Hunting pouch strap leather

[phoenix511]

What do the Forum hunting pouch makers use for pouch straps? And how wide?

Most straps I've were 1 1/2" wide as I have hand-forged buckles of that width. I've used 2-3oz calfskin, but it seems too light and may not wear well.

The 4-5oz veg tanned seems stiff and chafes my neck. The fabric and woven straps are very comfortable, but I'd like to stay with leather.

After dyeing (Feibings dye diluted w/90% alcohol, about 70/30), the straps are stiff, even with an application of natural Neatsfoot oil and much bending and twisting.

Thinner straps seems more comfortable, the thicker more durable. And I'm ML bird hunter in the US central states, so cold rain and wet snow will prevail this fall, so I'd want the straps to survive.

 

[50cal.cliff]

Leather will do well but would require some oiling with something such a pure neatsfoot or mink oil.

I would suggest about 6 oz. if you go with leather.Then again you could double the cave skin and probably be OK. If you go with leather you might think about sewing in an adjustable shoulder padded area also. One that will slide up and down the strap.
This one was done with a leather strap, 2" in width. Can't say how it felt as I never got to carry it. When I got it finished a friend liked and I gave it too him!

Truthly the web type strap will work well as it can be more comfortable on long distance.Lines are comfortable to the shoulder and wear well too.

I think crazy crow trading post sells web type straps, although I am not sure what material they are made of. Some of the guys make their own by doing theirs on a loom.

I am sure others will chime in about this and they may have some more ideas on what to use and where to get them from if you don't do your own.

Here is one I bought for my powder horn and it came from Walleyworld before they downs sized their sewing dept. I am not sure if they still carry that type of thing anymore!

 

[Stumpkiller]

Mine have 1-1/2" and 2" wide straps. As Cliff said - something like 6 oz and pretty limber.

I also have one with a 1-1/2" wide woven jute fiber strap. That's very nice to wear.

My horn strap is jute with a buckskin edging.

 

[necchi]

The 4-5oz veg tanned seems stiff and chafes my neck.

I make the strap in 3 pcs.
The center section that goes over the shoulder is still an 1 1/2" wide but cut in an arch or curved shape. That keeps the strap on my shoulder and not riding up on my neck.

If you have a peice wide enough, cut a section 24" long with a 2-3" drop from center to each end.
Then punch a series of holes so the sections can be laced together, when you stitch the whole thing to the bag, tip the strap at a slight angle outword, instead of straight up,,it helps everything fit the body natural like

 

[SpottedBull]

I sew all my bags from 2-3 oz veg tan leather...and all my straps from the same material. Veg tan is tough and just takes a lot of oiling and working to get it soft. I will wet the entire bag and strap and add a little bleach to the water. Then as it begins to dry just start working it...makes it soft as can be. Then dye and oil and start working it again. It may take a little while but it gets good and soft again. and most all of my straps are 1 1/2" wide.

 

[BrownBear]

and just takes a lot of oiling and working to get it soft.

That's key. I like 2-3 oz for my average shooting bags (which are small and don't pack much) and 5-6 oz for any bag intended to carry heavier loads. Both fit your description perfectly when first built. I don't bother with neatsfoot, but that is a good idea. I just "bend, spindle and fold" my straps a bunch before I sew them in, but after dying. It softens real quick when you work it over.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

5-6 oz. veg. tan.
I generally dont like to go over 1.5 inches for a strap on a bag and prefer to stay below 1".