Looking for a Side Bag for Everyday Carry !

TheBilly on 03/07/2021 - 11:15

Hi All

Wondering if I can get some good recommendations for a side bag for every day carry. Every time I do a google search with those words it keeps coming up with the military prepper bug out bag style gear which I’m not after, or if I do a search for professional side bag it comes up with those smooth slick leather satchel type things which I dislike.

My criteria:

  1. Semi professional look - I’m not after a leather fashion satchel nor am I after a end of the world military bag. But something like your typical laptop bag that has many different compartments and pockets to organise with. I also want a durable material that is easy to clean as I regularly walk through very dirty environments and it will scrape on walls and bricks and gyprock.

  2. Enough room to carry these items - IPad Air, Tape measure, spirit level, head lamp, leatherman, wireless earbuds, battery bank, sharpie, few pens, car keys, wallet, water bottle, spare change, business cards, a few USBs, miscellaneous charging cables, wall charger socket - contingency space for other things too (maybe hand sanitiser, face mask, some folded up paperwork, maybe even a small camera in the future).

  3. I would like it to be sized something between a bum bag or a full size 15-17inch laptop bag. Something in the middle. I don’t want it to be too big.

  4. I most likely have obsessive compulsive disorder so logical organisation of pockets is a must. Ie. having a change pocket that causes a bulge against my leg for example will be problematic, so all small pockets on the outside face. Open pockets for example ones with clips and a flap instead of zippers is a no no as I don’t like the security element. Not enough pockets so things have to be mixed and packed together is also a no no change must have a separate sport to pens or keys etc. Short shoulder strap padding that has no adjustability is bad.

  5. Has to be a side bag and not a backpack. As I open and close the bag a lot in my day to day work, I don’t want the hassle of flipping a back pack around while wearing a jacket or taking it off to put on the ground and remove my items.

Much appreciated everybody !

:)

Fashion & Apparel

Comments

  • Pelicannn on 03/07/2021 - 11:23
    +5

    Your EDC is literally everything but the kitchen sink.

    • TheBilly on 03/07/2021 - 12:34

      I work in construction. So I’m very mobile in multiple locations. These are the basics I need on a day to day basis for work.

  • brendanm on 03/07/2021 - 11:26
    +1

    13 inch laptop bag. There are millions available, I'm sure one will work for you.

  • MS Paint on 03/07/2021 - 11:46

    With that criteria I don't think anyone here can help you.

    • ozboygsl on 04/07/2021 - 11:35

      interesting that you seem to think you can speak for everyone here,,,

      • MS Paint on 04/07/2021 - 11:56

        I don't think anyone on ozbargain has a messenger bag with similar items inserted. Happy to be proven wrong.

    • Noblejoker on 05/07/2021 - 16:35

      whilst I understand the sentiment I often see people criticised for not giving enough detail or context
      Let's not shoot OP for being thorough
      Ironically, he has given us everything but an MS paint diagram

  • apsilon on 03/07/2021 - 11:53
    +4

    Search for messenger bag, should get you better results than side bag. Then it's up to you to find a style you like within your budget.

    • TheBilly on 03/07/2021 - 12:36

      Thanks for that, I didn’t even know that was a category. I’ve done a search and literally come up with heaps of options which on the surface look to be in line with my requirements. Funny how certain google words change the search.

  • Melencir on 03/07/2021 - 12:05

    Maybe watch some EDC bag reviews on YouTube?

    • TheBilly on 03/07/2021 - 12:41
      +1

      As recommended above I’m using the words EDC messenger bag and now I’m getting traction on videos and searches

  • dasher86 on 03/07/2021 - 14:16

    Just found this.
    I wasn't after anything but this looks great.
    https://www.myer.com.au/p/crumpler-strength-of-character?ist…

  • Mummy2 on 03/07/2021 - 14:18

    I find the bags by Crumpler really robust and long lasting. Normal prices I find them quite expensive but their end of sale is on now e.g. https://www.crumpler.com/au/billy-messenger-bag-black/

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 03/07/2021 - 15:07

      I really want to like the billy but it doesn’t even have a key loop let alone basic organisational options.

  • kerfuffle on 03/07/2021 - 14:35
    +1

    Have you tried Bellroy?

  • Switchblade88 on 03/07/2021 - 15:03

    What about a thigh holster?

    I've got one for my tools and the like and it's super handy; doesn't interfere with pocket access and works either side.

    Won't fit an iPad, but mine has a pocket that was big enough for my Nexus 7 tablet so it's not far off!

    • TheBilly on 03/07/2021 - 18:05

      Because I am in and out of different sites and going to client meetings I think it might be a bit out of place. But if I was a trade on the tools I’d definitely consider that as it’s very functional.

  • Donaldhump on 03/07/2021 - 15:53

    Google satchel bag

  • askme69 on 03/07/2021 - 15:57
    +1

    https://youtu.be/-d_VAWyCFE8

    • Ghost47 on 04/07/2021 - 13:11

      First thing that came to my mind too haha.

  • Marty-69 on 03/07/2021 - 16:02

    Have a look at Crumpler or Belroy
    [edit: Sorry, was already mentioned]

  • elanda on 04/07/2021 - 08:44

    You may find more ideas on Reddit at r/OneBag and r/ManyBaggers - both subs are filled with people super into all types of bags and finding the perfect bag.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/07/2021 - 09:49

    What about a sling bag like this..
    https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/ocz9pt/thule_…

  • saltypete on 04/07/2021 - 11:10

    Crumpler make sturdy, long wearing bags like this.
    As for Point 4….. YOU ASK TOO MUCH !!!
    Seriously, internal organisation on most of these things is at best an afterthought.
    You may be better making or adapting something yourself - you can probably do something awesome with some leather or canvas as an insert using a few basic tools.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/07/2021 - 13:58
    +4

    Looking for a Side Bag

    Make sure your main bag doesn’t find out about your side bag.

  • iffer on 04/07/2021 - 15:45

    You might want to add "cross body" / "crossbody" and "sling" to your search terms. Messenger tend to be larger bags but cross body will get you the smaller daily carry.
    As for OCD - maybe consider a camera focused bag - the movable dividers and sections might make it much easier to perfectly organise things
    eg https://www.lowepro.com/au-en/streetline-sl-140-lp36945-pww/ or maybe the metro safe range from pacsafe? eg https://int.pacsafe.com/collections/metrosafe-x-city

    Jen

  • Chuckles79 on 04/07/2021 - 15:51

    Check out anything by 5.11, commercial adaption of military kit, solid as a rock, never failed.

    I keep a few different packs handy but the 24 hour backpack is my everyday. The 24 hour is also great for 48 hour trips imo.

    I also have the 12 hour sling for day trips which might be more what you need. Any sensitive docs like passports I keep in a good quality waterproof bag inside the 5.11. Even has a Velcro pocket to grab essentials quickly.

  • ozboygsl on 04/07/2021 - 17:03

    consider joining an online forum that has folks with similar "prepared" outlooks. There's a lot of them.

  • FirstTimer on 07/07/2021 - 17:53

    I see your criteria. You may visit to nearest DFO. I think Oroton (brand) would be right choice for you and prices are ok too. Go on the weekend, they will have good deals. Hope this helps :)

    • kerfuffle on 07/07/2021 - 18:25

      I would hope Oroton in DFO is closed this weekend considering OP's location.

      • FirstTimer on 07/07/2021 - 18:28

        Yeah could be closed due to new restrictions

  • TheBilly on 08/07/2021 - 12:58
    +2

    I ended up finding a bag online called a Timbuk2 classic messenger bag which looks fantastic and comes in different sizes. I just need to see where I can order it to australia for a reasonable price as there doesn't appear to be resellers here.

    • yarbles on 09/07/2021 - 19:48
      +1

      I was gonna recommend Timbuktu. Theyre durable and well designed depending on the model.

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