican cases in a neat and convenient package that can be easily thrown in a bag or attached to the front of your plate carrier.

5.11 Flex Admin Pouch

Lastly, the 5.11 Flex Admin Pouch is there to give you the security and organization of a Maxpedition case, with the added MOLLE convenience of the Thyrm DarkVault.  

As an admin pocket, you are somewhat limited to the amount of gear that can be stored within this organizer, but for the basic essentials, it makes for an excellent addition to your kit that can be easily integrated into almost any of your bags or gear.

Conclusion