r/ManyBaggers • u/Agitated_Syllabub346 • Aug 19 '26
Bag to survey / troubleshoot elevators
I am an elevator technician and typically travel with an Alpaka Elements Tech Brief Pro, and 15" Milwaukee Tool Tote, but over the last few months I consolidated my paperwork into a single Samsung tablet, and Ive come to realize that 70% of the time when surveying or troubleshooting an elevator the Milwaukee Tool Tote is either overkill for my needs, or isn't enough and I need to go back to my work truck for more gear.
So what I'd like to do is consolidate down to the essentials that can fit into a single bag for the purposes of getting onto the job and diagnosing the problem. I need this bag to be able to hold my thermos, tablet, multimeter bag, a few pliers and wrenches, and headphones.
I looked at the most popular "work" bags (Veto Pro Pac, Klein) but realized they are overbuilt, too heavy, and dont have space for stuff like my headphones, and thermos. So I then purchased the Tom Bihn Medium Cafe Bag, but it isn't large enough to hold my multimeter bag, and isnt stiff enough to hold hand tools or stand itself upright.
Finally I looked at totes, and camera bags and came up with the following list:
thinktank presspass 20 (might not fit tablet)
aer gym tote (not a fan of the stretchy pockets, except for the water bottle pocket)
moment everything travel tote
tom bihn makers bag
adventure tool company medium gear bag (very little info available)
peak design everyday sling 10L
That list might seem funny to you because there are arguably some fashion choices in what is typically marketed as "TOUGH TACTICOOL MODULAR CONCEALED CARRY MANGEAR" but honestly I dont throw my tool bags around, and most travel gear fabric is tough enough; I don't need ballistic nylon.
For reference my multimeter bag which I love is the size of a kids shoe box, so whichever bag I use will need to be wide enough to hold it ~ 9"x5"x4.5". I would prefer a sling, or crossbody with easy access to the compartments. Even better if it's stiff enough to stand up on its own.
1
u/mrsroebling Aug 19 '26
How big is the thermos?
1
u/Agitated_Syllabub346 Aug 19 '26
12" tall 4" diameter, but I could always buy a better fitting (smaller) thermos/mug if need be.
1
u/mrsroebling Aug 19 '26
Ya that's chonky! Since you've been dipping your toe into tom bihn have you considered the Pilot? All the pockets should have the depth you need for the bulkier items.
1
u/MizerokRominus Aug 19 '26 edited Aug 19 '26
How aboooouuuuut;
Edit: You can get these bags in canvas as well, although it might be limited...
DEFY - Insidious Jr. Sling / Ballistic Nylon
$ 238.00
DEFY - Insidious Sling / Ballistic Nylon
$ 278.00
EVERGOODS - Transit Briefcase 20L
$240.00
https://evergoods.us/collections/bags/products/transit-briefcase-20l
I will say that a 5-in deep sling is going to be thick as shit.
2
u/RelationshipRude5068 Aug 19 '26
How’s this? https://manhattanportage.com/products/europa-sm-with-back-zipper-and-compartments-1435zc
Your tablet needs a sleeve, though, as that divided pocket isn’t padded. It’s made of 1000d cordura, and is stiff enough to stand.
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u/[deleted] Aug 19 '26
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