Asbell Haversack

[Tall Paul]

Hello all,
I was hoping someone here had experience with the Haversack that Fred and Teresa make.  Their website says they measure 15" x 12".  But how wide are they?  Is there any kind lining that gives it support, or is it just wool?  I'm sure its a well made product, but I just need more info.

I'd really rather have a good leather haversack, as it probably handles heavy things better (like a dozen metal tree steps).

I called but they travel a lot.  If anyone has any pictures of the interior, that would be great.

Any input/advice would be appreciated.
Thanks, Paul

[ron w]

They are just wool, no extra  support, several pockets/dividers inside. I like mine, but I don't carry anything heavy. Most times my lunch/snacks, deer drag, a grunt call and a small survival kit. I would consider it well made.

[wislnwings]

I like mine and have had it for several years.  I would not use it for heavy items.  The heaviest item I carry in mine is a small trail camera sometimes.  I use it more like Ron, carrying water, snacks, etc.

[Tall Paul]

I guess what I'm looking for is more like a leather Possibles bag...

[MnFn]

I saw a nice heavy one at a garage sale that I thought about buying.  I think it came from Cabelas.

[matt steed]

I had one. I found that a fanny pack served me better. They are for light weight items, and don’t have much structural support. They are well made and the Asbells are wonderful people. Some guys absolutely love them, I just couldn’t get use to it.

[Sam McMichael]

I like mine, and carry quite a bit of lightweight stuff in it. It is not intended for heavy items, just the base stuff to make a hunt. I carry two knives, several grunt calls, rattling bag, scents, florescent  tape, head net, camo gloves, extra tabs, and sometimes a bottle of water. As you see, it is all I need for just the hunt itself. Other things like fire starter, bandaids and such emergency things go in my jacket/pants pockets. I don't need any more than this as all my hunts are just a few hundred yards, at most, from my son's house. If you are going into the boonies, you may well do better with a day pack of fanny pack. The only drawback I see to a leather sack is rain. Wet leather gear can really be a mess, but wool doesn't absorb much water or lose its shape. If I had a good leather one, I would sure take it but use it in fair weather only.

[2wfstlhunting]

I have an endless number of the Messenger type bags trying to find the "perfect" one.  I still use a Cat Quiver and occasionally an old fanny pack for light things.  However, when I am setting stands in the fall, I use an bag that is bomb proof: it is some foreign military HEAVY canvas bag that carries my metal tree stand steps without any concern for tearing or puncturing. I would suggest that you check out the numerous Army/Navy surplus places for that kind of bag for heavy items: sturdier and probably cheaper. 

[David Mitchell]

I had one for a while but wanted something more sturdy so went with a Bison Gear haversack.  Great piece of gear and will carry heavier stuff well if needed.

[PeteA]

Not to take anything away from the Asbell Haversacks but if you are looking for an economic way to just test the waters to see if a haversack is for you consider trying a Finnish Gas Mask Bag. They are pretty cheap, $12 at Keep On Shooting. They are and of heavy canvas, not ridged, have some really great dividers and pockets and are pretty comfortable with a fair load out. I've been trying to cut back on gear for 1/2 day hunts and stumping and find the haversack a really good option. I adjust the shoulder strap so it rides on my right him. I can also swing it a little more behind me. I'm attaching a photo so get an idea of what this sack comfortably hold. There are a lot of mods you can find online as well. The bushcraft community really likes this pack as well.

[two4hooking]

Tall Paul. I like the same thing, big leather possibles bag.  Check out the large bag from Crazy Crow trading post.  You can find out more from my blog post on the subject:

http://traditionalknowhow.blogspot.com/2018/05/back-quiver-and-possibles-bag-or.html

here is a pic of it.

[Tall Paul]

Thank you all for the great ideas!