The Gear Every Man Should Own

Being a man requires a lot: a firm faith, strong mind, and capable body are the top three, but given that as humans we do not have claws, teeth meant for grabbing, or (for most of us) substantial fur to insulate us in the winter months, tools and gear come into play as necessary carryings of a well-prepared fellow. The Boy Scout motto has always been “Be Prepared”, and it doesn’t take much to remind you that most people are not: struggling to open a box, a popped shirt button, a flat tire, a cut or burn; the possibilities are endless for daily situations, much less the extraordinary.

You’ve doubtless heard the term EDC (Everyday Carry), which many use to refer to what blade or firearm one takes with them when they go out. An expanded and meaning of this phrase is that which a man carries with him even in terms unrelated to self-defense, just his daily tools. Granted, not everyone chooses to carry a satchel or backpack with them as they go through their day, so I’ll break this up into an “on-person” section and “total pack” section.

On-Person (personal gear linked)

• Knife. Benchmade, Spyderco, CRKT (my choice), or any folding or easily concealed fixed blade should be a staple for daily and readily accessible tools. Self defense being an extraordinary though still possible use, more common would be opening a package, cutting a flyaway thread from a cuff or zip tie from a tool, or slicing up your lunch (people look at you strangely, but those plastic knives are garbage). For purely defensive blades there are varying styles that could be debated, but for general use I prefer a straight blade with a few serrations near the base. CRKT Special Forces Tanto

• Multitool. Every boy was happy to get his first Swiss Army knife, and this was the opener into the world of compact tool carrying. Most knife brands make one, but the options are splendid: pliers make the base, and you’ll often find can and bottle openers, screwdrivers, a saw blade or two, smaller knife blade, file, ruler, awl punch Torx wrench, file; the list goes on. Most small tasks you can imagine can be handled with such a tool. Leatherman, Victorinox, and Gerber are some of the top names in this game. Swiss Tool X

•  Wallet. Yes, I know phones carry your credit card info these days, but if your battery dies, or the place you’re trying to use your phone won’t play, what then? Many men still like a traditional leather billfold for cards and (dare I say it?) cash, while others like a more modern option, like the Groove Wallet from GrooveLife. This one is my favorite, as it keeps your cards slimly packed, fans them out when opened, offers RFID options, and still has a clip on the back for your cash or cards that won’t fit inside. GrooveLife Wallets

•  Firearm (optional). This one comes with hefty responsibility, including regular marksmanship and stress drill training, but if you commit to the training required to safely carry lethal power, you can defend yourself and the innocent well.

Total Pack

This expansion is what I would recommend you have in your car (unless you like Indiana Jones-ing your way around with a satchel, in which case more power to you, Junior!):

• First aid kit

• Sewing kit

• Flat tire help (outlet-powered inflator, tire iron and jack, Fix-a-Flat)

• Advil

• Contact solution and spare pair

• Overnight bag in case of needing to stay somewhere other than home

• Change of clothes in case of spills, tears, or other needs

• Change of shoes

• Jumper cables

• Non-perishable food and water (if you get stuck by the roadside and it’s a long wait)

• Extra jacket or coat if the weather turns cold (or your lady gets a chill; you’ll have her gratitude!)

• Business cards (if entrepreneur). These should likely be on your person in small quantities, as you never know who you’ll meet.

All useful tools in the right circumstances, and ones you would miss if they are absent when those circumstances present! Don’t be the guy that has to call someone else to fix a low-level problem he could have fixed on his own!