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Whether your loved one is on a one-night camping trip or stalking prey in the wild for weeks, the value of a good survival knife and other everyday carry (EDC) items cannot be overlooked. Having the right set of EDC tools for an outdoor excursion can be a lifesaver, so your favorite outdoor enthusiast should be equipped with the best EDC possible. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the outdoorsman in your life, here is a list of some of the most practical, effective, and reliable everyday carry items to keep those you love safe and prepared in the wilderness.
Bushcraft Knife
When it comes to an EDC loadout, a knife is arguably one of the most important tools. Therefore, choosing the right knife as a gift, especially for use in the wild, is imperative. Far more than just a cutting instrument, the right knife should be a well-rounded piece of equipment that can come into use in almost any circumstance. From protection to starting fires, cutting meat, and building shelter, a proper bushcraft knife should be able to handle all of these tasks and more repeatedly. While many folding knives can handle this level of abuse, a fixed blade is typically recommended in the wilderness. At around 3-4 inches and made of high-quality steel, there are few things this blade can’t do, and if cared for, it can last for years.
Multitool
A durable multitool should never be left behind in the same family as other survival knives before an outdoor expedition or hunting trip. The right multitool is the perfect all-in-one gift for a survivalist, typically including two folding knives, a can opener, a screwdriver, and pliers. Compacted into a single mechanism that can fit into a pocket, few EDC instruments cover a wide range of uses as a good multitool. In addition, not all multitools are the same, so you can choose the right one with the appropriate tools for the needs of the person you are purchasing for.
Navigational Tools
For many avid outdoorsmen, navigational equipment is a non-negotiable when out in the wilderness. With thousands of rescues a year from people getting turned around in the woods, you never know when you might need to rely on the tools you have on hand to get yourself to safety. From compasses, maps, and even GPS locating systems, navigational tools are small, light, and easy to carry pieces of equipment but can save someone’s life. So give the gift of navigation to your loved one so you can both have peace of mind on their next outdoor adventure.
Fire Starting Equipment
Equipment to start a fire may not be a part of someone’s urban EDC, but outdoors, having access to fire at any moment can be more important than anything. From warding off wild animals to cooking food, plus providing warmth and light, fire is one of the most important commodities an individual can have in the bush. Thankfully, we live in a time of waterproof matches, lighters, and ferro rods, giving outdoorsmen options when building a fire. Moreover, these options are small and affordable, making them one of the best and most available accessories for EDC as a gift. Keep your loved one safe and warm with the proper fire equipment for the EDC, and never leave making a fire up to chance again.
Emergency Signaling
Many outdoor enthusiasts may feel they are skilled enough to never have to rely on signaling equipment or be rescued, but when it comes to the wilderness, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You are at the mercy of Mother Nature, and there’s no telling what might happen or situations where equipment designed for emergency signaling could be the difference between life and death. Today, there are countless options ranging from high-intensity mirrors to light-up beacons, all of which don’t ever have to be used until it is necessary. Perfect as a stocking stuffer or a small birthday gift, an effective way to signal for help is never a wasteful gift.
Flashlight
Almost all well-crafted EDCs include a flashlight, which makes having one in a place where there is no electricity a must. When selecting the right EDC flashlight as a gift, however, it is important to note that this will be with the person at all times. This means keeping the size, shape, power source, and battery life in mind. Today, LED flashlights are popular for the amount of light they emit using limited power with rechargeable and solar flashlights also proving useful. Regardless of which you decide on, there are few gifts more valuable than the power of light in a place with total darkness.
First-Aid Kit
While some first-aid kits are notoriously large and cumbersome, plenty of kits are designed for EDC. These may not come with a complete pharmacy and a band-aid for every type of cut, but they do have the essential items that may be necessary to stop severe bleeding and save a life. Furthermore, you can always build a specialized kit with only what you consider to be the most important aspects of a first-aid kit that your loved one can take with them on the go. You never know when disaster may strike, so it’s always best to be prepared for the moment it does.
The great thing about EDC survival loadouts is that they can be personalized to fit the needs of any person. What may be helpful to one may not be to another, so it is always good to know what the person you are shopping for needs or doesn’t. When in doubt, it also never hurts to ask, so you know what you are giving them will serve a purpose and be used to keep them safe and prepared in the wild or a survival situation.
By Jordan McDowell
who is a writer and content strategist. He specializes in technically-oriented B2B and B2C content for a number of digital companies.
Member since April, 2024
View all the articles of Jordan McDowell.
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