Super Cool RF Bag

[photogdave]

Everyone is always looking for the ultimate gear bag, so here's a really good one I found recently.
It's a U.S. Army radio bag that seems purpose-built for RF gear. The first two photos show how it compacts down to a small size - about the size of an average ladies' purse (I believe!). The bag expands when the bottom is folded down and has two separate compartments, each with a round divider perfect for a lens. A flap from the back can cover the rear compartment and there is a sleeve in the lid for instructions etc.
It's made of good old cotton duck canvas and seems very durable. My only trifling complaint is the strap could be a tad longer.
I got it for $25 at a Seattle army surplus store. They also had used ones for $13 but they had a camoflauge pattern I wasn't keen on.
Good buy! 😎

 

[jonasv]

I have exactly the same one! Same color and everything... some padded inserts and it's just perfect.

 

[taffer]

Cool ! I like the canvas as well, maybe we could do a RFF bulk order ? 🙂

If it comes with a M4, I definitely want one 😉

Bags have their own appeal, and personally, I could never have enough ones, I just love them almost as much as small Swiss army knives.

 

[MinorTones]

Cool. I'm gonna check the local army surplus store today. I've never been in, mostly because the name scared me away. I mean who wants to go into a store called
"Big Daddy's"

Well thats North Carolina for you.

-Mitch

 

[Nikon Bob]

I could go for one of those if we had a surplus store here.

Nikon Bob

 

[back alley]

we used to have surplus stores here, maybe still do.
it's been quite a few years but i also used bags similar to that.
they were very popular so a camera inside went unnoticed quite easily.

joe

 

[Jonathan_100]

This reminds me of the old Vietnam eara medic kit I used to keep my SLR in. It's canvas had some sort of waterproof spray coating. It held an SLR with a 50, 35, 135, moter drive, and still had room for extras like filters, film, and cleaning gear.

If I find it, I'll post a shot. I always though the design should have been reproduced for a light weight photojournalist bag.

Jonathan

 

[Jonathan_100]

Your army/navy wouldn't be the one on 1st Ave. would it?

Jonathan

 

[photogdave]

Yes, I think it's close to Wall St.

 

[Gordon Coale]

I just googled for "army surplus bags" and found all sorts of sites with nice little canvas bags for under $20.

 

[bmattock]

I never understood the 'hip' factor of military gear with people who never served a day. I realize it is not logical, but it makes me feel like they're 'stealing honor' that they never earned. Just my 2 cents.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[photogdave]

I can appreciate that point of view. Especially with regards to uniform and medals/insignias.
When it comes to bags and camping gear, I just like to get the best quality, most practical and most affordable - which is often military.
I just read an article in Time about how our Canadian troops serving overseas are often issued sub-par gear and end up buying better stuff from independent sellers at their own expense! 😡

 

[bmattock]

I can appreciate that point of view. Especially with regards to uniform and medals/insignias.
When it comes to bags and camping gear, I just like to get the best quality, most practical and most affordable - which is often military.
I just read an article in Time about how our Canadian troops serving overseas are often issued sub-par gear and end up buying better stuff from independent sellers at their own expense! 😡

Yes, I agree with you - and from a certain perspective, it makes sense to get full use from gear that the taxpayers ultimately paid for, rather than let it go to waste, right?

I would not say that a person shouldn't buy what they want - just a feeling I get when I see it sometimes - especially the wearing of parts of uniforms/medals, etc as you said.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[Kragmeister]

Greetings,

I've got one of those radio bags, bought it about 20 years ago at "The Great War Store" in Allentown, PA (still in business). I bought it specifically because it was a perfect fit for a 4x5 Speed Graphic and a bunch of film holders and a Polaroid pack adapter. I still have the Speed Graphic and bag, just don't use 'em 🙁

I never really thought about collapsing it to use for smaller gear.

Oh yeah, FWIW it is actually a Federal crime in the US to wear military medals that one did not earn. Ditto with uniforms. Thing is, one *can* wear milsurp jackets, etc., just not a full uniform.

Later,
Greg

 

[ywenz]

it's kinda pan-murse looking...

 

[ddutchison]

For Canadians, the Can. Army fanny-pack is the one I'd recommend.

I've no pictures, but it's made of water-proof Cordura with 2 internal magazine pockets at each end (perfect for lenses up to 135mm) one big center pocket for the camera, and a third internal pocket at the back for film, note books, cable release etc.

Most have a shoulder strap, as well as the large Velcro clips to attach it directly to a belt. I've found it's one of the few shoulder bags I can Carry securely on a bicycle.

The desired fashion statement it makes isn't so much "military chic" as "Nothing worth stealing on this guy".

 

[StuartR]

I never understood the 'hip' factor of military gear with people who never served a day. I realize it is not logical, but it makes me feel like they're 'stealing honor' that they never earned. Just my 2 cents.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

How do you know they didn't serve Bill? Two of my best friends definitely have a "hipster" look about them and often wear surplus stuff. One just finished his tenure as a Lieutenant in the Navy, and the other just returned from Afghanistan where he was a captain in the Rangers.

 

[Gerry M]

ywenz,
OT, is that Rasheed Wallace I see there?

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

Hi- the surplus map cases (bags) seem decent too. The straps attach to D rings on the back and the attachemnet point is high on the bag. Less chance of tipping out your gear.

I would suggest coating any of the canvas duck bags with Scotchgard.

 

[bmattock]

How do you know they didn't serve Bill? Two of my best friends definitely have a "hipster" look about them and often wear surplus stuff. One just finished his tenure as a Lieutenant in the Navy, and the other just returned from Afghanistan where he was a captain in the Rangers.

You have a good point. Most of the ones I've seen were too young to have served (yet) or were wearing the uniform (or parts thereof) in a manner bespeaking a lack of respect for the military as a profession. No offense intended.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks