I just received a PM from MS Gloria Steinhem, a frequent reader of our website. It seems we are sadly behind the times in PC language. Recent posts re: 'manbags' vs 'purses' one example and the use of BoB for emergency kits. Gloria wanted to know if I still had my G.I. Joe action figure/dolly of famed Coast Guardsman CPO Midgett. I retorted that at least he wasn't wearing a dress stolen from Barbi by Ken to avoid the draft back in the 60s. I also reminded her that PURSE is a very old word without sexual assignment until recently. I started to quote Shakespeare and She screamed about THE TAMING OF THE SHREW being a devise to oppress Elizabethan women <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I'd continue, but Ted Nugent is PMing me abut our lack of firearm emphasis in survival. So, quickly people- it's a purse. BoBs and other terminology will be undergoing a PC editing ASAP. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hey... some of those Bobs have Alice clips.

In the UK a purse is usually a very small thing mostly used by women for coins and cash. Larger things are called hand bags or shoulder bags.

Personally I think "man bag" smacks of latent homosexuality.

Comrade Steinham comes here?

Well, you guys let me in, so I guess anyone really can get in....


Oh, and I can't resist... *kisses Brangdon on the cheek, while handing him a cold one*

You set yourself up, man. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Brangdon

I have to agree with you, a purse is small pouch for cash kept inside a handbag.

Many French men carry what could be called "handbags" but I wouldn't call them "manbags" either, over here men carrying "handbags" is the norm, it's a cultural thing.

I call my various packs, sacks or kit bags, just that : pack, sack or kit. I don't feel the need, to distinguish it by calling them "man-anything". Equally I'm not about to call them purse's either.

Sorry I don't know who this women is, or am I just lucky?

If it doesnt fold up and fit in a pocket then I won't be carrying it... unless ofcourse it's a "backpack" or a "briefcase". So now how to make the "purse" look like a backpack or a briefcase. Hmmmm. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Ahh, the world of political correctness. A place where we celebrate diversity only as long as we all think and speak only in approved terminology <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

So what do we call the shoulder bags carried by men? Man Bags? Murses (Man-Purse)?

I call my shoulder bag exactly that, because that's what it is. I also call it my kit. My sister likes to call it my purse (to try getting my goat). My wife calls it my Man Bag.

At a family gathering, someone was having fun with me, and reminded me not to forget my purse. I replied it could not possibly be my purse because it didn't match my shoes. The women all laughed and said I was a good sport. The men looked at each other quizzically.

Who cares about the men, anyway? I care about impressing the women, which I did, especially mine. My wife said, "Nice comeback, honey." <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig

If a backpack is worn on the back, could we not call a pack worn on the shoulder, shoulder-packs? <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Pete

Stokie,

"Sorry I don't know who this women is, or am I just lucky?"

Lucky, definately lucky.

I use a fanny-pack. I just call it my fanny-pack.

I use my pockets. I just call them my pockets. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Just don't call it that in front of anyone from the UK... "Fanny" has a different meaning there.

I had a flash today at lunch. Purse, murse, manback, let's ditch those terms. Let's call it... Drumroll please....

A mussette bag.

I challange anyone to mock one of the key carry-alls issued to those who served in WWII.

Any one else like this idea, or should I just go back to my cold beverage of choice?

I wear a pouch on my belt. I don't call it anything, I just use it !

Anyway, I guess it's the same as with cats : it's no use to give it a name, as it won't come when you call it .... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Pockets rule. If I can't carry something in a pocket, I don't (EDC) carry it. I don't have to take crap from people about what I'm carrying if they don't see me carrying it.

Craig:

How very wise of you - to carry a purse that doesn't match the shoes.... that's a definite faux-pax. The belt should match the shoes, too, if you can.

<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I sometimes have enough trouble getting the shirt to match the trousers. That's when I ask my wife. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I live here in Baltimore MD it's kind of like a big college town. Anyway in the age group of 14 to 25 men this is a very cool look. Also a shoulder bag is the bag of choice for "bike messengers" So un less you live in the boonies we shoulder bag users are on the cutting edge of style. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Rick carries a 'rock-sack' on his shoulder, like a true intellectual . . . looking cool . . . I carry a wallet, the folded design type, with 2 zips for small change, plus slots for credit cards & everything else . . . one corner chained to my belt strap . . . the convenient & secure way to carry your wallet.
:-)

You can't possibly be serious. I for one, could care less what anyone calls my bag, or thinks of what I carry in it. Some people really need more important things to think about, I guess.

I've been carrying a shoulder bag since my school days, when it started out with the ubiquitous "Danish School Bag", and I haven't lost the habit. Being as high school was 1.5 hours away by way of a bus and three subway trains, plus a walk, I tended to carry around a lot of stuff, since going back home was *not* an option.

These days, I have a terrible reputation as a bag ho. My wife is constantly up in arms about the number of bags of various sizes and types I have around, especially when I come home with a new one!

My main bag as of the moment is a Tenba Computer Traveller briefcase. I've been using a Tenba as my main briefcase for probably about ten years now. It's similar in design to my old Danish bag. Incidentally, if anyone knows of a source for Dainsh School Bags, I'd like to know. My original one was purchased back in the mid-80s at a store called Chocolate Soup on the Upper West Side. It survived high school, college, being dropped off the back of my motorcycle, etc. I think I finally retired it some time in the mid-90s.

My next bag is probably going to be a Filson Medium Carry-On, which will enter service as a diaper bag, thanks to the birth of my first baby on June 3. I'm also looking at an Ellington Cargo Tote, since they are much cheaper, and quite nice. I also have plans to replace my Lowe Alpine expedition pack with a Duluth Pack Monarch. Just don't tell my wife...

14 to 25, eh? Well, THAT age group is in my rearview mirror. What do men 40 and over carry? I'm 44, if you're curious.

-- Craig

Well, I'm going to be 37 this year...so I'm way past the 14-25 group myself. However, for the younger set, may I suggest the Yak Pak line? Their Flapdoozy is a particular favorite of Piro of Magatokyo fame...

For those of us slightly older, I would recommend something a bit more professional looking. There are lots of nice camera bags out there from Tenba, Tamrac, Lowe, and Domke that will give you that international corespondent flair. A Filson bag seems like a good choice for the rugged look. And if status is your thing, I'm sure Louis Vuitton would be happy to sell you a nice Epi Leather bag!

amper

The Louis Vuitton store is just down the road on the Champs Elysees, from where I work, if I told my wife that I was just going in for a bag, either she'd have to come with me and I agree to pay for everything she chooses or I get turned into so much confetti. Not an option really. <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I opted for the L.L. Bean Navy/Tan Sportsman's Field Bag for about $70. It's a great bag. Comfortable to wear. Can stuff lots into it. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

My wife says it looks very classy. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Strange thing is, right after I received mine, L.L.Bean decided not to offer it any more. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I emailed them to ask why, but I guess it's just one of those things. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig

Just down the Champs Elysees, huh? Sounds terrible. All that French food, wine, and whatnot...;)

Here in Philadelphia, we have to drive 25 miles outside the city to get to the Vuitton store, since they decided to move to a suburban mall. But it's funny, my wife seems to have the same idea--there's no way I'm getting anything from LV without spending even more on her!

C'est la vie. I'll just have to pop open a bottle of Veuve Cliquot and dream...

Well being as I'm 40 myself I haven't had any problem ,but my shoulder bad is a Maxpedition. I think it would be ok for any hip oldser.

My little sister (who is 32 herself and a supermom) says I'm so square I'm cool. Then she grins.

Amper -

Congratulations on the birth of your first child! You must be very proud!

I had to laugh at your "bag ho" line. I'm the same way; though I don't think I own that many bags, it is a constant battle to refrain from purchasing more. I have an appreciation for them the way other women have for shoes.

The great thing about "diaper bags" nowadays is they come in all sorts of different materials and styles and don't "look" like diaper bags anymore.

Thanks for the kind wishes!

Incidentally, I did a search the other day, and found my Danish School Bag. Apparently, the bags are made by a Danish company called Sabroe & Stephenson, and are called the "Globetrot". There are several different models, but the one that is familiar to me is the Model #1233.

You can see it here:

http://www.sabroe-stephensen.dk/introgb.html

Now I just have to find a retailer where I can get a new one!

Have not dealt with this company but if you are looking for an original they seem to be it.

http://www.danishbookbag.com/index.htm

I saw their site the other day. I was amused to read the "Our Story" page, where it is confirmed that the store that sold these bags in NYC was indeed called "Chocolate Soup" (so as to prove I am not, in fact, insane and that my memory is still functional). Unfortunately, the bags are now selling for $190. I paid $90 for mine back in the mid 80's (which was a very high price to me, then).

Oh well, I think I'm going to buy one anyway!

I've stowed 99 percent of my briefcases, manbags, whatnot. I, too -- a 41-year-old, cowboy-boot wearin', too-often-swearin', gear-fascinated, happily hetro male -- seem to have a fascination for good luggage and good footware. I also smoke cigars when I have the time.

(Well, doctor, I think it all started when...)

Anyway, I've stowed my other frequent-use bags in favor of a black Wenger thing that's a sort of binder/briefcase/pouch. I was just carryin' too much stuff. This thing stays fairly light and rides and stows nicely. With my Wenger (which the women at work do insist on calling my manbag) my cell phone and a bottle of water, I'm good to go all weekdays and most weekend days.

Now if I could just find the right bag for pheasant hunting. One that would hold/organize my gear and still fit on the truck seat comfortably between two not-small men. Hmm...this Globetrot thing looks pretty promising.

Why do I think this Web site is going to end up keeping my checkbook right on the float line? And what, exactly, are these things called "savings" that I've heard people talk about?

I'm glad she takes the time to point out how non-PC everone on here is. Did she happen to also take the time to point out the information there is to be found here? My guess is no. When the next big event happens and people are unpreparred and looking to us, will their bigger concern be if what comes out of our mouths offends them or if we will share what we have?

Relax, it was a joke....