This kit was sent to us by a Flex Bag user. It is very different from an EDC with items “for the soul” in the same bag: here, almost every item is about practicality and safety. A repair tool, a self-defense tool, a tourniquet, and a minimum of gadgets. We break down what’s in it, the purpose of each item, and how such a kit fits into the Flex Bag.
Kit Contents at a Glance
| Item | Category | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Blackpack Flex Bag | Bag | The core of the kit, worn over the shoulder or on the chest |
| Knipex Cobra | Tool | Water pump pliers for gear repair and adjustment |
| Zero Tolerance Knife (titanium + carbon) | Tool | Everyday folding knife |
| CAT Tourniquet | First Aid | Stopping massive hemorrhage |
| Pepper spray | Safety | Self-defense |
| Garmin Tactix 7 | Gadget | Multisport GPS watch |
| AirPods Pro (1st Gen) | Gadget | Noise-canceling headphones |
| Wallet | Everyday | Cash, cards, documents |
| Permanent marker | Everyday | Marking on any surface |
| Cricket lighter | Everyday | Fire at hand |
The Bag: Flex Bag
Flex Bag is a 4.5L shoulder bag made of UltraGrid, weighing 240g. It is flexible and follows the body’s shape, so even with pliers and a tourniquet inside, it doesn’t bulge with sharp corners. The bag has three compartments, which is convenient for this kind of kit:
- front with an AquaGuard zipper and a key carabiner — for items you access most often;
- main with two mesh pockets and two elastic holders, designed specifically for items like pepper spray;
- hidden back with soft lining — for a wallet and documents close to the body.
Tools
Knipex Cobra
Water pump pliers with a secure grip. An atypical item for EDC, but a logical one: the Cobra replaces a wrench of the required size and saves the day when you need to unscrew, clamp, or tighten something right here and now — from a bike mount to a pipe.
Zero Tolerance Knife
A premium folding knife with a titanium handle and carbon fiber inlay. Designed for daily use and high loads.
Safety and First Aid
CAT Tourniquet
CAT (Combat Application Tourniquet) is a hemorrhage-control tourniquet that can be applied with one hand, including to oneself. This is the most important item in the kit, so here are three tips from us:
- Keep the tourniquet where it can be reached in seconds. Not at the bottom of the main compartment under other items.
- Buy only the original from official distributors. CAT counterfeits are common, and they may not withstand application.
- A tourniquet only works in trained hands. If you carry one, take a first aid course and practice applying it.
Pepper spray
A compact self-defense tool for emergency situations. The Flex Bag has an elastic holder in the main compartment for it: the canister is secured and doesn’t get lost among other items.
Gadgets
- Garmin Tactix 7 — a tactical multisport watch with GPS, health monitoring, and long battery life.
- AirPods Pro (1st Gen) — wireless headphones with active noise cancellation and transparency mode.
Everyday Essentials
- Wallet for cash, cards, and documents.
- Permanent marker — to sign, mark, or leave a note on any surface.
- Cricket lighter — a simple and reliable gas lighter.
What to Take from This Kit
The main idea is that EDC isn’t necessarily about gadgets. If you add only one thing to your daily kit in current conditions, it should be a tourniquet, specifically paired with the skill to apply it. Read more about the safety side of EDC in the article on Travel EDC with the EDC Bag XL, and for a basic set of small items, check out 10 Useful Things for Your Organizer.
Have your own EDC with a Blackpack bag? Send your photos and descriptions to Instagram or Telegram; we publish the most interesting sets on our blog.
Add comment