What’s in My Man Purse? A Volleyball Dad’s Survival Kit

I get a lot of laughs about my little brown bag. People love to tease the “Boy Scout”—until they need scissors, have a headache, get a blister, or find themselves with a stubborn sliver. Then suddenly, it’s Ask Mike.

I get made fun of on every trip, but I also get asked to borrow something from my bag on every trip. Whether it’s a volleyball tournament, a work trip, or that rare weekend getaway (you know, the one weekend a year without volleyball), my trusty bag is always with me.

For those curious about my secret stash, here’s what I pack in my Maxpedition small bag:

1. Victorinox SwissCard – Nailcare

This is the Swiss Army knife for carry-on travelers. The star of the show is the TSA-approved glass nail file and the famous Victorinox scissors. It also comes with tweezers (great in a pinch), a pen, a toothpick, four small screwdrivers, and a magnifying glass—perfect for aging eyes. I hesitated for years before buying it, thinking it looked silly. Now? I use it almost daily.

2. Toaks Folding Titanium Spoon

Sometimes, you just need a utensil. Whether I forget to pack one or the delivery driver doesn’t bring plastic utensils with my late-night Kansas City BBQ order, this camping spoon saves the day. It’s lightweight, packs small, and has proven to be surprisingly useful.

3. ChapStick

This Florida boy can’t cross a state line without ChapStick. I stash them everywhere, but this is my always-have-it spot.

4. Bank Line

Go ahead, laugh. But this little bit of camping gear has held hotel curtains shut, fixed a broken backpack, and even doubled as a clothesline. It’s small, strong, and ridiculously handy.

5. Fiskars Travel Sewing Kit

Lost a button? Ripped a seam? This tiny kit has saved the day more times than I can count.

6. Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash Pocket Soap

Sometimes, hotel soap just doesn’t cut it. These little sheets dissolve in water and work for hands, dishes, or even laundry in a pinch.

7. Bic Lighter

You never know when you’ll need to light a candle, start a campfire, or perform some emergency MacGyver-style repair that requires heat.

8. Moleskin

The king of blister protection. There might be better options out there now, but I have a stockpile at home, so I’ll upgrade when I run out.

9. Medicine Kit

• Ibuprofen – Because aches and pains happen.
• Imodium – Trust me, you don’t want to be caught without it.
• Antacid – Tournament food can be rough.
• Allergy Relief – New cities, new allergens.
• Band-Aids & Alcohol Pads – Cuts and scrapes are inevitable.

10. Electrolytes

I carry different brands, each with varying sodium levels, depending on the situation. Tournaments can be exhausting, and staying hydrated is key.

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This little bag may get its fair share of jokes, but when someone needs something, guess who’s the first person they turn to?

That’s right. “Ask Mike.”

So, what’s in your man purse?