I've been using an old backpack a lot recently because it's the only bag I have that is unisex (Aka. only masculine bag I have), and big enough for some of the items I like to have with me. Backpacks aren't out of place in learning, traveling, or hiking environment, not so much for shopping or casually hanging out. (Ever carry a large bag into a store wary of shoplifters.) The other bags I have are feminine, and too small for all the things I want to cram in them (cell phone, wallet, mp3, camera, pencils, scrap paper, small books, etc). I don't usually use my pockets because after years of wearing girl pants with pockets too tiny to hold my cellphone, having things in my pockets just feels weird. (and not everything can fit into a pocket)

Needless to say I've been looking for a new bag. Love bags that are light (after I fill them up they weight quite a bit), and have tons of compartments (less time I spend trying to find stuff by digging to the bottom). Aiming for something unisex, and planing to use it daily.

What do you guys  usually carry around with you and what do you carry it in? (or do you just use your pockets?)

i use backpacks or briefcase/messenger bag type things to carry my stuff. or i just use my jacket and/or pants pockets if its not a lot of stuff. you should try putting some stuff in your pockets like phone wallet a pen its good to have the essentials on you at all times.

I just use my pockets in everyday life. If I'm going to the mall or something I take a backpack. It doesn't look out of place or anything especially if you're in your teens/20s. Many guys do it.
People might make fun of you for buying a "murse" so do that at your own risk.

I don't really know what these are called, but it's probably your best bet. Lighter than a regular backpack and I see guys using them all the time, I have myself quite often.

If I'm just going to the store or something, I just put my wallet and cell phone in my pocket and I don't need anything else.
If I'm going to school or going to be gone all day, I take my large backpack because I like to put my laptop in it and such.

But, if I'm just going to be gone a little while, like shopping, and I'm only going to be carrying a few things, too much for my pockets and not enough for a backpack, then I use my back sack.


It's a perfect medium, imo. 

I usually just use my pockets since I don't carry much (cell phone, wallet, chapstick, ipod), but for my classes I use something like this that I swiped from my brother.




Just minus the medic stamp. He got it at an army surplus store and if you have one around they'll probably sell a plethora of bags like this. Usually in either backpack or messenger bag style. They range in color, size, and style so it's worth a shot to check them out.

I use my pockets. I just carry my wallet, cell, and keys.

I was helping my mother Christmas shop yesterday. Before we could leave the house she had to find her purse. She had her credit card and cellphone on the table but insisted that she needed her purse. Guess what the only 2 items she used while shopping were? Guess where they ended up before we even left the first store? My pocket. She didn't want to have to keep finding them in her purse. I don't understand.

too many thieves and pickpockets about these days to rely on pockets so a biggish crossbody bag with good zips or straps are essential.
Police progs show how sly and clever pickpockets are so we need to protect ourselves and a crossbody strap keeps the bag safe and a secure from most opportunist thieves and most have loads of pockets and dividers.

Messenger bag, all I've ever used. I made mine with a buttload of extra pockets so I could stash all sorts of stuff in there.

I mostly use backbag, especially if I got to get something to transform into something edible. And otherwise as well. I tend to carry my drawings equipment with me and the thing I use to keep my papers together weighs a ton (I'm too lazy to empty it).
Sometimes I use messenger bag, too. I have a big and a small one so I can choose the right one depending on what I'm gonna do.

I make my kid carry my stuff 

I have a messenger bag but I wish it had a few more pockets. I love it. Looking at getting a weather proof one tho

Chrome bags! I love my Chrome messenger bag; it comes with me everywhere. They don't tend to have tons of compartments, but they do have room for big things and little things. Tons of room. They also last forever, and if you position the chest strap right, make your chest look flatter.



Downsides are: they velcro and buckle shut and thus make noise to open, and they're pretty freaking expensive. My partner and I went halfsies on mine as a present, otherwise I never would have bought it. They're also considered pretty hipster-y, so unless you're into that...

Dog and cat hair and yarn scraps also love getting caught in the velcro.

Sorry for being a walking advertisement, I just love my bag.

I have a messenger bag that looks like the one forwantof posted, but in black, with the medic stamp on it. I got it at an army navy surplus store like 6 years ago.  a couple of the guys I work with have really similar canvas messenger type bags.

pockets or backpack. 

Quote from: Julian on December 12, 2011, 11:09:46 AM
Chrome bags! I love my Chrome messenger bag; it comes with me everywhere. They don't tend to have tons of compartments, but they do have room for big things and little things. Tons of room. They also last forever, and if you position the chest strap right, make your chest look flatter.



Downsides are: they velcro and buckle shut and thus make noise to open, and they're pretty freaking expensive. My partner and I went halfsies on mine as a present, otherwise I never would have bought it. They're also considered pretty hipster-y, so unless you're into that...

Dog and cat hair and yarn scraps also love getting caught in the velcro.

Sorry for being a walking advertisement, I just love my bag.

I have a similar bag to the chrome called seagull bags, but it's usually pretty large and heavy to carry around. I might need a smaller one.

http://www.seagullbags.com/

Quote from: Sharky on December 12, 2011, 01:40:25 AM
I use my pockets. I just carry my wallet, cell, and keys.

Same. I never need anything else, so I don't see the point of a bag.

On a semi-related note, the ONE time I put my wallet in my backpack at school, one of my buddies called me out on it. He said "You have a man wallet, so it's small enough to fit in your pockets. Why put it in your backpack?" I'm gonna have to say that where I live, outside of school, not many guys have bags or put their wallets/cell/keys/etc. in them if they do.

Basically, if you can fit it in your pocket, that's where it should be. Hands included. 

Quote from: Sharky on December 12, 2011, 01:40:25 AM
I use my pockets. I just carry my wallet, cell, and keys.

Same here.  If I ever need to carry anything else, I try to stuff it in a pocket.  If that doesn't work, I probably don't need it.  But if I'll be gone for a while, like an overnight or weekend trip, I take a backpack.  Just medium sized, two straps.

Those back sacks remind of ones I used as a little kid.  I wouldn't use one now, but that's just me.

Since you have a camera, what about a large camera bag?

Quote from: Julian on December 12, 2011, 11:09:46 AM
Chrome bags! I love my Chrome messenger bag; it comes with me everywhere. They don't tend to have tons of compartments, but they do have room for big things and little things. Tons of room. They also last forever, and if you position the chest strap right, make your chest look flatter.

Downsides are: they velcro and buckle shut and thus make noise to open, and they're pretty freaking expensive. My partner and I went halfsies on mine as a present, otherwise I never would have bought it. They're also considered pretty hipster-y, so unless you're into that...

Dog and cat hair and yarn scraps also love getting caught in the velcro.

Sorry for being a walking advertisement, I just love my bag.

I second this! I bike around everywhere so I take my bag where ever I ride, lol. If I want something smaller, I have a recycled messenger bag that my mom got me in Cambodia, somewhat similar to this:



I suppose that's not for everyone though - too hip/femme/whatever.

I carry an extra small timbuk2 messenger bag.  It's masculine looking and has plenty of room for everything that I have to carry.