Just contemplating

[BeardyMan]

I have 3 items in each of my coats.

knife
torch
lighter

I leave these in there all the time, for those instances where I dash out of the house in a hurry. They're not all the best items one could have, but they'll see me through until I get home. I find the torch very handy, especially on those days where you set out to walk muttlye on a quick jaunt, then find a new route etc, and before you realise it's getting dark. This, I find, works well in the winter.

Summer time, I have to remember that I'm not taking a coat, and should load my pockets up before departing. Not so much of a problem when it's just a quick walk to the shops, or walking the dog, but there's that "every now and then" when you may be out and about locally, then suddenly venture out further afield (when you would normally have your EDC / GHB) unexpectedly.

Everyone is prone to this though, which I why I'm always on the look out for discarded items that can serve a purpose. i.e. discarded drinks cans (coke can) can be twsited and folded into a point / sharp edge for self defence etc. Broken headlight parts (from minor rta) / broken bicycle chains, all sorts.
There's a whole gamut of stuff kicking around that can be used in a pinch.