The contents of your Every Day Carry, or EDC are something that’s very specific to your personal needs and ability to carry items. If you carry a backpack around everywhere then your EDC can be significantly larger than someone just working with his or her pockets, making this a truly unique setup for every person.
There are a few key items you should always include in an EDC setup though, including a knife/multitool, small notepad, and a flashlight amongst others. While vastly useful and important, many people skimp on the flashlight in their EDC setup, leaving it out due to size and weight restraints, but the flashlight is a tool that’s not only useful for seeing in the dark, but for self defense and security, too. Still not convinced? Well, in case you aren’t, here are 5 reasons why a flashlight needs to be a part of your EDC.
1. Seeing in the Dark
The most basic use of a flashlight is for seeing in the dark, and this is far more important than you think. From changing a tire on the side of the road at night to finding everything that fell out of your pocket in the dark, having a flashlight on hand is pretty useful.
Sure, your phone probably has a built-in light, but what if your phone dies? Then you’re stuck. For safety and convenience, having a small tactical flashlight with you all the time is pretty important.
2. Safely Performing Tasks
Speaking of changing tires, there are quite a few tasks that can cause damage or get you hurt if you can’t see what you’re doing. For example, what happens when you need to jump-start a car in the dark? Hooking the terminals up incorrectly can damage your car or even cause the battery to explode.
More focused on survival, if you are stuck in the woods at night, a flashlight is vital to help you build a shelter and start a fire. Without a source of light, you could not safely achieve either of these. Even hooking up cables to your television is better done with some light. In short, be safe and use a flashlight.
3. Identify Threats
Sure, flashlights are great for seeing in the dark, but if you’re in a dangerous situation you can use your flashlight to identify a threat. Whether it’s an animal or another person, being able to see your target is vital.
If you can’t see your target you can easily end up hurting someone that isn’t a threat or allowing someone to get close that definitely is one. Having a light on you at all times helps you to know who’s coming close quickly and easily.
4. Shock and Disorient Attackers
You can actually use your flashlight as an offensive weapon, too. In a dark situation shining a bright light in someone’s eyes will definitely do them harm. Not only will it shock them, but it will ruin their vision for some time after, giving you a chance to attack or get away.
Hitting someone with a bright beam of light will disorient your attacker as he or she spins away form the flash. This turns them around and gives you even more time for fight or flight to kick in.
5. Use as an Actual Weapon
Finally, if you choose a proper tactical flashlight you can use the light itself as a weapon. Many tactical lights have a raised end around the light end, giving you something that can be gouged with.
Most lights are also heavy to an extent, making them perfect for hitting someone with. Both of these combined give you one additional weapon in your arsenal. While not the most effective weapon around, it’s great as a last resort.