You are right about the design of the straps which make it easier to place on the opposite shoulder.

The Eddie Bauer bag I have has the straight style shoulder straps, but I wear it on my left shoulder with the bag at my right side. Your straps will support a bag better in such a position, but for the $3.99 US I paid at the local Goodwill store, I can't complain.

Bountyhunter

Well, a good deal is a good deal, and it sounds like you found one as well. I won't complain about spending $10.00 more than you did for the one I have now, either. If it works, use it. I've had other bags as well, and they've suited me for a time. These messenger bags are gonna be hard to be, for me anyways.

the local goodwill and salvation army here are terrible now.
you used to be able to go there and get deals now the prices are ridiculous because of the yuppies coming in and buying "retro clothes".

ive had friends wh owere homeless wh owould go there and buy a $10 jacket or something within their means, that same jacket now is selling for $70 in salvation army/goodwill....almost same as first run stores !!

thats just nuts.

NYRat:

They are still selling sports jackets at the Goodwill stores hereabouts for $15.00 US and suits for $25.00 US. I think everything in NY costs more, and being a retail operation, it is natural that they operate on the basis of supply & demand.

Them pea-picking rich people ruin all the fun.

Bountyhunter

Here, here!

Hutch4545:

Where!, where?

Who!, what!, when!, how?

Bountyhunter

ok heres an odd question i wasnt sure deserved its own thread.

when out in the wilds for possibly a long time (by choice or not), i havent seen many people talknig about 2 items id personally pack in my kits especially for long term of hot weather survival.

1. large nail clipper,aside from good grooming long uncontrolled nails can get fungal infections especially the feet.
even more so if your one of us who likes running around barefoot.

2. some hair cutting tool, like a straight razor or even battery powered electric clippers.
to keep your facial hair trimmed and reduce the chance of ticks and what not hiding out in your hair should it grow out too fast.

just my 2 cents.

I wouldn't disagree with you. I would merely add that we must each equip ourselves for our own comfort. I don't know about you, but I need lots of comfort!

I definately think carrying finger nail clippers would be a good idea for a medium to large kit. Or even for EDC. As for hair cutting, I would probably just use my knife to cut my hair short in a true survival situation. It might even make for a good tinder. I don't know as I've never thought to try it before. I can just imagine one of us walking into a barber and asking for a bag of hair, or somebody seeing the clump of hair in your altoids tin and thinking you're crazy. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

NY RAT:

I don't go with large nail clippers for toes anymore.

The pointed nose nail cutters with handles like pliers, a stay open spring, and a pivot bar to keep it closed when not using them are what I use for toe nails.

You get more power from them and pointed cutter works for getting out ingrown toenails, scraping out toe jam, and even precision work that you may need to do on your fingernails like hangnail removal.

Just do not get tempted to use them for other tasks as you will seriously compromise their ability to do what they are designed for.

The quality ones hereabouts cost +- $15.00 USD and most are warranted for life. I bought a pair of Revlon cutters a long time ago, and have had them replaced for free at Walgreens drug stores because the hold open spring failed.

Good luck!

Bountyhunter