small ticking and barktan bag

[EricEwing]

Hello,
This is a bag I made a few months ago. It was inspired by a pouch from Jim Webb's book, but I was mostly driven by a desire to see how small a bag I could personally use.  I intend to waterproof the ticking.  I did use it a few times and found the size (6 1/2" wide by 7" tall) was fine as long as I really streamlined what I carried around. Its made with ticking and has a flap and back panel of barktan deer hide, and an inside lining of linen inside to give it some strength.  The strap is made from hemp webbing and to it I attached a length of stained leather cord with a forged vent pick and a carved antler powder measure.  The small green horn I purchased from Pete Hutton and attached that to the strap with stained cowhide.

Looking for honest feedback.  Months ago I was thrilled with this pouch, now months later I am looking at it and seeing that's it almost there but not quite hitting the mark somehow. thanks for looking 

 

[trentOH]

Honest Feedback? OK.

To me, the strap is out of proportion to the bag. It's just too wide, too massive for use with a small pouch designed to carry a light load.  Also, the leather has a distressed look about it, all crinkly and dark colored, yet the fabric looks like new.

Those are my impressions and opinions of the photos, and worth every ha' penny you paid for it.

[EricEwing]

Thanks Trent both are good points. You're right on about the strap. I think it is only about 1 1/4 wide at most but for such a small bag it looks too big.
As for the fabric I figured it being cloth it was gonna be real dirty soon enough from use especially once waterproofed and tacky. The bark tan I got was kind of thin and crackly, it wrinkles and creases too easily. My first time buying it, next time I will be more discerning.

[Jerry V Lape]

The way the strap is attached looks a little awkward.  Doesn't allow the flap to lay flat and puts a twist in the end of the strap so if you change to a narrower strap you might want to attach it differently. 

[Martyman]

Heck looks fine to me! I have seen several large straps on original "backwoods" bags. My only suggestion is a way to adjust the strap length ie. button or buckle. Without that adjustment it makes it tough to switch between jacket and no jacket. Overall looks handsome!

[duca]

I Think it looks Great! good job.

[LIBERTY]

It looks like exactly what it is a new bag. Like all new stuff it will gain its patina as it is used. As for the strap it is out of proportion and I would replace it with a leather strap about 3/4" wide. Water proofing is a good idea and quite necessary for a functional bag. I would really like to see it when its finished. Keep up the good work. Frank

[pathfinder]

Liberty,you are exactly right! It IS a new bag. Strap is the only thing wrong. Waterproofing will grime it up to everyones contentment. Looks great!

[EricEwing]

thanks again for the comments.  guess a new strap is probably in order....