REI is a respectable place. I have one near my work and I often drop by to pick up odds and ends. I bought a handlebar bag there for a century ride to keep a few essentials handy. Otherwise, I put a Topeak rear rack and trunk bag on the bike to carry my normal gear. If I need something out of it, I just stop and retrieve it. There are other brands but Topeak is widely available and has served me well. My trunk bag easily clips and unclips from the rear rack if I feel the need to take it with me for security. I recently commuted all the way to work on my Fuji and I used the Topeak bag in place of a briefcase to carry my work gear. Very handy.

I'm glad I don't live or routinely travel through areas where I would feel the need to carry a 9mm. It's a good thing too because Illinois is apparently the last state in the nation where the only civilians "permitted" to carry weapons are our criminals. The Wisconsin governor has or will shortly sign away their ban and that leaves only the state Lincoln would no longer recognize. Guns are always an emotional subject so don't be bothered by the criticism you are getting for mentioning them. Use your weapon responsibly if you ever need to and mostly just pray that you never have to use it at all. There are parts of this country where carrying a 9mm would be a good idea because of mountain lions if nothing else....

Ken