This is the start of a new series called “My Life: Modified.” It will cover ways to customize, minimalize and hack your life to make it more enjoyable, organized and creative. Have an idea or want to write a guest post? Check out the contact page.
I’ve been prowling cyberpunk forums nonstop recently, and nearly everything I’ve been watching—TV or film-wise—is science fiction. I take the art I consume pretty seriously. So when I’m immersed in this much science fiction at one time, it starts to have an impact on how I live my life.
I preface with this because one of my latest obsessions seems to be directly tied to this consumption of cyberpunk/dystopian/post-apocalyptic media. Since Andrew and I are getting ready to move, I feel like I’m transitioning into a new phase of my life.
Because of all this, I’m focusing on minimalizing my possessions and my expenses, and bringing more creativity and functionality into my day to day life. So recently, I heard about a subculture called every day carry (also known as EDC. I mentioned it in a recent Info Overload). Basically, people share the essential items they like to have with them at all times. Each item has a purpose, and functionality is the top priority. But some (like me) like to also ensure that their items have a style that reflects their personality.
Essential EDC—or at least, the most common ones—tend to have these items:
Wallet
Knife
Multitool
Flashlight
Cell phone
Keys
Optional: gun (I’ve opted out of that one)
So what does this have to do with cyberpunk? I would argue that many cyberpunks are interested in things that are practical, tactical, techy and stylish. There seems to be a mix of cypnk preferences, some who prefer clutter and grunge and others who prefer cleanliness and minimalism. I see myself as being in the middle, and I think my EDC reflects that.
I love EDC because I love preparedness, and ever since I was little, I’ve had what I used to call my “first aid kits for life.” (EDC is way catchier though.) I like the idea of carrying only essential items with me. As a journalist, it’s imperative for me to always be able to document the occurrences around me. And since I like to hack things, having tools with me is a necessity.
And I won’t lie—it kind of makes me feel like a superhero, and my tactical bag contains my “weapons” (figuratively and literally) for saving the world.
So here’s what’s in my bag:
Tools:
Leatherman micra multitool
Knife (no particular brand… although I am getting a Spyderco soon! The one I have now is from my boyfriend, who got it custom engraved with my nickname, Arcadie)
Lockpicks (for Locksport)
Wallet from Pacsafe
Caribiner keychain
Toiletries:
Water bottle (mini Camelback that fits into the side pocket of my bag)
Pack of tissues (I like the cute ones by Kleenex)
Perfume from Charlotte Russe (not very strong, since I am sensitive to smell)
Hello Kitty chapstick (complete with dangly kitty heads)
Asthma inhaler (so I don’t die)
Gum (every journalist should carry gum)
Bobby pins
Gadgets:
Nook Color (e-reader/tablet)
HTC EVO smartphone (I love this thing)
Solar cell phone charger (handmade)
Various cables to power everything
The bag
Tactical bag from Think Geek, patches from Etsy
Interested in more EDC? Check out:
Reddit.com/r/EDC – Reddit is a cool place to share your EDC or look at others. Lots of discussion on knives, wallets, etc.
Everyday-carry.com – A nicely curated Tumblr website where people submit their EDCs and the editor gives commentary.
What’s in Your Bag, TheVerge.com – The Verge interviews prolific tech people to see what’s in their bag.
What are your staple items in your EDC?
SAK, small keychain version.
Small to mid-sized folder, drop point knife. Spyderco Delica or Dragonfly, CRKT Pazoda, Benchmade Mini-Grip, depending. Working on powder coating some aftermarket clips to match khaki or grey trousers.
Small tac flashlight (Inova or Fenix).
Zippo.
Philips head and flat head screwdrivers, mini lighter, tweezers, Swiss key,mini pry bar, 4GB flash drive, on Kaufmann Mercantile EDC keychain.
iPad and iPhone with chargers. (Need solar harder) Mobile hotspot.
Moleskine volante and stainless Parker Jotter and Sharpie. Larger notebook.
Discreet messenger bag (custom made).
Casio Exslim point and shoot digital.
Dive watch.
Credit card wallet.
Moneyclip.
Sunglasses (RX’d RayBan Aviators).
And that’s toooo much. I could get by with wallet, phone, money clip, glasses and SAK. But….
Nice! How do you decide which knife to take with you for the day? Do you have any sort of system?
I need to get a Zippo since I usually only have a BIC on me.
I also carry around way too much stuff but I’m thinking of streamlining my gear. I feel like carrying around a bag makes it easier to justify having more items on me though.
Depends on the trouser and how well it carries. The Benchmade Mini-grip is heavy and has a black clip, so superfine wools don’t do too well. If I have a watch pocket I slip the SAK into it. If the trouser is grey it’s the CRKT with the grey clip. If the trouser is charcoal — The Delica or HK (Benchmade) work well. Really light trousers now warrant the Dragonfly (and I’m hoping the do the powder coat thing asap. to make khaki clips.)
Forgot to mention the Gerber mini multitool and assorted Bandaids, hand sanitizer, latex gloves, etc. List just gets longer.
I’d send an email or PM but I cannot firuge out how to.I h ave a question about Influence’Could several abilities dump into one skill? I don’t see anywhere in the rules forbidding it. I’m just not sure what you intended.For instance, Prowess can be influenced by Agility, Dexterity, Reflexes, Strength, Willpower. So if you pinned all those abilities to Prowess at level one, every time prowess goes up it awards experience to those abilities, So when that skill goes up to level 2 it would award a total of 10 XP split between those 5 attributes. I just want to make sure that is the dynamic that you had envisioned. I’m going to be making up my first characters today, after reading through the rules 3 times I think I have a handle on it.