How Warmer Weather Changes My EDC Setup | 3 Things I Change

Adapted from the original article on NeoMag’s website.

Temperatures are finally settling down here in Ohio. And by “settling,” I mean we’re staying between 50˚ and 60˚ instead of the frigid 10˚ to 40˚ we endured all winter.

With the warmer weather, my clothing shifts from jeans, long sleeves, and a jacket to shorts and a t-shirt. Naturally, this change in attire impacts my everyday carry (EDC) setup.

Concealing gear gets trickier, space on my body becomes more limited, and—let’s be honest—I don’t want to be weighed down by a bunch of kit when it’s hot outside.

So, what do I adjust? Here’s how my EDC changes in the summer months, along with some things to consider. I’d love to hear what works for you as well—drop your thoughts in the comments!

Flashlight: Less Necessary, More Pocket Space

A flashlight is one of the first things I tend to carry less in the summer. I carry a light for two reasons: everyday utility and defensive use. But with longer daylight hours, I don’t need it as often. The sun is already up when I start my day, and it doesn’t get dark until after I’m home. If I know I’ll be out late, I’ll bring one along, but I naturally stop tossing it in my pocket as summer rolls in. The trade-off? More pocket space.

Medical Gear: The Summer Concealment Challenge

My ankle medical kit is my go-to in cooler months when jeans easily conceal it. But in the summer, carrying a tourniquet, chest seals, shears, and clotting gauze comfortably—and discreetly—is a challenge.

I’ve experimented with pocket-sized medical kits, but they’re often too bulky for my liking. So, I rely on keeping medical kits nearby and hope I won’t need one when I’m without. If you’ve found a solid way to carry medical gear in the summer, drop a comment—I’d love to hear your solution.

Carry Gun: Prioritizing Comfort and Concealability

Depending on the season, I rotate between two carry guns: the Sig P365XL and the Staccato C2. In winter, the C2 is my choice—it’s easier to shoot and carries more ammo.

I’ll pair it with a spare mag in a NeoMag to maximize my loadout. But in summer, concealability and comfort take priority. The slimmer, lighter P365XL is the clear winner for t-shirt weather. Even then, I still carry 12+1 in the gun and 15 rounds in a NeoMag, so I’m not exactly undergunned.

RELATED – Consider adding the NeoMag to your EDC toolbox

If I’m just running a quick errand in gym shorts, I’ll opt for a Smith & Wesson J-Frame. After training with Craig Douglas (Shivworks ECQC), I firmly believe in a revolver’s utility for close-quarters engagements. The J-Frame is lightweight, compact, and disappears in a pocket with a speed strip in a RASC in the other pocket.

What Stays the Same

Some things in my EDC never change. My wallet and pocket knife stay in my front right pocket, my phone in a back pocket, and my reload in my front left pocket. One thing I don’t love about summer carry? My keys. In winter, they live in my coat pocket. Now, they’re back to sharing space with my reload in my front left pocket. Not ideal, but it works.

Finding the Right Balance

After 15+ years of carrying daily, I’ve yet to find the perfect way to carry everything I want. At the end of the day, we all have to make trade-offs between what’s necessary, what’s comfortable, and what’s actually practical.

How does your EDC change with the seasons? Have you found a setup that works well for summer carry? Share your thoughts in the comments!

And for the original article, check it out over at NeoMag’s website.