Pouches

One thing wearing the bread bag replica has brought home solidly is the usefulness in having the belt loops at the top of the pouch, rather than on the back. Why? Because it allows the pouch to hang below belt level. What difference does that make? Well, if you have to wear more than one item around the waist for some reason; a pack waist strap, an equipment belt, or perhaps a sword belt, the pouch is not in the way of the belt lying as it should..and as comfortably as it should. That all by itself recommends this method of hanging.

Having those belt loops able to button or lace shut, rather than being a solid loop, makes it easy to put the pouch on even if one is already dressed and belted. It also makes the addition of a shoulder strap, itself with rings or buttons on the ends, very easy indeed. In essence, all of this allows maximum flexibility of use.

I am reminded of the old WWII GI gear that used to hang from the eyelets in the web belt below the level of the belt itself...allowing the wearing of cartridge belts over the base, or what have you. Why we went to solid loops that place the piece directly on the belt I do not know, but I find it a backward movement at best.

I am even now working on mockups to change my current pouches into this better mounting method. New pouches are also under way utilizing this method of suspension; herbal medikit type pouch, cosmetics/necessaries pouch (yes lads, lady rangers do use cosmetics and certain toilet items and being able to carry the absolute minimum is a comfort and a good thing), and for other types of rangering, shooting bags and whatnot.

I am also working on integrating small knife sheaths into the pouches..and some quivers. Mostly for patch size knives, but also for some medium blades as well. It is no bad thing to have more than one blade about one's person. Simple hand forged 'kitchen' knives are available readily enough. Usually they are presented as Norse women's knives and have no fancy woodwork or anything else, being a blade with the tang drawn out and bent up and over to form a handle. These make excellent utility knives.

A sewing kit pouch with little pockets in it for the needle case, scissors of some kind, and perhaps some wooden spindle spools of thread is no bad thing. This sort of thing is best carried inside another pouch, but it is no bad thing to make the pouch specifically for such things. One can bead or embroider on them in such a way that they can be identified by touch without sight. A useful thing to do.

Just some stuff on pouches.

Eledhwen