Overall, a good list; however, I would debate certain parts of your philosophy: Save the extra money that you would pay for insurance on your EDC bag and buy something a little cheaper. If you lose it, you can afford to replace it and it’s contents without having to go through the time and hassle of being reimbursed by the insurance company. Most likely, you’ll never use the insurance and your just wasting money. I’d even argue that a $250 backpack is less “gray” than a tactical backpack, and could make you a target for a mugger. As far as “gray man” bags go: tactical type bags are becoming very common in urban environments by non-prepper types at least on the East Coast where I live. I see many individuals carrying these types of bags on the NYC transit system and they really don’t stand out. I personally prefer Swiss gear brand backpacks as they’re not horribly expensive, don’t look tactical, and they’re extremely durable. Remember, throughout the ages men’s fashion has followed military trends. From trench coats coming into fashion post WW1 to beards post-911. For EDC cash, twenty dollar bills are superior to hundred dollar bills. They may take up a little more space, but many small stores and restaurants will not take anything over a twenty. And if you need to bribe someone, you may be able to save a little by not using a Benjamin. Regarding power banks, I would recommend one without the built-in cables as these can break and are only useful with the device. I carry a good power bank and separate power cables (iPhone, micro USB, and C-type) along with a combination wall wart/car cigarette lighter box. This way I can not only charge my devices without using the juice in my power bank, but I can charge the power bank itself, and in more than one environment. For flashlights, I’ve found that a good tactical light with a clip to attach to a baseball cap brim is more versatile than a dedicated headlamp. I use a Streamlihht Pro-Tac 1L. It’s a great light. Additionally, I would recommend carrying or wearing (depending on the environment) a baseball cap. It’s useful for sun protection as well as light disguise, bar hair day, etc. A Bic lighter, a small amount of duct tape, and some kind of paid killers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin). Also consider a small container of sunblock.
Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I do understand tactical bags are more common and not necessarily an immediate sign someone has a bunch of high-speed gear. Having cash in smaller denominations is not just smart but practical. Sometimes people don't have change. But people move differently when they see a Benjamin, too. Depends on the favor being asked haha. Good point about the cable breaking on the power bank; although I've yet to see it happen on mine which is getting a lot of use. It does also have the ports as well to connect the loose cables just in case, and it charges by plugging directly into the wall. I got it from Costco and highly recommend it (thinking about getting myself another one or two, in fact). Baseball caps are going to depend on your outfit- midtown office workers in suits are not going to generally be wearing hats. The style and fashion in the city is much different than the suburbs or rural areas, so the grey man in the city will have a different wardrobe to fit in. A good hygiene kit with OTC meds is also a must, including first aid for small cuts or scrapes. Cheers.
Overall, a good list; however, I would debate certain parts of your philosophy:
Save the extra money that you would pay for insurance on your EDC bag and buy something a little cheaper. If you lose it, you can afford to replace it and it’s contents without having to go through the time and hassle of being reimbursed by the insurance company. Most likely, you’ll never use the insurance and your just wasting money. I’d even argue that a $250 backpack is less “gray” than a tactical backpack, and could make you a target for a mugger.
As far as “gray man” bags go: tactical type bags are becoming very common in urban environments by non-prepper types at least on the East Coast where I live. I see many individuals carrying these types of bags on the NYC transit system and they really don’t stand out. I personally prefer Swiss gear brand backpacks as they’re not horribly expensive, don’t look tactical, and they’re extremely durable. Remember, throughout the ages men’s fashion has followed military trends. From trench coats coming into fashion post WW1 to beards post-911.
For EDC cash, twenty dollar bills are superior to hundred dollar bills. They may take up a little more space, but many small stores and restaurants will not take anything over a twenty. And if you need to bribe someone, you may be able to save a little by not using a Benjamin.
Regarding power banks, I would recommend one without the built-in cables as these can break and are only useful with the device. I carry a good power bank and separate power cables (iPhone, micro USB, and C-type) along with a combination wall wart/car cigarette lighter box. This way I can not only charge my devices without using the juice in my power bank, but I can charge the power bank itself, and in more than one environment.
For flashlights, I’ve found that a good tactical light with a clip to attach to a baseball cap brim is more versatile than a dedicated headlamp. I use a Streamlihht Pro-Tac 1L. It’s a great light.
Additionally, I would recommend carrying or wearing (depending on the environment) a baseball cap. It’s useful for sun protection as well as light disguise, bar hair day, etc. A Bic lighter, a small amount of duct tape, and some kind of paid killers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin). Also consider a small container of sunblock.
Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I do understand tactical bags are more common and not necessarily an immediate sign someone has a bunch of high-speed gear. Having cash in smaller denominations is not just smart but practical. Sometimes people don't have change. But people move differently when they see a Benjamin, too. Depends on the favor being asked haha. Good point about the cable breaking on the power bank; although I've yet to see it happen on mine which is getting a lot of use. It does also have the ports as well to connect the loose cables just in case, and it charges by plugging directly into the wall. I got it from Costco and highly recommend it (thinking about getting myself another one or two, in fact). Baseball caps are going to depend on your outfit- midtown office workers in suits are not going to generally be wearing hats. The style and fashion in the city is much different than the suburbs or rural areas, so the grey man in the city will have a different wardrobe to fit in. A good hygiene kit with OTC meds is also a must, including first aid for small cuts or scrapes. Cheers.
E bike dji mini drone.
I like where your head is at.