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.