Possibles bag choices

[pepperbelly]

At TOTW I have seen some reasonably priced possibles bags.
Is there anything that I should avoid, like suede?
I want a leather bag, can't afford elk right now and don't want canvas.
If it helps to help me make a choice, I have a T/C Hawken and am interested in the mountain man period.
Beaver tail flap pc? Fringed? Are these just personal preference or is there a period correct choice?
Jim

 

[brushbuster]

i dont know about p/c but i am going to make mine out of 4oz oil tan leather.this will make the bag more durable in the brush as well as being supple enough to keep things from rattleing around.i just went to the leather factory and dug througt the scrap bin until i had enough pieces to make three bags.they sellscraps by the pound and usually comes out cheaper than buying a whole quarter or half :m2c: :imo: :results:

 

[Grenadier1758]

I kind of like to offer choices. I like the variety of bags offered by October Country. Since you want to keep to a reasonably period correct bag of the mountain man period, I would think a simple beaver tail flap bag with no fringe would be most appropriate.
October Coiuntry
I think with most of the October Country bags you can select some options, such as side of carry.

Do stay away from suede.

 

[Ohio Joe]

I too avoid the suede bags, too flimsy in my opinion... TOTW bags that I do like; BAG-TAIL Possibles Bag $59.95, and, BAG-FREE Possibles Bag $39.95...

I like these two because they are heavier leather. I also like the fact that they do not use a brass buckle to adjust the shoulder strap. That's my personal opinion however...

Either bag from TOTW will do, and will fit in at any Rendezvous. You could make your own, but my understanding is that possible/shooting bags are an item that was bought to the annual Rendezvous for trade to the trappers, so "factory" made is acceptable.

One of these bags should last a lifetime plus, provided you treat the leather with saddle soap, or neatsfoot oil once a year, or when needed.

 

[crockett]

I thought the beaver tail flap may have been a little earlier, the longhunter era?? and the usage sort of overlapped so some were probably in the Rockies. One consideration is how much stuff you want to haul around. Some guys have to carry bullet molds and all kinds of other gear, more stuff means bigger bag. Check out the photos thread for some good images of original bags.

 

[pepperbelly]

I will carry balls, patches, caps and a capper, flask, measure, lube, cap tools, jags, and other small stuff. I'll probably carry powder in whichever horn I get.
Jim

 

[adkmountainken]

i have 2 good friends that are both expert leather workers. i have a colonial bag made for my 45. cal and a bigger fowler bag made for my 62. neither was cheap but both are awesome, hand stiched leather bags. i will take a picture of both latter tonight and show you. i could give you their email address and you could ask them about maling one for you. you have to see them to believe them!!
Ken