The average woman owns seven handbags.
If you’re a woman or into fashion, you probably are already familiar with the concept of carrying a bag around every day. And this bag is probably loaded with a lot of your essentials (and many things that are totally not essential).
For men or people who aren’t so into handbags as an accessory, they might seem like a bizarre addition to your daily routine. But, everyday carry bags, also known as EDCs, are perfect to ensure you’ve got everything you need.
In this article, we’ll talk a little bit about EDCs and what you should pack in them before you head out the door.
What Goes in My Everyday Carry Bag?
While we’ll go over some suggestions for your EDC bag, only you can really make the final call. What goes in your everyday carry bag is what you need to carry with you every day.
Most women have this down pat. They usually even have extra items like tissues, several types of lip balm and three or four pens.
If you’re not used to an EDC, you can whittle down what you’ll carry by thinking about what you carry in your pockets with you each day. Do you typically take your phone, a comb and your wallet when you go out? If so, perfect. You’ve got your EDC bag’s contents ready.
Carrying Non-Essential Extras
Some purse carriers might warn you against carrying an EDC bag because of the potential to stuff in extras you don’t need. But, this can also be an asset.
If you’re someone who wants to be prepared for any type of event, including an emergency, you can read more about the things you could consider packing.
A non-essential extra might include the things you ask your significant other to carry around for you when you’re out. Or, it might include things like hair gel, pens, water and other everyday necessities you might need during your time out of the house.
Before you pack your EDC, think about the type of day you have ahead of you. This way, you’ll be better prepared for anything you might need, as well as carrying just the right amount of things in your bag.
For instance, if you’re going to work and find yourself always buying water for an exorbitant amount of money, pack a water bottle in your EDC. This will help you ensure you keep on top of your needs, while also cutting down on costs.
Taking Care of Your Medical Needs
If you have a medical condition that requires medication or other special items, an EDC is perfect for that. You can conveniently carry around your medication, fluids or anything else you might need during the day.
You can also use your EDC as a tiny emergency first aid kit by packing supplies you could need in the event of an injury. For example, carrying around a small tin of Band-Aids or antibacterial cream can be a great way to ensure you’re prepared for anything.
Caring for Children and Your EDC
No matter if you’re a fan of carrying handbags or not, if you’re carrying for children, you’ll need to bring supplies along with you when you leave the house. You can use your EDC bag as a way to tote around the things you’ll need for your little ones.
Before you leave the house, you’ll need a lot of essentials for your children. These essentials can include snacks, diapers, lotions, hand sanitizer and water. When you have kids with you, you never know when you’ll need something from your magic bag.
Choosing the Right Every Day Carry Bag
Call it a man purse or a satchel, finding the right EDC bag for you shouldn’t be a chore. Your bag should have two functions: to fit your personality and be able to carry around everything you need in it.
A bag that’s too big will weigh you down. And, believe it or not, you’ll end up putting things in it you don’t need.
A bag that’s too small will mean you’ll leave out some of the essentials.
So what do you choose?
Firstly, decide exactly what you need to carry with you. Using that measure, you can judge the size of the bag you’ll need.
Your bag should be convenient for the activity you’re partaking in, and you shouldn’t be afraid to switch up EDCs. Although they’re called everyday carry bags, you can choose to alternate the bags you wear.
For instance, if you’re doing something active where you can’t put your bag in a secure location, consider getting a fanny pack or pouch type of bag. This keeps your items securely strapped to your body.
If you’re hiking or doing other sporty activities, a backpack might back a good alternative. Be careful with them in large crowds, however, as they do make easy targets for theft due to the ease in which someone else can open them.
Finally, for use to work, a sleek messenger bag is a great way to look fashionable while ensuring you have all of your things.
New Year, New Bag
2019 is a great time to make a resolution to get yourself a great everyday carry bag. Ensure you’re prepared for every situation by keeping it with you wherever you go. You never know when you’ll need a quick snack or suddenly be in desperate need of a pen.
For more fashion tips for men, click here. Stay fashionable in 2019 and beyond!
