I get the idea of fanny packs. They continue to be a fashion accessory that will not die. Companies continue to try to make them cooler looking. In this day and age after nearly two decades of warfare the ‘tactical’ market is robust and ready to serve a more discerning customer. There are a lot of retail choices on the market for customers to choose from when it comes to tools, packs, and medical supplies. Make a good choice that is utility first and fashion second. Obviously you want to be the ‘gray man’ and not the ‘tactical’ dork walking into Applebee’s or Chili’s with a full on digital camouflage pattern and skull patches affixed to it while wearing business casual.

Make it fit the environment you are daily going into. Urban or country; office or outdoors; casual day or business attire?

There are some very good medical bags, go-bags, fast-packs and yes, even some decently made ‘fanny-packs’; (just don’t let anyone ever see you in public wearing one over your lap. I said they were decently made. I didn’t say it was cool to wear one.)

Just this Saturday somebody that I know was stalked by a man looking to hurt someone. My buddy was outside taking photos of his family and five minutes earlier snapped a photo with his young son. He’s a very well-trained Marine and he’s a big guy too. Yep, that’s him in this picture. Then the weirdness happened. We’ll cover his story more in another article if we can but here’s the short version:

“I’m posting this as a lesson for others: My life was saved tonight because I did what guys in my profession do. I watch….I analyze…I develop a conclusion…then a plan for immediate action. I watch people’s behavior and analyze inconsistent patterns outside of the norm which are threat indicators. I just concluded a ten minute savage-like fight for my life with a mentally unstable individual who attacked me with a knife. There was no negotiating with him in his state of mind, and zero options for de-escalation. He was 100% dedicated to whatever was driving him.

Unlike him, I was complacent and unarmed. Essentially, I was an unprepared fool. The perpetrator displayed ability, opportunity, and intent. I was unarmed and immediately regretting it. 1. I won, obviously. 2. I wasn’t expecting this today because it was a beautiful Saturday and I was walking with family enjoying the sunset…it wasn’t in the context of the war zone. Life was perfect. Seeing this guy’s erratic behavior set off the spider senses and I felt the proxemic push 3. Training and combat experience showed up for the quick tutorials and gave the reminding course of action that I recall following being ambushed. Simple… “Attack the attacker!!”

I never doubted my ability to overcome the scenario, other than initially thinking, “I’m going to have to get cut tonight in order to end it”. Anyhow, he’s no longer a factor because I watched for an opportunity in his attack and was able to exploit it. It turns out he was stalking us. Hunting us. I sensed it. I think this is the most disturbing aspect. He later told the police, “I planned to hurt somebody after I left the house”. Well dipshit, you took me to a place I haven’t had to go to mentally since the fucking Argandab raids, and you got us both hurt. I’ll forgive him for stabbing me. I know there’s a long line for that, but stalking my family??? No sir. No sir. The sense of security and peace are now gone. That too, something I really needed, irreparable. I’m glad he wasn’t a savvy predator and looking for weaker prey in the neighborhood. He was clearly an opportunist”

Having every day carry is a smart move towards being prepared & self-reliant. You might consider having additional tools on you or in reach if you are taking day trips. Have a mini-kit made for short trips whether you are in urban or non-urban areas. Again, create something that meets your needs. The items I listed are only my recommendation. Build your EDC and your mini-bag around your needs. Let it work for your location, lifestyle, daily routine etc. EDC and a med-kit (day kit) is good because these things make your life easier, protect you from threats, give you peace of mind and solve problems without having to go home or seek immediate help to diffuse or extinguish the problem.

Obviously, first aid kits are personal items. Everyone has their own quirks. Adjust the inventory to your own usage and don’t forget to actually use the kit every once in a while or you could find yourself with compromised 10-year-old bandages.

Recommended Supply List

What’s in your EDC? 

Knife: Consider carrying a good knife. Know the laws and rules in your area. Clearly you can’t carry a 12 inch blade into your local Smithsonian museum or the U.S. Capitol. Find the proper size that you can carry legally and comfortably. Knives are always better for attacking someone and defending yourself than a house key or a pair of scissors ever will be. Folding or non-folding?

Flashlight: Do you really need one? You ever walked around a city during a moonless night after the power went out? You ever have your car break down on a winding road near the ocean on a dark night?  You ever have to trek through the woods? Your phone ever die? I have. There are too many reasons to list. Yeah, carry one.

Multi-tool: The multi-tool is great because it is versatile. Some options to think about when purchasing a multi-tool: Regular Pliers, Vise, Wire Cutter, Cap Lifter, Can Opener, Locking Phillips Screwdriver, Scribe, Awl, Leather Bore, Locking Dual Edge Knife Blade, Metal File, Wood File, Measuring Gauge, Hook Disgorger, Locking Heavy Duty Saw Blade, Scraping Blade, Wire Strippers, Locking Large Flat Screwdriver, Fine Flat Head Screwdriver. Find what works for you. There are many good brands and models to choose from.

Cell-phone: This is your life-line to the world. One word: Apps. There are useful apps online: Maps, GPS, Find Your Friend Locator, Flashlight, and of course the ability to make phone calls. I wrote an article on Spotter Up about seeing body-parts thrown onto the freeway by a serial killer. This was back in 1989 if I recall when my friends and I headed down I-5 to Los Angeles. Back in the day all we had were pay phones to report anything to the police. And we first had to find a phone that wasn’t out-of-service.

Small Note Pad and Stainless Steel Ball Point Pen: Note taking. Write down grocery lists, the license plate number and description of a vehicle, the attributes of a departing bank robber, right? Your pen could be used as a weapon, mapping entrances or exits, or much more.

Wallet: I was given one by the founder of Celtic Shield. It’s an RFID wallet. I recommend inserting a lock-picking set or handcuff key into a wallet.

Magazine: Extra bullets and your pistol if you don’t have it already affixed to your hip.

We can go on and on here. Build what works for you. Identify the common threats or daily problems in your area. At a minimum I recommend a gun, knife, wallet and simply first-aid kit/day-kit to carry. Good luck.

Thanks to Frank Moss for the med list.