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What is your recommendation for an EDC "man bag"?

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I've been searching for a while, and I must be missing something because I cannot find the "perfect" bag... What are your recommendations for a small EDC cross-body shoulder bag? By "EDC" I literally mean EVERY day carry. I see a lot of bags called "EDC" bags that are (IMO) much too big and complicated to actually be called "EDC". For this reason, I don't consider backpacks or slings to be "EDC bags" (I have both and use both, but never as my primary "go everywhere with me" bag - they are simply to big and bulky). Think about showing up at your buddy's place for a BBQ - would you wear a backpack or sling? Here are the criteria I'm trying to meet:
  • It will go everywhere with me, even from the car into a restaurant or bar, through airports, to the grocery store, etc. So it has to look good and be small enough to be unobtrusive. Being able to set it on a restaurant table out of the way (or hang on a chair between me and a wall) is a requirement.
  • Leather or high-quality waxed/oiled canvas trimmed in leather.
  • Attached shoulder strap (or detachable with VERY subtle clasps). I hate jangly brass D-rings and clasps
  • Vertical orientation rather than horizontal.
  • Cross-body wear with bag at roughly hip height, and able to be slung forward or rear-ward as conditions dictate.
  • Something most women would not use because its too "manly" looking (i.e. looks as little like a "purse" as possible)
  • Needs to hold the following:
  • Bellroy Travel Folio & wallet (with Passport, visas, & folded boarding passes when traveling)
  • iPhone Xs
  • 3.5" to 4.5" folding knife of 2 oz to 4 oz
  • Fisher space pen
  • 5.25" Field notes booklet
  • Glasses
  • Sunglasses (at times)
  • Keys with two remote fobs (in the bag, not jangling around outside)
  • Small EDC flashlight like a single AA or AAA type
  • Random small med stuff like bandaids, Advil packets, etc.)
  • Receipts in a binder clip
  • Note: Unfortunately, since I live in a place in CA where CCW is impossible (unless one has donated enough to the local Sheriff's election), I don't need space for a CCW.

For comparison, here are some bags that are *close* but not quite right
  • Nutsac Man-Bag, Dammit - don't like the horizontal orientation or the way the strap attaches to the bag, If it was about 3/4 the length it would be the right size. Make it smaller and improve the shoulder strap and this would be just about perfect.
  • Rothco Military Tech Bag (leather) - About the right size (a bit too tall) and minimalist design, but the frigging shoulder strap is too short!
  • Bolstr 2.0 - Good design. Slightly too big. Cheap-looking materials
  • Maxpedition Neatfreak - The right idea, but waaaay to many *#$*^ pockets and features! Also don't like the Cordura fabric (too tacti-cool)
  • Maxpedition DEP - The right idea in terms of minimalism, but I don't like the tactical Cordura materials. Maybe too small?

What else is out there...?
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MeloHYPE
5
Nov 2, 2019
Wow... I’m on the search for something almost identical, except I prefer horizontal orientation worn high up on the back. Closest thing I have as of now is the Peak Design Field Pouch. It’s a great little bag, with good internal storage, but I wish there was a waxed canvas or leather version. I also wish it could be slightly larger. I’m thinking of taking it into a local handmade high quality denim shop near me to see if they can recreate it somehow.
MrTrav
6
Oct 24, 2019
I think it’s time for Drop to give us a guys bag that’s a little more versatile than the Intern. I was whining of doing a poll of what people were wanting but do not know how. Maybe something like the Aer city sling. They’re kinda late to the game on this. I guess designing a bag can be difficult to get right. Did you ever find a bag that fit you?
Amafan
215
Sep 23, 2019
Take a look at Pacsafe Metrosafe bags. They are RFID safe and anti-theft protected. Various sizes. I’ve been carrying one for several years and it’s held up well. It’s got good organization but isn’t over organized.
reswright
3850
Sep 18, 2019
I'd get something that's close to what you're looking for and pay to have it modified. Especially if you've looked this long. Besides, the only thing cooler than that is if you have it made from scratch, which you could also do if you wanted. Mods are cheaper though. I mean, there's an easy fix to short shoulder straps, and I don't think your perfect bag's gonna hit the mass market any time soon. This way you can get the look you want, as slick as you like. Besides, this way the bag's a much better story that starts off with how you looked for it for years. Two cents, that's how I'd tackle it.
JT614
0
Sep 14, 2019
Did you ever find a solution
bpchristensen
172
Sep 14, 2019
JT614No. I kinda gave up but i’m still looking.
Rocklet
1
Jul 31, 2019
Don’t know if you’re still looking, but I like these guys. They do t seem to make the bag I have anymore, but this one is similar, and has a choice of sizes: https://www.sfbags.com/collections/shoulder-messenger-bags/products/field-muzetto
wdennis
24
Dec 4, 2018
Oh man, tell me you’re for real!!! I love a genuine and ridiculous loud naive narrator. I don’t think my jaw has hung open like that for a while. James Bond couldn’t have said it better.
bpchristensen
172
Dec 4, 2018
wdennislol - I'm not sure if that was a compliment or an insult...
wdennis
24
Dec 4, 2018
bpchristensenGood for you,  I do hope you find what you're looking for.  B
Fisher70
0
Nov 27, 2018
Arc'teryx Leaf Messenger 15. Black, compact, non threatening, no velcro or molle on the outside.
crimsontongue
40
Nov 25, 2018
Tom Bihn Side Effect or Side Kick? Can wear cross-body, sling, or waist with the gatekeeper strap. https://www.tombihn.com/products/side-kick Might be "too purse" for you, but scope the different material/color combinations.
bpchristensen
172
Nov 25, 2018
crimsontongueThanks. I’ve looked at both the TB and the intern series bags and decided they don’t quite fit. I’m coming to the conclusion that the thing I’m looking for simply doesn’t exist (at least not in the US). I see a lot of guys in Manila with little leather shoulder/thigh bags; i’ll probably need to do a bit of shopping next time I’m over there for business.
crimsontongue
40
Nov 25, 2018
bpchristensenI think Greenroom136 makes those kind of bags (but not in leather). https://www.greenroom136.com/ Sabra Gear also has a nice shoulder/thigh (again, might be more tacticool) https://sabra-gear.com/products/partner
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