Beyond the Gun: The Most Important Everyday Carry Tools

I started carrying a gun at 21 years old, the legal age at the time when I lived in Florida and could finally take the concealed carry permit course. I didn’t know what I didn’t know about how important it is not just to carry a gun every day, but other tools as well. It took me years to become a better-prepared citizen and realize there are many more facets to everyday carry.

In the last decade, I’ve trained at Thunder Ranch, Gunsite Academy, and W.O.F.T., advancing my skills and knowledge with different defensive firearms. I’ve also made sure to take time to learn about knives, medical equipment, and non-lethal weapons. Thankfully, I've never needed to use my gun in self-defense, but have found that the other tools I carry have seen weekly, if not daily, use. Here are five tools I recommend every gun owner carry daily in addition to their firearm:

Flashlight

A flashlight is a powerful tool not just for practical applications such as providing light, but it can also be a deterrent against potential threats. We have all experienced a friend (or probably a sibling) shine a bright light in our eyes. Not a pleasant experience. Our response (besides yelling at our sibling) is typically to freeze and immediately put a hand up to prevent the light from shining in our eyes. Similarly, if a stranger approaches you close enough to make you uncomfortable, a flashlight can be a great deterrent to make them pause or at least think about what they want to do next. Most predators don’t like to chase prey that are aware of their surroundings, will look them in the eye or face, and don’t make for an easy target. If a predator does pause, that can give you time to get away or at least create more space between you. Even if you decide to try this strategy in broad daylight, the confusion you would cause by shining a flashlight in the middle of the day can make an attacker pause and give you time.

Many tactical flashlights nowadays are designed with texturized bezels that scratch and collect DNA. While a flashlight might not be the best weapon in a fight, it’s better than nothing. W.O.F.T. trains many people on the use and value of a flashlight. A light and loud voice can be enough of a deterrent for a predator to pick different prey. I use the W.O.F.T. Powertac flashlight, but I also recommend Surefire, 5.11, and Streamlight brands.

Fixed Blade

Most gun owners carry a folding knife daily, but a fixed blade is necessary for everyday carry. A fixed blade is a temporary weapon to fight someone in close quarters until you can draw your handgun from concealment. After taking multiple classes in the blade and hand-to-hand combatives training room at W.O.F.T., I began to understand how I might not always be able to get to my gun without some other “weapon.” If you are proficient in martial arts and feel confident that you can fight someone off you long enough to draw your pistol, you’re much more prepared than I am. I am not a martial artist, nor do I have the time to dedicate to becoming one. If you’re like me and don’t have time to become a ninja, I recommend carrying and training with a fixed blade. The goal is to attach a fixed blade to your belt on your “non-dominant” side, learn how to draw it with your “non-dominant” hand, and then how to defend yourself with it temporarily. Your dominant hand should remain free to draw your gun when you have the space and opportunity.

Multi-tool

To be as prepared as possible, I recommend carrying a multi-tool. There are so many great multi-tool brands now that design them specific to your needs, whether you need tool bits, a file, needle nose pliers, a strap cutter, a pry bar, or more. Two of my favorites are the Leatherman Signal and the Gerber Center-Drive Rescue. I have used the tool bits numerous times to tighten the screws on my holsters and magazine pouches. The strap cutter is also a practical tool that can cut through a seatbelt if you’re trapped in a vehicle and need to get free. I have also used the wire cutter feature to cut zip ties and fencing when I had no other tools. Of course, many multi-tools also come outfitted with a folding knife, so you can carry a separate folding knife or rely on the one in your multi-tool of choice.

Pepper Spray

Carrying a non-lethal weapon is a good idea for many reasons. One of the best non-lethal weapons for someone who doesn’t own or carry a gun daily is pepper spray. It’s lightweight, simple to use, easy to carry, and can stop most threats within seconds. For people who own and carry a gun daily, it should be a goal to use a non-lethal weapon to neutralize a threat rather than ever using a handgun. In states where citizens can’t own or carry a gun, pepper spray might be one of the only options they have to defend themselves.

I used to work at a state university that did not allow faculty or staff to carry guns on campus. Therefore, I had to find a non-lethal weapon that was easy to deploy, concealable, and effective. Over the years, I have tested various pepper sprays to see what works best and is as user-friendly as possible. The POM pepper spray has been my favorite, with an effective range of up to 12 feet, and will spray for 10 seconds continuously or spaced out over 20 or so bursts. POM pepper spray has a patented flip-top dispensing system that is easy to use and prevents accidental misfires. The clip, snap, and key models are all 3.5 inches high, 1 inch in diameter, and a ½ fluid ounce. If you’re a runner, backpacker, hiker, or doing activities outdoors, I recommend the POM runner pepper spray, which comes with a stretch-fit glove attached to a sleeve that holds the pepper spray in place. This allows you to be as hands-free as possible and ready to spray quickly.

Note: Remember to check your pepper spray's expiration date, as it has a shelf life!

IFAK and Tourniquet

Medical training and equipment are far more critical than a gun. The likelihood of needing medical supplies is far greater than the likelihood of needing a firearm. I recommend seeking medical training, whether in-person formal education or online virtual lessons. At the most basic level, learn how to operate a tourniquet properly and render first aid. I like to keep an IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) and tourniquet in my range bag, in the backseat of my truck, and physically underneath my shooting platform on my range. Emergency medical situations can happen quickly, so having these resources nearby is crucial.

Some shooting ranges have an AED (automated external defibrillator) on-site, so it’s helpful to have training or knowledge of operating one of these machines. You can never have too much medical training or too many medical supplies. One pro tip is to familiarize yourself with your IFAK or medical pack. I know plenty of people who have purchased a medical pack, needed something out of it, and took several minutes to find what they were looking for. You should know where everything is in your pack and be able to get to it quickly. Don’t forget to resupply as needed and keep everything clean.

I encourage all gun owners to seek education and training, especially in areas in which they need more experience. Start equipping yourself with tools you’re far more likely to use and learn how to use them. Have a tourniquet dedicated only to practice at home, and keep a fresh, new one in your medical pack. Try spraying your favorite can of pepper spray to understand how it operates and how far it sprays. It’s better to spend money on a test product to practice with, rather than not knowing how to use it in a moment of need. Remember to clean, oil, charge (or replace the batteries), and store your tools in the proper environment. If you take care of your tools, they’ll take care of you.

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