Mussete bag

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Back in the day, Ahern’s pulp-series, ‘The Survivalist’, had it’s main character carrying his spare speedloaders, binoculars, and other small items in what was called a ‘musette bag’. Basically, its one of those little buttpack bags that you see from time to time in military surplus venues.

I’ve been wanting something similar, but just s smidge bgger, and am having no luck. Don’t confuse it with a messenger bag, although they are very similar. The musette bag is a bit smaller, in some armies it was called a bread bag, or a foraging bag,  and is usually carried by a sling that clips to a couple attachment points on the bag.

Anyway, I’ve been trying to find a modern version with absolutely no luck. I’m looking for something made in the USA, has a large flap covering, a couple exterior pockets, removable sling, tactical color, and perhaps a bit of MOLLE. Tried Spec-Ops, SOE, and a couple other features. This is almost exaclty what Im looking for, but its always out of stock. And before you suggest one of the myriad of ‘active shooter bags’ out there, no, that isn’t quite right either. Those are too blocky..I want something less rigidly formed. Also be nice if it could fit an MP5k.

Open to suggestions…..and, hey, don’t just say “You should go look at X”…that’s helpful but not as helpful as actually providing a link to X.

44 thoughts on “Mussete bag”

  1. something like this? I have an old leather fanny pack with a holster built into it. Everyone makes fun of the old guy wearing a fanny pack but if it’s stupid but it works, then it’s not stupid, and it doesn’t get noticed like a holster does.

    Be willing to bet some people in Boulder regretting they didn’t have a Glock 19 in a hip pack about now.

    https://www.midwayusa.com/product/939579089

    • I have a few of those, one on an H-Harness, one with just the 2-hook shoulder strap.

      The shoulder strap version is in my ready gun cabinet. It’s got a water bottle holder on one of the outside holders (not MOLLE but works), an old-style first aid kit box/pouch (with modern ingredients) on the other.

      Inside are 4 loaded M16 mags, 4 loaded Glock 21 mags (also fit the G30), and a shotgun bandoleer, a protein bar, and a headlamp.

      Should I need to get up in the middle of the night for something I can grab the appropriate firearm, sling the bag over my shoulder, and have whatever extra ammo, a drink, and a snack.

  7. An option for this sort of thing is to use an old Claymore bag. It has 2 pouches and snaps securely.

    I have one set up for my HD shotgun. One side is full of shells and the other first aid stuff and a flashlight.

  11. Commander- why not design one and seek somebody like maxpedition to manufacture it for commercial sale? The Commander Bag? CZ bag?

    • Funny…I was thinking that there was a place in the world for a Commander Zero-designed ‘Bag O Tricks’.

      • Skinner Sights up in Ronan does this sort of thing with local seamstress’s. The work is basic & affordable. It’s fun to visit & owner is cool guy.

  12. Look into a custom designed item. Tough traveler in Schenectady, NY. Everything they do is hand made.

  13. Indiana Jones had a British gas mask bag.
    Viet era vets had the butt pack. First in 1956 canvas, later in ALICE OD nylon.
    And the WWII musette bag is always findable, original or repro.
    Claymore bags are a tougher get these days.

    And sling bags in small mountains, by everyone.

    You’re the one with the mental requirement, CZ, so rather than add to this shotgun splattergory, I suspect you’re going to have to do the mouseclicking yourself and decide what you want.

    FWIW, being a leather-working Renn Faire refugee, I’m a big fan of taking whatever I find, and Shoe-Gooing/sewing/rivetting leather wear pads to certain points, and upgrading belts, buckles, and snaps, from lowest-bidder fodder to premium hardware. It also adds cool guy and style points, while de-militarizing things some. And RIT dyes for both cotton and synthetics means you can have any color you want, of anything. Selective dye-dunking will get you ad hoc camo, if you want that.
    YMMV.

    My recent gets have now made a heavy tent sewing machine a want bordering on a need, so I can add MOLLE webbing and pockets where I want, for things like holsters and other pouches. Shoe Goo, Barge, hand sewing, and riveting are a decent second-line option.

    “The world is what you make of it. If it doesn’t fit, you make alterations.” Stella, Silverado
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKAgYqYqvzk

    • I’m envisioning a line of CZ merchandise starting with the bag exactly as the Commander wants it.

      When the ship gets unstuck in the Suez all of us LMIs and CZ supporters go in together and buy bulk ballistic nylon, organize volunteers to do the design, construction and distribution of the bags.

      Once the logistics are nailed down move on to holsters, slings, sheaths, scabbards, car bags, backpacks, shelters, dog/horse/motorcycle/ATV gear, sorority outfits, etc.

      This is gonna be good.

  16. Spec ops brand had an actual buttpack 10 plus years ago when I was still in the military. It wasn’t Molle, but was pretty good. I still have mine.

    • I have three of them, but they don’t meet the criteria I laid out. That said, they are an excellent product.

  18. I had a set of web gear from the Vietnam era. It had the but pack, two. Mag pouches. 4 mages per for the M16 20rd. Also had two canteens with covers.
    I found a few years ago a copy of a WWII muzzette bag. It was part of the pack outfit and attached to another part of the pack. There is an attachment flap for the E tool. Got it at General Jims Surplus in Clare Michigan. The other half of the building is Jay’s Gun Shop. I think so paid $15 bucks a at the time. It is handy and can be worn over the shoulder or with the shoulder straps as you would with a rucksack. It is a nice reproduction. Had it for 15 years now. Still going strong. I’ll try to send a pic later.

  19. London Bridge made/makes (not sure) an ‘escape and evade’ bag which has an item number of LBT2640A. I have one and it is well made and can fit a lot of stuff inside. Best part, you can get one used on fleabay for about 40 bucks or less.

  21. I too was on this “quest” a while back.
    For a certain “carry” item.
    My specs were similar to yours.
    Main flap with dimensions to hold said item.
    Shoulder strap along with appearance and color
    which would not attract attention.
    Frag Bag II made by Sand Piper of California
    http://www.sandpiperca.com
    Has lifetime warranty.
    Although they have discontinued production
    it’s still sold at several places who’ve laid in a
    large inventory.
    https://www.amazon.com/Sandpiper-California-Messenger-Black-14×13-5×6-Inch/dp/B004NXB5I6

  23. This site has interesting stuff. I bought surplus Finnish Army gas mask bags several years ago. The grandkids use them for day hikes when they go camping with their dad. The gas mask bag on the site now looks like crap.
    https://www.varusteleka.com/en

  24. Back in the early 80s I bought a surplus pouch that was used to hold two claymores. Whenever I went to the woods that’s what I carried my stuff in. I guess they would call it a tactical European man purse today!!!!

  26. I may be a little late but I suggest the following:

    thehiddenwoodsmen.com/product/the-haversack/

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