Mini Emergency Kits

Everyday Carry kits (EDC) are small containers that have a curated mix of miniature items or small quantities of helpful items to be kept handy (easy to carry, transport) if needed. Whether the emergency is a wedding dress tear or a trail fire going out, a missing button on a kids' costume, or what teens might carry in their car, an EDC gives you resources when you need them. 

Of course pre-made EDCs (for women, weddings, camping) exist for all purposes. But curating one for someone else shows a care for their well-being, and feels personalized. Either way, you're resourcing loved ones when they need it. 

First: Pick a container!

What holds the EDC items should be thoughtful and portable. Traditionally, the smaller the better, but mid- to larger size containers also have value. A range of options includes: 

* An Altoids container is famously popular for an EDC,or any metal tin. 

* Adidas Essential Sling ($30 at Costco)

* Lululemon Everyday Bags (from their We Made Too Much department), The Click Nano is only $14!

* Uniqlo Bag Collection has multi sizes of pouches. The Mini Bag is $14 and their pouch (my fav!) is $20.

Second: Fill the container.

The ultimate challenge is to fill the container with as many useful items as possible, but in single or small quantities, without over filling. Ideas for items to add include: 

• Tweezers to pick out splinters
• Strong Rubber Bands (can apply two on the outside of the canister) for whatever needs binding
• Nail clipper for snipping whatever
• Plastic card protectors: emergency cash, pieces of paper, important phone numbers
• Mini ballpoint pen for emergency writing on said small pieces of paper.
• Sewing Bobbin, to be filled with high-tensile strength thread or wire) in case of need to tie things
  (also useful Nite Ize rubber gear ties).
• Whistle
• Flashlight (battery powered)

Also useful could be: cash, tiny strong magnet, one-off blister-packed medications, needle, small section of glue stick and matches or mini lighter, Swiss Army knife. And finally, the most useful thing for an emergency kit but will not fit in an Altoids tin is a pair of nylons. Throw one in your car: BEST wilderness first aid tool out there.

A friend uses a zippered hand sanitizer holder for medical condition comfort items (peppermint nausea inhaler, eye drops, throat calm, meds, list of meds).

Some unique EDCs focus on hobbies (like a mini watercolor painting studio, or items for cross-stitch, clay, or mini-sports field with mini-ball. 

Stay safe out there and Happy adventuring!