Frost River is back online. They seem to make some nice stuff.

Frost River

For vehicle emergency kits, largish first-aid kits, I've drifted toward mid-sized shoulder bags like these:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/2-pk-of-used-spanish-shoulder-bags.aspx?a=676347

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=672231&ecid=EX20D

http://www.imsplus.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=30013

I like them smaller than most 'messenger bags' but larger than a typical 'man-purse'. Something large enough to carry the basics for a couple of days. But small and light enough to ride over the shoulder without looking like your hauling a trailer. And definitely something small enough that it is obvious that I'm not carrying a laptop.

I also prefer a worn, low-tech, thrift/surplus store look in a subdued color. Something that will fail to impress and/or temp thieves.

Here's my solution from J.W. Hulme. A little expensive, but warranteed for life. I carry the bag into the woods with my PSK and ammo. Have to thank the English for classic shell bags.

I would agree that any such bag should be small enough to make it clear that you are not carrying a laptop, since such attract thieves.

I try to avoid carrying around my laptop, but when I have to, I use a cheap shopping bag, never a proper laptop bag for that reason.

I also use a "murse" but only when in NYC where most everybody has an extra bag of some sort. Out in the 'Burbs, it's more likely to garner attention.

Mineis mroe geared toward urban needs rather than survival so I think I'll need to at least toss in a PSK. Most commonly, I'll have:

glasses
contact solution and case
Purell
small umbrella
laminated map
moleskine
sharpie and pen
headphones
bottle of water
flashlight

Sling packs such as these are popular around here along with various man bags.

I prefer these sling packs more as they ride more or less like a backpack yet are very quickly accessed.

You do know why we ALL carry an extra bag/backpack in NYC? Mass transit. Unlike most of the nation, most of use don't have a car out in the parking lot, so we all have to carry some 'stuff'

+1

That reason, and also when it's hot and sticky in the summer, it really gets uncomfortable having stuff in your pants pockets.

Well... exactly. I hope you didn't take my comment as disparaging, because it wasn't meant as such.

I use a backpack mostly but have a mountainsmith day bag and an American Eagle cargo bag. (canvas version of Indy Jones bag). A long way from old dated canvas paratrooper bag or GI map case. My EDC is always on me in whatever I use. It's also been called a murse by those that jest.