Messenger bag/Haversack

A

August West

Joined
Nov 1, 2009
Messages
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Anyone use a shoulder bag or have any recommendations. I need something to carry some assorted outdoors junk in I don't want a backback, interferes with shouldering my shotgun and goods aren't accessible without stopping and taking it off. I would rather have canvas and leather instead of cordura and nylon but overall looking for function over form so will take a look at anything.

I am braced for the murse jokes but really think I am going to try one. :p Chris
 
Is the Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack too modern for you?

It is plenty big, and doesn't have the 'bread bag' feel of many haversacks that simply allow your stuff to flop around inside.

TF
 
I carry a Maxpedition Colossus. Nobody has accused me of carrying a murse. Max makes great stuff.
 
Talfuchre said:
Is the Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack too modern for you?

It is plenty big, and doesn't have the 'bread bag' feel of many haversacks that simply allow your stuff to flop around inside.

TF
Click to expand...

I have been looking at that one, like I said I am open to anything, not sure it has enough room though. Anyone use one and have pics.

I was thinking about that bread bag feel you were talking about and thinking about using small stuff sacks to organize my stuff with. I have no idea how my ideas will work but I am really not satisfied with my current set up. Chris
 
Chris,

I don't have pics - but I carry my entire PSK in my Jumbo, as well as a Nalgene, AND have a lot of room to spare.

Here is what I carry:

Wayfinding:

1) DeLorme PN-30 loaded with USGS for the park
2) Suunto MC-2G
3) Button Compass on my match case.

Water Collection and Preparation:

1) Klean Kanteen 18 oz
2) Two Large Ziplock freezer bags secured with ranger bands.
3) Iodine drops
4) Water purification Tablets.
5) Nalgene 32 ounce

Signaling

1) 2X3 Glass signal mirror.
2) BCB Whistle
3) Fenix LD-20
4) Button LCD light.

Fire Making:

1) Custom made match case with Ferro rod inside - Strike anywhere matches.
2) Doan Magnesium bar with Fatwood chunk attached.
3) Lighter.
4) Prometheus Tinder Kit - Fatwood, Jute, Charcloth, Ranger Bands, Cotton Balls soaked in PJ.

First Aid:

Small first aid kit, bandaids, various pills and perscriptions, Iodine and the like.

Misc:

1) 2 Bandanna's
2) 2 55 gallon trash bags
3) Solar Blanket.
4) Extra batteries for Flashlight and GPS
5) Fishing Kit - tube that holds hooks, bait, sinkers, 2 reels of spyderwire, 60 yards of mono filament, and more
6) 50 yards of 550 cord.
7) Buck Paklite Skinner and sheath
8) Space Pen
9) Rite in the Rain booklet


I could also carry a fleece jacket and hat in this and hang a few things off the straps if need be.



TF
 
I got a gift card in 2008 while I was laid off and told to use it for something fun. I bought a bag called a tactical hipster it is a generic fatboy. No it isn't quiet as heavy duty as a fatboy. I have compared them side by side. but At a quarter of the price, it is not bad. I have carried mine every where I go for the last year and a half The only thing that failed was the key snap. I put a d-ring in its place I have a neopreme bottle cozy that was made for a 20 oz soda bottle my clean canteen fits in it perfect. It snaps on the d-ring
Roy
 
Filson makes wonderful field bags--- for a price. $220 for this one. I found one at Goodwill for $5 :D

pFILSON1-5257205p275w.jpg


Timbuk2 makes great messenger bags. A medium will hold more than you will want to carry. They do make waxed canvas ones now and then. The ballistic nylon is available in any color you can imagine and you will wear out before the bag does. :)


My EDC is a Brenthaven messenger/laptop bag that has removable padding wich reduced the bulk about 50%---I don't use it for a laptop. The zinger is that it has water bottle pockets on the outside, which is hard to find. I don't like mixing liquids with my cameras and other electronics. It has monster zippers, good shoulder pad/strap. Alas, it is no longer made. It was made in the US too!
 
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I've got one from Eastern Mountain Sports.
It's olive green. 12" Tall x 10" wide x 5" thick

I don't see it on the site anymore, but I really like it an use it daily.
 
DaleW said:
Filson makes wonderful field bags--- for a price. $220 for this one. I found one at Goodwill for $5 :D
Click to expand...

Wanna triple your money? :D

Some great suggestions guys, I have some work to do looking through this stuff. I just ordered an American eagle messenger bag, canvas with leather, it was cheap, 30 bucks, and my wife said if I didn't like it she would use it to carry her lunch in. At any rate it will give me an idea if I am going to like packing my stuff like this. Chris
 
Have you looked at the Maxpedition Mongo?!?! It's just like the Jumbo, but even larger. The main pouch is the size of a small-medium backpack plus the other additional pouches. Give it a look.
 
Check out Blackhawk. I have a neat one, but I could not give you the model right off the top of my head.
 
I don't wear backpacks for day hikes - always a shoulder bag. My bag is just an old camera bag in which I carry bear spray, water, PSK, knives, sometimes a book, etc.

I am looking at the Maxpedition stuff, though. Wish somebody around here had one I could check out.

Oh wait, I think kgd has one. I'll have to ask him.

Doc
 
I've been using shoulder bags for general carry -- County Comm BOB and XL BOB and this Timbuk2 I just bought recently.

The Timbuk2 is clean on the outside, colorful, civilian. Inside the front it has an organizer panel, not overdone, but handy. Lots of room to fill up shopping on the way home. The liner is waterproof. I use dedicated pouches for reading / sunglasses, mini med kit, and lunch. :)

Empty it's almost weightless. It is a real messenger bag with a stabilizer strap, so when you do want it out of the way, sling it like a Maxped. gearslinger, and the strap keeps it from shifting, as comfortable as a backpack.
 
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