new thread
I need advice for a male carrying bag. I realise I'm pushing the envelope of 'hair related' here but let me say that I want to be a *stylish* longhair. I don't want to give longhaired men a *bad reputation*. So I'm turning to the hyperboard community for advice for a smallish male-oriented carrying bag for all my stuff. I'm getting tired of the "utility belt" look. The final straw was getting my spiffy new sunglasses and I realised I would require a belt-mounted glasses case (so I can carry my regular glasses for use indoors). Thus here is what I have to tote around on my belt every day:
* cell phone
* PDA
* Glasses Case
I also carry keys, a small (3"x5"/7.6x12.7cm) notebook , a fountain pen, a pocket knife, and a couple of ponytail bands, a wallet (in my *front* pocket when I go downtown), cash, and great wads of coins (thanks to Canada having large coins for $1 & $2). It was my fruitless search for a belt-mounted glasses case that got me thinking about a more versatile carrying case. Keep in mind I'm a small guy so all this stuff having off my belt and sticking out of my pockets really does have me looking like Batman (alright, maybe Robin). At least I wear a stiff police-style web belt so at least there is no danger of my pants falling down. Back in *the day* I had a grey canvas messenger bag (that my dad literally tried to burn - he considered it to be a 'purse'). I consulted a stylish young lady and she was emphatic that a fanny-pak was *OUT*. She suggested that there are smaller, flatter bags that are worn diagonally. A quick Google search didn't turn up much but perhaps I don't know the terminology. So... what do *you* suggest for a male carrying bag that is not a fanny-pak and not an obvious 'purse'? Cost is not a big consideration. High-quality is very important. Just to clarify: I'm not worried about looking 'fem' but I do present myself as male and as such I'd rather not carry something that is obviously a 'purse'. I look forward to your ideas and suggestions.
p.s.: Yes I do realise that I'm now using Canadian spelling!
p.p.s.: Wasn't there a Seinfield episode about this issue?
I believe they are often called "courier" bags. I've also considered getting one of these.
Saw this photo of a guy with dreadlocks past his knees wearing a courier bag. . .looked pretty good!
Good Luck!
Picture Purged
here it is
Thanks that is the right idea. Now I just have to fine one proprotional to my size (i.e. about 1/4 the size of the one in the picture). A quick Google search of "courier bag" showed a link to some reasonable-looking hemp bags. Still a little too large and... what's with the 'skater' anyway?
I believe he is Nacsoz GLASJDKVJB(some unpronouncable name) who is a member of the New Zealand Parliment (no kidding). He is a member of the green party. Wish our politicians were more like this
Does it have to be some sort of sack? Have you considered a brief case? (I hope that man isn't really skating with his hair dragging like that near the wheels.)
I'm looking for something smaller than a brief case with a strap that could hang on my shoulder. The picture that That "Ball" Guy showed is on the right track though I would go for something much smaller. Thanks!
The only thing I've seen that is not a bit too femme or yuppie for my taste is a daypack (some people not familiar with hiking gear terminology may mistakingly call one a "backpack" but that is actually something much bigger).
A daypack will give you a bit of a hassle with your hair, similar to what car seat belts give you, each time you first put the pack on. You have to lift the pack after you put it on and pull your hair out from under the straps. Other than that, there are no minuses to a daypack, and a big plus is you can put gobs of stuff in one, and you hardly know it is there. I can hike twenty miles in one and never give its being there any thought.
why not check out deferent photo places and take a look at what they have for camera bags. a small to medeum size camera bag might work
I've purchased several great messenger bags from Gap and Eddie Bauer. My current favorite is an Eagle Creek travel bag that I bought for a trip to NYC last year, but I still carry it a lot. Perfect size for cell phone, book and wallet. (I don't like having my wallet in my back pocket...another "Seinfeld" episode!)
Cheers,
JBC
Thank you to everyone to took the time to give me excellent advice and ideas on utility bags. You have opened my eyes to the possibilities and I now have a clear idea about what is available and what I want. In fact the only reason I haven't got a bag yet is that my small stature complicates things. So far every male-oriented 'small' bag I've tried is disproportionately large on me and the 'boy' oriented bags are clearly aimed at carrying school supplies. The right bag *is* out there, I've seen smaller people carrying them at the local mall. It is just a matter of me either asking or surreptitiously reading the brand label. Thanks again!
