I've carried a "purse" or "man-purse" or what have you for years-if I didn't have enough to carry to justify pulling out the old Alice pack (You military types will know what I'm talking about. Mine was surplus, got it for xmas 17 years ago, and through all the abuse it still looks the same as the day I got it.) or my briefcase, I still almost always want to have a notebook, portable cup (me and my beard have this thing against water fountains...I hate the spray catching in the beard and making me look like a shaggy dog just come out of the water, or alternatively just a guy drooling on himself), lighter, cigarettes, wallet, cell phone, pen, mp3 player, headphones, keys...you get the point. So about 15 years ago I grew a pair and decided anyone who wanted to make fun of me for wearing a bag to carry what I considered essential didn't count.

OK, got off track there. Kevin, It may seem strange, but a softsided laptop briefcase might actually be what you are looking for. I know that Walmart used to carry a laptop briefcase that had a large middle section where a laptop could go, and another for documents, and then various and sundry other pockets. Just leave the laptop out of the mix and you have a nice roomy bag for everything you need to carry and possibly one or two things that you just want to have with you. I personally have managed to carry books for three classes, a change of clothes and my lunch in mine-looks masculine without a doubt and holds everything but the kitchen sink.