EDC Bag recommendation

[jone]

Looking for a sling/shoulder type bag that isn't too tactical or big. Just something to grab when I'm heading out the door with the kids and need stuff, but don't want to load down the pockets. Typically I need to carry a few first aid items, a light, pen, small notebook, a little paracord, whistle, water bottle and some other odds and ends.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[pertinux]

The trick, as you've likely discovered, is to find something large enough to accommodate a water battle and essentials without being too bulky or more than you need. I find a lot of too small and too large items myself....

Maybe too big...? But I like the looks of this sling bag.

If they made it one order smaller, I'd be there!

Other ideas:

mini knapsack

Frost River's Field Satchel might be promising, too, but it also looks big. Or rather, I don't see listed dimensions, and "iPad-sized" can get too long, fast.

Get a Shell Bag-- you'll be ready for anything!

-- I don't have any of these yet, but can vouch for Duluth/Frost River's quailty.

I pretty much just showed you my wish list. ;-) Your mileage may vary, but I like the (non-tactical) 'field' aesthetic, especially when paired with, say, traditional knives.

Another thought: Baggalini. The nylon(?) bags don't improve with time like good canvas and/or leather, but they are lightweight and sport a variety of useful sizes and compartments. Search for Baggalini Sling for a variety....

Leather bags are more expensive and/or heavier...? But there are some fine items out there if that's what you're looking for. I'd start by poking around Duluth Trading, Frost River, and Saddleback.

But that's just me.

[I love love love my Saddleback medium Satchel, bought before their prices skyrocketed again, but it's too heavy to carry easily/far-- more of a car bag that I take in with me as needed than something I would happily carry out and about all day.]

Good luck, and please check back in with what you're finding. I love stuff like this.

~ P.

 

[f250]

Pm sent with some suggestions...not sure if we are supposed to link other forums publicly.

 

[plumberroy]

I carry a generic version of maxipedition fatboy there are a couple makers mine is utg. I have drug it to work everyday for 4 years plus every where else I go Big enough to carry water bottle,snacks. F.A.K. space blanket sewing kit powerbank handsanitizer and still have room to put small things for my wife and/or grandkids

 

[jone]

The trick, as you've likely discovered, is to find something large enough to accommodate a water battle and essentials without being too bulky or more than you need. I find a lot of too small and too large items myself....

Maybe too big...? But I like the looks of this sling bag.

If they made it one order smaller, I'd be there!

Other ideas:

mini knapsack

Frost River's Field Satchel might be promising, too, but it also looks big. Or rather, I don't see listed dimensions, and "iPad-sized" can get too long, fast.

Get a Shell Bag-- you'll be ready for anything!

-- I don't have any of these yet, but can vouch for Duluth/Frost River's quailty.

I pretty much just showed you my wish list. ;-) Your mileage may vary, but I like the (non-tactical) 'field' aesthetic, especially when paired with, say, traditional knives.

Another thought: Baggalini. The nylon(?) bags don't improve with time like good canvas and/or leather, but they are lightweight and sport a variety of useful sizes and compartments. Search for Baggalini Sling for a variety....

Leather bags are more expensive and/or heavier...? But there are some fine items out there if that's what you're looking for. I'd start by poking around Duluth Trading, Frost River, and Saddleback.

But that's just me.

[I love love love my Saddleback medium Satchel, bought before their prices skyrocketed again, but it's too heavy to carry easily/far-- more of a car bag that I take in with me as needed than something I would happily carry out and about all day.]

Good luck, and please check back in with what you're finding. I love stuff like this.

~ P.

Some really great ideas. Thanks. I will certainly check them out. The only problem with some of the over the shoulder bags (and my current bag) I have found is that when I lean forward the bag slides around too. Quite annoying when trying to try the shoelaces of an active three year old! That's why I'm on the search. Thanks again. I love the products from Duluth!

 

[jone]

Pm sent with some suggestions...not sure if we are supposed to link other forums publicly.

I carry a generic version of maxipedition fatboy there are a couple makers mine is utg. I have drug it to work everyday for 4 years plus every where else I go Big enough to carry water bottle,snacks. F.A.K. space blanket sewing kit powerbank handsanitizer and still have room to put small things for my wife and/or grandkids

Thanks for the help. Will certainly check out the info from the PM and the fatboy. Just out of curiosity, does the fatboy slide around much?

 

[AntCaps]

Iv got a maxpedition remora that works great it's nice and small but you can pack a surprising amount into it if you need to.

 

[gadgetgeek]

My current little bag is a maxped remora. I've added a small rolly-polly to the side for when I want to carry a waterbottle. The thing I've found is that single shoulder bags are good for some things, but long days with lots of weight is not one of them. For a few simple things it works well though. Its often mistaken for a camera bag.
i used to use a fatboy jumbo, and they sit quite well. Mine had the waist belt as well for when I really needed it, which wasn't often. Usually for climbing over something, or say a zipline (yes that did happen. Carried it with all my EDC stuff on vacation. Worked very well, and since everything was pretty locked down, no worry of a slick pick-pocket) It will slide more when full, but you get used to putting it where you need it for those sorts of things.

 

[plumberroy]

Thanks for the help. Will certainly check out the info from the PM and the fatboy. Just out of curiosity, does the fatboy slide around much?

the generic version I have has a velcro belt loop on the back to anchor it if you are walking much

 

[pertinux]

The only problem with some of the over the shoulder bags (and my current bag) I have found is that when I lean forward the bag slides around too. Quite annoying when trying to try the shoelaces of an active three year old! That's why I'm on the search.

Agreed! That's why your notion of crossbody/sling is a good one.

Thanks again. I love the products from Duluth!

Me, too. I just realized Duluth's sling bag comes in the right blue. Ruh-roh!

Continued good luck on your hunt....

~ P.

 

[sideways]

I'd go with this.
http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/base-camp-hot-shot_3.html

 

[jone]

Thanks for all the replies. I have checked out the maxpedition offerings. They seem well made - just wondering if too tactical for a woman to carry???

North face is certainly an option. I was trying to avoid the backpack - but it isn't a terrible option for longer day trips.

Pertinux - Uh-oh - the right blue certainly cannot be passed by! I day go for it. I'll eagerly await your review of the product and color!

Thanks again for the help everyone.

 

[rxavage]

I've had 2 Sandpiper of California bags for years, I use them for everything , including luggage, and they are as good as the day I bought them.

 

[flatblackcapo]

Hey Jenn, If a sling bag is the same as a messenger bag Timbuk2 has a small bag that would be very affordable that come in a LOT of color choices. Jen ( My Jen ) has had one for 3 or 4 years and it is holding up great.

 

[jone]

I've had 2 Sandpiper of California bags for years, I use them for everything , including luggage, and they are as good as the day I bought them.

Hey Jenn, If a sling bag is the same as a messenger bag Timbuk2 has a small bag that would be very affordable that come in a LOT of color choices. Jen ( My Jen ) has had one for 3 or 4 years and it is holding up great.

Thanks for the info guys. I'll check into those as well.

 

[pertinux]

Pertinux - Uh-oh - the right blue certainly cannot be passed by! I say go for it. I'll eagerly await your review of the product and color!

Alas, the oil cloth sling looks large for my purposes. Even if not, the 'right blue' would be a hard choice over a more classic/classy brown for this style bag.

For now, the Frost River Field Satchel, size Small, is leaning into the lead.

(images found on the interwebs)

Or would be if I were looking for a new bag.

Sheesh-- this is worse than knives!



~ P.

 

[jone]

Alas, the oil cloth sling looks large for my purposes. Even if not, the 'right blue' would be a hard choice over a more classic/classy brown for this style bag.

For now, the Frost River Field Satchel, size Small, is leaning into the lead.

Or would be if I were looking for a new bag.

Sheesh-- this is worse than knives!



~ P.

I agree completely. Worse for sure. I keep finding new bags i really "need" with every search! I keep reminding myself that the kids really do enjoy three meals a day!