Kit Build: High-Tech EDC Kit

Technology has become ingrained in our everyday lives. Advances in computing, medicine, communication, transportation and more have a major influence on our day-to-day activities. Why should our survival needs be any different? While we do not want to discount the tremendous value of ancestral skills, it is vital to use all the tools we have available when an emergency strikes. We see this all the time when we look at the highly trained professionals that society relies on in an emergency. Military, law enforcement, medical professionals, and SAR team personnel all rely on innovative technology enhance their safety and functionality – there is no reason the average prepared person can’t do the same! Building a tech-enabled EDC kit can give you an edge in an emergency and can be the first step in creating a high-tech survival system!

Why Should We Use High-Tech Survival Gear?

Emergency personnel have relied on portable electronics, including lights, radios, GPS units, and computers for some time. In the past this technology was extremely expensive and high-quality emergency electronics were out of reach outside of a professional setting. The same can be said for non-electronic equipment is often made from advanced synthetic or specially formulated materials.

Time went on and many advances were made in manufacturing, allowing this technology to be used in commercially available products, allowing prepared-minded individuals to have access to many of the systems that emergency professionals rely on.

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High-quality commercial equipment can still be pricey, and they may not be as advanced as the professional grade tools – powerful and potentially life save technology is reasonably attainable for most of the public.

How to Build a High-Tech EDC Kit 

Every good EDC kit starts with an easy and comfortable way to carry it. When building any kind of kit, I have always found that the carry method would make or break the kit. This is especially important in an EDC kit. If the bag was cumbersome and uncomfortable, I found myself leaving it behind at home or in my vehicle. Even if the kit has the best emergency gear possible, it doesn’t do me any good if I don’t have it on me!

For EDC, a large pack is unrealistic. It is cumbersome and draws too much attention when out in public. For this build I wanted something that was comfortable to carry, easy to move in, provided quick access to my gear, and not draw too much attention. Initially I was planning on a compact backpack but ultimately decided to use a sling bag as they provide access to your gear without taking the bag off and checked off all my other requirements. For this build I decided to use the brand new Vanquest Vert-7.

Vanquest Vert-7 Sling Bag

Vanquest is a well-known name in the outdoor, survival, and tactical space. They produce high-quality gear with a focus on exceptional designs, build quality, and functionality – The new Vert-7 lives up to these ideals! This compact sling bag checks all the boxes I had for this kit build with advanced technical additions that truly makes it ideal for a high-tech EDC survival kit bag!

Size and Storage Configuration

As the name indicates, the Vert-7 is a 7-liter bag. This is enough space to accommodate all my EDC items, minimalist survival gear, and some high-tech upgrades while staying compact and easy to carry.

The Vert-7 has 3 separate zippered sections with a layout similar to a standard backpack. The front section offers a padded divider to protect electronics. and a zipper pocket. The front of the padded divider has fuzzy loop should you wish to attach hook backed organizers or accessories. The larger main section offers the same layout as the front pocket but sized up to fit a full-sized tablet or super compact laptop. Finally, the back of the bag offers a CCW compartment with a full loop lined wall for the attachment of a holster. There is a zipper on each side so that the weapon can be drawn easily. Finally there is a small zipper pocket on the top of the bag where the strap attaches that can fit small odds and ends.

Both main internal compartments of the Vanquest Vert-7 offer padded dividers, a zippered pouch, and loop for attaching accessories. 

Materials and Build

The Exterior of the Vert-7 is made from waterproof material and is complimented by highly water-resistant external compartment zippers making it ideal for carry electronics and anything else that may be sensitive to water. The section above the front compartment is loop lined so you can attach your “cool guy” patches if desired. What really stood out to me was the color matching and seamless integration of the loop. With no attached patches, it is barely noticeable giving me to ability to still be discrete in public or opt for “Tacti-cool” at events.

The build quality is excellent, with no stray strings or poorly sewn seams. This combined with the advanced materials and leather logo tags gives the Vert-7 a truly premium look and feel.

The Vert-7 carries comfortably on you back and can also be configured for chest carry.

Carry and Comfort

The Vert-7 is designed to be carried on both your back and chest. The back panel offers padded mesh to reduce heat buildup and comfortably conform to your body. The strap reminds me of a seat belt – it is durable, but also flexible and smooth. The strap width makes it comfortable to carry and the smooth material makes moving the sling from back to front position so you can easily access your gear. The strap offers a slide toggle for easy tightening and the quick release feature and ensure you can get the bag off in second if needed. This quick release also allows for custom strap configuration.

EDC Kit Survival Technology

With the right bag secured it’s time to get into the rest of the kit. There are many survival kit staples in this kit that you can expect to find in most well-rounded survival kits, but there are a few high-tech items that make this stand out.

One of the most neglected EDC survival items is our cell phone. Most of us have a smartphone and it is capable of much more than just pulling up cat videos! Our smartphones give us access to essentially all human knowledge including a ton of survival and emergency preparedness information. Beyond that it can help us navigate both in the city and the woods, take notes and photos, and communicate with others.

The biggest issue with our cell phones is the reliance on network connections. This connection can be easily disrupted by natural disasters, power failures, and even over congested networks. When the networks go out, we lose access to the vital feature of our phone, so I decided to turn to some added survival technology to compensate for this kit.

Prepper Disk can turn your phone, tablet, or computer into a survival data base when the internet is down.

Prepper Disk

Imagine having access to all of Wikipedia, Wiki-How, maps, survival manuals, medical manuals, over 50 stand alone books, and a complete children’s education platform when the internet is down. That is exactly what Prepper Disk brings to the table!

How it Works

The Prepper Disk platform is built on a Raspberry Pi single board computer and offers you access to essential survival and preparedness information when you are on the go or in case of an extended internet outage.

The Prepper disk easily fits into this kit because of its lightweight compact size, and you need to access the information is a call phone or tablet that can connect wirelessly to the device and an external power source. Once connected to your phone or tablet you can use your phone’s web browser to access all the information in the Prepper Disk with absolutely no internet connection needed.

Uses in an Emergency

In a short-term emergency the ability to access maps can help us navigate out of bad situations and access to emergency medical information and how-to’s on many survival topics can help even the least experienced people stay safe. This includes everything from how to change a tire all the way through building emergency shelters.

In a long-term emergency Prepper Disk gives us access to education platforms to ensure children can continue their education, guides for repairing common electronics and appliances, as well as information on farming, weather, and self-reliant living.

Ease of Use

The Prepper Disk user interface is well organized and easy to use, ensuring you can quickly and easily find what you are looking for. Up to 20 devices can independently connect to the device making it ideal for emergency use while out or for a family or community group.

The Prepper Disk consumes little power and can run for many hours using a standard cell phone power bank when on the go. For a centralized location, a larger solar generator can keep the Prepper Disk going for weeks.   

I set up this Prepper Disk with a dedicated back-up battery, charging cord, power block, and a Nite Ize waterproof Runoff Pouch. 

Prepper Disk Kit

For this kit I opted to keep the Prepper Disk in a Nite Ize Runoff waterproof pouch along with a simple 10,000 mah power bank, USB cord, and power block. While the waterproof pouch may be redundant, in the event I must use the device in a wet environment I can run it inside the pouch for a brief time to prevent water damage. Having a power block and power bank provides options while outside the home and can maximize the duration of use.

Handheld GPS units offer detailed terrain information.

Garmin Handheld GPS

Our Smartphone GPS can be an essential navigation aid in both urban and wilderness environments, just like your internet connection, they will not work without an internet signal. A standalone GPS unit is a great back up in an emergency as the connect directly to GPS satellites without the need for a network cellular network connection. Many people are familiar with vehicle-based GPS units, but many people who are not avid outdoor adventurers are unfamiliar with handheld GPS units.

Most handheld GPS units are about the size of a cell phone, but will still function when cellular networks are down.

Benefits of Handheld GPS Units

Unlike vehicle-based GPS units, handhelds are typically designed for outdoor use making them both durable, weather resistant, and temperature resistant. They include maps that are designed for both travelling on foot and in a vehicle, generally offering more detailed information on terrain and elevation. Handheld units often have external antennas which are designed to get a better GPS signal in dense wooded areas but will also help signal acquisition in urban environments. Standalone GPS units also typically use multiple frequencies meaning if one GPS satellite is unreachable, they can try to connect to another type. Some GPS units also feature limited satellite communication options which can help you get short messages out to selected people in case of the loss of cellular networks.

While the need for navigation may not seem important in familiar urban environments, in many emergency situations normal routes of egress may be cut off and alternate routes may be needed. Having the ability to quickly and efficiently establish a route can greatly reduce your need to stay in one place. 

Light

Flashlights are already a staple in most EDC kits, but with not all flashlights are created equally. There are many different light sizes, power options, and features out there and the price range can vary wildly. While most high-quality lights a great for EDC, when it comes to emergency survival there are advanced features that can give us an edge. For this kit I opted for the feature rich ASP Spectrum UV and the compact Powertac SOL Keychain Light.

ASP Spectrum UV

This full-sized light was designed by ASP for law enforcement use, as such it is built to withstand the elements and the rigors of hard use. The Spectrum has a crowned bezel that allows it to double as a self-defense tool in a pinch.

The Spectrum uses lithium batteries that can be charged externally or through the USB-C port on the lights body. Having the ability to charge the light on the go is something I place high value in for survival electronics as it reduces the need to carry several types of back up batteries and time taken to fumble with taking things apart to replace them.

What really makes the Spectrum stand out is the 4 different light modes. This light produces white, blue, red, and UV beams. While white light is the most common, these other light modes add a significant utility.

Red light is valuable in situations where our natural night vision needs to be preserved. Our eyes take time to adjust to the darkness and every time we use a bright white light, we are resetting our eyes need to adjust to the dark. Red light has less impact on our eyes and reduces or eliminates the need to readjust to the dark.

Scorpions will glow when exposed to UV light.

Blue Light can cut through fog making it easier to navigate dark areas that are prone to heavy fog. Like red light it is also better for retaining natural night vision but provides more color contrast when details matter. Finally blue light can illuminate trace blood making it ideal for tracking and hunting.

Ultraviolet Light is typically used by law enforcement to verify ID’s, bank notes, and documents. UV light is also beneficial for illuminating hard to see things in natural environments, including potential threats like scorpions. I personally find UV light useful in the snow to pick up trace animal urine or find potential resources that may be covered by snow.

Powertac SOL Keychain Light

This compact small light produces a maximum of 250 lumens of bright white light. Like the spectrum it is chargeable via USB while on the go. What I really like about the SOL is multiple mounting and use options. The rear has a magnet so it can be stuck on metal surfaces. There is also a small kick stand for placement on flat surfaces, and the clip on the top so it can be easily mounted to a pack or other piece of gear. These innovative features allow the SOL to act as a mini lantern providing sustained area lighting without having to occupy one of your hands.

Power

The biggest disadvantage in an electronics heavy EDC kit is the need to power these items. All the advanced technology mentioned in this article provides enough power for reasonable use, however in extended emergencies we may need to charge up. Carrying a power bank is a viable choice, but carrying a power bank that is durable, weatherproof, and temperature protected is even better! I opted for the Dark Energy Poseidon Pro for this kit.

The Poseidon Pro is built take on the harshest conditions and can even survive being completely submerged in water.

Dark Energy Poseidon Pro

This power bank packs an additional 10,000 mah of power to keep your devices going. This is enough to feed our power-hungry cellphones 2 to 3 times. If we are not relying on our phones this is enough to give the rest of the advanced electronics in the days of functionality. In addition, to providing power the Poseidon Pro is designed to handle drops, rain, snow, and even temporary submersion in water for up to 45 minutes. The Internal battery can hold a charge for upwards of 8 years and is rated for uses in temperatures ranging from -15 degrees up to 100 degrees with no temperature related power drain. Unlike generic battery backs the Poseidon Pro offers both timed charging and a low power charging mode allowing you to preserve precious resources.

Standard Survival Equipment    

Even with advanced technology we still require some basic survival supplies and equipment for our EDC kit. As space is a concern with this kit, I opted to build a minimalist survival pouch and toolkit to cover both urban and wilderness emergency scenarios.

Badger Claw Outfitters Scout EDC Pouch Kit

The Badger Claw Scout EDC Pouch is a compact and versatile pouch that is perfectly sized for a to throw into the Vert-7 or any other pack. The front offers a spacious zipper pocket, and the rear has some slots for assorted gear and tools.    

On The Back Side:      

Notebook

Pen

Lighter

Tuff Possum Entry Kit (lock bypass)

The Badger Claw Outfitters Scout EDC Pouch offers a balance of organized pockets and a internal storage. It is pictured here with a Knives by Nuge Wicket, Wazoo Whetstone, Tuff Possum Entry kit and other EDC essentials.

Interior Pocket:

Compact First Aid Kit

Water Disinfection Tablets

Silcock Key (urban water acquisition)

Knives by Nuge Wicket

Wazoo Gear Whetstone

Superesse EDC SERE Kit

Paracord

Blackbeard Fire Starter

Whirlpak (emergency water storage)

Emergency Blanket

Assorted Medicine (anti-inflammatory, allergy, pain management)

The PNWBUSHCRAFT EDC Travel Tray offers organization for your tools and can double as a clean dry surface.

PNWBUSHCRAFT EDC Travel Tray

The EDC Travel Tray offers three slots for compact tools and doubles as compact tray that can be used for a variety of purposes from emergency food prep, storge of foraged plants or materials, and anything else you may want to keep off the ground.

Tools:

Leatherman Sidekick

Mini pry bar

Bic Lighter

Other Items Stored in Vert-7

Superesse Filter Bandana (Lung protection and Water Filtration)

MTN OPS Bars

MTN OPS Electrolytes (Hydration)

MTN OPS Ignite (energy/Caffeine)

Tissues   

The Vert-7 allows you to comfortably carry your EDC and survival essentials so you can quickly access the most vital gear in your pockets. Pictured here is the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie, Glow Rhino/Battlbox Fermi 2, ASP Defender OC Spray, Fenix PD25R Flashlight, and Badger Claw Outfitters Sidekick Wallet. 

High-Tech EDC Kit Final Thoughts

This was a fun build, as I always enjoy a kit build that requires minimalism as it challenges me to only pack what is necessary. There is enough space in the Vert-7 to to store larger essentials, allowing you to stow less gear on your body. While this kit is geared more toward EDC and Urban survival, there is enough inside to cover day hikes and other short outings into wilderness areas. The addition of advanced electronic tools is a great way to break our reliance on our smartphones while keeping the best survival features that cell phones provide. Blending in more traditional survival equipment makes this kit a well-rounded option for an EDC Go Bag, Short Term Survival Kit, or the basis for a larger survival kit system.

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Written by Nick Italiano