Maybe the subject is not self-explaining …

Example: to provide power to a smartphone while away from power outlets we usually carry an USB powerbank and a cable (micro USB, USB C, whatever).

• Grouping method: keep USB powerbank + cable together.
• Splitting method: separate USB powerbank and cable in different parts of ones EDC.

Your very valid question may be: “Why the heck should I not keep the powerbank and the cable together?!” The simple answer is: limited space or carrying capabilities.

Let me explain why I split some of my EDC stuff, reusing the powerbank/cable example:
I carry the USB cable in my EDC pouch almost everywher, even to places where my EDC should bag doesn’t go. In the EDC shoulder bag i keep the USB powerbank.

So what would the USB cable without the powerbank be good for? Well, usually the EDC pouch is carried also into buildings (shopping, restaurants [when not closed as right now in lock-down], customer sites, etc.) and those often provide a why to USB-charge a device like from a computers or smart TV USB port, etc. This of course would be only used for emergency – and the best way to prevent this need is to fully charge the smartphone before leaving the house/going on a trip.

Another example: titanium mug and an alcohol stove. The titanium mug can be (and has been) used in an office-type setup to get coffee/tea from the self-service bar (usually there are either no mugs or only personalized ones available). This does not require an alcohol stove – at least as long as there is no power outage …

Logially, I would not split my EDC stuff IF i would have enough (unlimited) carrying capabilities … but depending on the situation, environment, etc. I consider to bring “half of the EDC” a better way than leave some EDC parts at home to carry other EDC parts in complete.

Is this a wired practice, or are the other EDC’ers that have a similar way to optimize the (limited) carrying space?