A tactical crossbody bag helps me stay involved in life with MS
My 'handi-purse' is my best option for carrying and accessing essentials
By the time this column is published, I’ll be at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers‘ annual meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. I’m honored to be attending as a representative of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Multiple Sclerosis Committee. Along with the other committee members, I’ll help spread the word that PVA advocates for veterans with multiple sclerosis (MS) and supports disease research.
Most of my time will be spent doing exactly that, but I’ll also try to attend as many lectures as I can. Between the events, dining, and traveling to and from my hotel room, I’ll be moving around a lot. I’m going to have my hands full, which is why I use a tactical crossbody bag, or, as I like to call it, my “handi-purse.”
Ben Hofmeister attends the Consortium of MS Centers’ annual meeting with his everyday bag. (Photo by Michala Hofmeister)
My mobility problems began with my legs, but initially I didn’t have much trouble reaching into my pockets to access items like my phone or wallet. Even when I started using a cane, digging into my pockets wasn’t a huge issue, but it was challenging enough that I began to consider a fanny pack. Unfortunately, I soon graduated to a rollator, which meant a fanny pack was out of the question because it hung at nearly the same level as the aid.
When I started using a wheelchair, getting into my pockets became next to impossible because of my increasing hand weakness as well as the difficulty of putting a hand into my pants pocket while seated. A fanny pack worn on the waist wasn’t ideal for me, either, because it got in the way of leaning forward, and, like pockets, was difficult to access while seated.
I have a large zippered pouch with external pockets mounted to the right armrest of my power wheelchair. I can and do use it, but it’s really for larger items. Besides, it’s attached to my chair, not to me. I’ve never fallen out of my wheelchair and don’t plan on doing so, but if we become separated, it’d be better to have the bag containing my phone and other essentials with me.
Tactical is practical
A crossbody bag was the solution that worked for me. I actually have two for different scenarios. My everyday bag is a small fanny pack with the waist strap extended. I wear it over my head and across one shoulder so that the pouch itself hangs about the middle of my abdomen. This bag is my go-to for carrying my phone and wallet on routine outings.
Ben Hofmeister makes his way to a sporting event with the larger crossbody bag. (Photo by Sterling Hofmeister)
I also have a larger bag, made to be worn like a purse. This bag is the one I take when, in addition to the above, I need to carry the kinds of items that people with three kids take to theme parks and sports practices: water bottles, hand sanitizer, insect repellent, wet wipes, sunscreen, and adhesive bandages.
Both bags are tactical style. That’s not because I’m trying to look cool, or even because it reminds me of my past life in the Army. Tactical is practical — especially when dealing with MS symptoms. The material is generally thick and sturdy, and the fasteners were made to be used while wearing gloves. I don’t wear gloves, but with the loss of dexterity in my fingers, I might as well be. You don’t realize how easy pull loops make operating a zipper until you’ve tried to use one without them.
A tactical crossbody bag is another tool that keeps me involved in my own life and the lives of those dear to me. If you think one might work for you, find one you like that fits your situation and give it a try.
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
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Comments
Sheri Parra
Well, I was diagnosed with primary progressive in 2014 actually, I wasn’t diagnosed with that I was diagnosed with the other one just remitting for two years in the valley where I live and I got sick from all the shots all the medicine three different medicines made me super super sick so they sent me to San Francisco to the MS clinic and he took me off and said I had Primary progressive And I got better off all that medicine but my legs I’m having a hard time walking but I also have degeneration going on in my little lumbar really bad so the degeneration of the bone is the problem I’m going through right now and that is really taking my legs i’m so scared. I have family health I have the help. I’m still so scared. I have been upright my whole life being a hairdresser for 40 years 35 years. I’m just hurt right now because it burned. My nerves. Kinda is taking a long time to heal. I can’t stand a very long time right now. I’m not sure who this is gonna read who’s gonna read this I just never have heard anything about my disorder PMS and he has it and he was diagnosed the same year as me and he’s in wheelchair
Jacy
So very sorry, I'm saying prayers for you to have strength of body and mind as you navigate these MS issues. I too have degenerative lumbar and MS diagnosed in 2012.
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thank you Jacy!
Sheri Parra
I’m sorry that was a really long home. I’m interested in hearing more I think I’m 61 years old and my mom just passed away. I have kids 27 and 41 during my life a lot my granddaughter 23 with my great grandbaby seven months I have such a blessing with her, I took care of my mom to the very end. I was very close to her so many emotions and I know that it’s not good for my MS thank you for sharing and the tactical bag and being all that I understand and I will do. Thank you.
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thank you for sharing all that Sheri. I think bottling up emotions is worse for us than releasing them in a healthy way. I think you may have just released a few and it benefitted everyone who read it as much as it did you. Thank you again
Carolyn Meehan
I’m thinking a crossbody bag like Ben has is exactly what I need. I’ve had MS for over 40 years now. I still going, though not as quickly as before. Gives me time to see and ponder things I might have missed.
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thanks Carolyn! I keep relying on the wisdom of the MS and handicapped communities for my work arounds. Then I try to pass them along.
JoeZ
I'm with you! Mostly at least! I am not in a wheelchair but often wear a cross-body bag to carry some of the same things (portable charger, hand sanitizer, I can even fit a compact folding cane in mine). I do feel like it's worth looking at bags that are not tactical but have some of the same advantages, e.g., Aer City Pack and similar cross body bags are easily tough enough, lighter and with better thought out organization than many tactical packs, and I do like the aesthetics. So there are interesting options for those who want the usefulness but a different look.
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thanks for the comment Joe! And thanks for the suggestions too. A friend on LinkedIn sent me pictures of his non tactical every day bag and it bad many of the same features like zipper pulls etc. I've also bought zipper pulls etc from Amazon and modified clothing and other items.
Nancy
Been using a hip bag as my purse for years - way before MS time, at least 30 years. My MS version is larger than my non MS ones, but I need bladder pads & stuff that takes up more room. I also have vehicle related stuff - including a an Disabilty placard for when I am in other vehicle. My hip bag is my everyday bag, i also used a small backpack when I need to carry more.
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thanks Nancy! In the military I had pouches on my body armor, a dump pouch on my hip, and a fanny bag worn on the front for go to med equipment. I have no idea why it took me so long to work the concept into disabled life.
Sandra Lee Herl
Crossbody bag article xlent idea. I also have primary progressive y even at home, using a cane, clothing doesn't always have pockets (even tho I try).
Carrying a phone has become an issue. What if
I fall due to balance issues. Thank You for wonderful
Suggestion. Appreciated 💛.
Benjamin Hofmeister
That's exactly what I was thinking Sandra! I've never fallen out of my wheelchair, but if I do, my phone does me no good if it's still with the chair instead if me.
Jill Whaley
Benjamin , Thank you. This is so very helpful . When I have to use a wheelchair I had no place for my purse. You have thought it out.
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thanks Jill. My wife uses a cross body purse called a Sash Bag. If it was more accessible for weak hands and fingers, I might have gone with one of those.
Allison Morgan
Amen to crossbody bags.i used them before I was finally diagnosed in 2012. I liked being hands-free when, as a real estate agent, I was forever juggling house keys, making notes, etc. Now I’m just continuing to use crossbody bags. The form has changed a bit - no zippers at all - but that might change with something bigger to pull on, as you suggested. Thanks for your blog, I find it mighty inspiring. Keep up the good fight,
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thanks Allison! I wish I'd discovered them sooner.
Sam Willits
Benjamin, well done! This is so helpful to me. I was diagnosed with primary progressive in 2017 and am nearing the use of a wheelchair. I'm having a hard time getting things out of my pocket on my right side. I'm also concerned about the reduced storage I'm going to have when I move from a mobility scooter to a wheelchair. Thank you for putting yourself out there for us and writing this so well.
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thanks Sam! Once you start sitting, snug pockets are impossible to get in to but things fall out of loose ones. All the other storage solutions are attached to the chair and not me.
Joan Bondira
I'd like to add that attaching a caribiner to my crossbody strap comes in really handy too! You can hang a shopping bag, water bottle, etc. from it to keep your hands free.
Benjamin Hofmeister
That's a great idea Joan! If necessity is the mother of invention I guess disability is the wicked stepmother.