Thursday Purseday: Vintage Military Gear

One of my favorite places to explore is an Army Surplus Store, especially Berkeley Surplus. Why? Because I love unique, durable ways to store stuff and they've got lots of neat belts and bags. For those who don't have a surplus store nearby there's always Etsy. Be aware that some sellers mark up their goods. If you're looking for a good deal - a surplus store is your best bet.

This past Fourth of July weekend we headed out to Belden, CA for Priceless. Just like last year, I brought with me my favorite go to bag - a vintage military satchel bag (similar to the two pictured below but in better condition).

The Finds: Dynamite Case, $32, The Krickett's Jewel; Gas Mask Bag, $30, Yuti Riti; Satchel Bag, $45 with one of two straps from Raggedy Threads or $24 without straps from The Milliner's Daughter; Ammunition Belt, $28, Moment of Nostalgia.

With its dual straps, I can wear it as a purse or a backpack (a friend uses his to carry camera gear). I also brought pockets designed for construction that let me carry gear and keep my hands free. They're a little less useful than my satchel bag as the pockets are open and contents can fall out. I'm still on the lookout for the right ammunition belt.

My favorite bag right now? The chemical-biological gas mask bag from Yuti Riti, so many ways to easily grab camera gear from your pack with a separate pocket for your phone.

Do you have any repurposed military gear that you use as a purse or camera bag?

Want more accessory eye candy? View my previous Thursday Purseday picks.

Or, check out these other blogs:

Brancorpa, Pearls for Paper,

Postcards and Pretties, A Realistic Wedding,

Sparkle & Hay, and The Unreal Bride.

Ciao Bella!

Eden

 

Credits: Collage created by Eden Hensley Silverstein for A Timeless Affair. All product photos taken by their respective Etsy sellers: The Krickett's Jewel, Yuti Riti, Raggedy Threads, Moment of Nostalgia.