Everyday Carry is a hot topic thanks to the internet and content creators alike. Most Everyday Carry posts are found to be over the top, yet oddly, kind of satisfying. With the gun, knife, and preparedness industries colliding, it lends itself to endless variants, from the minimalist setups to the “I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it” guy. Everyday carry is simple yet has a complexity to it, it’s as simple as carrying what you need to go about your daily duties in a safe and comfortable manner. However, it shouldn’t stop there.
Body Armor for Everyday Carry
Many things need to be considered when selecting the proper tools for EDC based on your environment. Many like to say if you plan on carrying something that causes people to bleed, you should also have something to stop the bleed. At Safe Life Defense, we not only agree with that statement, but we also think if you have a gun you should also carry Body Armor. The two are rather similar concepts, but if you have the ability to put bullets down range, you should also have the ability to stop bullets from penetrating your vital organs.
Odds are the only time you present your concealed weapon is when you’re in danger of losing your life. Whether that means a suspect is coming at you with a knife, gun, or any other lethal option it is best to protect your vital organs. We offer many different options that can suit your needs based on your environment, from our Backpack Armor to our Hyper Concealable Hyperline IIIA Vest we have your back.
Urban EDC: Discreet Protection
If you are in an urban environment, odds are you would like to be as discreetly prepared as you possibly can. This would be a good time to gain some knowledge about The Gray Man Theory. If you conceal carry in a city environment you are already worried about printing (making your weapon visible through clothing) and drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. The same principles apply to body armor, you do not want others to be aware of the body armor that you are wearing because of its potential to make them perceive you as a threat or a potential target. This is where our Hyper Concealable Hyperline IIIA vest comes into play as a crucial piece of your urban EDC kit.
At .19” thin it is the thinnest IIIA vest in the world. Making it ideal for covertly wearing body armor while going about your daily life in the city. The Hyper Concealable vest ensures that you can stay under the radar while still protecting yourself from multiple threats. Whether you are a civilian looking to up your level of personal protection or if you are a law enforcement officer working undercover, this vest offers proven protection without compromising operational security.
Urban EDC: Backpack Armor
But what if you prefer not to wear a ballistic vest on your person during your daily commutes? If you routinely carry a bag, whether it’s a backpack or messenger bag, it’s worth considering one of our Backpack Armor inserts. This discreet addition can easily slide into your bag of choice, providing an extra layer of protection without the need to wear a vest. If your EDC gear includes off-body carry in a backpack or if you carry a personal defense weapon (PDW) in your bag, adding a Backpack Armor insert should be a no-brainer. You never know when an extra layer of protection will save your life.
Armored Fanny Pack for EDC?
On those hot summer days, some favor a fanny pack as their EDC method and our Side Armor Panels (SSAs) offer a perfect solution. Although these were designed to extend the side coverage on our vests, they can also be applied as a means of daily protection in any waist pack that measures 5”x7” and larger. With these options available, there’s really no excuse for not having body armor on your person when your environment calls for it.
Rural EDC: Preparedness in Remote Areas
If your everyday carry takes you to more remote and rural environments, the need for body armor is just as significant, although the types of threats you may face will differ. Some might argue that the threat level is reduced in rural areas, making body armor less essential. However, it is crucial to remember that unforeseen events can occur anywhere and at any time. Being prepared is always the best course of action.
When in rural environments it is less likely for you to face the same level of criminal activity that you tend to see in urban settings. However threats in rural areas can range from dangerous wildlife encounters to confrontations with individuals with malicious intent. Either way it is a good idea to have a strategy and the necessary tools in hand to safely go about your day.
Rifle Rated Protection for Your EDC
Something to consider for you rural EDC folks would be the style of weapon you would plan to carry and how you would carry it. In rural environments both people and places tend to have more distance between them than those seen in the city. Having a weapon system that is both capable and reliable at engaging threats at varying differences is a must when in rural settings.
Most people in rural areas tend to carry a “truck gun”, usually chambered in an intermediate rifle cartridge like .223/5.56 or 300 BLK. When carrying a truck gun in your vehicle it is best to find a way to lock it up when leaving the vehicle unattended. But it should be easily accessible when you are in the vehicle so try to find something that works best for your applications. Here at Safe Life Defense we believe that with an increase in firepower there should be an increase in your level of protection.
What Level of Body Armor Fits Your EDC?
A good rule to go by is to carry body armor that is capable of protecting you against the rounds that you are carrying. So if you carry a 9mm or any pistol caliber for that matter IIIA armor would be more than enough. Whereas if you plan on carrying a rifle caliber like .223 or 5.56 it would be smart to carry Special Threat or Level III armor, like our FRAS, instead of Level IIIA.
Depending on how you plan to deploy your EDC kit will ultimately determine what armor system is right for you. If you plan on running a plate carrier remember the more discreet the carrier is the better, so minimize it to only what you need. In life threatening scenarios where you plan to protect yourself with armor, remember that ounces equal pounds in the long run, even more of a reason to only carry the essentials.
You could also run a backpack that fits your PDW and carry our 3.97 lb. FRAS Backpack Armor Panel in the rearmost part of the bag. This will help protect you against rifle threats such as M855, SS109, M193 (5.56) and standard 7.62×39 ammunition. If you want to up the ante throw a Hyperline Backpack Armor Panel behind the FRAS plate, and it will give you a Level III+ NIJ rating stopping both .308 Winchester and 7.62x54R. No matter the method of which you choose to protect yourself, body armor is a serious consideration regardless of your environment, so choose it wisely.
Upgrade Your Everyday Carry for Optimal Safety and Preparedness
Everyday Carry is a practice that goes beyond simply carrying the essentials for your daily routine. It’s about being prepared for the unexpected and ensuring your safety in a world where threats can arise at any moment. Remember that the most useful everyday carry When considering your EDC, don’t overlook the importance of body armor.
At Safe Life Defense, we believe that if you carry tools that can cause harm, you should also carry tools to protect yourself from harm. Whether you live in a bustling urban environment or frequently find yourself in remote rural settings, our range of body armor options ensures that you can stay protected without compromising on comfort or discretion.
