Let's divide this into two groups: everyday carry (EDC) and Keep It Close. The difference is EDC never leaves your side, except at the bank and maybe when sleeping. The Keep It Close are items that you want near to hand while working. Truth be told, since we live where we live, these items even go with me in my truck when I go into town.
EDC:
A good folding knife. I like Kershaw, not serrated. Spring assisted and locking. A little pricy but this is one of those times you get what you pay for. I use my knife almost every day.
A multitool. In my view, Leatherman is the only way to go. The Supertool 300, Wave and Surge are my favorites, but you should review each offering carefully to find the best fit for you. It is okay to have more than one. I truly use my multitool every day.
A lighter with several feet of duct tape wrapped around it. I do not smoke, but this is good to have. The duct tape? Not only is it a great fire starter, but like The Force, it has a light side and a dark side, and it binds the universe together.
Thermos. I keep a 40 oz thermos with water at all times. In the house, on the homestead, out in town. Double walled steel and vacuum insulated.
Again, the above items are always with me.
Keep It Close.
This is a big list, and you might not need all of it. However, over the years this is what I have found indispensable when I am out on the farm.
The farm belt, aka GAG (grab and go) belt.
- Heavy duty Molle belt with quick release buckle
- Radio pouch for communications
- A good handheld radio
- Flashlight holder
- Multitool holder
- Tool pouch, details to follow
- IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) for everyday wounds, details to follow
- SOB (Small of Back) first aid kit, for large wounds, details to follow
- 7" fixed blade knife
Camel-Bak hydration with Molle and pouches
- 1 liter bladder
- Sunblock
- Lip balm
- Snack sticks
- Spare gloves
- Lighter with duct tape
- Folding knife
- Antiacid
- Antihistamine
- Knife sharpener
- 9" fixed blade knife (for when you forget the machete)
- 50' of 550 cord
- Small notebook and pen
I have additional items in my Camel-bak but those are for other purposes.
The tool pouch
- Multitool (because one is seldom enough)
- Folding knife
- High intensity LED flashlight
- Lighter
- Small wire cutters
- Electrical scissors
- T-Post clip tool
- Small channel locks
- Small crescent wrench
I have additional items in my tool pouch but those are for other purposes
The IFAK. Sad to say, this evolved from hard earned experience.
- Self-adhesive bandages, a lot
- Cloth tape
- Triple antibiotic ointment
- 2x2 gauze
- 4x4 gauze
- Nitril gloves
- Americane numbing spray
- Blu-Kote antiseptic spray
- Hand sanitizer. It's gelatinous alcohol. Need this for hydrogen peroxide.
- Antihistamine
- Burn cream
- Quick clot powder. Aka "Wonder Dust", fantastic stuff.
- Steri-strips
- Popsicle sticks for splinting
- Ibuprofen/acetaminophen/aspirin
- Self-adhesive elastic wrap
- Anti-itch cream
The SOB, for "big boy boo-boos"
- CAT Gen 7 Tourniquet
- Chest Seals (2pk)
- Flat Duct Tape
- Nasopharyngeal Airway, 28 fr.
- Compression Bandage
- Nitrile Gloves, pair
- Compressed Gauze
- Antiseptic Towelettes (3)
- Permanent Marker
Sadly, you will get hurt. Better to have the gear at hand than to have to run to the house for help. Fix it, walk it off, get back to work.