Not for prepping perse, but for general use. I needed somthing smaller than the work bag. So, I bought a Tablet/iPad bag (with padding). I had to modify a few things, and I am even thinking to remove the padding to create some more space. But all in all it has been OK. It holds reading glasses, some meds, A5 notepad, and few other things.

You will do me a great favor, though, if you guide me to a MEDIUM sized messenger bag (5 to 7 liters size / 300 to 400 cubic inches) without padding and with an admin/organizer pocket. It should NOT be tactical, but definietley manly.

The iPad bag is OK so far, but it is congested as is. It has no space for emergency items like a multitool, roll of duct tape ... etc.

Wife had given me a bag , but wasn't up to my taste for this reason. It looked a bit girly and couln't carry it. I removed the shoulder strap and few other things, and used it as a BIB ( Bag in Bag) organizer.

I have a Timbuktu messenger bag and have used it extensively. It is very durable. They are made in many sizes and colors.

I have used an Eagle Creek briefcase/backpack for several years. Some of their current models might work for you.

Thanks

What I am looking for is about half the size of these bags.

In addition, Timbuk2 inverted trapeziod shape is a turnoff for me. I prefer squared corners. The Classic X-Small messenger is about 8 liters which is great, but it is trapeziod shape.

The Timbuk2 Blogger bag is nice, but is twice the size I need. It's almost like a backpack.

I will keep looking for various meodels of Eagle Creek.

Thanks

Is the CountyComm MARATAC™ TAC-PAD REV 3 too big, too small or close enough?

working on small lights/ reflective items for nightly walks. best to be seen by cars, you know

If you don't mind a mildly mitigated (unorganized)shoulder bag in the 300 ci range, there's the Rothco Canvas Ammo Shoulder Bag. Despite it's name, it's more of a mussette than a tactical bag.

https://www.rothco.com/product/rothco-canvas-ammo-shoulder-bag

I've found it "just right" for my sunglasses hard case, paper product (planner, notebook, or paperback), spare cell battery, and a small pencil bag. It's not the highest quality around. But, for $11 and a couple minutes with needle and thread reinforcing the stress points, it's hard to beat the value.

Incidentally, 5-7 liters is considered a small to x-small messenger or courier bag. Medium is closer to 15 liters. IMHO, vertical messengers and dedicated courier bags are more comfortable cross body than the horizontal messengers.

EDIT: The style known as "American Heritage" which is all canvas, leather, and brass hardware constructions meets the "Manly but not Tactical" requirement. The stuff looks like it was left over from WWI

Established an off site computer backup.

From the truly paranoid about computer back-up: Establish several off site computer backups AND refresh often.

With that said, I do a work backup daily and backup/backup weekly with an off line version in the desk drawer quarterly and a fully off site annually - and that's for work. On the home front it's the same idea only several off site copies and the refresh is at least weekly.

Paul -