I have carried a murse for 20+ years can’t stand having things in my pocket and once I got beyond wallet and keys (cell, readers, mints etc) it became a must. I always wear cross-slung so strap and bag design need to accommodate that.
Since I’m a photographer, small camera bags became the natural fit- just remove the padded insert and you have a perfect nondescript shoulder bag.
My first was a Domke J803
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/218284-REG/Domke_701_J83_J_803_Digital_Satchel.html
The 803 (they make the F-line of canvas and the J line in Ballistic Nylon) is the perfect size if you carry a full size tablet or even a laptop. It’s gusseted, indestructible and made in USA- and for $185 ($135 in canvas) it’s a steal. Size is moderate at about 14”, it’s pretty stiff when you get it but conforms to the body in time and the ability to unclasp the gusset takes it from a svelt daily carry to a bin to cram your crap- it’s is seriously insane what you can get in this bag (spring morning going from 40°f to 75°f and I can cram my windbreaker, hat, scarf and gloves in this thing). They have a full line of small to large bags in various configurations, I have owned Domke camera bags since the mid 90’s and still have most of them.
My first 803 lasted from 2000-2014 when the metal strap clasp finally wore through the metal eye on the bag- then I bought my second one and that one is still going (although looking rather shabby).
Last year I finally upgraded to a Billingham small Hadley Pro. This is a bit smaller and boxier than the Domke (more like a hunting game bag in size) but is just pure class.
https://billingham.com/products/hadley-small-pro-camera-bag_colour-sage-fibrenyte-chocolate-leather
Lots of colors and choices on these- Billingham also has a ton of configurations including laptop bags and briefs if that’s more your style.
The Hadley small pro (the “pro” has the top handle is a must for me) is $100 more than the Domke and made in England, but it’s such a lovely little bag with it leather trim and hardware. Padded insert snaps out leaving a nice open compartment, pockets on the front take the smaller things. It lacks the pen slots and all the little zipper compartments and hidey-holes the Domke has which I loved, but I’ve figured out how to work around that and have actually grown fond of the design
I’m really fussy when it comes to my bags (me, fussy? Noooo)- need to cross sling, can’t be too large or it’s cumbersome, can’t be too heavy (so no leather) and needs to be able to stand upright on its own so I can stand it on a chair or table and keep it open. Both of the above do that. I tried Saddleback bags and they are beautiful but so damn heavy (weigh more than the contents I keep in them) and most fall over and don’t stand up on their own.
So don’t just think purpose made bags- camera bags opens your world up to a host of other options that may better suit your lifestyle.
