Manbag, Handbag or no bag?

Updated 2nd December 2008 with a picture of Mac’s bag

Kenneth Cole ‘manbag’ bought in Dubai

I have been using the above manbag for 6 months or so now. Before that I had ‘dabbled’ with a number of similar bags, but never on a ‘full time’ basis. I sort of like the idea of the convenience of the bag i.e. everything in one place, no bulky pockets, no wondering where I left the keys etc. but on the other hand it can be inconvenient carrying it around all the time ……. bit of a Catch 22 that one!!!

Then there is the whole ‘masculinity’ debate. Sure carrying a bag around in Spain is perfectly normal for men of all ages so there isn’t an issue, although it is something that you can feel a little self conscious over at first. It doesn’t help when woman from time to time ask you where you got your bag from as they really want one!!! Answer is that it came from the MENS shelf in Kenneth Cole in Dubai.

Probably the biggest dilemma that I struggle with though is that of size. A computer or camera bag it is not, so at times I have to carry tow or even three bags with me …… a days photography in the mountains with requires the camera bag, computer bag and tripod as well as the ‘manbag’.

So what would I advise for anyone considering a ‘manbag’?

1. Consider carefully what you want to carry.

In my bag at the moment I have:

• Car Keys
• House Keys
• Fat Boy Keys
• iPhone
• Nokia N95
• Wallet
• Lens Cleaning Cloth
• Headphones
• iPod Nano
• Pen
• Business Cards
• Photocopies of NIE, Passport & Driving License
• A Notebook
• Promotional Flyers
• Various business cards, menus, flyers that I have picked up for the blog
• Sunglasses

2. When you intend to use it.

I wanted a bag that I could carry with me at all times i.e. not just on the beach, or in the evening, or in the summer, so I went for a pretty robust leather one that has the potential to wear well i.e. it started out looking pretty distressed. Previously I have used one only during the summer so I went with a smaller, more weather resistant Tumi bag (that I loved and still consider using from time to time)

3. What do you intend to use it for.

I am not sure I have got this right yet myself. One of the problems is that I love bags and consequently have a whole bunch of ‘manbags’, computer bags, camera bags, backpacks, briefcases etc. I have never been able to find the ideal bag!!

At the moment I tend to feel that the current bag is neither big or enough or small enough! If I was getting a bag now (well it is Xmas soon!!!!) I would be very tempted by the Tumi Townhouse as it would be big enough to carry everything that I currently carry without bulking out the bag which is what is happening at the moment.

I think I need to have a bit of a re think!!!

If you carry a ‘manbag’ let me know what you use and what you carry ….

Mac’s Bag

About Almerimar

Almerimar is located in the region of Andalucia, Spain. The nearest airport is 30km away in Almeria. Other airports that are within 3 hours include Malaga, Murcia, Granada, and Alicanti. Other holiday resorts in the region include Mojacar , Aguadulce and Roquetas de Mar

Almerimar is also one of the largest marinas in Spain with over 2,000 berths and excellent boatyard facilities.