Waterproofing Shooting Bags

[Marc Adamchek]

I've been at this so long and I've got so many bags you'd think I would've solved this by now, but the simple truth is when push comes to shove, I'm always afraid of messing with the dye(s) of the leather that comprise either the whole bag (straps incl.) or the main body.

Anybody out there got any words of wisdom on this subject, and what they'd recommend? I must have every leather balm/dressing product known to man - my favorite of the past couple years being Montana Pitch Blend. Fairly aggressive, greasy stuff best applied by rubbing a small amount into your hands to get it all warm and then rub it all over and over - well, ya get the picture.

Got some stuff called Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP (Leather Preservative) about a year ago that I recent found hiding in the bowels of my work bench - never used - must've gotten that a couple years ago on someone's recommendation , looks interesting and actually gentler than the MPB, might be worth a shot.

Anyway, I'm running off at the wrists here. Let me here some wisdom from one of you woodsman out there please. Have you found the need to rub anything into your bag(s) to protect and serve?

 

[Docgp]

Just me, I use my patch lube (mix of bee's wax and olive oil) on my leather. Probably the exact wrong thing to do.

Doc

 

[Stumpkiller]

I carry mine inside my outer layer when it is raining.

 

[Black Hand]

At best, you can make a leather bag more water-resistant. Any number of treatments will work - Pitch Blend, Sno-seal, Boot dressing, lard, Crisco, home-made blends, etc.

Just apply light coats and allow them to soak into the leather (a hair-dryer can be used to warm the leather to aid absorption). Buff any excess from the surface and you're out the door.

 

[Dave Marsh]

I try and keep things simple. Have one jar of sno-seal that I rub on to keep the leather in good condition. Like Stumpkiller it is under my outer coat in the rain or snow.

Dave

 

[Ranger1759]

I can't remember the name at the moment, as I'm not home, but I've been using the stuff that they use on the Australian drover coats....its oil skin...it came in a quart paint can and its from Australia, has a kangaroo on the label...it goes on in paste form and I use a heat gun/old hair drier to set it in the leather/canvas Im using... Once dry, it's not tacky, and highly waterproof....ill get the name and ingrediece on here when I get home....

 

[excess650]

mink oil or Lexol

 

[Billnpatti]

This is an excellent product that really sheds water. I have used it on fabrics but never on leather. However, it says it can be used on leather. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-NeverWet-11-oz-NeverWet-Outdoor-Fabric-Spray-278146/205160314

 

[George]

As Stumpkiller said, I keep my shot pouch under whatever I'm using to keep myself dry. As insurance against getting caught in rain with no rain gear, I treated my shot pouches with my beeswax-lard patch lube, heated with a hair drier to make the leather absorb more of it.

I have no doubt, though, if I'm ever out when it's raining enough to get the stuff inside my shot pouch wet, I'm not going to be shooting more than one shot from my flintlock.

Spence

 

[tenngun]

I agree,when the rain gets heavy I head for shelter. Game isn't out. So I keep my greased but if it gets heavy enough to put my bag at risk I'm head' for cover.

 

[Larry Akers]

I use Pecard's leather dressing. As stated, you can warm the leather to aid absorbtion,

 

[don hepler]

I'm using Harley Davidson leather preservative. It worked on my HD, but never really got my shooting bag out in rain.

 

[Ridge]

The Harley stuff is just mink oil if I remember correctly. I have a couple containers of it downstairs myself.

I don't worry about waterproofing my shot pouches. Heck, the one I use to hunt deer is made from a thin (ish) cotton material.

Even a squirrel has enough sense to get in out of the rain. :blah: