ManPurse At The Range

[Darrell]

Saw a bunch of Maxpedition "Versipacks" at the range tonight--they sling over one shoulder, and hang at the waist on the opposite side (though I've seen pics of them worn on the same shoulder/side). One guy was trying a large semi auto pistol in one, and it did a good job of concealing it. They have a wall full of various models of the pack, I checked them out and was rather impressed with them. Doing a search once I got home, a lot of gun blogs, forums and such have written about them, I'll leave it to you to pursue if you like. Here's one article by Carteach:

http://carteach0.blogspot.com/2008/09/m ... -baby.html

And here's Maxpedition's page on them:

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/vie ... dproduct=6

I'd doubtless take some heat for wearing a manpurse, but darn, they did look effective as a possibles bag.

ETA: Oops, here's Maxpedition's complete line of the side packs:

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Max ... on-c65.htm

[Kommander]

Ever since Jack Bauer there has been allot less hate directed at "manpurses". On a side note I am developing a theory whereas one can tell a great deal about a person from the type of purse/man bag that they carry.

[Combat Controller]

Do tell....

[Dinochrome]

I've got a "possibles-bag" made out of moose-hide that I carry at Rendezvous alongside a hand-forged knife and powder horn.
Because my elkskin britches dont have pockets, I carry my wallet in there but NOBODY has ever called it a purse,...

[First Shirt]

I've got a "possibles-bag" made out of moose-hide that I carry at Rendezvous alongside a hand-forged knife and powder horn.
Because my elkskin britches dont have pockets, I carry my wallet in there but NOBODY has ever called it a purse,...

Probably because of the hand-forged knife!

[Lokidude]

I have a Maxpedition KISS that I got from Midway, and I love the thing. It conceals a 5" 10mm and two spare magazines easily. I really need to put up a "What's in my manbag" blogpost sometime.

[Combat Controller]

I carry much of it on my person, I do have a two briefcases though. One for around town and one for airlines. The regular one also has a .45 ACP in it with a reload plus a spare flashlight, batteries and knife. I am trying to travel light these days, everything else I could need resides in the car or at my house.

So, multi tool, gun, reload, light, wallet and phone on me.

[Legman688]

Shoot, I figured everyone on this forum knew about Maxpedition Versipacks. I have been using a black Jumbo K.I.S.S. as my E.D.C. bag since January of this year.

I like the Jumbo because it has a dedicated water bottle pocket, and because I could be pretty sure aforehand that the concealed-carry pocket would be big enough to hold my iPad. Yes, I bought the bag as a dedicated iPad carrier, with E.D.C./GOOD bag capability.

However, I DO NOT recommend the KISS version for EDC. I got it for a really good deal on Amazon, but it has one less (substantial) exterior pocket, and ZERO in the way of internal dividers, elastic loops, etc. By the time I get done buying accessory pockets and organizers to actually organize all the stuff I carry in it, I will have spent more money than if I had just bought the regular or EDC version from the get go.

The other problem with Versipacks, as Carteach points out, is that they absolutely SCREAM "SHOOT ME FIRST," even more perhaps than a shoot-me-first vest. I am not sure how much of a problem that is in the real world - I somehow doubt that many robbers or terrorists really keep up on tacticool accessories. Nevertheless I find the problem concerning enough that the other night I went to eBags to see what else was available that would be more "grey man." I was not impressed with any of the offerings. I tend to be very hard on gear, and I do like the indestructibility of the Maxpedition stuff.

However, if you get the regular or S-type Jumbo or Fatboy models, they are available in a number of color combinations, including navy, red, yellow, orange, and burgundy, that don't scream tacticool nearly as bad. I really wish they'd do a navy/burgundy one, that would be gorgeous.

Also note that if you need more space, their Gearslingers may be worth a look.

Lastly, don't forget your towel! (also available from L.L. Bean)

[Combat Controller]

I have one as a first aid kit, but I think they look terrible and stand out like a sore thumb.

I prefer a more subtle bag. Although, has anyone noticed that even the "sneaky" bags still scream tacticool? Why can't there be an anonymous bag that is set up right inside?

[SoupOrMan]

I have one as a first aid kit, but I think they look terrible and stand out like a sore thumb.

I prefer a more subtle bag. Although, has anyone noticed that even the "sneaky" bags still scream tacticool? Why can't there be an anonymous bag that is set up right inside?

You almost have to take a regular bag and rebuild the insides specifically for the purpose of EDC. I have a book bag/ day bag that I carried through college that almost fits the bill thanks to an easily-overlooked third pocket which has not yet been used to carry a firearm from point a to point b for personal protection. It would probably work great for a handgun of 1911 sized or smaller, but current state laws being what they are, I doubt it'll be used for such a thing any time soon. It currently acts as my tornado/disaster bag, and I need to upgrade the first-aid gear for something more than just minor scrapes and cuts.

It's to the point where I'm reminded of a phrase I saw in a dream: "L.L. Bean Tactical." Too bad the company can't rebuild some of their business and travel gear for concealed carry.