Possible bag

The definition of what a “Bag of Possibles” is is possibly “What you want to carry in it.”

In the early 1800s, this Possibles bag was just a flat rectangular bag with a flap that had to be carried under the arm or packed in the saddlebag. As things progressed, the Mountain Men or Fur Trappers attached a strap so that the bag could be carried over the shoulder. These bags would contain pipe tobacco, medicines, and other essential items that these men may need to use on their outings into nature.

Native Indian women created several possible bags to carry a variety of items. These Possible Bags would come in various sizes and would be beaded with a strap.

The Possibles Pouch has become quite different from the early days because now they come with belt loops and are worn on the belt. Mainly these have been adopted by the Bushcraft Fraternity due to the need and requirement to carry additional items to help them survive in the wild.

Some of the items included in the Possibles bag are the first aid kit, fire equipment, cutting tools, and cordage.

This list is endless and each person has their own specific items that they would carry in these Possible Bags. These bags are typically made from leather by wet forming or by the box wall construction method and sewn with linen thread to achieve a more authentic look.

Using linen thread has its drawbacks, as the seams will rot over time, especially if the Possibles bag is constantly getting wet. Modern threads like Tiger Thread are used more widely because it is a man-made fiber and does not rot over time. Another material to use is the artificial tendon, which is composed of several threads and these are divided to use them to sew the bag of possible and, again, it does not rot.

Possibles bag closures again range from switches made from Antler or Buffalo Horn to Brass Sam Brown Studs to Buckles or a simple leather thong that goes through the holes to keep the flap closed and the item inside dry.

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