everyday carry
noun
the collection of items one carries on a daily basis
What does everyday carry mean?
Everyday carry, sometimes abbreviated EDC, refers to the items that one carries on a daily basis (as in one’s pockets or purse). It can also refer to the practice of carrying such things.
Examples of everyday carry
This gift will become a part of his everyday carry, ready to help him take on the little, unexpected projects that come up without him having to get up to head to the tool room or junk drawer.
—Brandt Ranj, The San Francisco Chronicle, 30 May 2025
For me it’s mostly keys, wallet, phone, flashlight and a Swiss Army Knife (some days I add a dedicated folder or a multitool) but not always. EDC doesn’t have to include a knife, gun, prybar, multitool, etc. Carry what you need and add what you want to it. Not everyone needs all of the extra stuff.
—Whether you're looking for a flashlight for everyday carry, camping, or hunting, this is a great time to grab one at a discount.
—… discussions about magic conventions and what was in our “everyday carries,” the items we keep with us in case the opportunity arises to perform a magic trick.
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Where does everyday carry come from?
The earliest uses of everyday carry referred specifically to the act or practice of regularly carrying guns, with everyday modifying the noun carry the way concealed and open do in concealed carry and open carry. Its use has since expanded to all kinds of tools that people find useful to have on them at all times, as well as the act of carrying them.
How is everyday carry used?
Everyday carry is often used attributively, that is, to modify another noun similarly to an adjective.
I still use a sleek black pouch … to organize everyday-carry toiletries in my purse …
—Meantime here are my vintage Montblanc fountain pens. I used the 420 and the unknown model at the bottom as everyday-carry (EDC?) pens for many years.
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