There are certain items that I have on my person at all times on our RTW trip (Round the World). These are the EDC of Every Day Carry items that are most important to me and help me function in the world.
Wedding Ring
My wedding ring is the single most important EDC item I have. It reminds me of my beloved, Nicole, and the sacred vows that bind us to one another for life. During our trip we left our real wedding rings at home and wear travel rings. Why? Good Question. I have a simple gold band and Nicole wears a gold band with a half-carat diamond. Those are valuable metals and stones. They are visible symbols of wealth — fairly humble symbols in our First-World home nation, but unnecessarily flashy while traveling in Third-World nations. We have never felt unsafe while traveling; nevertheless, we opted for travel rings. I have a black plastic and brass ring that was made by an OCSA student. Nicole surprised us with a matching set of these for Christmas. Her ring broke due to the rigors of travel, so she now wears a silicon ring.
Timex Iron Man Watch
I have a confession. I don’t need a stopwatch with a multi-lap timers. I haven’t needed that since I ran track in high school. However, I do love the durability of this watch, the ease of setting and resetting the time, and the indiglo internal light. I love that it is waterproof. I would feel naked without my Timex Iron Man Watch. I had to update my watch during our trip and thankfully found a Iron Man Watch in an airport.
Silver Jerusalem Cross
I have not always been a jewelry wearer, nor do I think I have to wear a cross to be a Christian. However, while I was in Jerusalem this year with Pastor Bob Rognlien I was debating getting a pilgrimage Jerusalem cross tattoo. There are days I wish I would have gotten that tattoo to mark the importance of our spiritual pilgrimage and to represent my Christian faith. Since I didn’t get the tattoo, I figured that the next best thing was a silver Jerusalem cross from the Old City. Just like a wedding ring, it is a great reminder of another primary aspect of my identity — my Christian faith.
Left Front Pants Pocket
Nivea Lip Balm: I used to be a Blistex or Chapstick user. While I still have these as back ups in my supplies should I lose the all important Lip Balm, I have a new favorite. Nivea Lip balm slides up and down within the container (like lip stick) so it doesn’t get gross around edges the way Blistex packaging does. I always make sure to get one with no flavor and SPF 15. I have to have my Lip Balm with me at all times.
doTerra On Guard Beadlets: Nicole got me hooked on these Essential Oil Supplements to guard against colds and sore throats. If I feel any issue coming on, or am around someone who is coughing or sneezing I’ll pop one or two of these beadlets to ward off sickness. It has worked great to keep me healthy on our trip!
Fisher Space Pen: This is a fairly new item to my EDC collection, but why haven’t I discovered it’s benefits until now! It’s small size, smooth rounded ends, and secure cap means that it is perfect for your pocket. It won’t poke you uncomfortably, and it won’t leak. When you remove the cap it turns the small space pen into a full-size ballpoint pen that works great for writing.
Coins: They go in the left front pocket. I’ve collected coins from all over the world in this pocket. I can’t wait to create a way to display them when we get back home!
Right Front Pocket
Keys. Period. That’s where they go. Nothing else.
Travel Wallet
A chiropractor once told me to stop wearing my wallet in my back pocket so it doesn’t affect my spine and posture while sitting. At home I use a front pocket wallet, but during our trip I use a Pacsafe, RFID protected, zippered belt travel wallet under my clothes. It is large enough for cash, cards and passports.
RayBan polarized Sunglasses
My Sunglasses are an essential part of my every day carry. I wear them with a head band called “hides” which doubles as a simple protective case and eyeglass cleaner. I can hardly go outside without my sunglasses, so you can normally find them hanging around my neck or perched on my head.
My Sunglasses are an essential part of my every day carry. I wear them with a head band called “hides” which doubles as a simple protective case and eyeglass cleaner. I can hardly go outside without my sunglasses, so you can normally find them hanging around my neck or perched on my head.
Belt
My black leather belt serves two purposes. Sure it holds my pants up, but more importantly it holds my phone in place.
iPhone 7
As a long-time Mac user, I am an avid iPhone user. I started our trip with a iPhone 6 Plus, but upgraded to the iPhone 7 Plus in a LifeProof case (waterproof). The new low-light camera with double lens, portrait mode, etc, was too good to pass up. Since I don’t use another camera on our trip, I wanted the best iPhone camera I could get for capturing all our memories. It has not disappointed. I backup my photos to the cloud AND to Google photos for extra protection. I know the size of the iPhone 7 looks ridiculous in its black leather belt loop case, but it is such as an important EDC item that I can’t do without it. Would you ask a cowboy to leave behind his six shooter and bandolier? I didn’t think so. (Great, Nicole just let me know that I’m going to get bone density weakness in my right pelvis bone from the electromagnetic waves that my phone emits… so I have that to look forward to.)
Wish list
I would love some kind of pocket knife, or Leatherman to keep on my belt or in my pocket while we travel. But it is just not practical during all the transportation security checks. So, I keep my Leatherman Wave in our luggage.
Being married is a civilizing venture. Left to my own devices I would probably be an even bigger geek and find all sorts of EDC items I could attach to a “Batman” equipment belt. I mean you never know when a batwing grappling hook could come in handy! So, thank you Nicole for keeping my superhero delusions in check.
Love it! Next time we will get the tattoo bro!
Classic! You are no geek. Get the batsman!!😜