In these days of tightening weight restrictions, here's a useful tip for the Guys out there.
You too are entitled to carry a "purse". It can be a "fanny pack" or I have a small shoulder pack, that I use to carry our tickets, passports, my camera, MP3 player, wallet (think security), & cellphone.
I took this, as well as a backpack carry-on, and it was never questioned, (or weighted). When the check-in saw me pull our documents out of it, they assumed it was a "purse" .
I'm guessing they wanted to avoid the whole "discrimination" thing, if a Guy carries a purse.
Think about going on excursions, when you need your passport for money exchanges, or buying Cigars. It's a great answer.