I didn't want to hijack the keychain thread, but being in Nursemike's age demographic, I'm considering an EDC bag or two, but I haven't pulled the trigger. I say two such bags because one would have to pass convention muster in a moderately conservative suit and tie environment . Needs to be classy, conservative, low profile. The second would be a weekend/ holiday carry, cargo's and shorts, walk around the City bag. Contents, in both cases, urban emergency and daily snivel gear, weighing 1 to 3 lb.s.
On occasion , I've used a Manhattan Portage, medium sized, black Europa bag as bag #2. Not a bad choice, but it's too big to be a small bag and just large enough to tempt me to overpack it and turn it into a smallish GHB. My fault, I know. But, nevertheless .....a problem.
In any event, I'd welcome your suggestions for non-tacticool alternatives. Cheers.

You didn't specifically mention whether a backpack is OK but, if it is, I think a Tom Bihn Synapse would do nicely for you in both roles. It's conservative, classy and low profile. It's 1160 cubic inches (19 l) so it's not a very big pack but it's extraordinarily well balanced and organized. The Synapse is very well constructed and the design is attractive. I love mine.

A nylon briefcase?

Well, cordura, but yeah - I can testify to the durability of Tom Bihn bags, I've carried a Tom Bihn Café bag internationally for about 7-8 years and the only thing that's bust is the buckle which I can live without. It holds lots of tech stuff and could easily contain an EDC if I wanted to pass through TSA with all that. I've seen the Synapse backpack and I think it could pass as either a genteel briefcase or as a daypack provided you choose a neutral (blackish) color. I typically empty out my café bag when I go walkabout overseas, and fill it with stuff I find. Tom Bihn is the bomb.

Disclaimer: No consideration from Tom Bihn, just a happy customer etc.

Thanks for the Bihn links-great resource. I am currently using either an old eagle creek shoulder bag that is nearly identical to the cafe bag, and a kelty ruck that is a close approximation of the synapse. I have a scottevest that could supplant either, but then I would be wearing a vest, sweaty, lumpy, and slightly silly in appearance.

A great point that is overlooked by many.

IMO a good choice these days is a high quality messenger bag in all-black. Enough professionals are walking around with laptops in black bags that it blends well.

I have a Tumi messenger bag which I use when in more "classy" (read business suit) situations. It is an old one, but Tumi is very durable (though very expensive). It has lasted me 15 years so far with no visible wear. It is a bit smaller than most messenger bags made now, but can hold a good bit. It is a very nice bag. I have gotten my money's worth out of it.

I prefer an EDC bag to be leather and relatively small. I recently bought these 3 bags and will be keeping 1 winner:
MS Collection - Manbag
Claire Chase - Manbag
Rustic Leather - Manbag

I have been tempted to buy one of these bags for going super light:
Vagabong Traveler - Shoulder Pouch
Rustic Leather - Shoulder Pouch

If I carried an iPad (which I don't), then I would buy this bag:
MS Collection - Manbag for iPad

I'd like to have this Maxpedition for light hiking or biking:
Maxpedition - Manbag

Having the right EDC bag is important to me because it is the only clothing I don't change day-to-day. Of course, bags are highly personal, as everybody has their own needs and style.

I am a huge fan of gorucks GR1 bag. Totally bomb proof, lifetime guarantee on defects. Made in USA by a company created by an SF guy.

Disclaimer. I not only own this bag but have participated in a few of the events this company puts on around the world on an almost weekly basis. I don't work for them but am a huge raving fan of their company, product and philosophy.

This bag is on my list of "to get". Some people endlessly seek for the perfect knife, flashlight etc. Whereas for me, the search for the perfect bag goes on endlessly...