Rifleman's Bag

Sometimes you just want to get out for a day, travel light and far, boots on the trail before dawn and tracking back to the home fire again at dark. Rifle in hand, and a good bag to haul your kit comfortably and reliably. Not claiming any historical accuracy here, just what works for me.

My Rifleman's bag.



I want to carry a kit that can sustain me if need be, keep my thirst quenched, needful things at my fingertips, and if required, support me if I find myself out overnight.

My contents change often, though there is always a means for fire, shelter, and water in it, some of the other items change depending upon the season and the weather. When I know my walkabout is on a fixed course not far from the barn I'll sometimes swap out things I know I won't need, like today for example, I didn't bother with the hand axe.

My bag is some long forgotten surplus bag from World War II and our Greatest Generation. Trimmed in heavy leather, solid buckles, heavy thick canvas. Leather shoulder pad was an add on and it certainly makes the shoulder strap much more comfortable. I like for it to ride on the left side and well to the rear so it doesn't catch on brush, trees and whatnot.



I also slipped a six round .45-70 shell holder on the strap. When I have the bag where I like for it to ride the shells are in just the right place for me to pull from the right and reload.



Plenty of space in the bag for a basic kit. As far as other items, primary knife, fire steel were tethered to my belt and my FAK was in a cargo pocket. Those two things I typically keep on my person.

Here's what I had in mine today.

1. BushCraft Outfitters Survival tarp.
2. Canteen & Cup
3. Moleskin journal & pen
4. Brunton Compass
5. Sardines
6. PSK
7. 2 Space Blankets
8. Char Box
9. Fire kit (Green waterproof box full of goodies)
10. Biowipes
11. 25' braided cordage 1 heavy biner





The PSK

Cordage
Snare wire
hot melt
fishing kit
scissors
sewing kit
3 blade broadhead
electrical tape
100mph tape







Navigation by way of a Brunton as well as a Silva clip on. The smaller Silva also has a thermometer and a windchill chart.





I keep a field journal, this little moleskin that my wife picked up for me is great. Perfect size, lined paper, durable. The pen is a Fisher.





Today's quick lunch was some sardines in mustard sauce, I'm not picky, and today wasn't a good day for a fire and something more elaborate, very dry, heavy leaves and heavy winds.



I don't know what era this canteen and cup are from, I think Swedish 1930s or early 40s. Works great for me when I don't need to carry a larger amount of water. When I do, the bag holds a 32oz Guyot and nested stainless steel cup.





The construction on the bag is bombproof, heavy leather, heavy stitching, heavy canvas. The entire thing is trimmed out in heavy leather, the corners and edges as well as a wide piece that reinforces the back.










Mine has served me well for a long time. When I don't need a full pack but want some insurance or still want to carry a few things, my Rifleman's Bag is always there.