(I’ve to upload a picture of my bags soon… just need to find the time…)

-cvj

On a related note, Lifehacker had a few posts in a series (3 I believe) that had plenty of people showing off their handbags (and items they carry with them). Fun to look at (and maybe more inspiration for the future?). It also shows that plenty of American men do carry “handbags” (although there’s also a good amount of messenger bags, backpacks, and even vests included).

http://lifehacker.com/software/screenshot-tour/show-us-your-go-bag-289933.php

Enjoy!

-S

-cvj

I should add I agree with Candace that it isn’t that easy to find a nice woman’s bag. I dread having to look for a new one. So expensive!

–IP

In the main post I was always clearly (I thought) talking about bags with long straps. You’re talking about something different. (The term “handbag” is the problem, I guess… in all the contexts I’ve encountered, it means much more than the little thing women traditionally tuck under the shoulder with the tiny straps, and has done for a long time. But perhaps I’m wrong, and was so misleading - but several others understood, so I did not think there was any confusion.) And there are plenty of bags without the super-thin straps you talk about in the women’s market. Really. Have a look at any of the sites I pointed to, for example.

But this is getting sort of ridiculous, so I think I’ll stop here.

As I said above…. each to his/her own.

Cheers,

-cvj

Yes, there are proper shoulder bags with longer straps that go over the shoulder and hang lower, but in my experience the straps are usually much too narrow for the weight of a even a book and notebook etc, and thus still cause pain to the shoulder (although they don’t have the armpitness). The other problem I encounter with these is that they are a bit awkward to cycle with).

Anyway, I’m pleased to hear you won’t be experiencing the armpit problem that plagues so many women. Or the pain. Enjoy the bag. Wish you health to wear it, as my grandmother use to say.
–IP

“Carrying notebooks or books under your armpit is a recipe for extreme and alost instant shoulder pain.”

I think you’re talking about something else, and can’t have read what I wrote properly. You seem to think I’m talking about a book bag for school or work here. I’m not. I wrote:

I want a small bag that fits a novel, a notebook, wallet, keys, and some small consumer electronics.

I don’t think this brings up the “pain” and “armpitness” issues of which you speak.

But each to his/her own, all the same…

Cheers,

-cvj

but I think that there are many who would disagree with your general dismissal of all women’s handbags.

But pain! And armpitness!

You might pay a bit more, but it is thoroughly worth it in the end when you’re still using it ten or twenty years (or even a lifetime) later.

But still pain! And still armpitness!

–IP

I’ve lots of good flashlights, but you should see the flashlight I had. It was a steel-finish credit card with a little bump on the end. You squeeze the card and there’s a wonderfully bright LED light coming out of the bump. Not good for mounting search parties on the moors but great for that dropped pen under the seat in the theatre and so forth. Lifetime battery supply bonded into the card’s body. Excellent. Sigh….

I understand you feel strongly on the matter, but I think that there are many who would disagree with your general dismissal of all women’s handbags. It is not really a “grass is greener on the other side” issue…. The point is that there’s a huge range to choose from because the market is huge compared to that for men (at least here)… Generally if you buy low quality stuff then it will of course fall apart, but that’s true for lots of things. There are also really good products that will last a very long time. You might pay a bit more, but it is thoroughly worth it in the end when you’re still using it ten or twenty years (or even a lifetime) later.

-cvj

I long ago gave up looking for useful and comfortable bags in “normal” shops. I usually go for outdoor stores or army surplus for backpacks. I like backpacks. Army surplus usually stock shoulder bags too. They may not be the classy style you’re after, Clifford, but they’ll be functional and comfortable and they won’t fall apart.

I do have a couple of shoulder bags for looking nice (and thus not for being especially useful), but these were not from “normal” shops.

Re flashlights: I have a small flashlight that has 4 LEDs. Quite compact. Runs on 2 AA batteries and has excellent battery life as compared to incandescent bulbs. Recommended.

Cheers,
IP

Thanks for the thoughts!

Did not have any pictures at time of writing, and did not think anyone would really be interested… besides… should a guy give away all his fashion secrets? Don’t want to show up at a conference and find all my colleagues with the same bag now, do I…?

Also, I forgot to mention in the post the irony that the main bag I settled on is actually from an American company! (When I update for typos I’ll put that in…)

Maybe some pics later then…. just hopped off a plane. Time for relaxation.

-cvj

Cheers,

-cvj

While it may appear that women have more choice in handbags, the reality is that they are all hideous and unusable rubbish. I’m not into disposable fashion (and neither are you) so that’s what makes it hard to find a good bag, regardless of gender. I’m still looking, although my muji quasi-backpack satchel thing will do for now.

I really want Scott-e-vest to come out with women’s pants - I hate carrying a purse, but like to have it all with me. And nice cargo pants are hard to find for women. And their clothes are well designed to not show bulges and are well balanced. Their jacket is one of the most awesome things ever. (but yes, not for warm climates)

I do not know if this would serve your purpose and suit your tastes; but, I have seen one of my friends carrying a similar one in India, which, from your description might be suitable for you too.

Guru