To Bag Or Not To Bag

[cerbera147]

Not sure if this topic has been done to death but thought it was worth gaining some views.

I have a laptop bag for work; it's a Wenger Swissgear Venus. It is a great bag for my laptop, accessories, paperwork and any multitools I may have that day

I would like to have an off duty bag but am having difficulty getting over the stereotypical 'manbag', 'murse', etc. Surely having 'manly' things in it like multitools, blades, etc. exclude it? 

It's easier to say 'who cares what other people think' than to practice it, depending where you live  Might as well wear a dress and call myself Nancy 

I got one of these from ebay this week for £4 [Nite Ize Clip Case Cargo, mine's velcro closure] It holds my phone, LM Squirt, a pen and can take business cards, etc. It's no bag but it helps get these things out my pockets 

Does anyone share similiar views to me? i.e. you want to carry a bag full time but need to 'build up the courage'.

Any suggestions for a first time bag carrier? The Maxped Fatboy's looks like a good start What about this cheaper version?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

You need a MaxPat Jumbo mate

[Styerman]

Wether I carry a bag depends on how far I am from base , and what's on the agenda . I couldn't give a rip if they call me Nancy .

BTW , I still haven't found the right bag yet .

I'm thinking of a SO TECH go bag or their Military Messenger Bag . I'm a self confessed bag whore .

Chris

[cerbera147]

I have about 6 laptop bags and have finally found one that works for me  for the minute 

[Pacu]

I'm big enough someone better not say something about my manpurse...i'll scratch their eyes out and open palm slap them.

I carry a GAP slingbag....works for now.

[Sea Monster]

Day to day I rock the pock(et)

Bags are for those strange in-between times when I have extra gear, but no car.

[DaveK]

I get the odd look from people (well other blokes) from time to time on account of my bag. I have been known to wink at them which normally is enough to make them f**k right off 

It's the 21st Century (or so they tell me) so in the words of the song:



But if you feel uncomfortable - go for a gearslinger type bag

[cerbera147]

What's the essential differences in the versipack type bags and a gearslinger type bag?

Is the versipack more side carry, easy access whereas the gearslinger is a backpack type setup?

Jumbo Versipack

Remora Gearslinger

[Benner]

I have a gearslinger and it kinda sits like a 1 handled back pack rather than to the side (if that makes any sense).

[glorn]

Okay.. let's start with Versipack vs. Gearslinger..


A Versipack is going to be a bag designed to be fully accessed (all pockets) while it is on your shoulder. And you can carry it across your back, or on your hip. A Gearslinger is more like a backpack. Not all the pockets are meant to be accessible while it is on. A Gearslinger is also going to ride higher like a backpack.


Now for the rest...

I'd say that you should start with a Versipack Fatboy. It is not as large as the Jumbo, and if you are not used to carrying a bag, you might not want to jump right into something with a lot of capacity that you don't need. A Fatboy will carry a multi-tool, a wallet, your iPod, a paperback, two pens, some earbuds, a small pad of paper or moleskine, a small FAK, and a light... and you will still have room leftover. Enough to add a few more small tools, or a snack or whatever. If that is what you need, then you will be all set.

The main selling point of the Versipack Jumbo is the built in bottle holder. I keep a canteen in my truck inside a Maxpedition canteen pouch with a strap attached via Tac Ties, so water carry is not something I need on the bag itself. The Jumbo is also larger. But... it lacks the built in velcro sheath that the Fatboy has, which is perfect for a light or MT.

I can't help you with your courage problem. I am the type who cares f*ck all what other people think of me. Most of the people that would snicker at my bag would be ignorant cretins that I don't want to know or gain the approval of anyway. In fact, not being in line with what the average moron thinks is acceptable makes me quite happy. Keeps me feeling close to my nonconformist roots as I get older. And if it came to them getting on me about it in a confrontational manner, well.. having a Surge in that handy outside sheath is plenty of personal protection. Or I suppose I could just swing the bag at them like an old lady. Mine weighs a ton. 


What you need to decide is whether you actually need a bag or not. I have done the pocket thing vs. bag thing vs. belt carry thing for nearly 20 years now. I like the bag. Especially today, as there are so many well designed ones for men. It wasn't long ago that all I had as options were either military surplus or backpacks.

You will probably also find that many more men will ask you about your bag than will call you Nancy. Nobody has ever given me more than a sideways glance.. only once actually.. and like I said.. they were small town trash.


I have had half a dozen instances of men approaching me... straight men... intelligent, well spoken men.. and more often than not, hip looking twenty something men... including one rather tough looking black guy... and all them asked me very politely where I got my bag.


I think the stigma is generational and fading anyway. Around the massive college we have here, backpacks and messenger bags and sling bags are common male accessories. And I don't mean just in class. I see them in bars. Younger guys have grown up in a world where the average man is asked to carry a lot more stuff than his father did. An iPod, a laptop or notebook, some headphones or earbuds, a mobile phone, a PDA, a "smart phone", a spare battery, some cables... add to that a wallet (loaded with the dozen cards we all need nowadays) , keys, knife, handkerchief, comb, breathmints or gum, change, lighter maybe, perhaps some cigarettes, perhaps a light, sunglasses, eyeglasses maybe...

Even the minimum of that mess leaves you with the need for weighted down cargo pants that swing awkwardly when you walk. And personally I don't like cargo pants. Even more than that, I don't like my slacks having lumpy looking heavy pockets. I want them to look sleek and feel light.

And tell me, what looks more odd to you: a guy with a bag, or a guy with his cellphone hanging off of his belt and his back pocket sticking out three inches from his overstuffed wallet?

A bag looks smart.


Okay... there's my best effort. The rest is up to you.

    

 

[Gareth]

I've carried a messenger type bag for years, I've almost never had it commented on and it's a pretty common sight in Edinburgh.  As you say though it can change from place to place.

But hey, if it's good enough for Indiana Jones/Jack Bauer/Robert Neville it's good enough for me.

[Neil]

Location, location...

Round here, male bag carry is unheard of and unseen.  Yes, you'll probably get unwelcome comments and there's good chance of it getting it nicked.  Its not a matter of caring what others think more a matter of avoiding unwanted attention by the local undesirables.

Head into the cities and its a pretty common sight and no issue.

[parnass]

cerbera147,

If the appearance of a versipack would attract unwanted attention in your area, you could get a second laptop bag, a gym bag, a backpack, or a vest, and carry your EDC gear in it when off duty.

As I posted in an earlier thread, I tried a series of EDC verspack bags and couldn't get accustomed to carrying them due to the added weight, the concern of what to do with it when in places like restaurants, the hassle of putting it on (and taking it off) when exiting a truck, etc.

I carry gear in pockets and sometimes wear a multi-pocket vest instead.

[Pacu]

Bring a bag in places like NYC or DC is a pain....anywhere you go they gotta search it....tourist places anyway. Disneyworld too....the bag line was loooooong.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Damn fine post Glorn mate

I've been carrying my Jumbo everyday since Xmas, and I've had not comment's of funny looks

[cerbera147]

Thanks Glorn for your detailed reply

I think you've given me enough to seriously consider taking the plunge on this one. I have always liked the look of the Versipack Fatboy so I'm glad you agree with that one I totally agree with the amount of 'baggage' that today's man or woman has to carry around from entertainment to essentials. It has to go somewhere 

I'll start pricing them up

Thanks again for all your info 

[DaveK]

Great post Glorn, I can relate to the non-conformist bit too

Thanks Glorn for your detailed reply

I think you've given me enough to seriously consider taking the plunge on this one. I have always liked the look of the Versipack Fatboy so I'm glad you agree with that one I totally agree with the amount of 'baggage' that today's man or woman has to carry around from entertainment to essentials. It has to go somewhere 

I'll start pricing them up

Thanks again for all your info 

Do it 

Cheapest place I've found for Maxpedition stuff is http://www.fenixtorch.co.uk/maxpedition/gear.html - about 20% cheaper than Heinnie's which on the more expensive stuff is significant! P&P included, and I've received most things the next day, even with the included / free postage.

I got my Falcon II from these guys for 99.95 delivered - Heinnie's wanted 121.95. Heinnie's do have a much wider range though

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Marc at http://www.edcdepot.com/ has the best prices for Maxpat gear, and ship's internationally too

[DaveK]

Marc at http://www.edcdepot.com/ has the best prices for Maxpat gear, and ship's internationally too

Whilst Marc's prices are excellent, once you've added the postage and import duty - I'm not so sure it would be the case for those of us in the UK. I think if I were importing a Maxpedition bag, I'd be assuming that I'd get clobbered for duty tbh, given the size / weight of the package.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Marc at http://www.edcdepot.com/ has the best prices for Maxpat gear, and ship's internationally too

Whilst Marc's prices are excellent, once you've added the postage and import duty - I'm not so sure it would be the case for those of us in the UK. I think if I were importing a Maxpedition bag, I'd be assuming that I'd get clobbered for duty tbh, given the size / weight of the package.

Well the exchange rate is reasonable favourable atm, so it's worth looking into (I got my Pygmy from him). Plus Marc does sponsor the site

[DaveK]

Oh yes I know, and for some items I wouldn't hesitate to order from Marc, but shipping and import fees would be a big factor with the larger bags. That's obviously no reflection on Marc - we can't blame him for HMRC policy

Certainly worth looking into Dan (although when I have the option of getting things next day, economics have been known to fly out of the window on account of my impatience )

How's that Pygmy working out for you anyway Mike?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Well I've had th Pymy for well over 18 months now And it's been nothing less that great

I wish I'd bought one earlier

It's no longer my everyday bag, as my Jumbo's is the better size for my needs, but the Pygmy still get's used pretty much every other weekend when I go out with my boy

[DaveK]

I have this Lunada here now, and haven't really had chance to try it out yet. Maybe this weekend!

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I have this Lunada here now, and haven't really had chance to try it out yet. Maybe this weekend!

I'm not too fond of Gearslingers, but I'm happy to be proved wrong, so your thought's would be appreciated once you had it a while please mate

[glorn]

Well, thanks everyone.  

Obviously it is something to which I have given a great deal of thought. Most of the questions or comments when you EDC a bag come from friends and family, and I think I have had enough conversations with them to hopefully bring something useful and concise here.


cerbera147,

Glad to hear it! At the very least, should you decide bag carry is not your cup of tea, you can always sell it off again. I know lightly used Maxpedition items generally recoup most of what they were purchased for. Or you can re-purpose the bag to a more specific job than EDC.... say a camera bag perhaps.

One more thing to note, I would consider going with  the black one for EDC. I have carried the OD green and the black, and I will say that the black just sort of disappears. I suspect most people think that it is, in fact, a camera bag. So for someone who is going to be initially trepidatious about having the bag, it makes sense to have one that is less noticeable. Carrying the green one didn't bother me at all, but I can see where a military looking bag might get more eyes than a black "camera bag".


That said, the foliage/khaki one is hot.    


Oh, and if you do decide to place an order, you may wish to order the accessories at the same time. I know I would. At least get the "triple mag holder" for the CCW pocket. Or depending upon what mobile phone you carry, you may want a phone/PDA holster as well. A single sheath is a good option too, especially if you'd like to have a light and a multi on the outside of the bag and ready to go.


Good luck!