Canvas Saddlebags

[Zoar]

Post WWII army surplus webbing was plentiful and was sometimes used for saddlebags; as a poor student I did in the mid 1970s.

I thought this might look good on a Drifter and have tried it with repro US Army 1942 pattern M36 Musette packs.

The packs shape is partly maintained by an aluminium armature that I fabricated in my garage. I've kept the shoulder straps on the bag so that if I ever want to I can take them off the frame and use them as throw-overs on a dual seat.

Baddasss.

[Pete]

That looks great!
More pics please, and more info.
Did you sew them up from the pattern?

I didn't sew them up - I wouldn't have the skill!  "1942 Pattern" just means that the particular design was accepted into military service in 1942. The repro bags are used by re-enactors and are available on ebay

[chief]

I typically use US Cavalry saddlebags... brown leather. They are throw overs. Works fine if you don't want to pack a lot. But, you are right the canvas are "vintage" looking.

[Aimee.L]

Wow,  those came out pretty cool. Good job

[Pete]

Thank you chaps. The bags are modern reproductions and can be found on ebay. They are pretty cheap. I made up an aluminium armature that fits inside and keeps them in shape. Slots are provided for mini-bungees to hook into so that things like spare fuel bottles are held secure.

[JagLite]

That looks great!
More pics please, and more info.
Did you sew them up from the pattern?

[CDNRatMan]

   they do look sharp

[OR Seedman]

those bags look really sharp!

[Pete]

Post WWII army surplus webbing was plentiful and was sometimes used for saddlebags; as a poor student I did in the mid 1970s.

I thought this might look good on a Drifter and have tried it with repro US Army 1942 pattern M36 Musette packs.

The packs shape is partly maintained by an aluminium armature that I fabricated in my garage. I've kept the shoulder straps on the bag so that if I ever want to I can take them off the frame and use them as throw-overs on a dual seat.