Self-Defense EDC on Vacation or for Business Trips

Thinking about your everyday carry, or EDC on vacation, can be a headache. What can you take? What’s prohibited? The rules can get confusing, and fast.

As someone who has spent a career focused on physical preparedness, both in and out of the gym, I understand the importance of feeling secure. This became crystal clear on a recent business trip to New Jersey.

My Pennsylvania license to carry is not recognized there, which meant I had to leave my firearm behind. I’m a firm believer in the Second Amendment, but I also respect the law, even when I disagree with it.

This situation forced me to rethink my travel setup. This guide breaks down the practical, legal, and effective self-defense EDC I chose for that trip, giving you a blueprint for staying prepared no matter where you go.

*Note: This article is for educational purposes and does not promote violence. Its goal is to make you think about personal protection. Always check the local laws of your destination to ensure everything you carry is legal.

Key Takeaways

• Layer Your Tools: Rely on multiple non-firearm tools, including a quality folding knife, a high-lumen tactical flashlight, and a tactical pen for versatile self-defense options.
• Prioritize Medical Gear: A tourniquet is a critical piece of any EDC. You are far more likely to encounter a medical emergency, like a car accident, than a violent attack.
• Situational Awareness is Key: Your most important tool is your mind. Pay attention to your surroundings, avoid distractions like your phone, and project confidence to make yourself a less appealing target.
• Know the Law: Before you travel, always research and understand the specific laws regarding knives, batons, and other self-defense tools for your destination. Resources like the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) are invaluable for this.

To save time, the one item not pictured is the comprehensive medical bag I keep in my car. It’s a full trauma kit with 10 tourniquets, chest seals, decompression needles, Quick-Clot, and many other critical supplies.

Here is my EDC on vacation from the image above, with some links if you are interested in the same items:

• Surefire Backup Flashlight

• Thyrm Switchback 1.0 Version 

• Benchmade Mini Griptilian Tanto

• Raven Concealment  Pocket Shield

• Schrade Tactical Pen

• RATS Tourniquet

• Schrade Collapsible Baton (model discontinued)

• Mace Jammer Home Security Door Brace

What Did I Carry On My Person for My EDC on Vacation?

My goal was to have the best possible advantage in any situation while remaining completely discreet. An effective EDC on vacation needs to match your clothes and your environment.

I didn’t want a knife clipped to my pocket or a flashlight bulging out. That just screams for attention. The objective is to be a “gray man” and blend into the crowd seamlessly.

Related Article: EDC Medical Kit — More Important EDC Item Than a Firearm?

To do this, I placed my knife in my right (strong-side) pocket. In my left pocket, I used the Raven Concealment Pocket Shield to hold my tactical pen and flashlight. This tool is brilliant for concealment. It keeps your gear organized and prevents it from “printing” or showing an outline through the fabric of your shorts or pants.

In my back-right pocket, I kept a CAT Tourniquet. According to the national “Stop the Bleed” campaign, a person suffering from massive hemorrhage can bleed to death in as little as five minutes. Having a tourniquet and knowing how to use it can literally save a life while waiting for first responders.

Why Do I Carry Each of These Items?

Each item in my travel EDC serves a dual purpose. It has a practical, everyday function and a potential self-defense application.

My tourniquet is purely for medical emergencies. The Benchmade Mini Griptilian is a high-quality tool for daily cutting tasks, but it can also be used as a weapon of last resort. Before you travel, be sure to check state laws on blade length and carry style, as they vary significantly.

The less-lethal options are my first line of defense.

• Tactical Pen: The Schrade Tactical Pen is a functional writing tool made from anodized aluminum. It can be used as an impact weapon targeting soft areas of the body.
• Flashlight: A good tactical flashlight like the Surefire Backup has a high lumen output, enough to cause temporary blindness and disorientation in an attacker. The Thyrm Switchback accessory provides excellent grip retention during a stressful encounter.

Related Article: Ink and Impact — Exploring the Versatility of Tactical Pens

These items are easy to carry and provide layers of protection.

Here is a closer look at my EDC on vacation or business trip:

Regardless of Your EDC on Vacation or Business Trips, You Need To Pay Attention

Your gear is secondary to your mindset. During my trip, I was amazed by how many people walked with their heads down, completely unaware of their surroundings. They were staring at the ground or their phones, oblivious to me approaching them.

What if I had been an attacker?

They would have had no time to react. Department of Justice reports have consistently shown that criminals target individuals who appear distracted. This makes you an easy victim.

A simple but effective mental model used by law enforcement is Cooper’s Color Codes. Your goal is to live in “Condition Yellow,” a state of relaxed awareness, rather than “Condition White,” where you are completely oblivious to potential threats.

Related Article: Carrying OC Spray is the Perfect Self-Defense Tool

Put the phone away. Walk with confidence. Be aware of who is around you. This simple change in behavior can dramatically reduce your risk.

When traveling, securing your items is also vital. In my hotel room or vehicle, I store any extra items in a Vaultek LifePod. This portable safe is perfect for travel and is TSA-approved for transporting firearms in checked luggage, where permitted by law.

Looking For More?

If you found this useful, I encourage you to read a piece I wrote on the 2 EDC items that everyone should own. It’s a great follow-up that builds on these concepts for daily life, not just for your EDC on vacation.

Related Article: Surprising Ways Everyday Carry Hanks Improve Your Daily Routine

For a deeper exploration of mental and physical preparedness, my book “Fit For Survival” is available in e-book and audiobook formats. You can find more information on it here.

Will You Help Protect Others?

If this article on EDC for business trips and vacations helped you, please consider sharing it on social media. My goal is to educate and empower people to take an active role in their own safety.

You are your own first responder. Make sure you’re prepared.

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If you choose to use our link and make a purchase (at no additional cost to you), we greatly appreciate your support as it helps us continue to publish free content (like this article) on our website.

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EDC on Vacation FAQs

Can you fly with tactical pens and flashlights?

Yes, in almost all cases. The TSA explicitly permits both flashlights and pens in carry-on and checked baggage. Many travelers in forums like r/EDC recommend keeping a tactical pen with other pens to avoid any unnecessary questions from security screeners.

What are the TSA rules for knives?

According to current TSA regulations, knives of any kind (except for plastic or round-bladed butter knives) are prohibited in your carry-on luggage. However, they are permitted in your checked bags. Ensure any knife is securely sheathed or wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers.

How can I check the weapon laws for my destination?

This is a critical step. For knife laws within the United States, a fantastic resource is the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI), which provides state-by-state legal information. For international travel, you must check the specific laws of the destination country, as rules can be extremely strict.

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