My 2025 EDC Loadout [Episode 33]

Jessie Virga
Apr 28
3 min read

fter my last episode covering the history of everyday carry (EDC), I got a lot of great feedback—and a lot of questions asking about my personal setup.Today, I’m giving you a full breakdown of what I carry every day and why each item has earned its place.

For those new here:I'm a military veteran, an EMT and first responder, a former search and rescue team member—and yes, a single woman.Mentioning that isn’t about putting myself out there—it’s about highlighting the reality that anytime a woman moves, travels, or works alone, she’s often perceived as vulnerable.For me, EDC isn’t about looking tactical. It’s about being prepared, staying mobile, and adapting to whatever the day throws at me.

My Everyday Carry Breakdown

Primary Sidearm

My go-to is the M&P Shield 9mm—lightweight, reliable, easy to conceal.I upgraded the trigger for a cleaner pull, but otherwise, it’s stripped-down and simple. No optics, no lights—just dependable performance when it matters most.

Occasionally, I’ll swap to a full-size XD 9mm if I'm heading somewhere where greater capacity and full-size performance give me an edge.Either way, I carry both

using the Eberlestock Bando Bag XL for better comfort and access.

Blade

I carry a custom fixed blade made by my buddy John over at Sage Blades in Trinity County, California.It’s compact, sharp, discreet—and features a handle inlaid with a 100,000-year-old mammoth tooth.It’s not just beautiful—it’s functional and low-profile for waistband carry.

Illumination

For daily use and emergency scenarios, I carry the Nitecore EDC27 flashlight.It’s flat, USB-C rechargeable, and bright—ranging from 65 to 3000 lumens, with a built-in screen for battery life and brightness.Living in a rural area where wildlife isn’t just scenic, it’s a potential threat—this light gets used every single day.

Watch

On my wrist is the Garmin Tactix 7 Pro—a

true mission-ready tool.It goes beyond fitness tracking with aviation navigation settings, tactical modes like night vision compatibility, a kill switch, and a built-in white and green flashlight.The built-in light has saved me multiple times when I either forgot my primary or needed quick, hands-free illumination.

Everyday Essentials

My small essentials include:

Bose wireless earbuds
My keys, with an AirTag attached for recovery
Two cell phones: an iPhone 16 and a Samsung S23 for comms redundancy
A RAT tourniquet—quick to deploy and vital for bleeding control
A reusable stainless steel telescopic straw with its own cleaner (because paper straws feel like drinking through toilet paper)
Two packs of lens wipes for glasses, screens, and gear
Hand sanitizer and sunscreen for basic hygiene and protection
A compact wallet carrying my ID, cards, two pens (including a Rite in the Rain pen), and a Field Notes notebook for jotting things down when electronics aren't ideal.

A Quick Shoutout: No. 11 Candle Company

Today’s episode was brought to you by Number Eleven Candle Company—a woman-owned business based right here in California.They sent me two scents, Elegant Lace and Whiskey Business, along with a car freshener, and everything smells absolutely amazing.

Funny enough, the day the candles arrived, I had just come in from gardening—covered in dirt, sweaty, and exhausted.But after lighting one of these candles, my entire house instantly felt calming and clean.Pro tip: These candles might make you think you don't need a shower... you still do. Light the candle, take the shower. You're welcome.

Also, gentlemen—candles aren’t just for women.If you want your place to smell like you have your life together, check out Number Eleven Candle Company and use CODE VIRGA at checkout to support a small business.

Final Thoughts

My everyday carry isn't overloaded, but it’s not underbuilt either.It’s designed for real-world readiness: movement, survival, and helping others when needed.

Years of military service, first responder experience, and life as someone who plans for the unexpected shaped this loadout. And yes—I also have a full EDC backpack packed with heavier gear, medical supplies, backup tools, and seasonal adjustments, which I’ll break down for you in the next video.

One more thing:Because so many of you have asked, I’ll be posting real gear reviews in YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels.If you want a closer look at my Shield, my Tactix 7 Pro, my flashlight, or anything else you saw today, keep an eye on the Shorts section.No marketing fluff—just real reviews of gear I actually use.