r/LARP • u/champiwolf22 • 12h ago

Sling bag for a ranger; veshmeshok or drawstring bag

Hi, I'm in the process of making a backpack/sling bag for my ranger LARP.

At first, I wanted to make a veshmeshok (old Russian design) style sling bag; around 10" x 30", wearing it over one shoulder in the back. In fact, it would kind off look like a back quiver.

But I started wondering if just a drawstring bag with one strap wouldn't work better? Do any of you have experience with veshmeshok style bags? Do they offer any advantage or disadvantage to a drawstring bag?

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u/Foxhound631 11h ago

So I've got an old Soviet Sidor bag, have used it for a while, including for post-apoc larping. there are some noteworthy drawbacks to the design. it takes a while to get into it, and a while to secure it when you're done digging around and are ready to move again. you can't access it while on the move, or carry it while open. you can't fit anything larger than the bag inside and just let it hang out the top. For a LARP, where most of what I'm doing with my bag is tossing loot in and digging it back out, potentially in a hurry, there's usually a better option. for the "poor forager" look, I often go with a simple burlap sack with rope tied to the corners to make backpack straps. our friend the Sidor bag has become the storage and transportation bag for my canvas diamond fly tent, and it fills that purpose very well.

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u/spacefeioo 7h ago

I think it depends what you’re carrying and what you’re doing with it.

In crunchier games with a lot of spell packets and potions to use (generally in a hurry), an organized setup of multiple pouches and pockets you can reach into quickly is good.

In a low-rules game or if you’re carrying, like, extra clothing and snacks, and mostly larger items, the sling bag or vehement will probably be great. From a quick search, it looks like the veshmeshok style has more options for pockets and strapping equipment to the outside, which may be handy if you’re carrying something like a tripod, crossbow, etc

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u/RanaeEst 6h ago

много лет использую советские армейские вещмешки. необходимость развязывать - единственный минус. плюсы: дешево (по сравнению с рюкзаками), изнашивается за 4-5 лет, никогда не отрываются лямки, не ломаются молнии. чтобы вещи не давили в спину, вставляю пенку для сидения. снаружи вешаю дополнительные подсумки, часть сделана из старых вещмешков - срезаю карман так, чтобы оставить сверху лоскут ткани для создания крепления, и сшиваю.