Is That Technology In Your Pocket?
September 8, 2015 1:11 PM Subscribe
In a very real way, what people tuck into their pockets signals what they care about. "Pockets matter because they’re personal. What we wear at our waists is at least as intimate as what we wear on our wrists, and what we’ve worn there over the centuries tells us a lot about who we are, how we’ve changed, and how we’ve stayed the same. We’re greedy; we’re vain; we’re hungry; we’re late. We want to start fires and listen to a thousand songs."
I wear an onion on my chatelaine, which was the style at the time.
posted by chavenet at 1:17 PM on September 8, 2015 [35 favorites]
posted by chavenet at 1:17 PM on September 8, 2015 [35 favorites]
I guess I don't care about anything, then.
yeah...that's about right, I guess.
posted by Thorzdad at 1:24 PM on September 8, 2015 [5 favorites]
yeah...that's about right, I guess.
posted by Thorzdad at 1:24 PM on September 8, 2015 [5 favorites]
Now, to take the ferry cost a nickel, and in those days, nickels had pictures of bumblebees on 'em. Give me five bees for a quarter, you'd say.
posted by msbutah at 1:25 PM on September 8, 2015 [11 favorites]
posted by msbutah at 1:25 PM on September 8, 2015 [11 favorites]
Pockets? Oh, that's right, those things that men have that don't exist (in any real substantial or useful way) in most women's clothing.
posted by sardonyx at 1:27 PM on September 8, 2015 [77 favorites]
posted by sardonyx at 1:27 PM on September 8, 2015 [77 favorites]
Cella, notebook and pen, dog poop bags, handful of kibble.
posted by notyou at 1:28 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by notyou at 1:28 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted here on the eve of the 6s/6s+ announcement, likely to be the death of decent pocketable phones (in the US anyway). no i'm not bitter at all
posted by stobor at 1:30 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by stobor at 1:30 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
I work from home, and my jammies don't have pockets. So I care about my jammies, I guess...?
posted by Greg_Ace at 1:33 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Greg_Ace at 1:33 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
...girdle books "were used symbolically to denote knowledge, wealth, intellectual curiosity and learning."I could go for that. I'd walk around with Molecular Biology of the Cell thumping off my thighs, back problems be damned.
posted by clawsoon at 1:33 PM on September 8, 2015
I can't remember whether it was a post or a comment, but someone on Metafilter suggested a while back that objects carried have now become an inverse wealth signifier; in other words, the less you have to carry, the higher your status is.
That Italian calculator advert is amazing. That woman is just about to show you some fucking math.
Pockets? Oh, that's right, those things that men have that don't exist (in any real substantial or useful way) in most women's clothing.
Not that you should feel bad for us, but American men are conversely discouraged from carrying many stylish bags, which as a man who likes bags is quite a bummer.
posted by selfnoise at 1:36 PM on September 8, 2015 [10 favorites]
That Italian calculator advert is amazing. That woman is just about to show you some fucking math.
Pockets? Oh, that's right, those things that men have that don't exist (in any real substantial or useful way) in most women's clothing.
Not that you should feel bad for us, but American men are conversely discouraged from carrying many stylish bags, which as a man who likes bags is quite a bummer.
posted by selfnoise at 1:36 PM on September 8, 2015 [10 favorites]
sardonyx, that's addressed in the article, which includes a pretty neat history of pockets, pouches, and other ways women have had to attach things to themselves (including the previously enjoyed chatelaines).
The solution mentioned in the article: holsters, low-slung pouches, kept below the "problem areas" of the hips. Sadly, I couldn't find Chanel's holster-thing in some quick googling about.
posted by filthy light thief at 1:36 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
The solution mentioned in the article: holsters, low-slung pouches, kept below the "problem areas" of the hips. Sadly, I couldn't find Chanel's holster-thing in some quick googling about.
posted by filthy light thief at 1:36 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
the less you have to carry, the higher your status is.
I heard that expressed with keys - the janitor carries a bunch of them, the CEO doesn't need to carry any.
Somewhere in between is the inverse - you don't carry many because you don't have much to lock up (ex. for 4 years I didn't own a car, and carried only house and bike-lock keys).
posted by Greg_Ace at 1:52 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
I heard that expressed with keys - the janitor carries a bunch of them, the CEO doesn't need to carry any.
Somewhere in between is the inverse - you don't carry many because you don't have much to lock up (ex. for 4 years I didn't own a car, and carried only house and bike-lock keys).
posted by Greg_Ace at 1:52 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
The keys rule also maps to, "If they go on strike, will anybody notice?" Janitors, yes; CEOs, no.
posted by clawsoon at 1:56 PM on September 8, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by clawsoon at 1:56 PM on September 8, 2015 [4 favorites]
I could go for that. I'd walk around with Molecular Biology of the Cell thumping off my thighs, back problems be damned.
Nah, it'd get in the way in lab.
posted by maryr at 1:57 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
Nah, it'd get in the way in lab.
posted by maryr at 1:57 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
notyou, add a folding box cutter (I do a lot of shipping and receiving) and you have the contents of my pockets.
posted by workerant at 2:06 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by workerant at 2:06 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
Any time I'm at a hardware or sporting good store I tend to browse the pocket knives. The idea of having a bunch of different tools in my pocket is very appealing, but the fact of the matter is I just wouldn't use it. I guess aspirationally I'd like to be the sort of person who could use a pocket multitool, but the reality simply doesn't match.
posted by codacorolla at 2:06 PM on September 8, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by codacorolla at 2:06 PM on September 8, 2015 [5 favorites]
sardonyx, that's addressed in the article, which includes a pretty neat history of pockets, pouches, and other ways women have had to attach things to themselves (including the previously enjoyed chatelaines).
Yeah, I would have liked to see what they thought of the modern female equivalent, which is purses. I'd rather have sizeable pockets than a purse, but since they're hard to find.... purses it is.
The contents of a woman's purse, if she has one, are just as personalized as pocket contents. Mine has my wallet, a eReader, a handful of pens and mechanical pencils, some pain meds, a multitool, a tangle of headphones and keys, some useful ID and credit cards, and pain meds at all times.
posted by sciatrix at 2:09 PM on September 8, 2015 [3 favorites]
Yeah, I would have liked to see what they thought of the modern female equivalent, which is purses. I'd rather have sizeable pockets than a purse, but since they're hard to find.... purses it is.
The contents of a woman's purse, if she has one, are just as personalized as pocket contents. Mine has my wallet, a eReader, a handful of pens and mechanical pencils, some pain meds, a multitool, a tangle of headphones and keys, some useful ID and credit cards, and pain meds at all times.
posted by sciatrix at 2:09 PM on September 8, 2015 [3 favorites]
Not that you should feel bad for us, but American men are conversely discouraged from carrying many stylish bags
I carry a bag.
It is NOT A PURSE.
It is a European Carry All.
posted by chococat at 2:09 PM on September 8, 2015 [4 favorites]
I carry a bag.
It is NOT A PURSE.
It is a European Carry All.
posted by chococat at 2:09 PM on September 8, 2015 [4 favorites]
True facts: I almost typed a comment about how some men of my acquaintance carry what are basically purses there, but they tend to defensively insist they're satchels instead.
posted by sciatrix at 2:13 PM on September 8, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by sciatrix at 2:13 PM on September 8, 2015 [4 favorites]
Step 10 and 11 and my google fu is failing me for the vintage silver ornate keyrings designed to be tucked into the waist of the sari. So it was flat, with a pen clip style but the front visible portion might include baubles and bells. My mother always had one when I was younger. Here's some modern shit.
All this is technology for when pockets are impossible.
posted by infini at 2:15 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
All this is technology for when pockets are impossible.
posted by infini at 2:15 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
Oh I was totally joking, I completely don't care about the 'purse' thing. My kids call it a purse, it's funny. Or a manpurse. Doesn't bother me. It IS a purse. It's awesome especially when I'm biking everywhere and don't want to carry wallet, keys, glasses, sunglasses etc. in pockets.
My phone, however, I still carry in my front pocket and have for years, which I'm sure is going to give me some kind of ball-tumour but oh well.
posted by chococat at 2:20 PM on September 8, 2015 [3 favorites]
My phone, however, I still carry in my front pocket and have for years, which I'm sure is going to give me some kind of ball-tumour but oh well.
posted by chococat at 2:20 PM on September 8, 2015 [3 favorites]
Men can carry messenger bags and backpacks, right? I guess nobody has briefcases anymore, which was the older solution.
I think implied in the article is that women's purses count somewhat the same. I suppose in my case, when I wind up pocketless (as women's fashion often renders me) there's the question of what goes into the boob carry. (If a person is busty enough, it's possible to tuck small objects inside one's brassiere without their presence being easily apparent: many types of cell phone, some folded paper money -- possibly id and a credit card, though those tend to poke uncomfortably.) Clearly those are the essentials.
posted by Karmakaze at 2:21 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
I think implied in the article is that women's purses count somewhat the same. I suppose in my case, when I wind up pocketless (as women's fashion often renders me) there's the question of what goes into the boob carry. (If a person is busty enough, it's possible to tuck small objects inside one's brassiere without their presence being easily apparent: many types of cell phone, some folded paper money -- possibly id and a credit card, though those tend to poke uncomfortably.) Clearly those are the essentials.
posted by Karmakaze at 2:21 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
Holsters, etc. still aren't really equivalent solutions. They're just purse substitutes. There are plenty of times I'd love to just grab a few vital things, stuff them in my pockets and go, but that's rarely an option. So instead it's grab the purse (or the holster or the chatelaine, etc. if you'd prefer) which is still an encumbrance.
I'd also speculate that having to carry something likely leads (at least some people) to carry more. At least I know it does for me, which is both good and bad. I'm certainly better prepared than your typical boy scout, but it's also an extra weight/burden.
posted by sardonyx at 2:26 PM on September 8, 2015
I'd also speculate that having to carry something likely leads (at least some people) to carry more. At least I know it does for me, which is both good and bad. I'm certainly better prepared than your typical boy scout, but it's also an extra weight/burden.
posted by sardonyx at 2:26 PM on September 8, 2015
I carry a purse, and I pee standing up. Sometimes at the same time.
posted by oceanjesse at 2:34 PM on September 8, 2015
posted by oceanjesse at 2:34 PM on September 8, 2015
This leather utility belt pouch has been my favorite solution to the whole no pockets problem.
It is big enough to fit my phone, lip stuff, a sketchbook and pens, and googly eyes because you never know when you are gonna need some of those.
Oh look, there is also an ecig sticking out of the top so ...um.
posted by louche mustachio at 2:41 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
It is big enough to fit my phone, lip stuff, a sketchbook and pens, and googly eyes because you never know when you are gonna need some of those.
Oh look, there is also an ecig sticking out of the top so ...um.
posted by louche mustachio at 2:41 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
chococat: Sorry, I think my tone didn't translate! I was intending to project amusement rather than irritation there with my last comment. :)
posted by sciatrix at 2:50 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by sciatrix at 2:50 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
... it's possible to tuck small objects inside one's brassiere without their presenc being easily apparent: many types of cell phone, some folded paper money ...
Acceptability may vary.
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:53 PM on September 8, 2015 [4 favorites]
Acceptability may vary.
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:53 PM on September 8, 2015 [4 favorites]
A while back I saw a Kickstarter for bras with a pocket or two. So that when you go out for the night you can carry your phone, credit card, and a key more securely than in the normal boob carry Karmakaze mentions above.
Pockets are the one piece of male privilege I miss the most since my gender transition. I kinda love it when fall rolls around, and I can use my lighter coat. Because it has two huge pockets that nestle almost invisibly against my hips. And I added a couple of D-rings with carabiners dangling off of them so that I can hook it to my purse when Seattle's weather is in that liminal place between "too hot for a coat" and "definitely coat time". Which also double as a place to hang a small bag or something when I'm going out shopping. Or hook my hat when I want to take it off for a while.
And in summer: this is my proxy for pockets. With just enough space for my most absolutely crucial things. Wallet, phone, keys, computer, and really not much else.
posted by egypturnash at 2:56 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
Pockets are the one piece of male privilege I miss the most since my gender transition. I kinda love it when fall rolls around, and I can use my lighter coat. Because it has two huge pockets that nestle almost invisibly against my hips. And I added a couple of D-rings with carabiners dangling off of them so that I can hook it to my purse when Seattle's weather is in that liminal place between "too hot for a coat" and "definitely coat time". Which also double as a place to hang a small bag or something when I'm going out shopping. Or hook my hat when I want to take it off for a while.
And in summer: this is my proxy for pockets. With just enough space for my most absolutely crucial things. Wallet, phone, keys, computer, and really not much else.
posted by egypturnash at 2:56 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
I carry a purse. I am a man. It's a purse.
It's a purse, because I don't think being feminine is shameful. I don't think women are worse than men. So, I don't have a problem with being associated with a stereo-typically woman's item.
Purses are so much better than pockets. (Also, my purse keeps my hat company on my hat rack in my office.)
posted by oddman at 3:04 PM on September 8, 2015 [12 favorites]
It's a purse, because I don't think being feminine is shameful. I don't think women are worse than men. So, I don't have a problem with being associated with a stereo-typically woman's item.
Purses are so much better than pockets. (Also, my purse keeps my hat company on my hat rack in my office.)
posted by oddman at 3:04 PM on September 8, 2015 [12 favorites]
I carry a messenger bag, I have 3 different sizes depending on my needs. But my transportation flips between bike, scooter, and mass transit. Usually, once I'm out of the house, I'm out for the day, so I like to have everything I need. Often, this is piles of photo gear. Sometimes, it's iPad, giant phone, lunch, some books and assorted etc. (like a rain jacket or umbrella these days, CO weather having taken a turn for the weird). I live for the days when I only need what I can fit in my pants pockets. And egypturnash I love your d ring idea and I'm going to steal it! Thanks.
posted by evilDoug at 3:11 PM on September 8, 2015
posted by evilDoug at 3:11 PM on September 8, 2015
I am a woman, so I don't have pockets. I do, however, have a really big purse. I call it my Mary Popping bag. My bag is filled with a varying number of smaller bags. I think 11 was my record. One bag has a variety of medicine. One has makeup. One is an emergency bag, with a first aid kit, mini survival kit, and Swiss army knife. There's the other emergency kit, with a stain stick, nail clippers, Static-Guard, mini-deodorant, nail polish remover wipes... Need something notarized? I have a bag for that, too. I'm a Girl Scout leader, and the go-to at work if someone spills something on their shirt. If I could find a bag that could fit a floor lamp, I'd be all set.
posted by Ruki at 3:20 PM on September 8, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by Ruki at 3:20 PM on September 8, 2015 [6 favorites]
I hate the lack of pockets in women's clothing. In some ways, it's actually convenient that I don't have much in the way of feminine hips, so I can just wear cargo pants from the men's department. Phone fits fine in the right-leg cargo pocket, even one as large as an iphone 5s in an otterbox case.
posted by rmd1023 at 3:23 PM on September 8, 2015
posted by rmd1023 at 3:23 PM on September 8, 2015
> Any time I'm at a hardware or sporting good store I tend to browse the pocket knives. The idea of having a bunch of different tools in my pocket is very appealing, but the fact of the matter is I just wouldn't use it.
When I started carrying a Leatherman Micra, I was rather amazed at all the uses I found for it that meant not having to go get the one pair of scissors that I keep across the room, the knife I keep in the kitchen would have to carry here and there, the screwdriver I can never find in the junk drawer.
Now I carry the Skeletool, which is not a huge number of tools (pliers, screwdrivers, bottle opener, knife, and the spring-clip which is comically listed as one of the tools), and use it daily. I never have get keys out of my man-purse to open a box. I don't have to think about where distant screwdrivers are. I can shatter a car window and cut the seatbelt. I once used the knife in a public restroom to slice an entry into a new roll of TP because I couldn't find the damn starting point by touch thanks to some bad leverage. Gotta tighten a screw on the chair that's working free? I guess I'll get to it next time I have a screwdriver in my hand... wait, that's right now because I carry one. And you'd better believe I open bottles. (Ever tried opening a bottle with that one on your keychain? you don't much, because opening a bottle while having a handful of keys is a pain in the neck.)
Honestly, I don't use the pliers/wire cutters much-- once in a while for a stuck nut, or a twist-tie that is poking out. But having a knife is invaluable, and a screwdriver is too.
It takes the act of carrying and using it to make you realize how much work you had to do in order to do without it.
posted by Sunburnt at 3:29 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
When I started carrying a Leatherman Micra, I was rather amazed at all the uses I found for it that meant not having to go get the one pair of scissors that I keep across the room, the knife I keep in the kitchen would have to carry here and there, the screwdriver I can never find in the junk drawer.
Now I carry the Skeletool, which is not a huge number of tools (pliers, screwdrivers, bottle opener, knife, and the spring-clip which is comically listed as one of the tools), and use it daily. I never have get keys out of my man-purse to open a box. I don't have to think about where distant screwdrivers are. I can shatter a car window and cut the seatbelt. I once used the knife in a public restroom to slice an entry into a new roll of TP because I couldn't find the damn starting point by touch thanks to some bad leverage. Gotta tighten a screw on the chair that's working free? I guess I'll get to it next time I have a screwdriver in my hand... wait, that's right now because I carry one. And you'd better believe I open bottles. (Ever tried opening a bottle with that one on your keychain? you don't much, because opening a bottle while having a handful of keys is a pain in the neck.)
Honestly, I don't use the pliers/wire cutters much-- once in a while for a stuck nut, or a twist-tie that is poking out. But having a knife is invaluable, and a screwdriver is too.
It takes the act of carrying and using it to make you realize how much work you had to do in order to do without it.
posted by Sunburnt at 3:29 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
iPhone 5, Swiss Army knife (Cybertool 34), Harley Davidson pocket watch, hanky, wallet, lighter, keys.
posted by Splunge at 3:43 PM on September 8, 2015
posted by Splunge at 3:43 PM on September 8, 2015
Huh. So chatelaines were basically like Victorian EDC. Someone could totally clean up reproducing some of those tools for present-day keychain use. Someone should do this, 'cause I would buy this stuff. (Apparently this hasn't gone unnoticed by EDCers.)
Re: pockets and women's clothing, though... I know I work at home now and the most fashionable I have to be on most days might be wearing capris, and I'm kinda genderqueer anyway, but still: I used to work out in the world on a daily basis, I'm a woman, and I don't buy shorts, capris, or pants that don't have real pockets. If I ever wore skirts or dresses, I guess that would be a different story, but nonetheless, there is no reason that "being a woman" must = "can't ever have pockets" or "has to carry a purse."
posted by limeonaire at 3:58 PM on September 8, 2015
Re: pockets and women's clothing, though... I know I work at home now and the most fashionable I have to be on most days might be wearing capris, and I'm kinda genderqueer anyway, but still: I used to work out in the world on a daily basis, I'm a woman, and I don't buy shorts, capris, or pants that don't have real pockets. If I ever wore skirts or dresses, I guess that would be a different story, but nonetheless, there is no reason that "being a woman" must = "can't ever have pockets" or "has to carry a purse."
posted by limeonaire at 3:58 PM on September 8, 2015
I'm just flattered that anyone's wondering what's in my pants any more.
∠( ᐛ 」∠)＿
posted by sidereal at 4:25 PM on September 8, 2015 [12 favorites]
∠( ᐛ 」∠)＿
posted by sidereal at 4:25 PM on September 8, 2015 [12 favorites]
Ugh, pockets! I once inherited a mens' pair of posh Paul Smith wool trousers because a friend had shrunk them in the wash (I'm a less tall woman, so they suddenly fitted me better), and was amazed to discover that as well as the standard front & back trouser pockets, there was also a hidden slender 'phone pocket' down the back of the leg, designed to keep your phone but also keep the line of the trouser clean, sleek etc. So I discovered clothes designers can make clothes to both function and form, they just don't, for women. Of course that pair soon died on me as I have more of a butt & hips than the men those trousers were designed for, but it was a glorious few weeks.
posted by conkystconk at 4:32 PM on September 8, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by conkystconk at 4:32 PM on September 8, 2015 [4 favorites]
Waist aprons: Not just for waitstaff!
posted by Sys Rq at 4:47 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Sys Rq at 4:47 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted here on the eve of the 6s/6s+ announcement, likely to be the death of decent pocketable phones (in the US anyway). no i'm not bitter at all
But giant phones are so much better for watching HD movies, television, and major league sports events, which makes the trade off in convenience and portability totally worth it.
posted by Flashman at 5:04 PM on September 8, 2015
But giant phones are so much better for watching HD movies, television, and major league sports events, which makes the trade off in convenience and portability totally worth it.
posted by Flashman at 5:04 PM on September 8, 2015
louche mustachio: This leather utility belt pouch has been my favorite solution to the whole no pockets problem.
I covet this so hard.
posted by cybercoitus interruptus at 5:09 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
I covet this so hard.
posted by cybercoitus interruptus at 5:09 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
Keys, wallet, phone, work-badge. The phone does see most of it's use as a music player (several hours a day), a bit of Scrabble and not much phone. I would prefer to have nothing in my pockets and when wearing any sort of coat, put everything in coat pockets.
posted by doctor_negative at 5:10 PM on September 8, 2015
posted by doctor_negative at 5:10 PM on September 8, 2015
The dockers mobile pants also had a phone pocket, but in the side of the leg. Also 4 hand lockets (pockets in pockets). They were pretty damn nice for being able carry a purse's worth of stuff without looking like you were carrying all of your household goods with you. I was very sad when they stopped making them.
I bought a Scott-E-Vest, which has 27 pockets between the shell and the liner, but I rarely have occasion to wear such a thing any more. It's already hot enough here, even in "winter." Overly bulky, too.
posted by wierdo at 5:46 PM on September 8, 2015
I bought a Scott-E-Vest, which has 27 pockets between the shell and the liner, but I rarely have occasion to wear such a thing any more. It's already hot enough here, even in "winter." Overly bulky, too.
posted by wierdo at 5:46 PM on September 8, 2015
I carry a purse to the office most days. It's waxed duckcloth and a soft lining in a rolltop design I sketched and my partner sewed. I hate having items in my pockets, and the tropical weather keeps me from wearing anything useful like a jacket, so I always have some sort of bag.
But the piece of 'technology' that's dear to me is just a sketchbook wallet*, because as my late granddad would say, "a short pencil is better than a long memory."
Whenever I'm working with my hands, either on cars or crafts or other DIY projects, I wear a canvas nail apron so I can easily drop tools and small parts in and retrieve them by feel. The ones I buy are less than $5 from the hardware store so they can be replaced when they're too grimy to wash and reuse.
I've also seen a lot of Asian tourists wearing a bumbag/fanny pack as a cross-body sling for their wallet, phone, and keys, which I might adopt if I can find one that doesn't automatically look like a repurposed bumbag from 1993.
*full disclosure: this is a self-link; we sell these now because I made one and people kept asking me if they could have one.
posted by a halcyon day at 6:10 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
But the piece of 'technology' that's dear to me is just a sketchbook wallet*, because as my late granddad would say, "a short pencil is better than a long memory."
Whenever I'm working with my hands, either on cars or crafts or other DIY projects, I wear a canvas nail apron so I can easily drop tools and small parts in and retrieve them by feel. The ones I buy are less than $5 from the hardware store so they can be replaced when they're too grimy to wash and reuse.
I've also seen a lot of Asian tourists wearing a bumbag/fanny pack as a cross-body sling for their wallet, phone, and keys, which I might adopt if I can find one that doesn't automatically look like a repurposed bumbag from 1993.
*full disclosure: this is a self-link; we sell these now because I made one and people kept asking me if they could have one.
posted by a halcyon day at 6:10 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
Keys (key ring has a bottle opener on it), wallet, phone, lip balm when I remember, Benchmade 556.
posted by rtha at 6:20 PM on September 8, 2015
posted by rtha at 6:20 PM on September 8, 2015
Multitools aren't pocket tools for me. Put one right at the front of your kitchen junk drawer, and boom, you've eliminated 3/4 of your trips to the basement or garage to get your real tools. And now you no longer need 4-5 random screwdrivers and pliers mixed in that drawer.
posted by mccarty.tim at 6:39 PM on September 8, 2015
posted by mccarty.tim at 6:39 PM on September 8, 2015
I wear 5.11 Tactical Pants specifically because they keep my iPhone at-the-ready on a front hip. They also have generous rear pockets and cargo pockets on the sides. The front and back pockets are reinforced, if you need to carry a Leatherman or a folding pocketknife that has a clip. They're available in several colors, too.
posted by Wild_Eep at 6:45 PM on September 8, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by Wild_Eep at 6:45 PM on September 8, 2015 [3 favorites]
I can't remember whether it was a post or a comment, but someone on Metafilter suggested a while back that objects carried have now become an inverse wealth signifier; in other words, the less you have to carry, the higher your status is.
This is very true, in my experience, and I see it in a lot of settings.
I carry as little as possible, not as a status thing (though I am sure that plays a subconscious role) but for ease and convenience, which means wallet, keys (and as few of those as absolutely possible), and phone, and ever anything more except when required for work. I love reading the lists and looking at photos of the things people carry, in large part because of the sheer amount of stuff most people carry.
posted by Dip Flash at 7:33 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
This is very true, in my experience, and I see it in a lot of settings.
I carry as little as possible, not as a status thing (though I am sure that plays a subconscious role) but for ease and convenience, which means wallet, keys (and as few of those as absolutely possible), and phone, and ever anything more except when required for work. I love reading the lists and looking at photos of the things people carry, in large part because of the sheer amount of stuff most people carry.
posted by Dip Flash at 7:33 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
Favorite alternative to "purse" for men: "go-bag." It can't be a purse; I'm The Fugitive!
posted by EatTheWeek at 8:47 PM on September 8, 2015
posted by EatTheWeek at 8:47 PM on September 8, 2015
There's an acquaintance of mine who wears this really kick-ass leather belt purse thing pretty much constantly. And why wouldn't she? It is awesome. There's another pouch on the back, and it can be switched from over the shoulder to an around the waist configuration. I've never coveted someone's clothing more.
posted by JDHarper at 8:49 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by JDHarper at 8:49 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
Skeletool (because a coin can be a screwdriver and a key can be a knife but sometimes you really need pliers and you just try jury-rigging those with two sticks or something), Fisher bullet pen, cheap keychain flashlight I won in a trivia contest (disconnected from keychain)*, wallet, keys, phone. This won't all fit in standard jeans pockets, so I have seasonal manpurses: cargo shorts in warm weather, a blazer when it's cold.
*Yeah, I could use the phone for a flashlight but it's cumbersome and slower to activate.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 8:52 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
*Yeah, I could use the phone for a flashlight but it's cumbersome and slower to activate.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 8:52 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
Fun read, I love this sort or thing. The few things I carry in my pockets I use every day, and there is a sort of intimacy about them that I'd never considered before. The fussing over finding one that's comfortable and useful in all of the right ways. The devotion once just the right tool is found.
I share Sunburnt's fondness for the Skeletool. With nothing more than that and the bit extender and kit that I keep in a pouch on my belt, I've disassembled a dentists operatory and the front of a Mazda pickup, among other things. Add a bullet space pen, money clip with a $20 and the necessary cards, and a usb key, and those are my tools.
posted by calamari kid at 8:54 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
I share Sunburnt's fondness for the Skeletool. With nothing more than that and the bit extender and kit that I keep in a pouch on my belt, I've disassembled a dentists operatory and the front of a Mazda pickup, among other things. Add a bullet space pen, money clip with a $20 and the necessary cards, and a usb key, and those are my tools.
posted by calamari kid at 8:54 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
Also, I am going to start calling the Skeletool a chatelaine. It sounds so posh.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 9:01 PM on September 8, 2015
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 9:01 PM on September 8, 2015
Chatelaine seems to be a pretty high-born word. From the Online Etymology Dictionary:
chatelaine (n.)
1845, from French châtelaine "a female castellan; wife of a castellan; mistress of a castle or country house;" fem. of châtelain, from Old French chastelain "owner and lord of a castle, castellan, nobleman," from chastel (see chateau). In fashion, as a type of ornamental belt, from 1851; supposed to resemble a chain of keys.
Also, the subreddit /r/EDC (EveryDay Carry) is a great sub for these. (See also the parody sub, /r/weekendedc)
posted by Sunburnt at 9:10 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
chatelaine (n.)
1845, from French châtelaine "a female castellan; wife of a castellan; mistress of a castle or country house;" fem. of châtelain, from Old French chastelain "owner and lord of a castle, castellan, nobleman," from chastel (see chateau). In fashion, as a type of ornamental belt, from 1851; supposed to resemble a chain of keys.
Also, the subreddit /r/EDC (EveryDay Carry) is a great sub for these. (See also the parody sub, /r/weekendedc)
posted by Sunburnt at 9:10 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
Yeah, I could use the phone for a flashlight but it's cumbersome and slower to activate.
I hear that, but for me the utility of carrying fewer items surpasses (up to a point) having The Absolute Perfect Tool for Each Job and schlepping around a bunch of things to remember to take with me/not lose while I'm out.
I mean, if I'm explicitly going out to take pictures I'll carry my DSLR and lenses, but most of the rest of the time I can use my phone camera to (less than ideally) capture a found moment and be happy enough with the results. It's a trade-off, and everyone has their own, but this one works for me.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:35 PM on September 8, 2015
I hear that, but for me the utility of carrying fewer items surpasses (up to a point) having The Absolute Perfect Tool for Each Job and schlepping around a bunch of things to remember to take with me/not lose while I'm out.
I mean, if I'm explicitly going out to take pictures I'll carry my DSLR and lenses, but most of the rest of the time I can use my phone camera to (less than ideally) capture a found moment and be happy enough with the results. It's a trade-off, and everyone has their own, but this one works for me.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:35 PM on September 8, 2015
I agree, but the flashlight is so small and light that it's a negligible addition to my change pocket. The camera thing, yeah, I'm trying to talk myself into getting a proper camera for trips and such.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 10:09 PM on September 8, 2015
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 10:09 PM on September 8, 2015
I feel the need to link back to this thread in here too.
posted by jenfullmoon at 10:53 PM on September 8, 2015
posted by jenfullmoon at 10:53 PM on September 8, 2015
A fanny pack/bum bag is another one of those things that never quite worked for me; I'm usually either not carrying enough to warrant using one, or I'm doing something specific that requires more gizmos+supplies than a fanny pack can hold. My favored container in the latter situation is a 2150 cu. in. (35 liter) backpack that among other features has a slot for a 17" laptop. It covers most bases reasonably well, I prefer to carry weight on my back rather than around my waist, and it also gives me the option of hanging it over one or both shoulders.
My full-fledged "photo safari" backpack is another matter altogether, but that's not really an everyday thing.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:31 PM on September 8, 2015
My full-fledged "photo safari" backpack is another matter altogether, but that's not really an everyday thing.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:31 PM on September 8, 2015
I was going to make a joke about fitting a Walther PPK with a suppressor in my pocket, but realized that in the US that's actually a thing.
posted by Harald74 at 2:04 AM on September 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Harald74 at 2:04 AM on September 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
Keys, wallet, phone, work phone. The thing about pockets is they're right on you so if anything is missing, you know straight away because you have a vague sense of unease coming from the direction of your hips. This is a big feature that purses/bags etc. don't have.
posted by kersplunk at 3:26 AM on September 9, 2015
posted by kersplunk at 3:26 AM on September 9, 2015
Also I'll generally have a 30 litre backpack on me with bike lock, headphones, notepad, pen, food... it works a lot better when cycling than one of those hipster one-strap over-the-shoulder bags.
posted by kersplunk at 3:43 AM on September 9, 2015
posted by kersplunk at 3:43 AM on September 9, 2015
Ugh, carrying stuff on your back on a bicycle. My main bag for carrying stuff snaps on or off my bike's rack in seconds, because the emergency's gotta be dire for me to put anything on my back when my bike could carry it for me.
posted by asperity at 7:53 AM on September 9, 2015
posted by asperity at 7:53 AM on September 9, 2015
The thing about pockets is they're right on you so if anything is missing, you know straight away because you have a vague sense of unease
Heh. I have an unconscious habit of patting my left front pocket to make sure my keys are there, and when we travel somewhere and don't rent a car it takes me about three days to stop going "Ahh! Where are my keys?!"
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 8:05 AM on September 9, 2015
Heh. I have an unconscious habit of patting my left front pocket to make sure my keys are there, and when we travel somewhere and don't rent a car it takes me about three days to stop going "Ahh! Where are my keys?!"
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 8:05 AM on September 9, 2015
... you have a vague sense of unease coming from the direction of your hips.
That happens more and more as one gets older, regardless of what's in one's pockets.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:08 AM on September 9, 2015 [4 favorites]
That happens more and more as one gets older, regardless of what's in one's pockets.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:08 AM on September 9, 2015 [4 favorites]
Oh man, I could totally go down all sorts of rabbit holes in terms of what I carry with me and how I carry it. I've refined this over years.
I've never been crazy about the actual knife on most multitools, so I typically carry that separately. I also travel a lot, so having multitools that DON'T have knifes can be very handy - think airport security. The Leatherman Style is so absurdly useful when I'm traveling, much more so than you'd think. Mostly it is useful for the scissors, but you'd be surprised how often the rest of it comes into play. The other thing I have found absurdly useful (that is also travel safe) is the Gerber Shard. I typically leave that on my keychain... You can open a box with it pretty easily (although not advertised as a function, the "slot" in the pryer has a serviceable edge) and a small prybar is one of those things you don't know how much you'd use until you have, and the screwdrivers are serviceable in a pinch.
Also with my keys is a utilitech collapsible pen that is ungodly useful, and is small enough that I completely forget that it's on my keychain. Everyone should have one of these. You won't write with it full time, but for all of those times that you think "I wish I had a pen on me" it's a godsend.
I have a few other small EDC like tools, but most of the others get relegated to the drawer.
I really don't understand why literally every multitool needs a bottle opener. I can have up to 4 on me without even trying - It's not like I asked for them to be on everything. You can actually buy shoes that have bottle openers in them!
I tried the up-thread mentioned 5.11 tactical pants, and they are immensely practical. I have a couple of a pairs I hang on to for photo expeditions, as I can load up the pockets with all my gear, and use a camera holster on my belt - which frees up both of my arms for hiking/climbing and reduces shoulder strain, while keeping my camera at the ready so I don't have to dig through a backpack. They aren't what I'd describe as stylish- they are definitely all utility.
Pockets and practical clothes are one of those things where male privilege can become VERY apparent. I sweat a lot, hate carrying a bag, and hate maintaining clothes, so I've been slowly refining my clothes into things that travel well, breathe well, have a lot of pockets, and are also fashionable... While so many mens travel/cargo clothes fall into the "HELLO I AM A TACTICAL FISHERMAN ON SAFARI" category, we at least have some other options that are more "city casual" or "business casual" that don't announce to the world that you like to carry a ton of things. I've managed to form an immensely practical yet stylish wardrobe over time.
Women? Not so much. If you are looking for that combo of capacity/easy care, then the two looks seem to be - as described my my wife - "Yoga Mom" and "Alpine Cyclist." I've been looking for options for her for a long time, and by god, she's right. I've streamlined my closet to the point that everything is so multi-purpose and useful everywhere. Meanwhile, she wants to punch me in the face every time she sees it - and I can't blame her. She is busty and petite, so it's difficult enough for her to find things that fit, let alone things she likes the style of AND are practical.
posted by MysticMCJ at 9:02 AM on September 9, 2015 [3 favorites]
I've never been crazy about the actual knife on most multitools, so I typically carry that separately. I also travel a lot, so having multitools that DON'T have knifes can be very handy - think airport security. The Leatherman Style is so absurdly useful when I'm traveling, much more so than you'd think. Mostly it is useful for the scissors, but you'd be surprised how often the rest of it comes into play. The other thing I have found absurdly useful (that is also travel safe) is the Gerber Shard. I typically leave that on my keychain... You can open a box with it pretty easily (although not advertised as a function, the "slot" in the pryer has a serviceable edge) and a small prybar is one of those things you don't know how much you'd use until you have, and the screwdrivers are serviceable in a pinch.
Also with my keys is a utilitech collapsible pen that is ungodly useful, and is small enough that I completely forget that it's on my keychain. Everyone should have one of these. You won't write with it full time, but for all of those times that you think "I wish I had a pen on me" it's a godsend.
I have a few other small EDC like tools, but most of the others get relegated to the drawer.
I really don't understand why literally every multitool needs a bottle opener. I can have up to 4 on me without even trying - It's not like I asked for them to be on everything. You can actually buy shoes that have bottle openers in them!
I tried the up-thread mentioned 5.11 tactical pants, and they are immensely practical. I have a couple of a pairs I hang on to for photo expeditions, as I can load up the pockets with all my gear, and use a camera holster on my belt - which frees up both of my arms for hiking/climbing and reduces shoulder strain, while keeping my camera at the ready so I don't have to dig through a backpack. They aren't what I'd describe as stylish- they are definitely all utility.
Pockets and practical clothes are one of those things where male privilege can become VERY apparent. I sweat a lot, hate carrying a bag, and hate maintaining clothes, so I've been slowly refining my clothes into things that travel well, breathe well, have a lot of pockets, and are also fashionable... While so many mens travel/cargo clothes fall into the "HELLO I AM A TACTICAL FISHERMAN ON SAFARI" category, we at least have some other options that are more "city casual" or "business casual" that don't announce to the world that you like to carry a ton of things. I've managed to form an immensely practical yet stylish wardrobe over time.
Women? Not so much. If you are looking for that combo of capacity/easy care, then the two looks seem to be - as described my my wife - "Yoga Mom" and "Alpine Cyclist." I've been looking for options for her for a long time, and by god, she's right. I've streamlined my closet to the point that everything is so multi-purpose and useful everywhere. Meanwhile, she wants to punch me in the face every time she sees it - and I can't blame her. She is busty and petite, so it's difficult enough for her to find things that fit, let alone things she likes the style of AND are practical.
posted by MysticMCJ at 9:02 AM on September 9, 2015 [3 favorites]
It's not stylish, but I love my Roadwired Pod. I carry it as my purse, and it's wonderful. They last me about 5 years, so I recently bought 6 off eBay, and put them in a box. Multitools, pens, meds, kleenex; all sorts of fun stuff fits inside. I really wish it had a pretty shell over everything, but that's life.
posted by Ambient Echo at 9:16 AM on September 9, 2015
posted by Ambient Echo at 9:16 AM on September 9, 2015
I covet this so hard.
The person I bought it from has a similar one for sale. Even if this one doesn't do it for you, he makes them in different colors, or you can request one.
I've had mine for several years, and the workmanship is really wonderful. The leather gets more beautiful as it wears. So very worth the money.
posted by louche mustachio at 4:26 AM on September 10, 2015 [2 favorites]
Oooohhhh thank you, louche moustachio!
posted by cybercoitus interruptus at 11:58 AM on September 13, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by cybercoitus interruptus at 11:58 AM on September 13, 2015 [1 favorite]
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posted by Steely-eyed Missile Man at 1:15 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]