EDC Pro Tips: Master Your Everyday Carry with Insights from Mark Kelley and Rick Hogg
- Mark Kelley
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
In the world of tactical preparedness and self-defense, few topics are as essential as Everyday Carry (EDC). In this latest Blog from On The Range Podcast, hosts Mark Kelley of Kelley Defense and Rick Hogg of War HOGG Tactical dive into EDC. Helpful for OTR listeners, first responders, veterans, CCW holders, and anyone serious about daily preparedness. Drawing from their extensive military and tactical experience—Rick Hogg as a 29-year US Army Special Operations Combat Veteran with 13 combat deployments, and Mark Kelley a combat veteran and 31 year tactical LEO. The lifelong friends and firearms experts break down real-world EDC loadouts, gear recommendations, and the mindset needed to stay ready without standing out.
If you're searching for EDC tips, advice on blending in, tactical gear reviews, or practical everyday carry strategies, this delivers actionable insights. Let's explore some key takeaways from one of their latest “CREW’ member videos, optimized for those looking to enhance their EDC setup while blending in seamlessly in urban or rural environments.
Understanding the Concept in Every Day Carry EDC
One of the core themes in the video is building the ultimate EDC setup. The “gray-man” philosophy is all about blending into your surroundings to avoid drawing attention, especially in high-risk or uncertain situations. Mark Kelley and Rick Hogg emphasize that EDC isn't about flashy gear or over-the-top tactical looks; it's about functionality, reliability, and discretion.
Rick Hogg, drawing from his combat experience, explains that a gray-man EDC starts with a mindset. "It's not just what you carry—it's how you carry yourself," he says. Avoid logos or military-style clothing that screams "tactical." Instead, opt for everyday apparel that conceals your gear. For example, they recommend proper fitting shirts or jackets that also allows for concealed carry without printing (the outline of your gun showing through clothing). This approach is crucial for CCW holders who need to maintain a low profile in public spaces.
Mark Kelley adds that your EDC should be tailored to your lifestyle. Are you a first responder rushing to scenes, a veteran navigating daily life, or a civilian prioritizing family safety? The hosts stress assessing your environment—urban crowds, rural trails, or suburban commutes—to customize your loadout. This personalized strategy ensures your EDC is practical, not burdensome.
Essential Gear Recommendations for Your EDC Loadout
The hosts break down their real-world everyday carry loadouts. They share the exact items they rely on, focusing on reliability and versatility. Here's a rundown of their pro tips:
Firearms and Holsters: Both hosts agree that a reliable handgun is the cornerstone of EDC. Rick Hogg favors compact 9mm pistols like the Walther PDP F series for its balance of size, capacity, and recoil management. "Train with both carry and training ammo," he advises, highlighting the importance of practicing with what you carry to build muscle memory. Mark Kelley echoes this, recommending Kydex holsters for appendix carry or 3 o'clock position.
Knives and Multi-Tools: Knives are non-negotiable in their loadouts. Rick and Mark both carry a folding knife for utility and self-defense, emphasizing sharp, durable blades. Mark Kelley suggests a multi-tool like the Leatherman for everyday tasks, from cutting wire to opening packages. "Your knife should be an extension of your hand—quick to deploy but discreet," they note.
Medical and Survival Items: Preparedness goes beyond weapons. The hosts recommend a tourniquet (TQ) in your pocket or holster setup, along with basic first-aid like bandages and gloves. Rick Hogg mentions keeping electrolytes (like LMNT packets) for hydration during extended activities, tying into broader survival tips.
Flashlights and Comms: A compact, high-lumen flashlight is essential for low-light situations. They suggest models with strobe functions for signaling. For communication, a charged phone with a backup battery pack is key, but they hint at more advanced comms for serious setups.
Ammo and Magazines: "Train with both!" using "The Firearms Training Notebook" is a recurring mantra. Carry spare magazines—Rick Hogg suggests at least two for a handgun. They discuss ammo selection, favoring hollow points for carry and FMJ for training to save costs while maintaining proficiency.
The hosts also touch on avoiding gimmicks, like threaded barrels for EDC, as they add unnecessary bulk. Instead, focus on red dots for optics if you're comfortable with the learning curve—they improve efficiency and effectiveness to your marksmanship without complicating your setup.
Mindset and Training for Effective EDC
EDC is 80% mindset, 20% gear, according to Kelley and Hogg. They stress regular training to avoid complacency. "Dry fire often," Mark Kelley advises, recommending unloaded practice draws to build speed and confidence. Rick Hogg adds that range time should include your carry gun to hone fundamentals, confirming marksmanship and recoil management.
They discuss ego in preparedness: "Get over your ego and pace yourself." This applies to fitness or daily carry. Condition your body weekly with walks or runs while carrying gear to simulate real scenarios. Hydration is crucial; drink a gallon of water daily leading up to activities, and replenish salts.
The episode includes stories from their careers, illustrating how poor EDC choices can cost lives. Rick Hogg shares combat anecdotes where discreet gear saved the day, reinforcing the gray-man approach. Mark Kelley talks about applications, like family protection, energy assistance to others in need of help, urging listeners to think outside the box on how to use gear in multiple ways.
Why Join the OTR CREW for More Pro Tips
This article is part of the Pro Tip Tuesday series, with several available videos, exclusively, for OTR "CREW" members on Patreon. The preview teases deeper dives into advanced loadouts, like integrating rifles discreetly (e.g., broken down in a pack cover to avoid display).
Becoming a CREW member unlocks full episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and community discussions—perfect for those committed to being 1% better every day.
The On The Range Podcast aims to empower law enforcement, military members, and law-abiding citizens with practical advice. Episodes and Articles like this one highlight why Mark Kelley and Rick Hogg are trusted voices in tactical training.
Conclusion: Elevate Your EDC Today
"EDC Pro Tips with Mark Kelley and Rick Hogg" is a goldmine for anyone building a reliable, discreet everyday carry system. From gray-man setups to gear breakdowns and training advice, the hosts provide real-world insights grounded in experience. Whether you're new to EDC or refining your loadout, implement these tips to stay prepared without standing out.
Ready to level up? Listen to full episodes everywhere you find podcasts, join the CREW on Patreon for exclusive content, and visit the On The Range Podcast website for more!
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