New Hiking Sporran

**Tartan Hiker** · 12th June 06, 08:31 PM

Tired of worrying about my good leather in the fickle summer weather, I decided that it was time to make a contempo-synthetic sporran for hiking duty. I looked at the Stillwater Nightstalker, but I like to do things myself as much as possible.

I found this item on the sale table at the local outfitter. An Eagle Creek "Guide Bag". Measurements about 8" wide by 10" high. Lots of zip pockets and a big flap over the front. Shoulder strap attached to the sides in the usual manner.

Here it is after I modified it. I removed the shoulder strap, added a buckle, and used the surplus material for the loops on the rear of the bag. Two homemade tassles on the front and a quick leather flap and I'm all set.

**Scott Gilmore** · 12th June 06, 08:36 PM

Very ingenious, and it's all yours - not going see one on some other goon going the other way on the trail. Nice work.

Regards,
Scott Gilmore

**Steeplechase** · 12th June 06, 08:57 PM

Excellent idea and looks good to boot. You did fine TH.

**Riverkilt** · 12th June 06, 10:19 PM

Very nice work.

No clue how you sewed on the leather flap.

Are the long leather strands below the bottom zipper pulls?

Ron

**James** · 12th June 06, 11:30 PM

A good idea.

But to deviate slightly-the occasional good polish with ordinary shoe polish keeps a leather sporran in good order and looking smart. Certainly no sporran of mine treated in such a way has suffered from weather/wear.

In fact shoe polish seems to work better on good leather than all the fancy creams and the like.

James

**bangkok kilt** · 13th June 06, 02:10 AM

Originally Posted by James

A good idea.

But to deviate slightly-the occasional good polish with ordinary shoe polish keeps a leather sporran in good order and looking smart. Certainly no sporran of mine treated in such a way has suffered from weather/wear.

In fact shoe polish seems to work better on good leather than all the fancy creams and the like.

James

Looks good.

Thanks for the tip too James.

**cloves** · 13th June 06, 06:48 AM

looks great. I really appreciate it when the folks on the board make their own stuff. It's especially cool when you combine something traditional, with new ideas and materials and create something totally unique.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 13th June 06, 06:56 AM

Very nice TH. Did you get that at an REI or similar store? I like the SWK, but it can be a bit of overkill if you just need to carry a wallet and keys.

**Scottish Chi** · 13th June 06, 07:44 AM

Very nice Job. It really does make a difference with the flap and tassels. Now to cruise the photo shops, Marts, etc. for additional possibilities. You have a great idea along the lines of modifying jackets, etc.

Cheers! Bill

**Tartan Hiker** · 13th June 06, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Very nice work.

No clue how you sewed on the leather flap.

Are the long leather strands below the bottom zipper pulls?

Ron

I do lots of leather work, so I have all the cool gizmos. I just ran along the edge with a star wheel to mark the locations for the awl holes, laid the flap on a piece of closed-cell foam, made holes with the awl, and then just stitched it on with a double-needle saddle stitch and black linen thread.

The leather strands are the laces that hang down below the tassles. I split each one, so two fat laces above the tassle become four thin strands below.

As for leather in foul weather, I oil and wax all my leather and it is indeed pretty impervious to water...up to a point. I just prefer to not expose my finely crafted leather pieces to soaking rains if I can help it (and we have mighty heavy downpours on a moment's notice here in the Blue Ridge).

By the way I used the new sporran all day today. It worked very well indeed, and I received lots of compliments from many folks who know enough to listen to.