Bag it for life?
August 16, 2015 6:06 PM Subscribe
I have one of these vintage WW2-era bags, and I love it. But it's falling apart. Can the AskMe denizens help me extend its life, or find a longer lasting replacement?
I've carried a one of these WW2 Swedish gas-mask bags for about a decade now. I love the size, and the leather and canvas construction. But 60+ year old deadstock has some longevity issues. The stitching fails, and the canvas wears really easily.
My current bag is looking pretty ratty now - the strap is fraying, and it's got a few holes in the canvas and is fraying at the edges. I have a backup bag of the same design, untouched and as-new, sitting in my wardrobe.
Can you (1) recommend a nice, replacement small canvas and leather bag, just large enough to fit a book/e-reader, sunglasses, keys, over-ear headphones? All the ones I can find are massive briefcase-sized satchels or messenger bags. I'm willing to spend a bit of money on this, but let's say $300 USD as an absolute maximum. Complications - must deliver to Australia.
Or, (2) can you suggest anything I can to to the backup bag to make it more durable? Can you condition or treat canvas to make it more flexible or wear-resistant? The leather can be conditioned, obviously, but the leather is nigh indestructible anyway.
I've carried a one of these WW2 Swedish gas-mask bags for about a decade now. I love the size, and the leather and canvas construction. But 60+ year old deadstock has some longevity issues. The stitching fails, and the canvas wears really easily.
My current bag is looking pretty ratty now - the strap is fraying, and it's got a few holes in the canvas and is fraying at the edges. I have a backup bag of the same design, untouched and as-new, sitting in my wardrobe.
Can you (1) recommend a nice, replacement small canvas and leather bag, just large enough to fit a book/e-reader, sunglasses, keys, over-ear headphones? All the ones I can find are massive briefcase-sized satchels or messenger bags. I'm willing to spend a bit of money on this, but let's say $300 USD as an absolute maximum. Complications - must deliver to Australia.
Or, (2) can you suggest anything I can to to the backup bag to make it more durable? Can you condition or treat canvas to make it more flexible or wear-resistant? The leather can be conditioned, obviously, but the leather is nigh indestructible anyway.
Dr. Jones has you covered. I've got one and I love it.
posted by valkane at 6:26 PM on August 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by valkane at 6:26 PM on August 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
Oh, it's about the same size as a large moleskine notebook. My ipad mini fits perfectly, along with a bunch of other stuff.
posted by valkane at 6:29 PM on August 16, 2015
posted by valkane at 6:29 PM on August 16, 2015
As for #2, try taking it to a cobbler and see what they say. Loose stitching is no problem to repair, the strap could be replaced, and the canvas might be able to be reinforced. I would take your new bag with you, too, and ask about what can be done to it now to lengthen its life, once they see where the weak spots are. A lining, for example, might help.
If you can't find a suitable replacement, you might be able to find a craftsman who could use your older bag as a pattern to make a new one. Leather is a bit tricky to sew, but they might be able to repurpose the bottom from your old bag. It might be worth a few inquiries on etsy, to get a general idea on price.
posted by umwhat at 6:37 PM on August 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
If you can't find a suitable replacement, you might be able to find a craftsman who could use your older bag as a pattern to make a new one. Leather is a bit tricky to sew, but they might be able to repurpose the bottom from your old bag. It might be worth a few inquiries on etsy, to get a general idea on price.
posted by umwhat at 6:37 PM on August 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Seconding umwhat. Take it to a cobbler or other leatherworker. They can do amazing things. I have had purses rescued that I thought were beyond repair.
posted by irisclara at 7:23 PM on August 16, 2015
posted by irisclara at 7:23 PM on August 16, 2015
Response by poster: Take it to a cobbler or other leatherworker.
A cobbler has, in the past, renewed the stitching on the leatherwork and the rest of the bag, and that's been good. But they can't do much for the fraying canvas or the holes. Perhaps I can wax the canvas?
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:20 PM on August 16, 2015
A cobbler has, in the past, renewed the stitching on the leatherwork and the rest of the bag, and that's been good. But they can't do much for the fraying canvas or the holes. Perhaps I can wax the canvas?
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:20 PM on August 16, 2015
Infusion makes a nice looking waxed canvas bag sized for an iPad that I've been admiring for a long time
posted by mlo at 9:05 PM on August 16, 2015
posted by mlo at 9:05 PM on August 16, 2015
If you are looking for a brand new bag with a lifetime warranty, you could try these two. They are both pretty small companies and I think they will ship to Aus if you ask nicely.
Duluth Pack has great canvas bags.
If you want lots of pockets, the conceal carry bag looks good.
The Haversack might work too.
Both are way under your $300 budget.
If you want a dream bag, JW Hulme's
Correspondent bag seems like a really similar size and function to the bags you are trying to replace but much more grown up and quite luxurious. The price tag is way over your budget at over $600. It's a bag you would keep for life though. Watch their sale page. Everything is half off sooner or later.
posted by littlewater at 9:46 PM on August 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
Duluth Pack has great canvas bags.
If you want lots of pockets, the conceal carry bag looks good.
The Haversack might work too.
Both are way under your $300 budget.
If you want a dream bag, JW Hulme's
Correspondent bag seems like a really similar size and function to the bags you are trying to replace but much more grown up and quite luxurious. The price tag is way over your budget at over $600. It's a bag you would keep for life though. Watch their sale page. Everything is half off sooner or later.
posted by littlewater at 9:46 PM on August 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: If you ever end up stuck, the search phrase gasmaskväska M36 can be your friend.
posted by Iteki at 1:07 AM on August 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Iteki at 1:07 AM on August 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
I bought a bag from the Chinese brand "Linshi Tasks" recently, they're going for the "canvas & leather" look: http://world.tmall.com/item/15357757860.htm
I like it a lot, it's well made. It's a fairly big bag (messenger style) but they make smaller bags that could be what you're looking for: http://world.tmall.com/item/44704909364.htm http://world.tmall.com/item/39195136430.htm
I don't think tmall / taobao have a built-in re-shipping service to Australia yet but there are "taobao agents" that specialise in sending to Australia. It's not too far from China to Australia ;)
posted by Morbuto at 11:13 AM on August 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
I like it a lot, it's well made. It's a fairly big bag (messenger style) but they make smaller bags that could be what you're looking for: http://world.tmall.com/item/44704909364.htm http://world.tmall.com/item/39195136430.htm
I don't think tmall / taobao have a built-in re-shipping service to Australia yet but there are "taobao agents" that specialise in sending to Australia. It's not too far from China to Australia ;)
posted by Morbuto at 11:13 AM on August 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by R a c h e l at 6:24 PM on August 16, 2015