For goodness sake, what do you need to carry? Phone, wallet and some cash. That’s it.

 

I'll second that...

Provided you're in civilization (i.e. not hiking etc.)

umbrella, packable rain jacket: If it rains go inside - meet new people...
sunglasses: wear them
personal docs: if a passport is required put it in your pocket
snacks, water: I'm sure such thing are readily available should the need suddenly arise...

 

I have a Tumi "day bag" that's about 15 " X 12 " and works great. Holding also in addition to ThomGault's list a sweater if appropriate.

 

^^For a number of years I regularly used an Orvis mesh travel vest when flying/traveling in a way very similar to how you describe using your jacket pockets. I haven't been using the vest much recently, but still have it in the closet.



Given my long use and love of several Tumi products, I am inclined to second Andy's recommendation of the "Tumi Day Bag." You may pay a little more up front, but it is light to carry, is very solidly made and it will be in your service for many years to come.

 

You're dancing away from the answer, which is "a man purse".

One of the things I started doing as a dad was finding myself, at times, carrying a bag - and boy, did I like it! I HATE filling my pockets with crap, so moving everything to the bag was great.

I use what's basically a kind of messenger bag (there's a company called Diaper Dude which makes dad bags for men not wanting to carry a floral diaper bag); even though I no longer "need" it (my daughter is 6), I still find it immensely useful (and it's pretty light and unobtrusive). It makes meaningful EDC much more pleasant (a key consideration for travel, IMHO).

Not suggesting you carry the "dad bag" per se, but some kind of equivalent is quite useful (I mean, I carry 100ft of paracord in mine - how does a pocket handle that?)

DH

 

That's a fair point. My wife and I are expecting a baby soon, so I might be forced into a diaper bag, regardless of my wishes. I've begun to patronize the Tom Bihn bag company, which makes a wide range of bags, from travel bags to diaper bags to satchels, mostly in ballistic nylon. And I'll look into Diaper Dude, too.

I have a Tumi "day bag" that's about 15 " X 12 " and works great. Holding also in addition to ThomGault's list a sweater if appropriate.

Thanks for the suggestion, @Andy . From what material is it made? Is it a tote or satchel? Many of the non-luggage bags that I see on the Tumi website look like attache cases.

 

When I occasionally NEED to carry stuff from A to B, my bag is an old ammo bag from my air force days. NOBODY dares to call that a 'man purse'

Made of that 'webbing material' (or whatever it is called) that can be scrubbed with a stiff wet brush and in a faded green color (it is from before everything had to have all sorts of camouflage patterns).

 

Unless you have small children in tow, I’m not really sure why the need to burden yourself with so much.

 

For goodness sake, what do you need to carry? Phone, wallet and some cash. That's it. Unless you have small children in tow, I'm not really sure why the need to burden yourself with so much.

That's a great attitude until you get into a situation in which you need something. I presume you weren't a boy scout: "Be Prepared." Wait til you're in a bone-chilling downpour in the Scottish countryside, or standing in line for three hours at the Notre Dame when your stomach starts growling, or walking for four miles through the streets of a small Bosnian town with a blister and no pharmacy in sight. All of these situations have occured to me or my family, and all have been remedied because I had the necessary minimal equipment to resolve the problem. Without basic supplies, a great vacation can quickly become a hellish nightmare.

I'll second that...

Provided you're in civilization (i.e. not hiking etc.)

umbrella, packable rain jacket: If it rains go inside - meet new people...
sunglasses: wear them
personal docs: if a passport is required put it in your pocket
snacks, water: I'm sure such thing are readily available should the need suddenly arise...

Lots of situations go beyond what you imagine. One is not always near a building, and sometimes "going inside" means missing out of the purpose of one's trip...paperwork can easily overflow one's pockets...and its usually preferable to not pay exorbitant tourist prices for water or snacks.

 

I bit the bullet a year ago and got a leather murse. I hate sitting on my wallet, so in it goes along with my phone and keys. I can also fit a packed lunch should I choose. My darling 4yr old asked why I was carrying mommy's purse, but there's no shame in my game.

 

I bit the bullet a year ago and got a leather murse. I hate sitting on my wallet, so in it goes along with my phone and keys. I can also fit a packed lunch should I choose. My darling 4yr old asked why I was carrying mommy's purse, but there's no shame in my game.

^I think that has already been well established with the cat avatar.

By the way, I'm with the 4 year old on this one.

 

As a frequent, and frequently exhausted international traveler, I can feel a bit of the pain the OP is trying to convey.

First, I always wear a jacket. Several years ago, I started developing back pain from always sitting on my wallet. I moved my wallet to my front pocket, but this created a big bulge in my pocket that compromised the line of my trousers. I found that a jacket solved this issue. My wallet, phone, boarding passes, sunglasses and passports all go into my coat pockets. I became so comfortable with this method that I can now spot check to confirm that I have everything on me in less than 5 seconds.

When touring, I dislike a backpack. As the OP suggests, it is a security hassle and it makes my back hot. Plus I feel like I look like a school boy when toting a backpack though the airport. When I need to carry additional items like a water bottle, bandanna, compass, map, etc, I use a leather English ammo bag designed to hold 150 shotgun shells. If someone comments on my man bag, I can tell them to GTH since they are an obvious Philistine!

I used to hand carry a leather overnight bag as my carry on, it resembles a large doctors bag. But it became too cumbersome to drag around since I could easily cram 30 lbs of junk into it. I eventually broke down and bought a small Samsonite rolling case for the overhead bin. I kick myself for not making this switch years ago.

Cheers,

BSR

 

I have a Tumi expandable briefcase but like the day bag. If you are going someplace and need toiletries and a single change of clothes either could work.

 

If you don’t want a man purse, your best option is a fanny pack. The man purse doesn’t sound so bad now, does it?

 

If you don't want a man purse, your best option is a fanny pack. The man purse doesn't sound so bad now, does it?

Touché, you sly fox; you trapped me well. Although, earlier this year in Chicago, I saw a man with two kids and a fanny pack, and he utilized it very well. It was a black slim, smooth, possibly leather bag, and didn't look like the stereotypical tourist monstrosity. I was honestly quite jealous of how quickly and easily he handled the needs of his children...but not quite jealous enough to follow his trend.

 

That 5.11 tactical bag seems optimised fairly heavily towards someone who needs to tote a decent number of AR magazines within easy reach. An eventful holiday, but perhaps the OP is so inclined.

I think the OP should either revisit backpacks, probably. There are non tactical, non sporty versions of same, if that is a concern, the Filson photoprapher's backpack springs to mind, or maybe a waxed cotton rolltop rucksack of some sort.

By way of general comment, if I'm on holidays I probably would bring a small bag if I'm heading out for the day. Not to contain an emergency survival kit, or my clandestine armaments in case I end up in a desperate Taken style battle with Albanian organised crime to recover my children, but rather to hold stuff like a book, a camera, an extra layer I don't want to wear and (most importantly) to have a place to put anything that I buy, because I hate toting around bags from shops.

 

https://www.filson.com/small-rugged-twill-field-bag.html#sku=11070230-fco-000971914

This. Not a purse, not even a man purse. Small enough but will handle an array of emergency items. You can't go wrong with Filson.

 

I stand by my suggestion of not carrying a bag at all.

That advice was for city sightseeing (as stated), but then suddenly we had babies in tow (a completely different ballgame) and then suddenly we were in the Scottish countryside (again, a completely different choice of bags).
For city sightseeing I will not wear a backpack - not just because of how it looks but mostly because of the inevitable sweaty back you'll get within minutes.

How to go sightseeing without a bag, you ask?

Well, imagine you lived in that city (which you kind of do if you have a hotel room) and wanted to go and visit, say, a museum or take a stroll in a new neighborhood. Would you carry snacks, water, band aid etc.? Of course not. You would handle blisters when you got 'home' and were you on the very point of starvation, buy a snack from a shop. "Tourist prices"? Not in a city, and even so, I don't mind paying tourist prices for food and drinks on rare occasions if it saves me from dragging same around with me and not needing it.

A passport can be cumbersome to carry. I admit that in countries which require that you carry it on you, I'll play the 'dumb tourist' if I ever should get stopped and asked to present it. I can't think of any other 'personal papers' I need to carry with me all the time...

My wallet is a plastic 'container' that holds 2 credit cards - that's all I need.

Should I be in the dire need of a bag for city sightseeing, my vote is for the messenger style bag.

 

I don't think there is a perfect answer to this question. Different travel situations require different stuff and one bag will not fit all situations. Having said that here are some of my thoughts. (fyi I apologize if some of these snarky but there it is.)
1. Your married, let your wife carry this crap in her purse. End of story!
2. If you have young children carrying a bag while towing a 3 year is acceptable. No one will judge you. Of course better if your rich enough to have a nanny carry all the crap (i am not so rich.)
3. Any papers you need, like a wallet or passport should be carried on you or left in the hotel safe not in a bag. This is not Germany in 1940 and if you are travelling to places with similar requirements then you need to take special precautions.
4. The only bag which will have no questions of being called a man purse by someone who feels that way is a back pack. Get over caring what anyone else thinks.
A small fanny pack worn under a sport coat can be almost undetectable.
5. The right kind of messenger bag, be it a filson (i own a medium field bag and travel with it but usually have no reason to bring it with me on all excursions. I highly recommend filson from my experiences ) or a military type bag is masculine enough to get you by in most situations. (the tactical mesh bag is probably someone trying to sell them and not reasonable to normal stylish clothing.)
6. A light jacket can have interior pockets sewn in by a tailor which can hold numerous small items. (fyi I have plastic disposable rain parkas that are smaller than a wallet and weigh almost nothing.)
7. Carrying small water bottles in your hands is common practice everywhere. Buy them every few hours and throw them away. Anything more than 12 ounces and you need to accept you are not going to look that cool. If you need more or food for medical conditions than stop worrying what anyone else thinks.
8. Carrying an actual umbrella (totes makes small light travel umbrellas now if you know you will be in a downpour.) is not reasonable to most travel in 2018.
9. Learn to plan your day a little better. A quick look at the weather plus breaking your day into sections where you come back to the hotel is reasonable especially as you get older.

I wish you luck and please let us know what you end up getting.

 

Some really good ideas in this thread.

I would not discount the utility of cargo pants as well. Scoff if you will, but distribute your things between cargo pants, perhaps a fanny pack, and your wife's purse can work perfectly.

 

Regarding backpacks, security prohibition aside, there are many travel-specific backpacks that are built for travel with anti-theft features such as Kevlar anti-slash construction.

I use a day pack that cinches at the top. Unless someone slashes the bottom of the backpack, no one's going to be able to stick a hand in there. It has pretty good ventilation, it is very comfortable, with minimal structure and very low weight, so it's very packable in your main suitcase. Mine is strappy and not particularly attractive, but there are some out there that would work great for your situation.

 

^^Way back in the day, we used to carry our rucks, mounted on a light metal frame that maintained an airspace between the pack and our respective back(s). Even in very humid operating conditions, it seemed to control the perspiration problem described in earlier posts to this thread! LOL.

 

With internal frames, the pack can be closer to the body, making it more comfortable and just easier to carry. As you said, the trade-off is then that the backpack is closer to the body, making ventilation more difficult.

However, take heart! Technology has come a long way. Manufacturers use construction such as floating mesh panels to enhance air flow. My mountain biking backpack, for example, has pretty good airflow despite being close to the body. Here's a link to the Osprey company's description of the tech.

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/pack-design-technology/suspension

 

My vacation travel bag is a compact black leather backpack. Looks like a quality piece of leatherwork because that's what it is. No camo fabric, no external webbing and and no jingling collection of metal zipper pull tags - so it doesn't give the impression that I am confusing my vacation with either a covert reconnaissance mission behind enemy lines, or an ascent of K2. I use a combination lock for the main compartment and anything of value goes in there. If the pickpockets want to lift a pack of gum, the book I am reading or some tourist pamphlets and maps from the outer compartments, they are welcome to try.

 

My vacation travel bag is a messenger bag. I'm surprised nobody else mentioned them yet. They are quite common in Europe so you won't stand out as tourist. If they are good enough for Indiana Jones they are good enough for me.

They are great for carrying around maps, guide books, camera and spare batteries, sunglasses, a bottle or two water etc. And you can swing it around so the bag is in front of you for theft security.

If you are considering a messenger bag make sure it has the following:

1) the flap has a buckle and strap closure so it can be cinched down for security. Some bags use magnet clasps which make it easier to get into but also easier to steal from.
2) Make sure there is a zipper on the main internal compartment to act as second layer of theft protection.
3) My bag is 12x12x4 inches which I found is the minimum I want to go in size as a sheet of paper is 8x11. Tried smaller size bags but they didn't work for me. It all depends on what you're carrying around.

Kevlar fabric is not a bad idea. I had my leather bag slit at the side while I was on the subway in Barcelona. Didn't feel a thing and fortunately didn't lose anything as the bag was pretty empty. In the 10 years I 've been travelling in Europe the only city where I have ever had issues is Barcelona.

 

My vacation travel bag is a messenger bag. I'm surprised nobody else mentioned them yet.

Well, mentioned in post #1, #5, #26 and #27...

This is my 'messenger bag' if I absolutely MUST have a bag with me in the city. Genuine WWII army surplus (and used by me in the Air Force). Cost in a surplus store is a few dollars and the patina comes free with it
Measures 12 x 9 x 4 inches and can hold more than I would ever need. It weighs next to nothing when empty.

 

I am thinking a full briefcase for me is too much, but I too would like a general carry-all bag for when I run errands or will be out and about a city walking all day, such as NYC. I have backbacks and they are great for airports but I don't know that I want a backpack all day. Then again, a full carry briefcase and even in leather would be too much. I have seen some filson messenger backs on Ebay that look good, and then for the price, the LL Bean messenger looks good. There is a Mills canvas that uses like sailcloth but at $170 or so, I would spend a little more and get a Filson.

Any other canvas, waxed canvas or canvas/leather bags to consider?

Found this, pardon the wording:

https://nutsacbags.com/products/satchel-pro

this seems like filson
Like the big Sagnaga case

https://www.frostriver.com/shop/what-s-new/saganaga-travel-satchel/

 

I am thinking a full briefcase for me is too much, but I too would like a general carry-all bag for when I run errands or will be out and about a city walking all day, such as NYC. I have backbacks and they are great for airports but I don't know that I want a backpack all day. Then again, a full carry briefcase and even in leather would be too much. I have seen some filson messenger backs on Ebay that look good, and then for the price, the LL Bean messenger looks good. There is a Mills canvas that uses like sailcloth but at $170 or so, I would spend a little more and get a Filson.

Any other canvas, waxed canvas or canvas/leather bags to consider?

Sam, this one looks nice:

https://www.amazon.com/FRYE-Mens-Ca...6087956&sr=1-1&nodeID=7141123011&psd=1&keywords=frye+messenger+bag+waxed+cotton

 

Have a look at Billingham photography bags. If you take out or adjust the dividers, they make for great and good-looking city bags.

 

I carry the direct opposite of a tactical bag. It's an L.L Bean medium zippered Board and Tote. There is room for my sunglasses, a note book, pen and my cell phone.

I know I will probably buy a couple bottles of wine and a shirt or sweater or a piece of cheese. No need to carry bug out equipment or shotgun shells I hope.

 

I carry the direct opposite of a tactical bag. It's an L.L Bean medium zippered Board and Tote. There is room for my sunglasses, a note book, pen and my cell phone.

Actually, I have an LL bean tote, usually for going to the beach, and really enjoy its capacity, simplicity, and durability. It tends to be a bit heavy, but for short walks from hotel or car to the beach, its nice.

This is my 'messenger bag' if I absolutely MUST have a bag with me in the city. Genuine WWII army surplus (and used by me in the Air Force). Cost in a surplus store is a few dollars and the patina comes free with it
Measures 12 x 9 x 4 inches and can hold more than I would ever need. It weighs next to nothing when empty.

That definitely won't be mistaken for a purse! I like the durability. You mention that its light---how much does it actually weigh when empty? A military bag is a useful solution, but I'm not sure its for me; I did not serve in the military, and the only military gear I own are heirlooms from my father and grandfather, who were in the navy and army...if I used military gear, I'd feel like a poseur and somewhat insulting to the people who did serve in the armed forces. Otherwise, your suggestion is very promising.

I am thinking a full briefcase for me is too much, but I too would like a general carry-all bag for when I run errands or will be out and about a city walking all day, such as NYC. I have backbacks and they are great for airports but I don't know that I want a backpack all day. Then again, a full carry briefcase and even in leather would be too much. I have seen some filson messenger backs on Ebay that look good, and then for the price, the LL Bean messenger looks good. There is a Mills canvas that uses like sailcloth but at $170 or so, I would spend a little more and get a Filson.

The cotton and canvas bags that have been mentioned by you and others in the thread look great and clearly aren't a purse. While the aesthetics are good, it seems they are often large and relatively heavy; one of the linked leather satchel bags actually weighs more than my main luggage :\ Hopefully I can find a minimalist bag.

I don't think there is a perfect answer to this question. Different travel situations require different stuff and one bag will not fit all situations.
4. Get over caring what anyone else thinks.
7. If you need [to carry] more than stop worrying what anyone else thinks.
I wish you luck and please let us know what you end up getting.

I'm starting to agree that there just doesn't seem to be a perfect bag with aesthetics, minimalism, masculinity, security, durability, and ease of use for every situation. The bolded parts of your post really resonate with me, and i might have need to simply pick a bag that comes closest. I'm considering something like this in Deep Blue:

https://www.tombihn.com/collections.../collections/tote-bags-and-shoulder-bags/products/side-kick?variant=54885618631 It meets all of my needs, even if it doesn't appear overtly masculine. 9.6"x7.5"x2.8", 9.4 ounces, good interior organization yet plenty of open space, and still slim...made in the U.S. from durable ballistic nylon.
Perhaps 'masculine' isn't a look or a feeling, but instead simply requires having the proper tool (or bag) for the job, and being mature enough to not worry about others' judgment.
Of course, I'll keep a leather briefcase for the office, and heartier bags for outdoor recreation, but this may be the best bag for vacation usage.

Thank you, everyone, for all the comments. They've been enlightening, both practically and existentially.

 

When I do carry a bag it's a Tumi expandable briefcase. I carry when I travel (but am returning the same day) or to court or work, when I need files or documents. I generally have miniumbrella, notary stamp, toiletries and cables in separate pouches in there. I have an old Schlessenger leather briefcase which sits unused, I don't know why.

I bring this up because more and more, I am in the no-bag crowd. I try to avoid carrying it when just into the office or walking out and about. Walking around with it hurts my older back. It is useable but maybe a little small for overnight travel.

 

This backpack guy agrees with you. That'll serve nicely as a travel bag, and pending color selection, does not look too feminine to me. (I'd prefer their 6L messenger bag, perhaps)

 

Thom, I would like to be able to carry work out clothes, maybe a Camelbak water bottle, news paper and stuff like that to work. The bag you have is a bit small I gather, but looks better than my Timbuktu backpak draped over one shoulder. I think a Messenger bag style works for me, over a true briefcase style, and I hope to find one in that bullet proof dernier nylon or waxed canvas that does not have a lot of dividers. I went to little on a nutsac on ebay and lost out by $5 (usually it was $229 new and went off for $105). Been looking at LL Bean and Land's End today had 50% off one item and free shipping over $50 and they have a waxed canvas briefcase. I may try a Forest River or Filson on ebay. But Tom Binh, they have few of his bags on ebay, guess they are keepers.

 

Thom, I would like to be able to carry work out clothes, maybe a Camelbak water bottle, news paper and stuff like that to work. The bag you have is a bit small I gather, but looks better than my Timbuktu backpak draped over one shoulder. I think a Messenger bag style works for me, over a true briefcase style, and I hope to find one in that bullet proof dernier nylon or waxed canvas that does not have a lot of dividers. Tom Binh, they have few of his bags on ebay, guess they are keepers.

Yes, my family is quite fond of Tom Bihn products. My brother uses the TB messenger bag (called Cafe Bag) or TB Pilot for work; my wife and I each have a TB Aeronaut45 model for one-bag travel. The design, quality, craftsmanship, and customer service can't be beat, and bags are US-produced. Its a small company, though, and they cycle through stock quickly, so there can be a wait to get a preferred color combination.