I admit to being a casual bum bag wearer, they are very practical.

If I'm hiking and need to carry more gear I use a small day pack (backpack.

I hang things off my belt where I can (knife, mobile phone).

I'm like you, there is certain "stuff" I must have before I go out (knife, phone, Palm, reading glasses, money purse) no sporran can take all that without being too bulky (and painful to wear )