Mom's purse has everything - change, snacks, wipes, toys, coupons, bus schedule, book, safety pins...Its the original EDC bag!!

Mine certainly is, but it also has an LED, multitool, fire, rain poncho, Mylar blanket, bandana and a Ritter AMK PSK. I was inspired by my Grandmother's purses, which always seemed to have everything - including a small fishing kit in one of them.

One advantage women have is that nobody questions it if we carry a bag. In fact, we're often questioned if we don't. on the other hand, you guys get way more practical clothes and footwear. (Then again, I'm sure I'm not the only woman who disregards those fashion guidelines.)

Hey, its not a purse! ... its a European Carryall!!

Its European!!!!

Guys have perfectly acceptable "man bags" these days, from bike messenger type shoulder bags to laptop bags.

And still benefit from more and better pockets in clothing.

But women did get a head start (and pinched nerves) with purses.

Watch out for purse/man bag snatchers!

I think the proper retort is: "It's not a purse. It's a satchel."

My satchel is black Pantac Mission Go Bag. Deal with it.

It's easy to get a free pass on the man-bag if it looks work related.

I just noticed that ebags.com has a category called "Man Bags" ... cool!

I used to carry a smallish Eagle Creek shoulder bag (I don't see it on their current web site) when I did daily train commuting ... and before laptops. I still use it when traveling to Europe. Its my on-plane bag. For commuting it was just big enough to carry what I needed. Most of what I'm seeing now is too purse-like or has flaps that are too big (flaps get in the way), or has buckles.

I have a very good idea of what I like and what I don't. For example, it needs a full flap on top - to be rainproof, but the flap shouldn't be too long, otherwise it flops into the way when you're trying to look into the bag. The top of any compartment needs a zipper - so contents can't come out when the bag is inadvertently inverted. It needs a few different compartments - to organize the smaller items, but still have a main compartment large enough for small books ... I'm thinking about the size of an 8-1/2x11 sheet of paper folded in half. Oh, and no buckles - they are just obnoxious.

I just found something similar to what I like. Its L.L. Bean's Carryall Guide Bag ... though I wish the front zipper had some kind of small flap for rain protection, and I wish the strap was more than just narrowish webbing - for comfort.

Have you looked at the two versions of LL Bean's "Continental Field Bag?" For some reason they have those in the backpack section.

Recycled Poly ($39)
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/68599?feat=1098-GN2

Waxed Cotton ($85)
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/60317?feat=1098-GN2


I love waxed cotton and have a couple of them (yeah, sort of like I have multiple Ritter MK1s) but the recycled poly is less than half the price and is nearly half the weight. I also have a couple of those and gave one to my sister for Christmas.

Apparently they fit i-Pads nicely.

On the other hand, you can store a fire starter kit in one heel and a fishing kit in the other; use pantyhose to filter water; use high heels as weapons; strap knives or guns to the garter belt (I saw this in a movie once); disguise a tactical flashlight as lipstick... You are just dealt different cards, that's all.

I'm not sure what the big deal is for a man to carry a bag, or even a purse.

Great idea Bing! I knew they had some practical use.

W.hy not throw a pair of knee highs in your kits? Rocket Richard wore them under his skates to keep his feet warm and they could make good cordage too.

Just call it a briefcase, and you will be fine. It is amazing how significant terminology can be. "Messenger bags" are OK, as is anything that is decorated with MOLLE webbing on the exterior; that is extremely macho and manly.

Actually Dagny, men HAD purses ... until someone invented pockets and wallets. Then we adopted them.
http://www.randomhistory.com/2008/10/01_handbag.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handbag

We men were fortunate enough to drop out of the "high heels" races around the 1700's as well.

Man Bag on Amazon

I know my male ancestors carried a purse (sporran)

http://www.jhiggins.net/Irish/sf_catproductlist.asp?sf_p_CID=KOTTKLCR7Q74U9TP45RJR5FEPL

Yes, but nicely balanced (manly-man-wise) by a double-edged dirk in the sock ...

I commonly use a smallish two-compartment Targus laptop bag as a carry-all. Fairly comfy for urban carry. Room for an ultralight laptop along with my usual necessary junk.

It doesn't seem that pantyhose would do much more than removing the fairly big stuff. I would think a bandanna would do better.

I decided that bring prepared was more important than style a long time ago. Not that I don't get a lot of heckling, especially at work. I carry a smaller laptop or messenger bag, with my Marmot Kompresser inside it, zipped up in a tight ball in case I need extra storage.

No, you're certainly not the only woman who disregards those fashion guidelines!! Those "guidelines" should all be defenestrated...no more high heels, pantyhose, tight skirts or the like. Functional pockets would be nice too, for the times when we don't want to carry a purse (high crime areas, wanting to have hands free, etc.). It's annoying when we have to find something to wear for some special occasion but can't find anything that doesn't involve being really impractical.

I completely agree! I gave up caring a long time ago. I'd rather be comfortable, sensible and practical than fashionable.

Whaaaaa? You mean you can't fish with fishnet stockings?

I gotta get me one of those.........

Depends on what you're fishin' for.

*koff*

LOL!!