The Controversial Man Bag and Why You Should Get One
Everyone’s got a check list before they leave home. For some it’s as simple as wallet, keys and phone and then there are others who have to carry a little bit more “just in case”. I’m the latter. When I leave the house, I’m ready for nearly anything and that’s how I like it. There are some guys who feel like packing a bag is too much of a burden. My response…. y’all are weird.
We are literally in the middle of a global disaster! If you also consider, seasonal changes, touching random surfaces with your bare hands, snotty kids and crowded public transportation… how can you not pack a bag? A bag to support you as you handle your business in these Covid streets is essential. So, being the generous person that I am, I’ve decided to compile a list of my must haves when I’m out and about. Hopefully, this list will support you in building up your own must carry essentials.
Securing the Bag
It all starts with a good bag. Get one that you feel comfortable carrying day to day. For some guys it’s a backpack or tote while others like a messenger or duffle bag. I prefer a mini duffle bag because it holds everything comfortably. I’m also able to dress it up or scale it down. When it comes to fabrics, I suggest you consider a worn in calf skin leather, or a soft workable leather. Stiff fabrics are prone to tears and break down the quality of the bag very easily. Zara has some good quality options at really affordable prices. However, if you’re looking to make more of an investment consider a higher end option from Coach or Fossil.
A Dopp Kit
For those of you who don’t know what that is, it looks like this.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post… we’re in the middle of a pandemic! So just to cover the basics, I suggest that you carry some hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes and a backup mask just in case. You don’t have to fully replicate your toiletries list at home but some basics can make all the difference to supporting your swag. I usually carry these items in mine:
- Hand sanitizer
- Antibacterial wipes
- A second face mask
- Lip balm (chapped lips = not a good look)
- Hand location (Ashy hands = not a good look)
- Cough drops (coughing in public = social death during a pandemic)
- Gum or mints (mask breath is real)
- A travel size brush
Also, because of my job I to look presentable at all times so I also carry these:
- A mini hair brush
- Tide to Go Stick
- A mini deodorant
- Dental string floss picks
A reusable water bottle
I really hope this doesn’t need an explanation.
I also have some additional suggestions for your consideration. Some people may say this is too much. I’m saying why not consider your options?
Sunglasses
It’s officially Spring and the sun is always out, why not keep a pair of sunglasses in your bag. It’ll elevate your look without having to try so hard. Right now, I’m rocking Ray Bans form the Clubmaster Series.
Electronics
Let’s keep it real, everything is done on our phones. One of my big pet peeves is when I’m out and someone asks to use my charger, or headphones because they forgot theirs. With that being said I always keep a charger, a power bank, earbuds or air pods in my bag and my iPad (for work). Carrying these items actually makes my life simple because I’m not stressing about my phone dying. Also, I keep alcohol wipes in my bag to wipe down electronics when I’m done with them.
Organizer & Notebook
I’m old school which means I still like to write things down. I keep an organizer to keep track of my schedule, deadlines and appointments. A notebook comes in handy when I have calls and meetings with my team about things happening at work. It also helps when I get ideas for this blog and my other creative projects.
Finally the Basics….
Under this category are the basics that I believe grown people from should carry everyday, rain or shine pandemic or not. Keys, wallet, pen and you’re done. If you’re leaving home without these than I’m praying for you. Drop a comment below and let me know if these tips were helpful or if there are other items you keep that in your manbag that I didn’t mention. Also, let me know if you reject all of this and will keep your essentials in your pockets until you die.
Let’s keep the conversation going.