Male purses

I'm straight, I'm not being defensive about it but...

I'm looking for a handbag sized shoulder pouch-deal (purse-ish size). It will be for my daily carry so cammo is out. It should be able to carry at LEAST a can of pop, chocolate bar, altoid tin and a digital camera. I'd like it to be over the shoulder not another addition to my bat utility pouch.

Do you know of anything that a straight guy could wear that could pull this off?

I've looked at Maxpedition but they are almost backpack size. If there was something 1/3 or 1/4 the size of the fatboy I'd but it in a heartbeat.

-Nim

The Fatboy looks MUCH bigger in the pictures than it really is. When mine arrived I was surprised to see how small it is. (it gets even smaller once you take our the packing paper). I think for the pics. maxpedition is again probably stuffing it with packing paper to make it seem larger. The Toadstool and the Thermite are smaller. I liked the Fatboy because it has an orientation which means it hugs the body better. If you are in doubt a lot of online stores have very reasonable return policies.

Marc

I carry an Eagle Creek Guide Bag, though the current one listed on-line is a bit different from the one I carry. I like the one I currently use a bit better.

I actually have an even older model of the Guide Bag and prefer that even more, but it is kinda beat.

At first people would ask my why I carry a bag. Now they are more than used to it. I started out carrying it on the train to bring some "just in case the power on the train goes out and I have to walk home" stuff (flashlight, cell phone, rain coat, extra gloves/hat...).

Alternatives could be: camera bags (they come in all shapes & sizes), binocular case, underarm holster type of thing ...

Eagle Creek is a good idea. Or put a sling on one of the Maxpedition Pouches. www.actiongear.com Brigade QM has a selection of pouches that have less of a tactical look to them. I think 1 has a shoulder strap.

Dave

I'll second the Fatboy/Jumbo. I used a Jumbo every day while deployed in NOLA. The major difference between the two is the Jumbo has a puch for a 32oz Nalgene, and a CCW pocket (which can be used for many other things).

hmmm.... With a little work, the Pack-Rat? <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Use annex clips to attach a single-cell smoke grenade holder to the each of the side support straps, and add a shoulder strap.... I'm kidding. It would be too clunky.

For real, I might suggest the Maxpedition Proteus. The ends should be able to handle the soda can (not opened). There is also a cheapy knockoff of not too horrible quality at Cheaper Than Dirt, among others. It really looks like a gym bag to me.

I posted on this topic about a year or so back. What you are looking for is a Messenger Bag. Here's the website:

http://everestbags.com/

I have been wearing one for almost 4 years now??? It is still in great shape, cost me less than $20 new, and holds all my EDC items, save my keys. It has room for other odds and ends I need from time to time as well. There are many variations, so look at the inventory.

Mine's come with me to Iraq, up to elk camp (I have another one just for hunting, especially useful for muzzleloading), out on fishing excursions, just about anywhere I go. It could be called a "Man Purse" but I just call it a shoulder bag, or occasionally a Messenger bag. No one ever ribs me about having it, so I guess it is an acceptable male accoutrement.

Very strange. Here is my reply to a similar query today on CPF.

Re: Male purses

We prefer saying survival satchel, man bag, tough tote, preparedness pouch, rough-guy rucksack, all purpose attaché, shoulder saddlebag, curio hopper, hunky haversack, danger duffel, homo sapiens holdall, crisis clutch, hetero handbag, or male carryall to the term "male purses".

Not that there's anything wrong with that... (Seinfeld)

Now that we are clear, here are my suggestions. Look for the modest sized shoulder bags designed for airline travel. The small bags that are meant as organizers for your tickets, travel info, maps, etc. Modest in size, but plenty of pockets/compartments for decent organization. I'm not really into the" urban-commando" look, so I avoid most of the military/police type bags. I'm more of a "suburban stealth" kinda guy. I'd prefer just to blend in with the rest of the huddled masses.

My current shoulder bag was made by GH Bass, but it looks like they have gone back to just making shoes (unless someone knows differently).

Try:
http://www.lewisnclark.com/products/portfolio.asp?CatID=427

also

http://www.eaglecreek.com/

TR (currently preparing his “nouveau knapsack")

I find the fatboy standard to be almost too small for the things you list....depending on your camera.

I am tempted by the fatboy jumbo but have not ordered one as I am afraid is may be too small also.

The construction and hip hugging action of the fatboy is very good. It carries like a shoulder bag and to me at least does not look like a purse.

If you found something 1/3 or 1/4 the size of a fatboy I cannot imagine fitting anything in it.... let alone a can of pop and camera.

I know you're looking for something smaller, but depending on your job a messenger bag could be just the thing.

My best bet is either a backpack or messenger bag. Now that I have a laptop as part of my EDC, a messenger bag with padded laptop section is ideal-- and leaves plenty of room to carry my contingency gear.

When I'm taking classes, I fit in (though as an older student / professional). When I'm working in IT, I come off as a slightly geeky professional. Either way, I fit in, look professional, have plenty of freedom of movement, and can carry the gear I need.

The trick is to avoid over-packing with all that space I have. A half-empty bag is NOT a problem.

Third on the Fatboy. I have a Jumbo and it's not huge. The standard size should be about the size you're looking for. Originally I used a Thermite, but wanted something larget - and the Nalgene spot on the Jumbo was a big selling point for me - as well as the ability to add other pouches.

I prefer the Land's End Canvas Briefcase for my EDC and I have a small Eagle Creek carry bag for my survival stuff inside the land's end bag. You might want to look at this new Blackhawk Battle Bag [Messenger Bag] they just came out with:
http://www.blackhawk.com/product_detail.asp?product_id=4236&d=

I think you should refer to whatever bag you get as a messenger bag rather than a 'man purse' -- that sounds so much better IMHO <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

you forgot a name - an old, respected REAL name

A "Possibles bag"

at one time, all hunters/woodsmen carried a "possibles" bag

Or possibly a bag of tricks

Or a bag of holding. Although that might be my inner geek showing through.

I am partial to the term shoulder pack. I always figured if a pack worn on the back was a backpack, then a pack worn on the shoulder must be a shoulder pack <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

Pete

I personally think that you may find it more convient to get a day pack for a number of reasons: More space and two shoulder straps. You may need to walk/evacuate longer distances, and having it over your shoulders on your back may be more confortable. Plus, it looks cooler. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I purchased a North Face Neutron 32 backpack. It has 1 main compartment, with another exclusively for a 70oz Nalgene pouch. There is also an organization area for pens, pencils, keys, etc. Its gets full pretty fast. I have rain gear (jacket and pants, they both "store" into their own left pocket, pretty sweet), first aid kit, multitool, hat, water, snack, mini flashlight, glowstick, fox 40 whistle and lanyard, sunscreen, towel, water and spare set of glasses. On days I go to the gym, it gets real full with just my clothes. The sneakers are too big to fit in it, but in a pinch, I could attach them to the outside of the bag. Depending on where I'm going and what I'm doing, I can still add a hygeine bag (toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, dental floss, razor, shaving cream, shampoo, comb, deodarant (currently a stick, need spray, doesn't hold up to the heat very well)), amateur radio HT, spare keys, and spare cell phone battery pack.

The only thing that I could really use, and probably could attach to the bottom of the bag, is a small tent, and perhaps a tiny pillow. With clothes and a towel, that may not be necessary.

It also features some "cinching" straps on the outside to bring everything closer to your back. Oh, it also has a place for a bicycle helmet too.

The North Face Neutron 32

While I'm sure the Blackhawk bag is top quality, $100 is more money than I want to spend. I got a reasonably good messenger bag from the Gap for $10.

it's more than I would spend too, but thought I would throw the link out there since it is brand new-- I paid $25 for my lands end briefcase years ago and about $15 for the eagle creek smaller bag I carry in it

I fourth the fatboy it sounds about perfict for what you want. It is much smaller in person. The main compartment holds two .5L bottles of water with some room to spare. hope this helps. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hey ! Stop that !!!

I don't need a Fatboy... not really .... and I don't want to buy one.
But if all of you go on complimenting the Fatboy, I guess I will have to....
<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Maxpidition is good, so are the AITES pouches.

Trouble is, they are both pricy, and it's almost impossible to find shoes that match.

.....CLIFF

Your straight as opposed to what <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Are you crooked? Purse is an old and honourable term. When you go on board a ship you give valuables to the Purser. Read literature and men will mention their purse. Scotsmen wear kilts AND a purse, also called a sporran. Nobody accuses a highland scot of being a crossdresser, who carry purses. All the gays I know use wallets. Hey, we're manly men fighting the great female lifeforce called Mother Nature. Only metrosexual clothing designers worry about such connotations.

oh nooooooooo

now Chris has to bring metrosexuals into the discussion, those aren't manly men, those are Arnold's girly men. next thing, we will have to have loofas and facial creme added to the psk's! <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

"you forgot a name - an old, respected REAL name A "Possibles bag" at one time, all hunters/woodsmen carried a "possibles" bag ".

kc2ixe,
D'oh! That is one of my favorite terms as well. Thanks for the reminder.

I was at REI today looking at possibles bags. There are several from Eagle Creek. None fit my niche, but a nice selection.

There was one from the swiss army folks that doubles as a mini backpack, but not my cup of tea.

There was a very small bag by a company called "Pacsafe". Too small for my needs.

My favorite was an REI bag called a "personal organizer". This is bigger than my current possibles bag and is a nice middle ground on the way up to a day pack solution. It has nice compartments and many small slots for pens, pencils, and all manor of ETS type toys. It was a very nice setup.

TR

I have the Fatboy which I prefer to call my "Urban Utility Kit". My wife still calls it my Man Purse.

Would it be more justifiable if we created an acronym for PURSE??
P-Personal
U-Urban
R-Required
S-Survival
E-Equipment

Greetings,
old lurker, new poster.

Personally, I carry a fanny pack with my wallet, checkbook and PSK. A Nite-ize pouch for my multi tool and mini maglite (and a pair of hemostats) on my belt. My backpack stays in the car or goes into work with me (also carrying a toiletry kit because sometimes I get stuck at work if my relief doesn't show up).

Always playing with different ways of carrying stuff with me.
peace,
samhain

I'm just throwing this out there among you guys with separate, not-on-body junk carriers (aka purses):

In a disaster-induced panic, would you remember to take it with you?

I'm just wondering, as when my car caught fire, I left my purse and paycheck and ran like you-know-what. And I've had lots more practice at remembering my purse than most of you.

Like I said, just wondering. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Sue

Yep. Grew up with a BOB under the bed, though, and a woodstove that likes to burp.

Patagonia makes a pretty good shoulder bag called the "Vertical Mass." I use it for traveling, along with their Maximum Legal Carry-on. It's great for carrying everything you need exploring: SAK, first-aid kit, lunch, water bottle, wind breaker, maps, guide books, passport... I used it last year traveling in Mexico and South America. Best thing is to avoid carrying anything that looks "tactical" and have the army/police mistake you for a criminal or revolutionary.

My $0.02

Yes, that's why I prefer to stay with my pouch on my belt.
As much as I would like to buy a fatboy, I still prefer to keep essentials (ID papers, money, car keys, PSK items, ...) in that pouch that I can only remove by removing my belt first....
OTOH, this pouch is somewhat "protuding" on my side and is akward when trying to sit down in a movie theater, for example... or any narrow armchair.

But with that pouch, I have no fear to forget it someplace, in an emergency.

For bulkier items, that waist pouch is complemented with various backpacks, according to circumstances (daily work, strolling in the city, a.s.o. ...).

Sorry to hear about your car, hope no injuries involved.

Ditto Frenchy's response on sticking with his on-belt-pouch. You have a valid point Susan; what good is it if you don't have it when you need it.


That's why I play with different ways of packing stuff within the confines of my fanny pack, belt pouch, and pockets.

I like little zipper pouches to compartmentalize things in my pockets (lighter, matches, little bit of duct tape, etc.) That way when I leave in the morning I can get dressed in the dark , stuff my pockets, and not miss anything (and not wake up my beloved by fumbling around in the dark).

The larger stuff (first aid kit, toiletries, ...) goes in the backpack. I would love to get that stuff down to the size of a purse but I'm a little to obsessive-compulsive about having stuff on hand.

peace,
samhain

Usually, but not always, the last thing I grabbed on the way out the door to the bunker was my shoulder bag. I wouldn't don it, mind you, as I was too busy throwing all that body armor on to get it over my head and left shoulder like I normally carry it (and how it was designed to be carried).

There were a couple times that it got left behind, but then again, there were times when I had to leave the body armor behind as well and just run like hekk with whatever I already had on me.

One thing about it, with that messenger bag properly donned, I could run full tilt bozo and not worry about it dumping, or coming loose, or fouling me up. I can't say the same for some of the day packs I've used in the past, or for my current BOB. Wearing that bag Hudson's Bay style as I do, it is about the most unencumbering way I can think to carry all my EDC gear.

Speaking of Hudson's Bay style, I always liked how the old company trappers used to roll all their gear up in their blanket, tie the ends off with a closed loop of rope or thonging, and strap it across their back and chest. That sure seemed a lot more practical than a shoulder bag.

Have any of you tried the Jumbo version of the Versa Pack? It looks interesting to me and just wondered if anyone has seen one?

An excellent comparison review can be seen on the std fatboy and jumbo over at British Blades

http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13857

This one has me almost conviced to buy a jumbo fatboy....almost.

Just the kind of information I was looking for!! Thanks!!
How is the regular Fatboy compared to your Filson bag in size and utility?

SheepDog,

I have both. I just started playing with the Fatboy Jumbo and I'm still on the fence with it. It is nice for holding a Nalgene bottle and does have alot more room than the standard Fatboy, but then again, bigger and heavier. I use the Maxpedition Thermite Versipack as a leg rig for basic survival items, so it is always with me (I switched it from a right side rig to a left side rig by switching the straps (a little sewing involved). I also removed the outer pouch to make it thinner for wear on the leg.

But back to the Fatboy Jumbo. It is very spacious, but again I'm not sure if it is TOO big. Still playing with it and will report further.

Fox10

My purse has mostly back ups to what I edc, so forgeting it would not be a huge deal, but yes I would prabably remember it.

My Filson bag is probably 7 times bigger or more than the std FatBoy. Really no comparison at all on these two. I can easily carry 25 pounds of junk in the Filson....while I find the standard FatBoy almost too small for anything I do. I was very dissapointed that the side pouch on the std fatboy only has a one way zip...my ham radio with antenna will not ride there securely. The little flap holder will take a matchcase and FireSteel but I cannot imagine what else could possibly fit in that tiny pocket.

I love the construction and the hang of the fatboy, but it is just too tiny for me.

The jumbo fatboy looks much better to me as I think it will be about the size I want. The water bottle is probably the most important change...stick 1L in the std fatboy and forget anything else except some very small stuff.

The jumbobag should take, camera, water, sandwich, garbage bag, bird book, ham radio and a bunch of small stuff without any difficulty.

I want my camera easily accesible in a bag rather than squeezed in so tight it cannot be removed.

The Filson bag is too big for these sorts of outings and it does not ride like the fatboy. My Billingham Hadley bag is near perfect in size but again it does not ride like the fatboy and I have one central compartment where all the junk sort of bunches together.

I may actually need a super jumbo fatboy to be happy <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> That is the reason I hesitate spending the $70 on the jumbo.

Thanks for all the responses! Sorry I didn't have time to check the responses until now. Looks like I'm going to go with the chubby young child.

Shoot. Gotta run. ACK need time!

Since I am not “burdened” with so many electronic toys err tools sounds like it might be about the right size for taking the strain off of my over burdened pockets as a backup to my lumbar pack.

I ordered a Fatboy Jumbo.....

Schwert,

Let me know what you think after you have had a chance to play with it. I'm still playing, but still sitting on the fence.

Fox10

This is what I have...in grey... Mountainsmith Messenger Small

Fine for work carry, tough, functional, and just the right size. In the interior pockets, I carry my Palm E2 in an otterbox and an AMK Pocket Medic. One side of the divider is just large enough for a couple packed file folders. The other is good for a medium size book and chords for cell phone and PDA. There are pockets and organizers in the interior with space for small items, as well as a larger zip pocket on the outside.


Look here for better photos and reviews.