The Original Woodsman Pack: What the Men on the Frontier Used: What is a Haversack

[@harrymuir835]

I made one out of an old pair of canvas 5.11 pants. Even kept the two cargo pockets on the outside for extra storage.

[@bjellison905]

Buy some leather snd give it a go. If you can do it out of pants you can do it with leather. I made one and it was way easier than i thought it would be

[@williamneal7210]

Right on man! Great idea!

[@lauraleecreations3217]

Sounds like a perfect bag! I've used jean skirts for a bag. I should look into making a bag for camping instead of "fashions" to sell....

[@ryanjamesloyd6733]

Absolutely going to do that, as I have a number of pairs of cargo pants that have blown out in various ways that I always Intend to patch but never got around to. Haversack ftw.

[@shakescan]

Cool thanks

[@raulcarlos1615]

A haversack is not a purse. A purse is a small money bag. The word comes from bursa, and lives on in Bursar, the person who collects money at Universities or Colleges. It is also found in Disburse, distributing money for expenditures, and Reimburse, compensating for expenses incurred on behalf of another. Satchels, messenger bags, and courier bags serve different functions, the same as shooting bags, possible bags, and its predecessor, the market wallet, serve different functions. If I seem hung up on this distinction, it's because I'm a bag maker and I like big bags, I cannot lie, lol, great video!

[@davidzarr1832]

The oil haversack was used all thru the Civil War. I've carried one as a reenactor for 15 years during reenactments it's a good carryall!!!

[@ricdonato4328]

After leaving numerous hints, Christmas 2023 I was gifted this haversack. Although I do not use it in the woods, when I go someplace, I will load it with what we think is needed. Heck, when taking my wife to an appointment at a hospital, I load her stuffs in it. Oh, "stuffs" is a highly technical term. Suggestions for your next iteration of this haversack, include the extra pouch, excellent idea. For me an extra pouch or two would be quite handy. Also, include a double D-ring on the strap, we then can shorten the shoulder strap. Reasons would be we could wrap the strap around our waist thus it would not flop around as much. There are times it would be good making the strap shorter for useability.

[@clintonroushff7068]

Hey Dan, you rock the "man purse" lol! Great part of a good walk, being able to gather stuff. Take care Dan

[@user-js4vh2lw6n]

I carry a military surplus shoulder bag myself. And you are right about how useful they are. Makes keeping things you always need so much easier to get to than having to dig through a pack.

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦👋👍♥️🌲🚵‍♀️🌲🧘‍♀️🎨🖌 Nice attitude and smile😎

[@leesonoutdoors]

I found a great bag at a Army Surplus store bought three il sealed them and made paracord shoulder straps took one out a few weeks ago worked great for me. Thats the great thing about Bushcrafting you make it your own to fit you and your needs and get ideas from other and share our own as well. Thanks for sharing

[@mister-action1]

Thanks, Dan!

[@jeremyhicks6367]

Thanks Dan!

[@johnf7017]

Geez Dan, my re-enactment 18th century haversack I carry the cup,like that , love mine , whether 18th century ( British or Continental ) , HW haversack or my Helikon Bushcraft haversack. They are timeless in their functionality .

[@chrisheadley2980]

Great video very informative. I’ve used a WW2 messenger bag as my haversack for the last few years. They are also great for orientated projects just pack those supplies needed. One other thing I do is use it as a foraging bag these bags are so versatile and inexpensive.

[@muskietime]

I bought one of these bags two years ago and so enjoy it. In the winter, I use it to collect tinder while hiking in the snow to my day trip destination. I keep a Silky Saw in there as well. When riding my Harley, I keep it in a saddlebag and use it to carry fishing tackle, food and drinks as I fish long banks and streams. Sometimes wish the flap would stay shut but then again, I have never lost anything. To me, there is a “cool” factor that I humbly admit I enjoy....even though nobody ever sees me carrying the pack! Be well.

[@FerociousSniper]

I just made one out of an old shoulder strap, and a reusable grocery bag. Can't wait to try it out. These are great ideas for what I can put in it. Thanks.

[@Lisahough4738]

It's also known as a forger's bag to gather berry's greens and and wild craft eatables ,it has many uses.

[@greatwhitenorth762]

forager

[@bobscar327]

Another good, no nonsense video. Thanks.

[@Bayan1905]

I found a surplus Claymore mine bag a few years back, lengthened the strap, sewed on a 1st Aide pouch and now it's my carry everything out in the woods gag, especially during hunting season.

[@ryanjamesloyd6733]

excellent. A good Awl option that I carry camping is a Speedy Stitcher- it's a wooden sewing awl that has a bobbin in it, and large needles suitable for doing leather, that packs all into itself. it can also take a standard sewing machine needle. It's got space to store more regular needles as well. I've used it for all kinds of repairs in canvas and leather and making knife sheaths. I think the large awl needles are big enough to stitch with bank line, though it comes with a big spool of thick waxed thread that's really quite strong. I know that's a little outside your bushcraft perview, but Absolutely worth looking into.

[@m005kennedy]

We need a video tour of your camp store!

[@johndoppleguard]

yes!

[@ericwalker3459]

Just what I was looking for. Thanks. And the idea of using old jeans to have the pockets is genius. I’m going to start sewing my own. Thanks

[@StanMJr]

“It’s not a purse it’s a satchel”… like Indiana Jones🤣

[@FerociousSniper]

So does Joy Behar.

[@Bayan1905]

I commented before that I found a used surplus Claymore mine bag that I had before as my pack, and then I made my own out of canvas to suit my liking. It's larger but not too large and the strap is the perfect length for me. I carry pretty much everything I need in it, more like a traditional long hunter. It has what I need to start a fire, my first aid kit, emergency blanket or two, rope, back up knife to what I carry on my hip, game bag during hunting season, back up compass to my primary, food for when I am out, drink, and whatever else I need. Once I started carrying these bags, never went back to a traditional backpack.

[@rescueraver]

My man purse is part of my EDC haver sacks and sling bags are a great way to carry your stuff. I still use my old U.S. Army map case and it still does the job

[@troybranaman316]

Thanks for showing us what you have in your haversack . I really need to start carrying a sewing kit in mine . I have been using mine lately for fishing with a minimal amount of fishing gear. Great video as always Dan! Take care and stay safe my friend!

[@samstewart4444]

I use a re-useable grocery bag for the same purpose. I use it to sit on and to carry fish home (I put the fish in a plastic garbage bag first). I also keep a couple of these in my backpack. The material used for re-useable grocery bags is durable so I use it as repair material with the inner strands of paracord as thread. One thing about re-useable grocery bags is that in an urban environment, it does not draw attention. I can carry all sorts of things on public transportation and nobody notices.

[@tennesseesmoky9012]

Having a Haversack or some sort of carry bag is always useful in the woods. If you subscribe to the 5 C’s or the 10 C’s of survival, choose a Haversack or carry bag that will easily hold all of those items and commit to always carry it with you whenever your in the woods. I have learned to carry a second Haversack whenever I am planning to stay in the woods overnight. This second bag carries a few more items and some food and cooking items. Works well for me. - Tennessee Smoky

[@boundsgreenboy8354]

Yes my good man, I have something similar when out and about, I call it a Nap Sack and " house's " my essentials, good stuff thanks.

[@larryeddings3185]

The haversack is an indispensable item for the woodsman.

[@kimnielsenthewordyvikingett159]

Here here bravo 👏 bravo bravo!!! A much better name than man purse 🤣😂😅!!! Though I still like the man's videos!!!

[@dinoquintana4319]

You are a very competent guide.thx for posting.

[@kimnielsenthewordyvikingett159]

Back in the days of the frontiersman they had what was referred to as a (possible bag). It not only carried the wading, lead ball's, cap's or flint's but fire 🔥 making parifanailia. Maby a strong mustard for cut's and scrape's or a strong alcoholic beverage or both some coffee grind's some hard tack or jerky or so on and so forth!!! I doubt very seriously they referred to it as a man purse!!! The powder horn and large (Bowie) knife 🗡️ where carried externally and separate!!! "[{(POSSIBLE BAG)}]" please ☺️😉!!! But still love your videos!!! Please don't ever stop making many countless and numerous more sweetheart 💞🥰!!!!

[@zm6695]

Another good video thanks.

[@icyredpeople8941]

One of my favorite uses for the oilskin haversack is stuffing my shemagh and whatever else in it at the end of the day and it makes a great pillow that feels a bit cooler on my face than just a sweatshirt or some regular fabric.

[@EquaODaLv]

Given that content attracts merch traffic, your method of sharing knowledge freely and your style in doing so is effective. Tidbit information is easier to absorb than drawn out technical overviews. You the man Dan. My daughter lives up your way so I'm planning an extended visit that includes taking as many of your courses I can handle/afford. I look forward to it.

[@zakthewarcat3172]

exactly

[@peterott9162]

I love haversacks , they're SSSSOOOO versatile. Haven't purchasing oils oilskin one yet but I will. I just recently acquired from a friend a mountain man style possibles pouch that came with an antler handle patch knife...man I love it. Great video as always Dan. Keep up the great content!

[@terryqueen3233]

I have one that I made myself out of leather it didn't turn out perfect but it works for me I have most of the stuff that you had in yours but since it's summer time I need to swap out a few things, put some different summertime type stuff in it anyway you get the message, so thanks for the video have a great day and stay safe keep your power dry and your haversack on your shoulder!

[@frontiersurvival-1]

Nothing wrong with a man purse, haversack or grocery sack as long as you have a way to carry. Great video Dan!

[@1990westfalia]

I love my haversack almost as much as you. I’ve added a very cool hack, I have sewn Velcro into the covering flap. This allows me to seal the gear in the top flap. It’s been added for over 5 years and is still holding up. Skillet

[@insatiable_mind]

I used to make those “haversacks” as a teenager with the legs I cut off pants to make shorts. They weren’t waterproof but I used them to store and carry slingshot and ammo, a small crossbow pistol and bolts, my gun cleaning kit. Guys would tease me about my purse until I pulled out something cool and told them I made the bag for it. I liked to stitch by hand and didn’t want to waste good denim and whatever fabric dickies work pants are made of.

[@cheryldenkins1597]

I think the dickies are cotton twill.

[@keithlawrence4952]

I have an old Claymore Mine bag from my days as an Army grunt that I use for my camp “possibles”…it’s beginning to fall apart now so I’m gonna make one like yours.

[@curtiscrawford9241]

That haversack was the first purchase I made on your site Dan and it IS the best and most used gear I have.

[@rmapes01]

Always great videos! One other use is expedient water bucket for short hauls. Inside-out or outside-in, it will still be dry somewhere or will dry quickly.

[@kennyjuengel2488]

My hobby is reenactment. French and Indian War through the Civil War time period. I have found that a spool of waxed linen chord is essential in my haversack. It's my cordage, sewing thread, fishing line, ect. It has amazing tinsel strength, is very affordable at a leather working store like Tandy Leather, and will last for months as there is thousands of feet per spool.

[@zandapp]

Hey Dan, I really like your haversack. I have had it for over 3 years. It is extremely durable. I use it for my camping hammock with tree huggers and carabiners. I use the pocket on the flap for my stakes...works out nicely. What's worse than wearing a haversack is a possible's bag...looks like a fanny pack.

[@mickeb9624]

Love it. We're / how do I get hold of it

[@moorshound3243]

I really need one. For ages I just thought it was a gimmick. But now I see I would be a great item.

[@CaptainAiryca]

Bags and containers are just so helpful in the woods! Thanks for walking us through yours.

[@patriot1303]

I love that you carry a bic lighter it’s frickin easy and smart and if it fails you have the ferrosium rod and fatwood so you’re good but the lighter just always made sense to me

[@cloudraker100]

It's a satchel! And I carry one too. I use it as a foraging bag.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks Dan. Take care.

[@dannyhorn9195]

Good job young man. 👍

[@RoyceKitts]

I carry my backpack/purse everywhere. I keep my backpacking diddy bag in it. Comes in handy.

[@RoyceKitts]

Just thinking about the headlamp. Last week I dropped a screw down a three foot pipe. It definitely showed me the light.

[@diamondoutdoors8830]

Nice set up. Was looking into them for upcoming boyscout trip.

[@davekelly9657]

I've used an old gasmask bag for years. Used to find tons of them back in the day.👍👍⚓⚓🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@bjellison905]

I used to use an old chemical suit as a snow suit. It worked great

[@alanrice39]

Those gas mask bags do make a good haversack, I have a few of them. Very inexpensive also.

[@TR_Swan]

Me too. Lasted for over 20 years. The only reason it didn't last was it was in a flood.

[@joesdfasd9016]

I did the same, and couldve kept using mine but for some components wearing out after years of use. Upgraded to a larger Romanian bread bag from Varusteleka

[@shannonbarattini5772]

Thanks for ALL THE GREAT ADVICE AND INFORMATION.

[@capthappy345]

U got the best bushcraft site

[@okienative4785]

Very cool. I carry an old military surplus shoulder bag. That I've waterproofed. And lined with a type of food grade plastic. So it can double as a water carrier In emergencies. It's my oh sh*t bag. The necessities if I'm not near any major gear bags.

[@kenc9236]

Dan the man.

[@micwell2247]

When I first started muzzleloader hunting, a lot of the advertisements for the sport showed guy in chinese made cheap looking garb. My thinking too was I ain't running around with a purse. Later own I get into 18th century reenacting because of my love for early American history. This type of bag if you will, haversac , I've carried one ever since even with modern fire arm hunting ....works great with shotguns

[@MyelinProductions]

EXCELLENT! Thank You! Love Your videos - Well Done. Be Safe out there. Peace & Health

[@benfox9208]

That copper cup is awesome

[@andrewbutton2039]

When I go on long bike journeys, i shorten the strap on my home made one so it sits slightly under my ribs, and the backpack straps keep it there. I usually have useful items, snacks, and a flask of coffee in it. In day to day life its big enough to hold two 4 pint bottles of milk and close nicely.

[@billlyell8322]

Great video. I have made a small one that is handy for gathering tinder or or misc gathered material. Honestly it was made more for practice of making a item rather than making an item i intended to actually carry/use. I'll make some the same size for my grand kids this year, while my practice one is untreated I'll waterproof theirs. What I wanted to say really was when I was a little kid I was taught the haversack was a food pouch. You would carry your ratios in it and add wild foods you gathered along the way. It would be slung over one should and a powder horn over the other. You would add a marble bag(do they even make those today? Lol) sized shot pouch and a fire pouch on you belt with your knife.

[@lorriewatson7423]

I have a similar bag, made of leather, my mom gave me ages ago. Now, I know what to do with it! Thank you!

[@david6920-r6z]

Great setup. Great to have a ready to go bag already set up for action

[@alanrice39]

I enjoy carrying my haversack, that setup is very similar to what I carry. My haversack is larger and can be carried like a nap sack. Like seeing what other people carry. Thanks Dan, great video.

[@p.d8423]

I had a Hungarian military 'Pouch'. Loved it. I think I get one again. Totally agree with this item 😃

[@dennislindenpellinge]

Yes ! Good video !

[@jtmarlin336]

I have an old military surplus canvas ammunition bag my Pa Paw kept his beers in while hunting I use it every deer season... Not for beers Lol just binoculars, knife, extra ammo, snacks and water

[@MooseTracker100]

Haversack/man-purse they are incredibly handy for all types of travel/journeys. I use them also in cosplay at medieval fairs!

[@victorhausauer3018]

Not to say I can't buy all the cool gear you all come out with, but I prefer to make some things myself. I actually made my version of the helikon tex MK2. With a few deletions and modifications! It fits my needs better.

[@rogueraven7603]

You can fit a 16 oz rock star in the flap pocket if you have to. It’s bulky but it works.

[@garyprice8330]

A very good setup I like it

[@RodCornholio]

Don't underestimate the humble Bic. Just recently I accidentally sent it through the clothes washer AND dryer (medium heat). Worked.

[@jbelme1]

Excellent video. I’m forever picking item up on my trips, and my pockets end up stuffed. I like the blanket pin, and use a Roman era(reproduction) fibula for the same purpose.

[@mrbluesteen]

Awesome Video! 🌲🌲🌲

[@neeleyfolk]

Have a surplus Polish bread bag I use for day hikes.

[@jakqup]

What a coincidence! I just picked up the canvas for my Haversack from the post office :D

[@grimbo73]

i've been using a Parklands haversack for my everyday bag for over a decade...my coffee mug hangs on a carabiner, hold my sunglasses, multitool, phone, all my edc stuff...best $10 i spent....

[@katelee670]

I have a sewing kit in a Altoids tin I've got fishing hooks in another one and matches in one.. it works out good..

[@williamthegriffin6185]

Wammy!! Love these vids. Keep them coming.

[@corleyoutdoors2887]

Informative and beneficial video!

[@markcummings6856]

Bark Baskets? How about some info on that in the future?. Thanks

[@scipio7837]

Growing up, I had a WWII Canadian canvas gas mask satchel. Removed the one partition to make a book bag. I didn't, dad did, and that served me from Gr.1 to Grad. Brother had another one, he was a hippy, born in '56, so it was all decked out. Mine was as I got it, but with my scout badge. From school to bush craft, we had a quarter section over looking Crown land, camping, trail riding, ice fishing, yada, yada... that satchel went everywhere. It was literally a constant companion day in and day out. Retired it by college, worn and threadbare and then lost it. Yeah, lost it.

[@ballinacquisitions]

Instead of thread, I recommend black (charcoal infused) dental floss. It outperforms thread and will never fail. Old Punk rocker trick - once you try it for a field repair you’ll be blown away

[@josephmartin1540]

Love it. Plus, I’ve done a bit of international travel with a backpack. If I’m in a city for a while and want a daypack? This would be truly International friendly in a lot of places. And more than enough. Another market? Cheapy rain cover in the flap? Hmmm!

[@rickyburton4642]

That’s cool 😎. Thank you 👍👍

[@Thatsmisteroldguytou]

I always loved this guy's haversack. I made my own. Perhaps I should buy a purpose built one like his.

[@tonynapoli5549]

Great sense as always thank you 👌

[@williamlong8859]

Made a customized leather haversack decades back. Have used it for work and play and could careless if my friends refer to it as a manpurse.

[@i_am_a_freespirit]

I love messenger bags...they are bigger then the haversack... So this haversack I would carry like my purse. Yes, they are versatile, especially if they are water proved. What size is your haversack Dan? I am planning on sewing one for myself, but I don't want it as big as a messenger bag. And may I suggest maybe Velcro in the top pocket to hold it shut? That way it can be securely closed to keep stuff from falling out.

[@2secondslater]

Velcro is a great idea, even a couple of press stud fasteners would be an improvement.

[@bdickinson6751]

1:42 What state park would that be Dan?

[@tactikiller]

A sustainment pouch with a rifle sling makes for a good updated haversack

[@averagecamper4265]

Put clothes into it and boom pillow or insulated sit pad. Could also fill with leaves and make an insulated sit pad recommended to turn inside out if possible depending on how yours is designed

[@christiandoeman4599]

Thats awesome

[@heathcoat67]

have you done a video on how to waterproof your haversack or other cloth? is it the same as tin pants?

[@Lisahough4738]

It's been called a possible s bag ,prior to civil war and Mexican war .they carrier black powder assceories in it .

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

Good information

[@KillingerUSA]

Nothing like a shoulder bag.

[@OverOnTheWildSide]

Dan’s awesome, haversack’s are awesome but on the Frontier only soldiers used them. I’m sure there were a few exceptions but as far as being a frontier thing I haven’t seen or heard of it besides soldiers. Shooting bags were most common from what I’m aware of.

[@paulglucina1184]

Is your number 18 bankline twisted or braided version?

[@paulglucina1184]

Hey Dan, what is the watch you are wearing? Cheers