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.