When out on an adventure with my four kids, I like to be ready. I used to have a pretty basic load out in my bag, primarily carrying a change of clothes for each kid. This year, I decided to take it up a few notches.

My wife gave me a new backpack for my birthday. I took this opportunity to rethink my daily carry and to introduce equipment that I should always have with me. I went around the house and grabbed supplies to build an everyday carry toolkit.

I keep my toolkit in an OD Green pouch. It’s a great color that’s the perfect alternative to the standard black/blue/grey color options. As a bonus, it has a nice heritage piece from my military upbringing. On the outside, I have an “Essential” morale tab for a bit of humor.

Here’s what’s inside:

• Pry bar
• Bits
• Farmer Alox Swiss Army Knife
• Leatherman Squirt P4
• Work gloves
• Lightning/USB-C charging cables
• Backup pocket knife
• Multitool/fork/spoon
• Olight SR2 Baton flashlight
• Velcro quick ties

It’s a compact toolset, but it’s ready for quick access and action. I’m looking forward to having this in my bag, ready to go.