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Tag: EDC

Review: Streamlight Stylus Pro Flashlight
I previously published this a few years ago and with new people visiting the site thought it would be a good idea to bring it back around. – Rourke

Flashlights are a basic and very important prep item. Who can’t remember the excitement as a kid having a flashlight when the power went out? The experience would have been quite different without the flashlight.

Streamlight is a well-respected flashlight manufacturer with high marks for quality and value. Over the years I’ve owned several Streamlights and had zero issues with them. One model I’ve had for several years is the Stylus Pro. The Stylus Pro is of the “penlight” category and runs on 2 AAA alkaline batteries. Due to its slim construction, it can be easily carried like a pen in the pocket or tucked away almost anywhere.

Specifications:
- Weight: 1.64 oz.
- Dimensions: L x D: 5.3″ x .6″ (134 x 15 mm)
- Runtime: Up to 6.5 hours
- Peak Beam Intensity: 860 candela
- Light Output: 100 lumens
- 50,000-hour lifetime thanks to C4 LED technology
- Made with aluminum alloy
- Shock-proof, drop-tested and O-Ring sealed
- Scratch-resistant lens
- Water-resistant per IPX4 in accordance with specification EN 60529:1992
- Two operation settings: constant-on or momentary
- Runs on two AAA alkaline batteries
- Resilient pocket clip
- Comes with a tear-resistant nylon holster
The Streamlight Stylus Pro is NOT a flashlight meant for mounting on a firearm. No – this is a personal illumination device absolutely perfect for taking the trash out, looking under the couch for the remote – or navigating a trail while backpacking at night. It is NOT super bright. It is bright enough for the purposes listed and many more.

The Stylus Pro is operated using an end-cap. A slight press allows momentary on and off. A full “push and click” turns the light on or off. There is only one brightness level which I very much like.

I’ve had the Streamlight Stylus Pro for over two years and it has proven to be very reliable and rugged. The clip – which I have used when carrying in a pack – remains strong and tight. This flashlight is waterproof which is good to know when out in the rain. Like most modern flashlights illumination is provided via a LED diode. This means reliable, long-lasting light. No bulbs to burn out.

If you are looking for a small, lightweight, and durable flashlight with this level of illumination at around $20 – the Streamlight Stylus Pro is worth a look.

Recommended.

Tula .223 Rem Ammunition

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Fantastic Car Pack and EDC Bag

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Smith & Wesson 10.6in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife with 5.2in Tanto Blade and TPE Handle – less than $40
September 7, 2021
Review: Condor T&T EDC Pouch Kit [2020]
Something I have been slack in is my EDC. I have a few things in my Jeep but as far as an organized EDC kit that has been absent. I picked up a Condor T&T pouch a few months ago and finally got around to throwing some stuff in it. My intended purpose for the EDC kit is purely to organize a variety of items not commonly found in a vehicle but could prove very useful. The Condor T&T functions well in this regard as it has a variety of pockets and stretchy loops which to place things.

While the Condor can be thrown in a bug out bag or survival kit, mine rests in the back of the Jeep.

Contents:
- Gerber multi-tool
- earplugs
- Sharpie marker
- P51 can opener
- Repel insect repellent
- Streamlight Stylus Pro flashlight
- Coast G45 LED Flashlight
- emergency poncho
- extra charging cables – micro USB, Lightning, and USB Type-C
- Mossy Oak 4000mAh Pocket Juice battery
- memo pad, small
- pencil
- sewing kit
- wire ties(8)
- compass
- Seek Thermal XR Imager – for iPhone
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- Ganzo G704 folding knife
- Water Jel Burn Gel cream(3 packs)
- Band-Aids(8, standard size)
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment(4, .5 gram packs)
- Tweezers
- Paracord(20 feet)
- $50 in assorted bills
Condor Materials & Construction

The construction of the Condor is excellent. The material is something similar to Cordura. Stitching is tight and all seams are double-stitched everywhere. The zipper appears to be oversized for the application which is just fine for me. Seems rugged enough to last years riding in my Jeep or inside a pack.

Features

Size of the pack is 10″ x 7″ x 1.5″. While accurate the thickness of 1.5″ is when empty. Once loaded it expands out and mine is between 3″ and 4″ thick. Weight is just under one pound.

For organizing supplies, the pouch has one internal sleeve, one zipper pocket, and numerous elastic loops of different sizes on both halves. The elastic pockets are sized to hold things like AA batteries up to multi-tools. A lot of gear can be stored for easy access.

The Condor T&T can be mounted via 4 Molle straps or left independent. There are two D-rings on each top corner. These can be used to hang the pouch or attach it using a variety of means.

Versatile

Beyond survival & preparedness type items there are a lot of uses for the Condor pouch. Some examples include organizing charging cables, battery packs, and chargers. The T&T pouch can make a great first aid kit. The pouch can also be used to hold small tools for electronics or bike repairs. The sky’s the limit!!!

Summary

At around $25 the Condor T&T pouch is well worth it. Its build quality is excellent and its versatility lends itself to many roles. I can see owning 3-4 of these and use them for things like tools, electronics, and first aid.

RECOMMENDED.

Rourke
April 18, 2020
Review: Condor T&T EDC Pouch Kit
Something I have been slack in is my EDC. I have a few things in my Jeep but as far as an organized EDC kit that has been absent. I picked up a Condor T&T pouch a few months ago and finally got around to throwing some stuff in it. My intended purpose for the EDC kit is purely to organize a variety of items not commonly found in a vehicle but could prove very useful. The Condor T&T functions well in this regard as it has a variety of pockets and stretchy loops which to place things.

While the Condor can be thrown in a bug out bag or survival kit mine rest in the back of the Jeep.

Contents:
- Gerber multi-tool
- ear plugs
- Sharpie marker
- P51 can opener
- Repel insect repellent
- Streamlight Stylus Pro flashlight
- Coast G45 LED Flashlight
- emergency poncho
- extra charging cables – micro USB, Lightning, and USB Type-C
- Mossy Oak 4000mAh Pocket Juice battery
- memo pad, small
- pencil
- sewing kit
- wire ties(8)
- compass
- Seek Thermal XR Imager – for iPhone
- tooth brush
- toothpaste
- Ganzo G704 folding knife
- Water Jel Burn Jel cream(3 packs)
- Band-Aids(8, standard size)
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment(4, .5 gram packs)
- Tweezers
- Paracord(20 feet)
- $50 in assorted bills
Condor Materials & Construction

The construction of the Condor is excellent. The material is something similar to Cordura. Stitching is tight and all seams are double-stitched everywhere. The zipper appears to be oversized for the application which is just fine for me. Seems rugged enough to last years riding in my Jeep or inside a pack.

Features

Size of the pack is 10″ x 7″ x 1.5″. While accurate the thickness of 1.5″ is when empty. Once loaded it expands out and mine is between 3″ and 4″ thick. Weight is just under one pound.

For organizing supplies, the pouch has one internal sleeve, one zipper pocket, and numerous elastic loops of different sizes on both halves. The elastic pockets are sized to hold things like AA batteries up to multi-tools. A lot of gear can be stored for easy access.

The Condor T&T can be mounted via 4 Molle straps or left independent. There are two D-rings on each top corner. These can be used to hang the pouch or attach it using a variety of means.

Summary

At around $25 the Condor T&T is well worth it. Its build quality is excellent and its versatility lends itself to many roles. I can see owning 3-4 of these and use them for things like tools, electronics, and first aid.

RECOMMENDED.

Rourke

Interested in more camping and outdoor gear reviews? Have a look at https://GearLobo.com
March 8, 2018
Review: Streamlight Stylus Pro Flashlight
Flashlights are a basic and very important prep item. Who can’t remember the excitement as a kid having a flashlight when the power went out? The experience would have been quite different without the flashlight.

Streamlight is a well-respected flashlight manufacturer with high marks for quality and value. Over the years I’ve owned several Streamlights and had zero issues with them. One model I’ve had for several years is the Stylus Pro. The Stylus Pro is of the “penlight” category and runs on 2 AAA alkaline batteries. Due to its slim construction, it can be easily carried like a pen in the pocket or tucked away almost anywhere.

Specifications:
- Weight: 1.64 oz.
- Dimensions: L x D: 5.3″ x .6″ (134 x 15 mm)
- Runtime: Up to 6.5 hours
- Peak Beam Intensity: 860 candela
- Light Output: 90 lumens
- 50,000-hour lifetime thanks to C4 LED technology
- Made with aluminum alloy
- Shock-proof, drop-tested and O-Ring sealed
- Scratch-resistant lens
- Water-resistant per IPX4 in accordance with specification EN 60529:1992
- Two operation settings: constant-on or momentary
- Runs on two AAA alkaline batteries
- Resilient pocket clip
- Comes with a tear-resistant nylon holster
The Streamlight Stylus Pro is NOT a flashlight meant for mounting on a firearm. No – this is a personal illumination device absolutely perfect for taking the trash out, looking under the couch for the remote – or navigating a trail while backpacking at night. It is NOT super bright. It is bright enough for the purposes listed and many more.

The Stylus Pro is operated using an end-cap. A slight press allows momentary on and off. A full “push and click” turns the light on or off. There is only one brightness level which I very much like.

I’ve had the Streamlight Stylus Pro for over two years and it has proven to be very reliable and rugged. The clip – which I have used when carrying in a pack – remains strong and tight. This flashlight is waterproof which is good to know when out in the rain. Like most modern flashlights illumination is provided via a LED diode. This means reliable, long-lasting light. No bulbs to burn out.

If you are looking for a small, lightweight, and durable flashlight with this level of illumination at around $20 – the Streamlight Stylus Pro is worth a look.

Recommended.
October 9, 2017
From the Desk of John Rourke – August 15th, 2017

So – “white nationalist” is now the preferred term of the MSM over “white supremacist”. Don’t be fooled folks. This is just another way of the media to invoke a belief that Trump supporters – or anyone who takes pride in their country and would call themselves a Patriot – are bad and racists.

◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

A Group cookout planned this weekend. Looking forward to it. A lot has been going on and there is a lot to talk about. Great group of guys – and gals!

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There is a report indicating that North Korea has received some of its rocket technology and equipment from the Ukraine. Let that sink in for a minute. The country we have supported AGAINST Russia has provided the nut job in North Korea with assistance.

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I’m thinking of ordering one of these CAMTOA EDC Pouches. Seems like a decent size especially with the cooler weather coming(or eventually coming).

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Here is a cool video sent in by GG58……

Have a Kindle or an Amazon Fire tablet? You could literally go years without ever buying a book to read as there are thousands of free eBooks available. Don’t have a Kindle or Fire? Not a problem. You can download apps for most any cell phone or computer completely FREE! No excuses!

Today’s Freebies

Prepper’s Garden Handbook

Prepper’s Survival Handbook

Prepper’s Survival Medicine Handbook

After the Shock

Living Off The Grid

NOTE: If you see a free preparedness eBook that you’re interested in get it now as prices can change quickly. If it lists a price or says “read for free” or has a price for Prime members the book is not free anymore. Visit FreePrepperEbooks.com and sign up for more free survival & preparedness related ebooks.

August 14, 2017
CIMA Knife Table Top Review
This was originally published August 23rd, 2016. My CIMA knives continue to do extremely well today.

I ordered this CIMA fixed blade knife a couple months ago when it was on sale for less than $20 and was shipped free. I really wasn’t expecting much. This is Chinese-made and at that price point how good could it be? As usual, when ordering from GearBest a package was waiting for me when I arrived home approx 3 weeks later.

This review is going to be a short one and a true “table top” rather than “testing & evaluation”. I love this knife. I have not taken it out in the woods and feathered sticks, stabbed it into dead carcasses, or zombie eye sockets. No – it has remained in the box in mint condition. I have since ordered two more which at least one will come under regular use.

Here are a few specs:
- Blade Material: 7Cr17MOV stainless steel
- Hardness: 58 HRC
- Blade Length: Almost 3.5″
- Handle Length: 4.5″
- Overall: 8.5″
- Color: Black
- Handle Material: Flax/Linen
Quick Summary: This is a smaller knife that feels great in the hand. Balance is towards the handle which doesn’t lend well to batoning but let’s be realistic – the blade is less than 3.5″ long. Full tang thickness is 4.5mm which is acceptable for a knife this size. The sheath is great and the knife retainment is excellent via an audible “snap” when the knife is interested. No straps needed.

Check out the pictures below that will scroll across the screen. They are a combination of photo’s I took and ones used for advertisements.

Oh – did I mention that the CIMA fixed blade knife is a clone of the respected ESEE 3 which cost around $100? No?Well, it is and a very close clone at that.

Recommended. For more information click HERE.

Rourke

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April 12, 2017
5 Reasons My EDC Must Include a Pistol

EDC(Every Day Carry) is a hot topic on many internet forums and discussion groups. Many approach EDC like a science weighing the pros and cons of each and every item. While there are many items discussed that should be carried I will not be found without my pistol. At this moment my EDC pistol is a Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm. That can change from time to time depending upon weather and where I’m going and what I’m doing. What is constant is my EDC must involve a pistol.

5 Reasons Why My EDC Must Include a Pistol

You Just Never Know – The news is full of stories where someone finds themselves “in the wrong place at the wrong time”. Often these situations turn out very bad for the innocent. Evil people exist in this world and yes – even in your neighborhood. I carry my pistol as I may cross paths with this evil.

Bad Guys Have Guns – While I may have practiced martial arts for years and carry a pocket knife the reality is many bad guys carry guns. Knife to a gun fight? I’ll pass. I need to be as prepared as possible to meet the threat and eliminate it.

I Am The True First Responder – No disrespect to law enforcement, fire, and EMS when an emergency happens around me or involving me I am the first responder. When there is a fender-bender and some irate, steroid infused gang-banger heads my way determined to pound me into next week waiting for the police to arrive may not be prudent.

Deterrence – While I would never promote showing a gun around(and in my State could get me in big trouble) just having the gun could de-escalate a situation. A violent crowd seeing my pistol could overwhelm me – if any of them are willing to get shot in the process. Hopefully, they would choose to move along and let me be. That goes for an individual as well. The last thing I want is to have to pull the trigger.

Non-Human Threats – A few years ago I was working in my garden. My youngest was about 8 at the time. My neighbor opened his back door and his dog came running out and went after Christopher. I saw it all happen in a blur but still had the awareness to reach for my gun…..which was in the cabinet inside the house. All I could do was run to his aid. The dog chased my son down and did not attack him but it could have been quite different.

The reason why I must carry a gun as part of my EDC goes well beyond “it’s my right” and the 2nd Amendment.

Why do you carry? Please share……

Rourke

The Prepared Bloggers are at it again!

Everyday carry, or EDC for short, refers to items that are carried on a regular basis to help you deal with the normal everyday needs of modern western society and possible emergency situations.

Some of the most common EDC items are knives, flashlights, multitools, wallets, smartphones, notebooks, and pens. Because people are different, the type and quantity of items will vary widely. If you have far to travel for work or have young children, your EDC could be huge!

But, even if you’re just setting out for a walk around the neighborhood, taking your essential items with you in a pair of cargo pants with large pockets, may be all you need to be prepared.

Follow the links to see what a few of the Prepared Bloggers always carry in their EDC. Would you feel safer with these items close at hand?

Shelle at PreparednessMama always carries cash, find out why and how much she recommends.

John at 1776 Patriot USA tell us the 5 reasons he thinks his pistol is the essential item to have.

LeAnn at Homestead Dreamer won’t be caught without her handy water filter.

Justin at Sheep Dog Man has suggestions for the best flashlights to carry every day.

Bernie at Apartment Prepper always carries two knives with her, find out what she recommends.

Nettie at Preppers Survive has a cool way to carry duct tape that you can duplicate.

Todd at Ed That Matters tells us about the one item you’ll always go back for…your cell phone

Erica at Living Life in Rural Iowa knows how important her whistle can be when you want to be safe.

Todd at Survival Sherpa always carries 3 essential fire starters wherever he goes.

Angela at Food Storage and Survival loves her Mini MultiTool, it’s gotten her out of a few scrapes!

March 21, 2017
Review: Schrade SCH101L Folding Liner Lock Knife
The Schrade SCH101L – an EDC Knife

Leave home without a knife and inevitably you’ll end up needing one. Incorporating a knife into your EDC can prove to be beneficial and even cause you to reach the status of “HERO” when a friend needs one and you’re there for the rescue! Knives are an integral part of any prepper’s stockpile. Over the last several months I have carried several knives including the Schrade Stainless Liner Lock Folding Pocket Knife.

Specifications:
- Blade Length: 3.2″ (8.1 cm)
- Blade Steel: 9Cr14MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel
- Overall Length: 7.6″ (19.3 cm)
- Handle Material: G10
- Weight: 4.6 oz.
[slideshow_deploy id=’5585′]

The Schrade SCH101L – the Review

This Schrade folder is what I would call a medium-sized. Perfect for pocket carry and when using the included clip is easily deployed. There are thumb studs on both sides of the blade for easy opening with either hand. The blade opens very smoothly. The blade to frame fit is very tight with no wiggle or play.

I really like the drop point tip of the Schrade which is a very strong design. I have had some other knives that are a bit too “pointy” and damage to the fine tip comes too easily. The blade contains no serrations and the 3″ blade does well with small to medium chores such as carving, slicing, feathering, general cutting – but leave batoning to the big boys. The blades stainless steel material will resist rusting and is a decent hardness for keeping an edge.

The Schrade’s handles are made from G10 material. If you are not familiar with G10 it is a fiberglass composite that is very lightweight and strong. G10 is known for being extremely rugged. There is nice checkering molded into the handles to better the grip. I would have liked a more aggressive checkering but it is pretty good.

If desired a lanyard can be secured via a hole at the bottom of the knife. That’s not my cup of tea but options are good.

Once open the blade is locked into place via a liner lock. Liner locks are very common and generally work very well. I’ve had no issues with the Schrade.

The Schrade SCH101L – Final Thoughts

I love this knife. For around $10 you just can’t go wrong. A friend of mine stopped by and I had it on the kitchen table. He picked it up and was checking it out and then pulled out his Benchmade. Talk about two opposite ends of the price spectrum – but he really liked the Schrade!

If you are looking for a very good and inexpensive EDC pocket knife – the Schrade SCH101L is it.

Rourke
March 19, 2017
Layering your Kits
When dressing for activities in the out of doors we often use layering so that we can add or remove layers as needed to meet our needs in changing temperatures or climates. This same approach can be used when making our many different “KITS”. Everyone has their EDC (Every Day Carry) items that they have on them at all times, so that one is hopefully a given. On top of those items we usually consider having our “72 hour kit” ready to grab and go in an emergency, but that is where we start to see so many questions regarding what to put in them and the INNUMERABLE lists that are available online. I would like to offer some very Basic Guidelines to help people create a kit that is perfect for THEM, not someone who lives in the Antarctic or the Sahara.

First of all let’s take a look at your EDC. Consider everything you have in your pockets or on your belt at all times. These items would be your Every Day Carry items, and while some duplication can be great, when you have to carry a lot of stuff, weight matters. So write down what your EDC is, and put that aside.

Next look at what you believe would be appropriate and applicable for you to include in your CORE Kit. This kit would be your bug out bag (BOB) / “72 Hour Kit”. It would have things you may need to survive outside of your home for a short period of time. The term “72 Hour Kit” is a bit of a misnomer since even FEMA recommends 4 days of emergency supplies. I always remember that it took FEMA 5 days to get water to the Superdome after Katrina, and they knew it was coming. This kit would be able to be easily carried and would include the basic items you would need to live for 4-5 days. Things like, basic clothes, personal hygiene, a small personal first aid kit, limited tools, and a few days your prescriptions as well as food and water.

Lastly we come to the more extensive layers of our kit. These would be specialty items that each person could have to fill their roll in a family / team setting. These layers would include things like: Cold / Hot weather, Trauma / Medical, Personal Protection, and Extended duration or distance. These layers are things that could be easily added, or attached, to your CORE layer and still allow you to be mobile. They may be due to seasonal requirements, personal / medical needs, or based upon your education / training and things that you are proficient in the use of. I know many people who spend over $1000.00 on a professional Trauma kit from one of the plethora of online stores, but they are neither trained, nor capable of using some of the specialized equipment in them. I have seen people at the counter of the local gun store being sold the latest piece of civilianized military weaponry (sarcasm intended) that they will take home, and put in the safe with its 10rd magazine (that they will call a clip) and have no idea how to operate. These things can make them dangerous. Even someone who has never stayed overnight in a snowy winter environment can be a danger to themselves and others if they don’t know what they don’t know.

So to finish up, I have not supplied another “LIST” for you to read through, because your needs are different from my needs, and you don’t live where I live. If you are not willing to think out and investigate what you will need, then might I suggest that you go check on the latest lineup of arm chairs at the furniture store to be more comfortable watching reality shows.

IF you are willing to do the work then here are the basic layers:
- EDC
- CORE
- SPECIALTY
Thank you,

Brad M
September 6, 2016