In the early 1800's this Possibles Pouch was just a flat rectangular bag with a flap which had to be carried under the arm or packed into the saddle bag. As things progressed Mountain Men or Fur Trappers fitted a strap so the bag could be carried over the shoulder. These bags would contain pipe tobacco, medicine and other essential items that these men may need to use on their outings into the wilds.
Various Possibles Pouches were created by the Native Indian Women for carrying a variety of items. These Possibles Pouches would come in several sizes and would be decorated in beads with a strap.
The Possibles Pouch has evolved into something which is quite different from the early days because now they come fitted with belt loops and are carried on the belt. Primarily these have been adopted by the Bushcraft Fraternity because of the need and requirement to carry extra items to aid their survival in the wilds.
Some of the items carried in the Possibles Pouch are First Aid Kit, Fire Making Kit, Cutting Tools and Cordage.
This list is endless and each person have their own specific items that they would carry in these Possibles Pouches. Normally these bags are constructed in leather either by Wet Forming or using the the Box Wall Construction method and are stitched together with Linen Thread for the more authentic look.
The use of Linen Thread does have it's drawbacks as the stitching will rot in time especially if the Possibles Pouch constantly gets wet. Modern threads such as Tiger Thread are more widely used because this is a man made fibre and will not rot over time. Another material to use is Artificial Sinew which is made up of several strands and these are split down to be used to stitch the Possibles Pouch together and again this does not rot.
Closures for the Possibles Pouch again vary from toggles made from Antler or Buffalo Horn to Brass Sam Brown Studs through to Buckles or a simple leather Thong which passes through holes to keep the flap closed and the item inside dry.
