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Hey Adam, I too am a lover of bags. It started in the late 80's when I got my hands on a US military surplus demolition pouch. Just big enough to fit a couple D&D books in plus some writing materials. Damn I miss that bag.. So currently I'm sourcing a leg pouch because being in a wheelchair makes getting into your pockets a pain. I'm currently looking at MOLLE style leg pouches to hold my wallet, flashlight etc on the top of one leg.
When. I was a teenager a friend described my obsession with packs, military load bearing equipment, other parctical luggage and the like as "the hobby of collecting, packing and unpacking little bags". I feel it is safe for me to say "I get you Adam". I don't really have the space but I'd love to get an industrial sewing machine, a roll of cordura or 3, a pile of hardware and start making bags and backpacks for fun and maybe profit,
Hey Adam, Your Swiss bag is actually also a map bag and not for medical supplies. The form factor matches standardized swiss maps, the velcro-compartement is for pencils etc. and the small extra pouch is for the compass. This model was produced for most of the 20th century and because of that is a very common sight in thrift shops overe here in Switzerland. You might also like the old Swiss army bread bags ("Brotsack") made from leather and very sturdy canvas.
The rectangular pocket on the right hand side of the brown German map case is for a Deckungwinkelmesser, a small hand held optic tool used to help calculate distances and heights for indirect (or volley fire) fire from machine guns, artillery and mortars. The little slot cut in the pocket was for a leather strap that was used to help pull the tool out (missing on Adam's map case).
Alright, hear me out Tested crew : You now have a duty to humankind to keep producing videos of Adam geeking out about "common" things of every day life. His puppy-like levels of excitement when he's talking about them is what the world needs. This is now your mission. You do not have a choice. DO IT !!!! WE WANT MORE GIDDY ADAM CONTENT !!!
@@mbmurphy777that’s a British Gasmask bag, which strangely hadn’t yet been designed yet when the first Indy films had taken place. When a new stockpile of surplus is found, prices drop, so keep an eye out and be patient. My brother and best friend both have one in unused unissued condition.
This reminds me SO much of the bags by Galen Leather in Turkey. The matriarch of the company, who sadly passed away only a few years ago, was always interested in these sorts of bags. She used one example of a Swiss medic bag to inspire and design what they call the Writer's Medic Bag. I purchased one from them when we were living in Austin. I loaded it with watercolor supplies and toted that thing all over Big Bend, Marfa, and the many trails of the Texas Hill Country. It's held up beautifully. I love the story behind it and the legacy of this mother and wife who designed it. Not affiliated with Galen Leather in any way. Just a loving admirer of their work who enjoys sharing stuff like this. Thanks for the wonderful post! Off to shop for some EDCs!
For many years I carried and old US army explosives satchel, Vietnam era, that I picked up somewhere. One time while grocery shopping an older, wheelchair bound, veteran stopped me and said he carried that exact bag in Vietnam. He said, if you open the flap there is a larger pocket on the right and a few smaller pockets for carrying detonators (or something). He was dead on, same pockets and everything. I immediately took my stuff out of my bag and gifted it to him. He was so excited. It was a super cool interaction with a cool old guy.
The Swiss „medical bag“ is actually a standard map bag of a Swiss corporal. The medical bag of the Swiss Army is slightly bigger and the front can be flipped open too. The medical bag has compartments for all the stuff. Fun fact: it included a foldable lantern with a wax candle. I carried both during my service in the Swiss Army and afterwards I kept it for many years as first-aid kit in my car and used the map bag as edc bag too.
I still have my Swiss Map bag, sans leather strap, which I was issued in the late 80ies. Have never seen that medical bag, sounds like I would be great for EDC!
I have a vintage leather military bag (Czech or Swiss officer’s bag, I was told) that is now my plein air sketch/watercolor bag. It’s smallish and has a vertical orientation, which is well suited to my supplies and just hangs better, in my opinion, than a horizontal bag. The best thing about it is that the leather creaks like an old saddle. I just love that sound.
Absolutely love your honest and unfiltered enthusiasm! It never fails to bring a smile and a laugh. I’ve been looking for that Russian bag myself after i saw it in HBO’s "Chernobyl". I love leather bags and i am currently rocking a 4 year old Indiana satchel from Saddleback Leather goods. They are built so solid that it is just now after 4 years of use that the good patina is starting to show.
Hi, the "Swiss medical bag" is in fact a sabretache or Säbeltasche in german. In the former military gear ordonnance (officially valid through 1990, but that was only slowly implemented over a few years after that date), NCOs would be equipped with that part - so was I in 1996. Its dimensions were ideal to keep maps. Yours is pretty broken in, but in their new state they are totally stiff, with the leather being easily 2 to 3 mm thick. Not only the year it was manufactured is stamped by means of a cutter, but also the name of the saddler who made it (the MoD would typically split such contracts to a lot of contractors throughout the country). The little bag on the strap was to hold the compass, they were made by the still existing RECTA factory ; these compasses are among the most clever, no nonsense that you could find. Also, notice the bottom strap with which you can hitch the bag to your belt in your back (or to anything that would do), in order not to be impeded when leaning forward, cycling etc...
I have ADHD and Autism, and I also have a fascination with bags (among other things). The only difference is I have always been somewhat embarrassed by it thinking it reflects my cognitive impairment, so I love how Adam celebrates his idiosyncrasy rather than apologise for it - I should learn from this! 🙂
Everybody has interests and obsessions, regardless of your neurodivergencies or lack thereof. If neurotypical people can love things like stock cars driving an oval track for 5 hours and all the intricacies of it, I don't see how appreciating nice bags or carriers is far off :)
There's a book called 'hunters In a farmers world' if I'm remembering correctly. The book talks a lot about the theories that things like ADHD exist in humans because it benefited our early societies If you read the book you might see it more as a specialized brain instead of an impaired one
mate, its just some people take a lot of pleasure in things that others dont see the craftsmanship, design specifics to exactly fulfill the role or just how fricking cool something is- welcome to the club :P
I've said it a thousand times and I'll say it a thousand more... Adam is the Fred Rogers of making. Every time his face shows up on screen, my day is instantly better, and I always learn something new.
I really connected with this video. I have a military map bag from Czechoslovakia and as a leather worker have I been trying to add the awesome elements of this bag to my own projects ever since I found it. It is unfortunately made of vinyl but has a similar construction to your Russian version but with only one horizontal fold out and side pockets. Military designs are always great inspiration as they are always function first.
Yes! My time to shine. Adam if you want more bags you have to look at Swiss ammo bags. The Swiss army at one point had these beautiful canvas and leather bags to store their ammo. They are about the size of a US ammo can but canvas top with leather bottoms. Once you find those the Swiss also had a large canvas backpack which is leather bottomed and a beautiful green grey colored canvas. The backpack was a system for smaller bags and blanket rolls. So you should look at their bread bags for that backpack. There are 2 versions of the bread bag one in canvas and the other in a cheaper plastic/leather material. Obviously the canvas one is the one to have.
This is so relatable. I have long-obsessed over the beautiful military bags I kept seeing in movies and television, much like that map bag you talked about. And now there are so many similar styles of bags available, and for functional purposes I love using an over-the-shoulder, canvas, messenger-style bag for taking my dogs out.
Been watching following you on social media since the very first Mythbuster episode and want to say Thank you very much for constantly taking us along on your adventures through life ,it's been incredible. Really love your bag designs and practically for real life and maybe 1 day I will be able to actually own 1. Everyone keep yourselves and love ones safe and healthy and remember to SMILE 😊
I have probably over a hundred bags, including dozens of Maxpeditions, various Saddlebacks and Mountainbacks, and no end of cheapies. The standout for me is the Domke F-802. I've removed the stiffener bar and given it a wash to make it less boxy, but now it is the perfect man bag. A few pockets for organisation, big main space, single clasp, grab handle, and a nice grippy strap without jangly hardware. Big pocket on rear to quickly dump anything out of your hands, and even a laptop and/or document pocket. Thick canvas and minimal padding protects contents without adding bulk. Summer, winter, smart or casual, it's a chameleon.
Scott Christian Sava uses a vintage medical bag as his watercolor & sketching kit when he's outside. He's made a couple videos on it. Beautiful bag. He's also an awesome artist!
I love military surplus. The internet has been a double edge sword. It has made finding items easier but it has sadly killed many local surplus stores.
I appreciate your enthusiasm as a fellow bagman. Feels like we need a one day build where you fabricate one to your specs, I've done it, it's life affirming.
I watched my first video of yours today and I found it very inspiring, very interesting and I think you did brilliantly. I have a 29 yr old son with Autism who lives with me and with you talking and being yourself made me feel good and it made me feel that everything is going to be alright. I think if I got tested or went into learning about myself more I would fall on the ASD spectrum. When you were explaining the grocery store sinario , it made me smile because that's what I do. I find it hard to get words out and no what to say next, the anxiety etc etc. Like mother like son. .. thank you
Never stop making those Savage Industries bags! I've had my eye on the medium duffle white with that sail material and orange velcro. SO NICE! I'm making my own traveler writing bag to keep all my pens and inks in.
I really want to pull the trigger on one. Hey Tested team: any plans for a sling bag? More specifically one big enough to hold a 13" laptop or iPad Pro?!
Hi Adam. I bought one of the vintage cartography bags while I was in the middle of this video, and it's been my daily driver ever since. I'm an elementary school teacher, and it's been a literally perfect solution for the various things I need to have on hand around the school! Thank you so much!
Adam, the streetwear potential of Savage Industries is off the charts, at least judging by the success of EDC 3. You should really come out with some coveralls or EDC pants made from upcycled material. I'd love to get an Expanse cosplay on with some coveralls with a huge Savage Industries patch on the back
i always liked using a Vietnam war-era US Army gas mask bag for my EDC when i was in high school. It had my sketchbook, a couple pencils, a pen, my wallet, sunglasses, and a few choice close-up magic tricks.
This brought back my memory of my first ever ebay purchase was a crossbody bag I saw a girl with at school, got obsessed, and my first etsy purchase was a vintage military bag that had been upcycled with some vintage mod fabric. God I love bags. Or "containers" as Adam said, is definitely one of my loves.
You've looked at the military map cases and the medical kit bag. You should definitely check out old school military "bread bags", which were the modern evolution of the historical "haversack" in which soldiers would carry a couple of days' worth of rations. I have an old Swiss army version that has a very cool combination of canvas, saddle leather, and vinyl. I also have an old German version in canvas that I adapted to fit on the waist belt of my backpack, where it serves as a first-order-retrievability repository for all the little things that could get lost in the big bag and that you don't want to have to unlimber your pack to go digging for (bug dope, compass, snacks, etc).
3:16 The internet is so amazing , from the first hard to find discussions on topics, to just being able to buy a bag on ebay, then bigger spaces for learning to make bags, to business making bags, to a video about procuring a certain bag , ... then on to the history of certain bag types... to someone ending up making a 10 hour essay on the history of bags.
When I saw the thumbnail, I was reminded of WW II German military binoculars in their case. Beautiful case, beautiful binoculars. The quality of their optics was amazing. Zeiss lenses are superb.
I have also felt such an interest for bags/containers which i can not explain. A well crafted, purpose built and built to last bag is just so satisfyingly beautiful =)
There are a bunch of old Swiss army bags on Ebay.. Some of them have patina on their leather exterior that looks like the sheet of leather on Adam's workbench...
I own a Swiss medic bag from WW1, which is slightly different model of that you showed us. Even though I know the newer model would have nicer material and sophisticated features, I love that old heavy leather bag. Thanks for showing us your collection!
I have the same obsession with bags - less for aesthetics, more for finding the 'perfect bag.' You know the deal - you have X many things to carry, you get a bag, and it's perfect. Only then you get a new thing or swap out for another thing and it's no longer perfect. So you get a new bag and then that one is perfect, only you realise it won't hold space for extra things as you need. Another bag arrives and it's perfect, but too large for your smaller go-to collection. Next thing you know, you have 10 bags that you swap out depending on your configuration for the day.
Hi Adam, I've been a huge fan of your work at Tested and love following your builds and your enthusiasm about discovering and learning new crafts. I've been enjoying leatherwork myself and bag restoration and was overblown when I saw your latest bag video as I've been restoring these bags for years now!!! :D I've been obsessing over the Swiss bag you showed in the vignette and if you're curious I was able to get my hands on a scan of some of the original plans for it and have gone ahead and made a few templates and build videos of them. I would be honored to send these over to you by email as I love sharing this passion, and sharing it with you also would be amazing to me personally. Anyhow, thank you so much for your lifelong work and (again) for the passion you share in making everything and especially anything!
Galen Leather makes a lovely modern version of the leather medical bag, but with some of the convenience features of the second map pouch. They call it their "writer's medical bag" as it includes pouches and pen loops for easy access. I use mine for my Urban Sketching kit and love it.
My mom grew up in Victoria British Columbia. Once on a visit to my grandparents when I was probably 13 or 14, we went to an incredible antique/ surplus mall in the heart of downtown. Three floors of glorious finds. (I would die to go back there now 20 years later with a full wallet...) As an early teen boy, I found a Canadian-army gas mask bag for like $8. Kind of hung from your belt and strapped to your thigh type thing. Lots of weird/fun compartments. I used that thing for years playing 'war' in the backyard with my brother or camping trips with my dad. Companies now can truly build em like they use to, but that patina, that smell, that glorious find-in-the-dark-corner-of-an-antique-mall, that cannot be replicated. Long live the 2nd, 3rd, 10th life of truly timeless items.
OMG I used to EDC that exact Russian map case! I even got an extra one. My favorite bag for the kind of day-pack use mentioned at the end is a repro Mark VII gas mask bag. But I'm positive Adam has several of those already (Also the EDC 1,2, and 3 don't fit my personal needs, but I love the straps.)
Fantastic to see a fellow bag enthusiast; I got my first map bag in highschool and have been making and buying some funky styles over time; I made a peacock fanny pack, electrically heated instrument bags (for 15 woodwind instruments) and recently bought a recycled rubber belt bag that clips around your thigh (handmade by a group of rastafarians in Turin). On the wishlist is a bike/backpack hybrid and a specialised toolbelt for both mechanical as well as textile tools. You might like the Freitag bags from Switzerland, which are made out of recycled truck tarp, seat belts and bicycle tubes. For me, the ultimate 'hand' bag holds all essentials without requiring my attention, such as holding it, keeping it on my shoulder or otherwise. "The bag as a garment", let's say.
I carry all sorts of bullshit that's even less useful than the dog poop bags. I use a backpack daily and inside I even carry extra backpacks for some reason. (the drawstring sack kind so I can fold gem up real small) actually has come in handy a couple times for when I forget to bring grocery bags to the store.
I make leather bags and often look at military bags for ideas and inspiration. I have been playing around with the WW2 vest backpack combo for sometime now. It’s great to see Adam get excited over bags as much as I do.
The first bag I was obsessed with was a US ARMY canvas map bag. While I was in the service a buddy of mine gave me his. It served as a great map, admin and art supply bag (holding my sketchbook and pencils I used during down time). I’ve had it for 19 years now and it’s still one of the best bags I own. Functionality and durability is amazing.
I have a love for these old cold war map bags and have one very very close to the one you have. Whenever I come across one, I end up buying it, because I'll never find it again. I keep one in my jeep to keep the classic vibe going. I bought my first one back in 2001 for road trips my brother and I would do. Still have it with all the original road trip notes and maps we had to use for back then.
Adam, your comments about loving bags reminded me of a bag I have that you would get a kick out of. It is canvas rather than leather so there isn't as much of a "cool factor" but it is, non-the-less cool. My grandfather was a horse-mounted military policeman in France during WWI and this was the bag his gas mask was in. It's well over 100 years old now and as you can imagine, is pretty tired but it's amazingly intact and you can still read where his name and service number were written on the back. Wish I could send pictures, you'd probably enjoy seeing it. Cheers!
Vests. Vests with pockets. That’s my go-to for most things. Great for hot weather, it’s not something that can be snatched away or left behind like a shoulder bag. Now that’s a challenge for Adam. Design a lightweight, durable pocket and pouch-filled vest that DOESN’T look like a fishing vest. And hopefully it’s low profile enough that it can be worn under a normal jacket while loaded. Not HEAVY loading like carrying astronaut gloves and a 4 D cell flashlight and a full trauma kit…but you know. Normal stuff. Speaking of… pouches worth looking at are the EMT style. It’s a good way to carry a mini-Maglight and a Gerber Multitool…. 😁
I became obsessed with an LL Bean bag that I took on a school trip to France and England. It became my go to day hiking bag. After 32 years it finally ripped and I spent years looking for one on eBay. Finally got a new old stock bag this year. Probably will never find another. It has multiple pockets, both zipper and velcro and is the perfect size for two 1L water bottles, wallet, keys, a map and some snacks.
Hey Adam. Not vintage or old by any means but I think you would love the pochi bag. It’s a holster style bag designed for EDC and for people to wear while riding a bike/skateboard (or one wheel). Have a good one!
Now my fiancé' ended up finding one of these bags, it was a leather camera bag. i don't remember the brand/maker of said bag id have to look it up when i find it again, but its absolutely something to look into Adam, leather camera bags/military camera bags. some of the most interesting bags I've seen in a long time top be honest, i feel like they are right up the alley of the exact vibe you are looking for. that and they can come in various sizes. from small satchels like the one you have, to sizes big enough to use as a 72 hour pack damn near. such cool concepts and uses man. absolutely love all your work.
I have had an obsession with military surplus bags ever since I started collecting old surplus stuff so this love and passion that Adam brings out really resonates with me. And for Adam I have some suggestions for bags you might like, while none of these suggestions are entirely leather I’m sure you would like them. I use for my day bag a East German utility/ gas mask bag that I then attached a polish map case strap too. That case is so useful cause it has a compartment that perfectly holds a water bottle, another compartment that holds my steam deck and another for a book. For a bigger shoulder bag I use is a Czech medical bag called the VZOR 80. Honestly i mostly use that for style not anything in particular. And last if you are looking for a rucksack, I love using my Romanian army rucksack, the leather didn’t age very well and broke however the way I repaired it makes it look badass/survivaly. I hope you enjoy those suggestions.
I love the EDC ONE as an urban hiking / everyday bag. With my basic stuff in it, it's light and portable, and it expands enough for a mini-grocery run. I can also rely on the waterproofing and keep papers and electronics in it even if I am not sure of the weather ahead. Thanks for sharing the fruits of your bag fascination with us all.
My edc is the letter size messenger bag made of waxed cotton by motorcycle gear maker Aerostich in Duluth MN. Made in the USA, it’s a good size and highly functional yet decent looking bit of kit, especially for those who may not like leather. And the are at least the last time I ordered one, under $100 usd. It’s great to see someone else who geeks out over geeky things. Thanks for the video.
My favourite bag is a 1970s-ish Finnish military "marking equipment" bag, as it has just the right amount of compartments (and pen holders) and its made from thick wear resistant fabric, so its fairly water resistant and holds its shape, plus the flap is secured with those really handy "lift the dot" type of fasteners seen on US WW2 bags and pouches. It has a very similar construction as the Finnish M/61 gasmask bag, though that one has only a single large compartment. Both also have an extra horizontal strap for strapping the bag around the waist, to stop it from swinging around if running. Works well for keeping the bag on your back while cycling too. BTW, love the Seiko SKX.
I have a few rugged leather EDC bags and always love how the bags react to an application of saddle soap being applied to them. The bags go from crunchy leather relic to supple vintage leatherwork.
If you are looking for something a little larger (messenger bag sized) and are OK with canvas I suggest the Israeli paratrooper bag. I carried one on multiple deployments and it held up really well. I am now an archaeologist and I have one that is my "field bag" and another that is my "dig bag". Each has the basics I need to pedestrian (field) or sub-surface (dig) and they are great, durable bags. I like the canvas so I can add patches though it is not as water proof as leather. I refer to them as my Murses i.e. "man purses".
I love the closure on that Swiss bag. That little round stud and the slot in the strap are the perfect combination of simple to make, simple to open, simple to close, and secure. I never cared for buckles on an EDC bag because they take too long to open. A one-button quick release isn't bad, but I've had them jam on me. But that little stud is perfect.
As a long time professional photographer I have obsessed over finding the right bag for me and my gear. I went from camera makers cheap little bags to backpacks to oversized bags and finally settled on my well worn heavy duty canvas bag.
Hey Adam. Yes, that's a Swiss army bag. But it has nothing to do with medicine, but like the rest of your pockets it is a map pocket. The small leather compartment in the bag is for writing utensils, the big one is for the map. The small additional pocket on the leather strap is for the Sitometer 85/Bussole. Which was used to determine the coordinates of the mortar and artillery.
I too stumbled onto the Russian map bag. I saw it in Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War. I immediately fell in love with the look and design and ordered one right away. It is my go to bag when I don't want to carry a backpack.
The story about why you need a bag for all your stuff, especially when its warm and you don't want a coat, is so relatable. Literally the first thing I made of my own design when I got into leather crafting , was a hip pouch, not much smaller than your Swiss bag for exactly that reason. PS: I was 30 in 97 as well
I am sure that you probably already have one, being an Indy fan and all. But, just in case, I'll mention it anyways.. How about one of Zulu Nylon Gear's Indy Satchels? What a great little Cordura satchel inspired by everyone's favorite silver screen Archaeologist...
Hello Adam . As a strapmaker , I'll used to work with those military bags and pouches ...i've found one day a french military map bag made only for a rich french officer during world war one ( fabulous Epi leather ) ... you can find full of french pouches, military bags on flea market in France 😉 . I've got a beautiful vintage french railroad bag from the 70 ,if you want 😉
The swedish m/39 gasmask bag is one of my first love of bags. Awsome size, small comparment on the outside. Made of canvas and leather. I do think you'd enjoy one. Also readily available and cheap
Pretty sure the "pocket knife" compartment on the German map bag is for calipres, so you can quickly measure distances. When I was fixing 2d printers for a living, I ended up using a Swiss gas mask bag to carry all my tools. It was about the same size as the map bags, but just a single compartment. After I lost that job I used the back as a purse until it finally wore out. Also, WW2 era Bren magazine pouches make decent bottle holders, so at one I rigged up a couple pannier style to ride on the back of my bicycle. Mine are Canadian (my grandfather took them to Holland in 1945) but the pattern was pretty universal across the Commonwealth.
My favorite bag is the Swedish gas mask bag (M36). It's leather and canvas - slightly smaller and oddly shaped but lasts a lifetime with the proper care. They used to be $5 in the 90's, but they're running on short supply and perhaps high demand so they might be an investment, too!
Yeah I can’t stop buying bags, thinking the new one would be better than the current carry and yet, I always seem to go back to one of my MANY Chrome Kadet slings….they just seem to work for me. I have taken them all over the world with me. I love how they carry, easy to get on and off…water resistant enough for walking in the rain…😊😊
Watching videos where you created display boxes for things sparked a love for containers. Boxes with nooks and crannies, bags with oddly shaped pouches, and what could fit perfectly in them and even follow some asthetic along the way. Thank you for sharing your own interest in bags/pouches.
I have that Russian Map Bag! I carry my iPad in it and had that as my replacement for a backpack while in college. I take it EVERYWHERE. The smaller iPad 11inch iPad fits perfectly in there with its case and apple pencil, and I take it everywhere to draw and do art. Its fantastic!
Hi Adam. I have been buying different bags at surplus and second hand stores for years, but I always seem to come back to my vintage US Military M6 Lightweight gas mask bag. Nice storage area with a few pockets. Some attachment points for extra stuff. I love the closures. I have been thinking about trying to waterproof the canvas with oil cloth treatment, or maybe even reproduce the bag in leather. Enjoy! M6 Gas Mask Carrier The M3 and M4 series of Lightweight Service Gas Masks required a new carrier bag due to the shorter hose length. The M6 bag was used for both the M3 and M4 masks (and others) to hold the mask itself, the canister, plus accessory items such as anti-dimming sets (to prevent fogging of the eye lenses), covers and protective ointment. The bag has interior pockets for accessories and is stenciled with "Army Lightweight Service Mask" on the exterior front, near the bottom. The M6 bag has a top closure that is secured with three LTD fasteners. Like other WW II webbing and bags, the bag color was OD #3 early in the war but changed to the darker OD #7 shade in 1943.
I have the same love of pouches as you do with bags. It started when I was a kid and my dad gave me two U.S. GI canvas compass pouches probably from the Vietnam era. You can still get them for a little south of 5 bucks. I'm in the Army now, and still obsess over little pouches I can throw on my kit or assault pack. Wonderful video!
If you don't mind canvas bags, Finnish post WW2 army surplus is the way to go. I have an old gasmask bag for EDC and when I go flying. It can hold A LOT but doesn't look too imposing which means you can sneak it on as extra carry on. I also have a bag for "marking tools", probably for an engineer of some sort. Lots of small pockets and pouches. Perfect for organizing various "stuff".
Not vintage looking bags, but Kriega makes fantastic bags of various sizes. Designed for motorcyclists these bags are rugged, waterproof, and even modular in the fact that they can strap to each other and mounting systems. Even if they aren't you style, I feel like you'd get a kick out of their design Adam. Cheers
Thanks for the video! I am emotionally attached to canvas and leather bags. My favorite is a canvas and leather bag from Banana Republic, back in the day when they did that kinda stuff. Just the right size to hold the stuff you talk about…I can’t find any bag that comes close…it is pure perfection! I need a new one! I think it was made in England!
I'm surprised that Adam Hasn't got (or at least hasn't shown) any old camera bags, (such as Leica, hasselblad, soviet Zenit and such) to me they seem RIGHT up his alley. BTW to whom this may interest, I've personally been rocking a stach of genuine scottish wool and lambskin check crossbody bags at a flea market, they're obsoletely phenomenal. I researched them online a while back and although they aren't that vintage (made in the late 80's-early 90's) they are genuine and have come from a maker house that have manufactured for luxury brands such as Burberry. I believe it's quite common amongst my age range (teen/YA)
Hello, Adam, I'm also a bag lover) and now I'm making bags and use them, I think it started when I was 6, from a leather camera cover, when I was a student I used different tipes of bag and now I can release many ideas using my experience...really enjoy mapbags idea, thank you!
I also collect bags... my edc and work bag was the 5.11 MOAB rush 10, now it's the messenger bag. I love their tactical design, lots of pockets for organisation, and the messenger is easier to find things
I have a Kelly Moore scout that I use as a camera bag and I love it. There are only two things Im not a huge fan of. First being that there isn't a handle on the top for easy manuvering when getting in a car or if you need to move it to make room on a table or bench. The second being the clasps that hold the top flap secured can come undone easily and if you don't have the inner flap zipped shut, it could be a problem especially if you're walking around SF. It is a newer bag, but the leather is top notch quality and is thick like the older stuff!
That little pouch on the Swiss bag’s sling is for a compass such as the Recta DP6 or DP10 line (nowadays Suunto MB-6). Great compass type! That bag is a map bag, not a medical bag, so it fits in even better with that particular collection! 😊
Bags are awesome but I got the ultimate bag so I have no need for more now. It's Suraya Hawthornes satchel from the Destiny 2 video game's collectors edition. It's a satchel/messenger bag but it comes with 2 straps that can be removed, so you can turn it into a backpack, or even have it hang sideways or upside down, whatever you want. I keep the straps in an X shape across my chest. It's got something like 13 pockets, some of which are hidden, and I can fit everything I need for a 3-4 day trip in it. Extremely high quality, really durable materials, the hardware is easily the best hardware I've ever seen on a factory produced item, and all the snaps and buttons and stuff are super sturdy. Highly recommend if you can find one second hand.
I'm a huge sucker for Milsurp, canvas, and sling bags so when you asked for bag recommendations I knew I had to comment. If you haven't looked yet, you should totally check out Milsurp gas mask bags. The one most people likely know is the bag Indiana Jones wears, a WW2 era British gas mask bag, the MkVII. But my personal favorite that I've used for years given to me as a gift from my brother is a Swedish WW2 gas mask bag, the M-36. Grey canvas, with a leather reinforced bottom, leather flaps and metal closures. One large compartment and a smaller one on front, plus an adjustable shoulder strap with an adjustable waist strap too. It's been a bag for hiking, daily carry, and I even used it as my tool bag when I was a Locksmith. Not sure if it's something that'd be up your alley, or even if I'm the first to suggest one, but like I said I just knew I had to recommend one
I went to India with my mother 30 or so years ago (she wanted to go to an ashram so I went with her) - while there I got obsessed with what was sold to me as a Tibetan belt pouch (whether it actually was Tibetan or not who knows, but I loved it and that was the point!). It is a leather pouch with ornate patterned metal on the flap with a turquoise stone embedded in the middle of it. Pouch fastens with a simple metal hook. Pouch hangs from a leather loop on your belt. Love it. Smells like a camel lol. I am surprised I was allowed to bring it back to New Zealand.
This made my day, I can smell the leather now :) I miss my childhood collection of tweed camera box cases, I used them as purses. Got teased, but I loved how they smelled vintage :) I now want to make a leather bag now. Adam you're the coolest!
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Hey Adam,
I too am a lover of bags. It started in the late 80's when I got my hands on a US military surplus demolition pouch. Just big enough to fit a couple D&D books in plus some writing materials. Damn I miss that bag..
So currently I'm sourcing a leg pouch because being in a wheelchair makes getting into your pockets a pain. I'm currently looking at MOLLE style leg pouches to hold my wallet, flashlight etc on the top of one leg.
When. I was a teenager a friend described my obsession with packs, military load bearing equipment, other parctical luggage and the like as "the hobby of collecting, packing and unpacking little bags". I feel it is safe for me to say "I get you Adam".
I don't really have the space but I'd love to get an industrial sewing machine, a roll of cordura or 3, a pile of hardware and start making bags and backpacks for fun and maybe profit,
Canvass, US military messenger/mail bags are a hobby of mine. WWII - Vietnam era stuff is still out there to be had, even in Army Surplus Stores.
you should make a backpack in that red EDC colour
Hey Adam,
Your Swiss bag is actually also a map bag and not for medical supplies. The form factor matches standardized swiss maps, the velcro-compartement is for pencils etc. and the small extra pouch is for the compass. This model was produced for most of the 20th century and because of that is a very common sight in thrift shops overe here in Switzerland. You might also like the old Swiss army bread bags ("Brotsack") made from leather and very sturdy canvas.
The rectangular pocket on the right hand side of the brown German map case is for a Deckungwinkelmesser, a small hand held optic tool used to help calculate distances and heights for indirect (or volley fire) fire from machine guns, artillery and mortars. The little slot cut in the pocket was for a leather strap that was used to help pull the tool out (missing on Adam's map case).
Alright, hear me out Tested crew :
You now have a duty to humankind to keep producing videos of Adam geeking out about "common" things of every day life.
His puppy-like levels of excitement when he's talking about them is what the world needs.
This is now your mission.
You do not have a choice.
DO IT !!!! WE WANT MORE GIDDY ADAM CONTENT !!!
Noted!
I always wanted the bag that Indiana Jones used!
@@mbmurphy777that’s a British Gasmask bag, which strangely hadn’t yet been designed yet when the first Indy films had taken place. When a new stockpile of surplus is found, prices drop, so keep an eye out and be patient. My brother and best friend both have one in unused unissued condition.
I just bought one myself and it is a great size for a bag. Search for a MK VII gas mask bag and away you go.@@mbmurphy777
@@mbmurphy777 I believe that is a British Gas Mask bag. Not sure if it was WWII era(the bag), but I think so.
This reminds me SO much of the bags by Galen Leather in Turkey. The matriarch of the company, who sadly passed away only a few years ago, was always interested in these sorts of bags. She used one example of a Swiss medic bag to inspire and design what they call the Writer's Medic Bag.
I purchased one from them when we were living in Austin. I loaded it with watercolor supplies and toted that thing all over Big Bend, Marfa, and the many trails of the Texas Hill Country. It's held up beautifully. I love the story behind it and the legacy of this mother and wife who designed it.
Not affiliated with Galen Leather in any way. Just a loving admirer of their work who enjoys sharing stuff like this. Thanks for the wonderful post! Off to shop for some EDCs!
For many years I carried and old US army explosives satchel, Vietnam era, that I picked up somewhere. One time while grocery shopping an older, wheelchair bound, veteran stopped me and said he carried that exact bag in Vietnam. He said, if you open the flap there is a larger pocket on the right and a few smaller pockets for carrying detonators (or something). He was dead on, same pockets and everything. I immediately took my stuff out of my bag and gifted it to him. He was so excited. It was a super cool interaction with a cool old guy.
The Swiss „medical bag“ is actually a standard map bag of a Swiss corporal. The medical bag of the Swiss Army is slightly bigger and the front can be flipped open too. The medical bag has compartments for all the stuff. Fun fact: it included a foldable lantern with a wax candle. I carried both during my service in the Swiss Army and afterwards I kept it for many years as first-aid kit in my car and used the map bag as edc bag too.
I still have my Swiss Map bag, sans leather strap, which I was issued in the late 80ies. Have never seen that medical bag, sounds like I would be great for EDC!
I have a vintage leather military bag (Czech or Swiss officer’s bag, I was told) that is now my plein air sketch/watercolor bag. It’s smallish and has a vertical orientation, which is well suited to my supplies and just hangs better, in my opinion, than a horizontal bag. The best thing about it is that the leather creaks like an old saddle. I just love that sound.
Absolutely love your honest and unfiltered enthusiasm! It never fails to bring a smile and a laugh. I’ve been looking for that Russian bag myself after i saw it in HBO’s "Chernobyl". I love leather bags and i am currently rocking a 4 year old Indiana satchel from Saddleback Leather goods. They are built so solid that it is just now after 4 years of use that the good patina is starting to show.
3:45 even though the bag isn't older than ~50yrs it's cool to see a clear vinyl/flexible cover in use with very practical use.
I'd love to see your take on a trendy fanny pack Adam
Well that's a wild Kyle.
Love your work man, cool to see you on one of my other favorite channels
Kyle? In the comments section well dang lol nice to see you here
Not sure “trendy” and “fanny pack” is ever going to happen! 😂
thumbnail made me think it was a rogan fannypack. otherwise agreed.
That's basically the function that last bag serves.
Hi, the "Swiss medical bag" is in fact a sabretache or Säbeltasche in german. In the former military gear ordonnance (officially valid through 1990, but that was only slowly implemented over a few years after that date), NCOs would be equipped with that part - so was I in 1996.
Its dimensions were ideal to keep maps. Yours is pretty broken in, but in their new state they are totally stiff, with the leather being easily 2 to 3 mm thick. Not only the year it was manufactured is stamped by means of a cutter, but also the name of the saddler who made it (the MoD would typically split such contracts to a lot of contractors throughout the country). The little bag on the strap was to hold the compass, they were made by the still existing RECTA factory ; these compasses are among the most clever, no nonsense that you could find. Also, notice the bottom strap with which you can hitch the bag to your belt in your back (or to anything that would do), in order not to be impeded when leaning forward, cycling etc...
I have ADHD and Autism, and I also have a fascination with bags (among other things). The only difference is I have always been somewhat embarrassed by it thinking it reflects my cognitive impairment, so I love how Adam celebrates his idiosyncrasy rather than apologise for it - I should learn from this! 🙂
My daughter is on the spectrum and I have ADD, I couldn't agree more with you! Thanks for posting. ❤ this channel is great for us! So satisfying.
Everybody has interests and obsessions, regardless of your neurodivergencies or lack thereof. If neurotypical people can love things like stock cars driving an oval track for 5 hours and all the intricacies of it, I don't see how appreciating nice bags or carriers is far off :)
@@Tyreinn it could be argued that enjoying watching cars driving in an oval for 5 hours is, in itself, a form of neurodivergence 😂
There's a book called 'hunters In a farmers world' if I'm remembering correctly.
The book talks a lot about the theories that things like ADHD exist in humans because it benefited our early societies
If you read the book you might see it more as a specialized brain instead of an impaired one
mate, its just some people take a lot of pleasure in things that others dont see the craftsmanship, design specifics to exactly fulfill the role or just how fricking cool something is- welcome to the club :P
i LOVE all the little pauses when you're thinking. so many channels cut out every single moment of silence
I've said it a thousand times and I'll say it a thousand more...
Adam is the Fred Rogers of making.
Every time his face shows up on screen, my day is instantly better, and I always learn something new.
I really connected with this video. I have a military map bag from Czechoslovakia and as a leather worker have I been trying to add the awesome elements of this bag to my own projects ever since I found it. It is unfortunately made of vinyl but has a similar construction to your Russian version but with only one horizontal fold out and side pockets. Military designs are always great inspiration as they are always function first.
Yeah, I was waiting for him to pull out the Czechoslovakia map case
Yes! My time to shine.
Adam if you want more bags you have to look at Swiss ammo bags. The Swiss army at one point had these beautiful canvas and leather bags to store their ammo. They are about the size of a US ammo can but canvas top with leather bottoms.
Once you find those the Swiss also had a large canvas backpack which is leather bottomed and a beautiful green grey colored canvas. The backpack was a system for smaller bags and blanket rolls. So you should look at their bread bags for that backpack. There are 2 versions of the bread bag one in canvas and the other in a cheaper plastic/leather material. Obviously the canvas one is the one to have.
I think I have seen repros on amazon, they do look nice and I can imagine the real ones are incredible.
Have you ever checked out the Swiss Medic bags! Ohhh you need to! If this is your jam, you'll dig those, too.
This is so relatable. I have long-obsessed over the beautiful military bags I kept seeing in movies and television, much like that map bag you talked about. And now there are so many similar styles of bags available, and for functional purposes I love using an over-the-shoulder, canvas, messenger-style bag for taking my dogs out.
Been watching following you on social media since the very first Mythbuster episode and want to say Thank you very much for constantly taking us along on your adventures through life ,it's been incredible. Really love your bag designs and practically for real life and maybe 1 day I will be able to actually own 1. Everyone keep yourselves and love ones safe and healthy and remember to SMILE 😊
I have probably over a hundred bags, including dozens of Maxpeditions, various Saddlebacks and Mountainbacks, and no end of cheapies. The standout for me is the Domke F-802. I've removed the stiffener bar and given it a wash to make it less boxy, but now it is the perfect man bag. A few pockets for organisation, big main space, single clasp, grab handle, and a nice grippy strap without jangly hardware. Big pocket on rear to quickly dump anything out of your hands, and even a laptop and/or document pocket. Thick canvas and minimal padding protects contents without adding bulk. Summer, winter, smart or casual, it's a chameleon.
Scott Christian Sava uses a vintage medical bag as his watercolor & sketching kit when he's outside. He's made a couple videos on it. Beautiful bag. He's also an awesome artist!
Came to say this same thing. Its amazing how perfect that bag is for all his things.
I love military surplus. The internet has been a double edge sword. It has made finding items easier but it has sadly killed many local surplus stores.
I appreciate your enthusiasm as a fellow bagman.
Feels like we need a one day build where you fabricate one to your specs, I've done it, it's life affirming.
I watched my first video of yours today and I found it very inspiring, very interesting and I think you did brilliantly.
I have a 29 yr old son with Autism who lives with me and with you talking and being yourself made me feel good and it made me feel that everything is going to be alright. I think if I got tested or went into learning about myself more I would fall on the ASD spectrum. When you were explaining the grocery store sinario , it made me smile because that's what I do. I find it hard to get words out and no what to say next, the anxiety etc etc. Like mother like son. .. thank you
Never stop making those Savage Industries bags! I've had my eye on the medium duffle white with that sail material and orange velcro. SO NICE! I'm making my own traveler writing bag to keep all my pens and inks in.
I really want to pull the trigger on one. Hey Tested team: any plans for a sling bag? More specifically one big enough to hold a 13" laptop or iPad Pro?!
Hi Adam. I bought one of the vintage cartography bags while I was in the middle of this video, and it's been my daily driver ever since. I'm an elementary school teacher, and it's been a literally perfect solution for the various things I need to have on hand around the school! Thank you so much!
Adam, the streetwear potential of Savage Industries is off the charts, at least judging by the success of EDC 3. You should really come out with some coveralls or EDC pants made from upcycled material. I'd love to get an Expanse cosplay on with some coveralls with a huge Savage Industries patch on the back
i always liked using a Vietnam war-era US Army gas mask bag for my EDC when i was in high school. It had my sketchbook, a couple pencils, a pen, my wallet, sunglasses, and a few choice close-up magic tricks.
This brought back my memory of my first ever ebay purchase was a crossbody bag I saw a girl with at school, got obsessed, and my first etsy purchase was a vintage military bag that had been upcycled with some vintage mod fabric. God I love bags. Or "containers" as Adam said, is definitely one of my loves.
You've looked at the military map cases and the medical kit bag. You should definitely check out old school military "bread bags", which were the modern evolution of the historical "haversack" in which soldiers would carry a couple of days' worth of rations. I have an old Swiss army version that has a very cool combination of canvas, saddle leather, and vinyl. I also have an old German version in canvas that I adapted to fit on the waist belt of my backpack, where it serves as a first-order-retrievability repository for all the little things that could get lost in the big bag and that you don't want to have to unlimber your pack to go digging for (bug dope, compass, snacks, etc).
3:16 The internet is so amazing , from the first hard to find discussions on topics, to just being able to buy a bag on ebay, then bigger spaces for learning to make bags, to business making bags, to a video about procuring a certain bag , ... then on to the history of certain bag types... to someone ending up making a 10 hour essay on the history of bags.
This was a fun little video! I'm a leatherworker and occasionally make bags, so seeing what Adam looks for in a bag is fun to see.
When I saw the thumbnail, I was reminded of WW II German military binoculars in their case. Beautiful case, beautiful binoculars. The quality of their optics was amazing. Zeiss lenses are superb.
I have also felt such an interest for bags/containers which i can not explain. A well crafted, purpose built and built to last bag is just so satisfyingly beautiful =)
There are a bunch of old Swiss army bags on Ebay.. Some of them have patina on their leather exterior that looks like the sheet of leather on Adam's workbench...
I own a Swiss medic bag from WW1, which is slightly different model of that you showed us. Even though I know the newer model would have nicer material and sophisticated features, I love that old heavy leather bag. Thanks for showing us your collection!
I'm glad someone pointed out swiss military medic bag, I have been looking for one for ages hard to get them in Australia
thats so cool
I love the sound of Adam's chair trundling across the floor at the beginning of a video... It makes me happy!
I have the same obsession with bags - less for aesthetics, more for finding the 'perfect bag.' You know the deal - you have X many things to carry, you get a bag, and it's perfect. Only then you get a new thing or swap out for another thing and it's no longer perfect. So you get a new bag and then that one is perfect, only you realise it won't hold space for extra things as you need. Another bag arrives and it's perfect, but too large for your smaller go-to collection. Next thing you know, you have 10 bags that you swap out depending on your configuration for the day.
this is too real
Hi Adam, I've been a huge fan of your work at Tested and love following your builds and your enthusiasm about discovering and learning new crafts. I've been enjoying leatherwork myself and bag restoration and was overblown when I saw your latest bag video as I've been restoring these bags for years now!!! :D
I've been obsessing over the Swiss bag you showed in the vignette and if you're curious I was able to get my hands on a scan of some of the original plans for it and have gone ahead and made a few templates and build videos of them.
I would be honored to send these over to you by email as I love sharing this passion, and sharing it with you also would be amazing to me personally.
Anyhow, thank you so much for your lifelong work and (again) for the passion you share in making everything and especially anything!
Galen Leather makes a lovely modern version of the leather medical bag, but with some of the convenience features of the second map pouch. They call it their "writer's medical bag" as it includes pouches and pen loops for easy access.
I use mine for my Urban Sketching kit and love it.
woah, looked this up and this bag is LEGIT. Definitely modeled after the medical bag, but whoa, talk about nic and naks!
I bet you'd love some of the old camera bags/cases out there. The earlier Eastman Kodak company ones are particularly pretty.
I want the rest of the Starfield model! It’s such a dope project!
New episode tomorrow!
My mom grew up in Victoria British Columbia. Once on a visit to my grandparents when I was probably 13 or 14, we went to an incredible antique/ surplus mall in the heart of downtown. Three floors of glorious finds. (I would die to go back there now 20 years later with a full wallet...)
As an early teen boy, I found a Canadian-army gas mask bag for like $8. Kind of hung from your belt and strapped to your thigh type thing. Lots of weird/fun compartments.
I used that thing for years playing 'war' in the backyard with my brother or camping trips with my dad.
Companies now can truly build em like they use to, but that patina, that smell, that glorious find-in-the-dark-corner-of-an-antique-mall, that cannot be replicated.
Long live the 2nd, 3rd, 10th life of truly timeless items.
OMG I used to EDC that exact Russian map case! I even got an extra one.
My favorite bag for the kind of day-pack use mentioned at the end is a repro Mark VII gas mask bag. But I'm positive Adam has several of those already
(Also the EDC 1,2, and 3 don't fit my personal needs, but I love the straps.)
I'm surprised that, with his love of costumes and the whip he made, Adam didn't mention having the Mark 7 gas mask bag.
Fantastic to see a fellow bag enthusiast; I got my first map bag in highschool and have been making and buying some funky styles over time; I made a peacock fanny pack, electrically heated instrument bags (for 15 woodwind instruments) and recently bought a recycled rubber belt bag that clips around your thigh (handmade by a group of rastafarians in Turin). On the wishlist is a bike/backpack hybrid and a specialised toolbelt for both mechanical as well as textile tools.
You might like the Freitag bags from Switzerland, which are made out of recycled truck tarp, seat belts and bicycle tubes.
For me, the ultimate 'hand' bag holds all essentials without requiring my attention, such as holding it, keeping it on my shoulder or otherwise. "The bag as a garment", let's say.
I can't believe I'm not the only one to carry around those little dog poop bags. Underrated EDC.
I carry all sorts of bullshit that's even less useful than the dog poop bags. I use a backpack daily and inside I even carry extra backpacks for some reason. (the drawstring sack kind so I can fold gem up real small) actually has come in handy a couple times for when I forget to bring grocery bags to the store.
In virtually every jacket. I swear that they breed faster than wire coat hangers!
I make leather bags and often look at military bags for ideas and inspiration.
I have been playing around with the WW2 vest backpack combo for sometime now.
It’s great to see Adam get excited over bags as much as I do.
The first bag I was obsessed with was a US ARMY canvas map bag. While I was in the service a buddy of mine gave me his. It served as a great map, admin and art supply bag (holding my sketchbook and pencils I used during down time). I’ve had it for 19 years now and it’s still one of the best bags I own. Functionality and durability is amazing.
The man is talking about bags with enthusiasm... And I'm loving it!
Vintage camera bags/cases and vintage briefcases are some of my favorite things to look for and own.
His love and passion for simple things is truly heartwarming
I have a love for these old cold war map bags and have one very very close to the one you have. Whenever I come across one, I end up buying it, because I'll never find it again. I keep one in my jeep to keep the classic vibe going. I bought my first one back in 2001 for road trips my brother and I would do. Still have it with all the original road trip notes and maps we had to use for back then.
Adam, your comments about loving bags reminded me of a bag I have that you would get a kick out of. It is canvas rather than leather so there isn't as much of a "cool factor" but it is, non-the-less cool. My grandfather was a horse-mounted military policeman in France during WWI and this was the bag his gas mask was in. It's well over 100 years old now and as you can imagine, is pretty tired but it's amazingly intact and you can still read where his name and service number were written on the back. Wish I could send pictures, you'd probably enjoy seeing it. Cheers!
Adam your enthusiasm is awesome! Bags are cool but vacuum tubes are much more interesting and fun to obsess over.
Vests. Vests with pockets. That’s my go-to for most things. Great for hot weather, it’s not something that can be snatched away or left behind like a shoulder bag.
Now that’s a challenge for Adam. Design a lightweight, durable pocket and pouch-filled vest that DOESN’T look like a fishing vest. And hopefully it’s low profile enough that it can be worn under a normal jacket while loaded. Not HEAVY loading like carrying astronaut gloves and a 4 D cell flashlight and a full trauma kit…but you know. Normal stuff.
Speaking of… pouches worth looking at are the EMT style. It’s a good way to carry a mini-Maglight and a Gerber Multitool…. 😁
Your enthusiasm just makes me smile. Thanks
I became obsessed with an LL Bean bag that I took on a school trip to France and England. It became my go to day hiking bag. After 32 years it finally ripped and I spent years looking for one on eBay. Finally got a new old stock bag this year. Probably will never find another. It has multiple pockets, both zipper and velcro and is the perfect size for two 1L water bottles, wallet, keys, a map and some snacks.
Hey Adam. Not vintage or old by any means but I think you would love the pochi bag. It’s a holster style bag designed for EDC and for people to wear while riding a bike/skateboard (or one wheel). Have a good one!
MapBags are the GOATS! LITTERALLY first bags I got hyped and stunned as a 20y old.
Now my fiancé' ended up finding one of these bags, it was a leather camera bag. i don't remember the brand/maker of said bag id have to look it up when i find it again, but its absolutely something to look into Adam, leather camera bags/military camera bags. some of the most interesting bags I've seen in a long time top be honest, i feel like they are right up the alley of the exact vibe you are looking for. that and they can come in various sizes. from small satchels like the one you have, to sizes big enough to use as a 72 hour pack damn near. such cool concepts and uses man. absolutely love all your work.
I have had an obsession with military surplus bags ever since I started collecting old surplus stuff so this love and passion that Adam brings out really resonates with me. And for Adam I have some suggestions for bags you might like, while none of these suggestions are entirely leather I’m sure you would like them. I use for my day bag a East German utility/ gas mask bag that I then attached a polish map case strap too. That case is so useful cause it has a compartment that perfectly holds a water bottle, another compartment that holds my steam deck and another for a book. For a bigger shoulder bag I use is a Czech medical bag called the VZOR 80. Honestly i mostly use that for style not anything in particular. And last if you are looking for a rucksack, I love using my Romanian army rucksack, the leather didn’t age very well and broke however the way I repaired it makes it look badass/survivaly. I hope you enjoy those suggestions.
I love the EDC ONE as an urban hiking / everyday bag. With my basic stuff in it, it's light and portable, and it expands enough for a mini-grocery run. I can also rely on the waterproofing and keep papers and electronics in it even if I am not sure of the weather ahead. Thanks for sharing the fruits of your bag fascination with us all.
My edc is the letter size messenger bag made of waxed cotton by motorcycle gear maker Aerostich in Duluth MN. Made in the USA, it’s a good size and highly functional yet decent looking bit of kit, especially for those who may not like leather. And the are at least the last time I ordered one, under $100 usd. It’s great to see someone else who geeks out over geeky things. Thanks for the video.
My favourite bag is a 1970s-ish Finnish military "marking equipment" bag, as it has just the right amount of compartments (and pen holders) and its made from thick wear resistant fabric, so its fairly water resistant and holds its shape, plus the flap is secured with those really handy "lift the dot" type of fasteners seen on US WW2 bags and pouches. It has a very similar construction as the Finnish M/61 gasmask bag, though that one has only a single large compartment. Both also have an extra horizontal strap for strapping the bag around the waist, to stop it from swinging around if running. Works well for keeping the bag on your back while cycling too. BTW, love the Seiko SKX.
I have a few rugged leather EDC bags and always love how the bags react to an application of saddle soap being applied to them. The bags go from crunchy leather relic to supple vintage leatherwork.
I was already down for the map bag AND THEN YOU OPENED THE TRI-FOLD FLAPS and I just lost my mind. I absolutely love that style of bag.
If you are looking for something a little larger (messenger bag sized) and are OK with canvas I suggest the Israeli paratrooper bag. I carried one on multiple deployments and it held up really well. I am now an archaeologist and I have one that is my "field bag" and another that is my "dig bag". Each has the basics I need to pedestrian (field) or sub-surface (dig) and they are great, durable bags. I like the canvas so I can add patches though it is not as water proof as leather. I refer to them as my Murses i.e. "man purses".
seeing someones passion about niche collectibles is so wonderful
I love the closure on that Swiss bag. That little round stud and the slot in the strap are the perfect combination of simple to make, simple to open, simple to close, and secure. I never cared for buckles on an EDC bag because they take too long to open. A one-button quick release isn't bad, but I've had them jam on me. But that little stud is perfect.
As a long time professional photographer I have obsessed over finding the right bag for me and my gear. I went from camera makers cheap little bags to backpacks to oversized bags and finally settled on my well worn heavy duty canvas bag.
Hey Adam. Yes, that's a Swiss army bag. But it has nothing to do with medicine, but like the rest of your pockets it is a map pocket. The small leather compartment in the bag is for writing utensils, the big one is for the map.
The small additional pocket on the leather strap is for the Sitometer 85/Bussole. Which was used to determine the coordinates of the mortar and artillery.
I too stumbled onto the Russian map bag. I saw it in Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War. I immediately fell in love with the look and design and ordered one right away. It is my go to bag when I don't want to carry a backpack.
The story about why you need a bag for all your stuff, especially when its warm and you don't want a coat, is so relatable. Literally the first thing I made of my own design when I got into leather crafting , was a hip pouch, not much smaller than your Swiss bag for exactly that reason. PS: I was 30 in 97 as well
I am sure that you probably already have one, being an Indy fan and all. But, just in case, I'll mention it anyways..
How about one of Zulu Nylon Gear's Indy Satchels? What a great little Cordura satchel inspired by everyone's favorite silver screen Archaeologist...
Hello Adam .
As a strapmaker , I'll used to work with those military bags and pouches ...i've found one day a french military map bag made only for a rich french officer during world war one ( fabulous Epi leather ) ... you can find full of french pouches, military bags on flea market in France 😉 . I've got a beautiful vintage french railroad bag from the 70 ,if you want 😉
The swedish m/39 gasmask bag is one of my first love of bags. Awsome size, small comparment on the outside. Made of canvas and leather. I do think you'd enjoy one.
Also readily available and cheap
Pretty sure the "pocket knife" compartment on the German map bag is for calipres, so you can quickly measure distances.
When I was fixing 2d printers for a living, I ended up using a Swiss gas mask bag to carry all my tools. It was about the same size as the map bags, but just a single compartment. After I lost that job I used the back as a purse until it finally wore out. Also, WW2 era Bren magazine pouches make decent bottle holders, so at one I rigged up a couple pannier style to ride on the back of my bicycle. Mine are Canadian (my grandfather took them to Holland in 1945) but the pattern was pretty universal across the Commonwealth.
My favorite bag is the Swedish gas mask bag (M36). It's leather and canvas - slightly smaller and oddly shaped but lasts a lifetime with the proper care. They used to be $5 in the 90's, but they're running on short supply and perhaps high demand so they might be an investment, too!
Yeah I can’t stop buying bags, thinking the new one would be better than the current carry and yet, I always seem to go back to one of my MANY Chrome Kadet slings….they just seem to work for me. I have taken them all over the world with me. I love how they carry, easy to get on and off…water resistant enough for walking in the rain…😊😊
Watching videos where you created display boxes for things sparked a love for containers. Boxes with nooks and crannies, bags with oddly shaped pouches, and what could fit perfectly in them and even follow some asthetic along the way. Thank you for sharing your own interest in bags/pouches.
I have that Russian Map Bag! I carry my iPad in it and had that as my replacement for a backpack while in college. I take it EVERYWHERE. The smaller iPad 11inch iPad fits perfectly in there with its case and apple pencil, and I take it everywhere to draw and do art. Its fantastic!
Hi Adam. I have been buying different bags at surplus and second hand stores for years, but I always seem to come back to my vintage US Military M6 Lightweight gas mask bag. Nice storage area with a few pockets. Some attachment points for extra stuff. I love the closures. I have been thinking about trying to waterproof the canvas with oil cloth treatment, or maybe even reproduce the bag in leather. Enjoy!
M6 Gas Mask Carrier
The M3 and M4 series of Lightweight Service Gas Masks required a new carrier bag due to the shorter hose length. The M6 bag was used for both the M3 and M4 masks (and others) to hold the mask itself, the canister, plus accessory items such as anti-dimming sets (to prevent fogging of the eye lenses), covers and protective ointment. The bag has interior pockets for accessories and is stenciled with "Army Lightweight Service Mask" on the exterior front, near the bottom. The M6 bag has a top closure that is secured with three LTD fasteners. Like other WW II webbing and bags, the bag color was OD #3 early in the war but changed to the darker OD #7 shade in 1943.
Ok I feel vindicated for collecting bags, specially after watching Adam enthusiasm. ❤
I have the same love of pouches as you do with bags. It started when I was a kid and my dad gave me two U.S. GI canvas compass pouches probably from the Vietnam era. You can still get them for a little south of 5 bucks. I'm in the Army now, and still obsess over little pouches I can throw on my kit or assault pack. Wonderful video!
The Russian bag looks good for TTRPG'ing. Character sheets in the map sections, rulebooks in the back etc.
Thank you! I'm so glad someone else has this same itch...lol. I love containers of all kinds.
If you don't mind canvas bags, Finnish post WW2 army surplus is the way to go. I have an old gasmask bag for EDC and when I go flying. It can hold A LOT but doesn't look too imposing which means you can sneak it on as extra carry on. I also have a bag for "marking tools", probably for an engineer of some sort. Lots of small pockets and pouches. Perfect for organizing various "stuff".
Not vintage looking bags, but Kriega makes fantastic bags of various sizes. Designed for motorcyclists these bags are rugged, waterproof, and even modular in the fact that they can strap to each other and mounting systems. Even if they aren't you style, I feel like you'd get a kick out of their design Adam. Cheers
Thanks for the video!
I am emotionally attached to canvas and leather bags. My favorite is a canvas and leather bag from Banana Republic, back in the day when they did that kinda stuff. Just the right size to hold the stuff you talk about…I can’t find any bag that comes close…it is pure perfection! I need a new one!
I think it was made in England!
I'm reminded of the 'CANVAS MAP CASE SHOULDER BAG' I used for a time, simple, not leather but good enough to bring a book on the train.
I'm surprised that Adam Hasn't got (or at least hasn't shown) any old camera bags, (such as Leica, hasselblad, soviet Zenit and such) to me they seem RIGHT up his alley.
BTW to whom this may interest, I've personally been rocking a stach of genuine scottish wool and lambskin check crossbody bags at a flea market, they're obsoletely phenomenal. I researched them online a while back and although they aren't that vintage (made in the late 80's-early 90's) they are genuine and have come from a maker house that have manufactured for luxury brands such as Burberry. I believe it's quite common amongst my age range (teen/YA)
Hello, Adam, I'm also a bag lover) and now I'm making bags and use them, I think it started when I was 6, from a leather camera cover, when I was a student I used different tipes of bag and now I can release many ideas using my experience...really enjoy mapbags idea, thank you!
It’s wonderful to see someone as obsessed with storage organization as I am, storganization.
I also collect bags... my edc and work bag was the 5.11 MOAB rush 10, now it's the messenger bag. I love their tactical design, lots of pockets for organisation, and the messenger is easier to find things
I have a Kelly Moore scout that I use as a camera bag and I love it. There are only two things Im not a huge fan of. First being that there isn't a handle on the top for easy manuvering when getting in a car or if you need to move it to make room on a table or bench. The second being the clasps that hold the top flap secured can come undone easily and if you don't have the inner flap zipped shut, it could be a problem especially if you're walking around SF. It is a newer bag, but the leather is top notch quality and is thick like the older stuff!
you know what...I like bags too and I have a sewing machine.
WHY AM I NOT MAKING BAGS!? Adam you genius!
That little pouch on the Swiss bag’s sling is for a compass such as the Recta DP6 or DP10 line (nowadays Suunto MB-6). Great compass type!
That bag is a map bag, not a medical bag, so it fits in even better with that particular collection! 😊
Bags are awesome but I got the ultimate bag so I have no need for more now. It's Suraya Hawthornes satchel from the Destiny 2 video game's collectors edition. It's a satchel/messenger bag but it comes with 2 straps that can be removed, so you can turn it into a backpack, or even have it hang sideways or upside down, whatever you want. I keep the straps in an X shape across my chest. It's got something like 13 pockets, some of which are hidden, and I can fit everything I need for a 3-4 day trip in it. Extremely high quality, really durable materials, the hardware is easily the best hardware I've ever seen on a factory produced item, and all the snaps and buttons and stuff are super sturdy. Highly recommend if you can find one second hand.
I'm a huge sucker for Milsurp, canvas, and sling bags so when you asked for bag recommendations I knew I had to comment. If you haven't looked yet, you should totally check out Milsurp gas mask bags. The one most people likely know is the bag Indiana Jones wears, a WW2 era British gas mask bag, the MkVII.
But my personal favorite that I've used for years given to me as a gift from my brother is a Swedish WW2 gas mask bag, the M-36. Grey canvas, with a leather reinforced bottom, leather flaps and metal closures. One large compartment and a smaller one on front, plus an adjustable shoulder strap with an adjustable waist strap too. It's been a bag for hiking, daily carry, and I even used it as my tool bag when I was a Locksmith.
Not sure if it's something that'd be up your alley, or even if I'm the first to suggest one, but like I said I just knew I had to recommend one
I went to India with my mother 30 or so years ago (she wanted to go to an ashram so I went with her) - while there I got obsessed with what was sold to me as a Tibetan belt pouch (whether it actually was Tibetan or not who knows, but I loved it and that was the point!). It is a leather pouch with ornate patterned metal on the flap with a turquoise stone embedded in the middle of it. Pouch fastens with a simple metal hook. Pouch hangs from a leather loop on your belt. Love it. Smells like a camel lol. I am surprised I was allowed to bring it back to New Zealand.
This made my day, I can smell the leather now :)
I miss my childhood collection of tweed camera box cases, I used them as purses.
Got teased, but I loved how they smelled vintage :)
I now want to make a leather bag now. Adam you're the coolest!