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What should I put in my "man-purse" daily survival kit?

roisin and mac said:
God, this whole, 'bags are for women so Real Men don't carry them' does my HEAD IN!! ugh :mad:
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Who said that?

Go back and read my posts again - I didn't say anything about "real men." I said purses are feminine, and those bags look like purses, regardless of what they're called. Don't put words in my mouth.

And tomorrow, your posts are prime examples of this type of inane drivel. I mean, the opinions you express and even the way you express them are almost a caricature - as though you're only carrying on like that to be provocative.
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You obviously don't know me; stick around. :cool: No, I'm just speaking my mind - people can either agree or disagree, they can either sound off with something to say in return or they can shut up, it doesn't make a difference to me either way. You have your opinions, I have mine. Don't let your world revolve around what someone else has to say; if you're letting my words get you this riled up I submit that you're the one with the problem, not me.

I could go on and on about all the ways in which you are a) completely off base about equating bags with femaleness
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You're off-base for saying that I equate bags with "femaleness," whatever that is; I equated a "man purse" with a purse for women.

cultural anthropology, sociology, human anatomy and muscle structure, statistics, and tailoring
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Huh?!? :confused: Which of the two of us brought those topics up?

priggishly self-righteous and c) exhibiting a disturbing lack of clarity on what exactly constitutes femininity and masculinity (hint: it's to do with what's between your legs, not what you chose to hang off your shoulder). But it will probably be a waste of time because the way you reacted to the comments other people made makes you sound pretty darn clueless, and I don't think I have it in me to dumb down _quite_ that much.
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The irony here is that you suggested that I was making comments for the purpose of being inflammatory. Pot, meet kettle.

So I'll just stick with asking: WTF is a guy doing criticizing what other men carry and how they carry it when he freely admits to packing along a spare shirt in his EDC???! Ever heard the one about the glass houses?!
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Again, I haven't criticized what men carry; they can wear ****ing pink thongs for all I care. I spoke about how I see a "man purse" as being pretty much the same thing as a purse, and that calling something different doesn't make it something different.

The reason I carry an extra shirt with me is because of my job; I very often have to go from conference rooms, to dirty places (above ceilings, crawling around in chiller/boiler rooms, etc.) and back again. I also keep a hard hat and safety vest in my truck for the same reason. It's not about vanity, although you're free to spin it however you like.

rdowns said:
Where do you keep your tampons?
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I'm more of a (i)Pad kind of guy. No wings, though. ;)
 
Tomorrow said:
No, I'm just speaking my mind - people can either agree or disagree, they can either sound off with something to say in return or they can shut up, it doesn't make a difference to me either way. You have your opinions, I have mine. Don't let your world revolve around what someone else has to say; if you're letting my words get you this riled up I submit that you're the one with the problem, not me.
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This is excellent. I could have used it, about 2 weeks ago. ;)

Tomorrow said:
I'm more of a (i)Pad kind of guy. No wings, though. ;)
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I figured you for a Moon Cup kind o' guy. :p
 
mrgreen4242 said:
Ok, I have a very nice messenger bag (or a man purse as my wife calls it) - like this. I don't like the feel of it when it's empty, so I'm packing it up with an "every day (nerd) survival kit". This is something that I'll be carrying with me all the time so I don't find my self unprepared for any situation (so I guess that makes it a man purse).

Here's what I've come up with so far:

  • multitool (of course). Swiss Army knife or Leatherman style. Or both. Probably both.
  • duct tape (small sized roll)
  • small roll of electrical tape, too
  • zip ties
  • travel sewing kit
  • dental floss (not for my teeth, but it's an amazingly handy way to pack pretty strong string - I've sawed through 1/4 plastic with floss before. Don't ask.)
  • Small flashlight
  • AA and AAA batteries
  • USB Dock cable
  • standard mini-USB cable
  • USB to AC charger
  • Spare cellphone charger (I can save space here using the USB cable for my Palm and the above USB to AC adaptor)
  • blank DVD/CDs
  • USB flash drive (actually I'll be super efficient here and pack a 2gb microSD card in a tiny USB adaptor, and my microSD to SD adaptor... I'll be able to plug the card into any PC, my/most digital cameras, and my/most cellphones, too)
  • Digital camera (about to get a Nikon D40, but it's pretty small, so it'll should still fit even with a smallish case/wrap around it)
  • Cellphone/iPod (though those are usually in my pockets)
  • ziplock bag with: travel toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, "wet wipes", and some extra, empty, ziplocks
  • .5L bottle of water (if it gets too full this will be the first to go. Water is heavy/dense, but I'll keep an empty bottle for refilling when thirsty)
  • couple of energy/granola/candy bars
  • gum/mints

So, what am I missing? What's the one thing you couldn't get through the day without that's not on the list? I'm considering putting a spare ATM card (not debit, since ATM cards NEED a PIN to work so if it gets lost it is less of a risk), a $20 bill, and some secondary form of ID (it's illegal to have two copies of your drivers license, so I'm not sure what else might do me some good).
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Dude, who are you, the metrosexual geek version of Jack Bauer? I just carry my wallet, keys, and iPhone in my pants pockets. If I have a need for more stuff then sure, I'll use a bag. But carrying crap around just to carry it is silly. And what guy carries around a toothbrush and hand sanitizer?

You have a wife. They always carry purses. Just dump your crap in her bag. It's what I do.
 
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^^ you never know man...the world could end tomorrow and he could be the only guy still standing and all because of his man bag.
 
spice weasel said:
Dude, who are you, the metrosexual geek version of Jack Bauer? I just carry my wallet, keys, and iPhone in my pants pockets. If I have a need for more stuff then sure, I'll use a bag. But carrying crap around just to carry it is silly. And what guy carries around a toothbrush and hand sanitizer?
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I do.

Typically, in my cargo pants:

Wallet
Phone x2
Earbuds
Utility folding knife
Keychain:
- AAA Arc light
- Waterproof peanut lighter
- Micro pry bar w/paracord wrap
- Mini grapple
- Utilikey tool
- Keys
USB Flash drive
Waterproof holder:
- Passport (or copy)
- Paperwork, country specific licencing documentation
- Yellow card
- Emergency cash, USD, EUR, GBP in varying denominations
- Emergency credit card
- Calling card
Moleskine type notepad
Pen x2
Tobacco pouch
Zippo/lighter
Hand sanitizer
Belt:
- Multitool
- VHF radio handset
- Biner
Flask of scotch/bourbon/or whatever I can get a hold of

Depending on the environment, I'll change some of this up. If it's cold, some of this stuff is going in a jacket or if it's particularly hot, a lot of this is moved to a satchel b/c carrying stuff around in your pockets (like notebooks, wallets, etc) are giant heat traps. I might carry more stuff, but this would be pretty close to bare minimum for me if I'm out on assignment.

Typically, in my bag:

Satphone (typically Thuraya, might be on my belt, depending on circumstances)
GPS if satphones aren't allowed in country
Headlamp
Mini HD flashlight
Universal charger kit
- Various tips/converters/clips/plugs
Plug converter
Surge protector
Solar charger
Spare batteries
- AAA x2
- AA x2
- CR123 x2
PSP, sometimes
Kensington lock
Combo spoon/fork
Travel chopsticks
Travel tray
Compass
Monocular
Duct tape mini rolls
- Red
- White
- Reflective gray
UV Penlight
Hygiene kit
- Folding toothbrush
- Mirror
- Nail clippers etc
Tissues/wipes
More paperwork/documentation
Spare pair socks & underwear
Condoms

15" MBP in a hard case, plus some stuff I'm probably forgetting about.

The iPhone really is the JesusPhone for guys like me. One device takes the place of the following:

Phone
GPS
Compass
iPod
Calculator
PSP/games
Dictionary/phrasebook
In a lot ways, replaced one notepad.

Makes the electricity/plugs/batteries thing a lot easier, too.
 
Holy crap, why do you people need to carry around so much stuff?

I carry my keys, my wallet, and my phone, in my pockets, and that's it. If I need my laptop with me, then I carry it around in a laptop bag, with the charger. What the hell do you guys do that requires you to carry around zip ties and and duct tape on a day to day basis?
 
It seems like one would be better off bringing only the things they need with them, as opposed to every thing they could conceivably have a use for as well as other things that are just small enough to bring for no particular reason. Which is what I see with some of these exhaustive manbag lists. Having to bring all that stuff along with you is a little bit of crazy.
 
yg17 said:
What the hell do you guys do that requires you to carry around zip ties and and duct tape on a day to day basis?
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free_candy_van.jpg



This thread is astoundingly hilarious, btw. LOL!
 
yg17 said:
I carry my keys, my wallet, and my phone, in my pockets, and that's it. If I need my laptop with me, then I carry it around in a laptop bag, with the charger.
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I think therein lies the source of confusion.

There are some who would call your "laptop bag" a "man purse." Except it sounds to me like, in your case, it really is a "laptop bag" because that's what you carry in it, not hand sanitizer and your wallet.
 
Tomorrow said:
I think therein lies the source of confusion.

There are some who would call your "laptop bag" a "man purse." Except it sounds to me like, in your case, it really is a "laptop bag" because that's what you carry in it, not hand sanitizer and your wallet.
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Perhaps. Although my laptop bag looks like a laptop bag. Not a purse, unlike these:

bags.jpg
 
yg17 said:
Holy crap, why do you people need to carry around so much stuff?

I carry my keys, my wallet, and my phone, in my pockets, and that's it. If I need my laptop with me, then I carry it around in a laptop bag, with the charger. What the hell do you guys do that requires you to carry around zip ties and and duct tape on a day to day basis?
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Disc Golfer said:
It seems like one would be better off bringing only the things they need with them, as opposed to every thing they could conceivably have a use for as well as other things that are just small enough to bring for no particular reason. Which is what I see with some of these exhaustive manbag lists. Having to bring all that stuff along with you is a little bit of crazy.
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Some of us have different requirements.

Anyway, when I'm not working, I don't like wearing cargo pants. Keys, wallet, phone, tobacco. When I lived/worked in DC and took public transportation everywhere, I'd carry a bag. Not nearly as much stuff as listed before, but the basics.
 
Cracking thread!!
I bought a murse or whatever you want to call it for travelling. Passports for the family and that sort of gunk. If I carried what the original poster did I'd be looking for a back specialist within a week:)
 
I know this a very old thread, but I wanted to put my two cents in?

I have a great square messenger bag I got online a little while ago, because I was tired of not having things while I was out, and carrying a wallet + extra pads + pills in a plastic grocery bag. It's masculine, sturdy and has lots of compartments and pockets. Love it.

My hubby and I go out almost every weekend, usually taking a lot of detours and sometimes even taking 4-5-6 hour drives to Virginia (or wherever) from New Jersey. I try to keep small amounts/versions of things I would need in all kinds of scenarios, though I don't think I could carry ammo for a zombie outbreak. There are so many times we've made a pit stop for BBQ and and wished I had wet wipes. or gotten my period early while I was out and wished I had something. or gone somewhere that requires a lot of digging around for stuff and chipped my nail and needed to clip it. or my glasses get smudgy and a tshirt just won't do it. And sometimes too, we go to friends houses for weekends. With my new bag, I won't forget anything I might need.

I don't wear makeup except for moisturizer or sunscreen, and chapstick, so I don't pile my bag full of that. and I'm a kind of a throw my hair up so its out of the way kind of gal, unless I need to protect it from wind, then it's braided and tucked into my hat. I have a smaller bag within my bag for some toiletries.

Here's a run through of everything.

First front zippered pocket: not a lot, since I don't want the front to be bulgy. Just a slim pouch of clorox wipes for worser public toilets, an eyemask, some sugar in the raw packets, and some reciepts.

Main front pocket (has card, pen slots, key fob, etc)
• Important cards: debit, ID, medical card, library card, emergency info card (contacts, insurance, etc - I like to have this in case of a car accident or something) a few business cards of favorite places we like to go.
• 3 pens, 1 decorative, 2 functional
• leather pocket notebook cover with insert notebook
• old trusty ipod nano and earbuds
• pack of gum
• retracting keychain with house & car keys
• coin purse (don't carry cash, but I like to keep change for tolls, in case hubby is out of spares)
• birth control
• portable charger

Main middle pocket

In makeup bag (I refill tiny travel bottles for this bag so I can stay moisturzed in winter, or whatever)
• small vibrator in stealthy bag, condoms, little bottle of lube (hubbys got a big van with a big back area, you never know! ;P)
• glasses wipes
• 3 refillable travel pouches for baby wipes, feminine wipes and face wipes
• Some good toilet paper in a ziploc
• a little ziploc of Tucks pads, because you don't know when those hot wings might come back to bite you
• a tube of chapstick or two
• tiny bottle of my favorite goats milk lotion, for my hands
• tiny bottle of sunscreen
• tiny bottle of toner
• winter salve, for my face in winter
• a travel container for one bar soap, because some places I've been don't have ANY SOAP. also my hands don't like liquid soap.
• tide to go stick
• couple hair ties
• travel sized hair brush
• hair clip
• small spray bottle of water
• travel lint roller
• nail file & clippers
• earplugs
• bandaids and ointment
• toothpicks
• compartmented pill box (Midol - periods, Pepcid - acid reflux, ibuprofen - general, some other pills)
• few hot/cold patches
• some cotton pads
• on overnight weekend trips, I stick a toothbrush and paste in here too.
• and funny enough, a tiny bottle of mild hot sauce. because I love me some tacos.

not in makeup bag, same pocket
• a granola bar or baggie of trail mix, whatever snack I'm fancying that day.
• small digital camera in hard case
• reading glasses case
• sunglasses with case (only in spring or summer)
• travel sized umbrella

Back first pocket:
• Ipad in case, ipad keyboard, mouse
• Kindle in case
• Chargers

Back second pocket:
• tiny wet bag for soiled stuff
• 2-3 cloth pads
• tampons
• back up pair of underwear

and finally the two side pockets
• small sized hunting knife (for self protection, but mostly so I can be awesome while cutting steak at a diner)
• don't have anything in the second side pocket yet

on my keychain is retractable pepper spray, and a little handmade keychain made from Australian wood. On the front of my bag I have a few pins, which includes a pinup mermaid ;)
 
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Reactions: Scepticalscribe, The-Real-Deal82 and WinkWink726
Compact 9mm (if it's not already on your belt);
Solar Charging Power Bank for phone, etc?

...and Skittles, definitely Skittles!
That way, in your defense (and in the style of Zac Galfanakaskskds;lifj;adif) you can exclaim, "THERE WERE SKITTLES IN THERE!!!"
 
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