New/old haversack

[wulfgar]

This is a new/old haversack that I just finished. It is 100% hand sewn with linen thread out of linen cloth that I reclaimed from a pair of trousers, hence the stains. I made the fall front trousers a few years ago and the seams started failing so I used the cloth to make this sack. I put it all together then decided I wanted to wax it with bee's wax. It measures about 13"x13".

[Manveruon]

Looks great!

[boyofthebush209]

looks great !!
have you thought of oiling it like as in oil cloth?

[wulfgar]

looks great !!
have you thought of oiling it like as in oil cloth?

I painted it with beeswax. I have made oilcloth using linseed oil formulas in the past but since I will be storing food and food preparation items in this I wanted something less toxic.

[boyofthebush209]

looks great !!
have you thought of oiling it like as in oil cloth?

I painted it with beeswax. I have made oilcloth using linseed oil formulas in the past but since I will be storing food and food preparation items in this I wanted something less toxic.

oh ok my mistake!

[Fox]

Way to repurpose!

[Straelbora]

Way to repurpose!

Agreed. And in our days of superabundance, we forget that cloth and leather was used and reused and repurposed until it was pretty much worn out of existence.

[Manveruon]

Out of curiosity, did the waxing cause any flexibility problems with the fabric?

[wulfgar]

It is stiffer, but it's fairly workable and is softening up. It will never be as flexible as it was. One key is getting the excess wax out. After I brushed the wax on, I hung it up to cool. Then I took a blow torch, a heat gun would be the best choice but I don't have one, and carefully started heating from top to bottom. You could see the wax liquify and start moving to the bottom of the bag and dripping off. When it seemed like it wouldn't release any more I stopped and removed and "waxcicles" from the bag.

[Eledhwen]

Outstanding. More and more I prefer my haversack and blanket roll over the standard pack.

Eledhwen

[wulfgar]

Outstanding. More and more I prefer my haversack and blanket roll over the standard pack.

Eledhwen

Same here. I did a Civil War campaign event a few weeks ago and just had a haversack and small bedroll. It was a very comfortable set-up and I am even debating on using a similar set for modern hiking.

[BrianGrubbs]

Same here. I did a Civil War campaign event a few weeks ago and just had a haversack and small bedroll. It was a very comfortable set-up and I am even debating on using a similar set for modern hiking.

I have used that setup for modern camping, and it works great! You get odd looks from the more fashionably equipped campers, but it is very comfortable.

Brian

[Eledhwen]

I have found that the haversack, when slung such that the top of it is right along the bottom of the ribs, doesn't move about even when bending over or working, and the blanket roll and tumpline help secure it anyway. I do not attach the roll to the quiver because I may wish to divest myself of the roll without having to unfasten anything, leaving my quiver in place at all times. I have not yet found anything, modern or otherwise, that is more convenient or in fact, comfortable (from a 'primitive' standpoint) than this setup. Personally, I prefer it even to ultralight modern stuff. Minimalist is the way I go, whether Longhunting, Rangering about Middle Earth, or just having a time out in the woods.

Eledhwen

[Ringulf]

Eledhwen,
I am very much intrigued by the combination. I have several belt pouches:
A main pouch, I consider my possibles bag, a small acorn shape pouch,(undesignated). My hide pouch is about the size of an envelope(formerly used to hold my pipe and tobacco, but recently have been using it for SCA events for mundane needs, wallet cell phone keys etc) and the pouch that holds my tinderbox and small utility knife. What do you feel is the best dispersment of gear when using the haversack and bedrole combo?
How would you pack it for M.E. Rangering? (I have a hard time with making good lists and want to develop a sensible dispersment plan for my gear)

[Eledhwen]

I pack the items the same way regardless. On my belt are two pouches; a needs wallet and a simple belt pouch. That one has two sections; one holds keys, ID stuff, and when I carry one, a phone. The other, larger section carries things one might find in a possibles or shooting bag. This is the only part that gets regularly switched out as I don't need the ball bag and priming flask when going medieval/Tolkien. Also on the belt are my axe and long knife. If I were to carry a sword it would be a shortsword on a baldric.

In the haversack go things like extra socks, sewing kit, spoon, medical needs, fire starting items (again), sometimes parched corn mixed with maple sugar and nuts for moving rations, fingerless gloves, string, rope, a pouch with extra bow and arrow needs. It isn't very heavily loaded at all.

In the blanket roll go the copper corn boiler, sack of corn meal or flour, maple or muscovado sugar, sometimes a bit of chocolate, coffee beans (green), extra leggings or pants, extra tunic or shirt, usually another pair of moccasins; I go soft shod these days, for the most part. If I think there will be a lot of inclement weather I will have a canvas sheet rolled around the blanket proper that can act as a tent. This can be one of those nice combo pieces that includes a 'tick' and fly setup. If I am in the Winter the cloak or another blanket is rolled in too. My cloaks are not super thick; I have not found the need to make them so.

Finally, my quiver, which is carried on my back with a three point system when just traveling, but can be easily shifted across my back for shooting and moving. When I hunt I use a soft quiver and draw the arrows out point first right onto the bow for quiet and minimal movement.

It sounds horrendously bulky and heavy but it isn't. Elsewhere on this forum are photos of me with it. You can carry a surprising amount this way. I have never needed more.

I'll have to do a breakdown of it all, item by item and stick it in my thread. Hadn't thought of that.

Eledhwen