Sporran alternatives?

[Kid Cossack]

I have a couple of the Buzz Kidder sporrans, and they're gorgeous---but I have the same gripe with them that you and Riverkilt do. They're darn good looking, but in terms of useability, I fear they fall on the side of "costume"---which I don't like. Good looking, but with a single "pocket/pouch/gear-stuffage-area" and ROUND, so that everything falls down to the very bottom of the pocket/pouch. Keys, lighter, pocket knife---they all end up down at the bottom.

If that's your criteria, I'll echo (once more) vast praise for the SWK nightstalker sporran. You can USE it.

Critiques of the nightstalker? Well, it's ballisticamal nylon, for one thing. (Ballisticamal is like ballistic, only more tactimal, and tactimal is like tactical, only more so.) The front "sporran pouch" I find to be smaller than it ought to be, and the back pouch larger. (I'd have reversed the proportions if I'd designed it, maybe, but there you go.) The zippered pouch on the front flap is wonderful for cards and/or money.

I just LOVE mine.

With Jerry's permission (owner of Stillwater Kilts), I've sent mine off to a custom leathermaker to see what thoughts he can come up with for improving it and rendering it in leather.

I don't have a Freelander sporran yet (YET!) though it seems to me to be the very class of the field in a "one bag" sporran. At one time Bear of www.bearkilts.com (is it safe to mention him?) offered a "sporganizer" as seen here: http://bearkilts.com/sporganiser.html That seems like a neat idea as well, although I don't fancy the idea of having an organizer inside of my sporran (my sporran should organize things itself).

Hope these ramblings at least amuse you, and hopefully help.

Best!

[raindog]

Hi Kid Cossack,
Thanks for the useful info. I do like the idea of stuff being organised in the sporran for quick access. That's where most sporrans fall down.
The nightstalker grows ever more desirable! If they ever come up with a leather version it'll be a sure fire winner I think.
I saw Bears Sporganiser a while back and thought it was neat and nifty
Probably the best route to go for a traditional looking sporran with the usability is to either make one or get one made. Maybe buying a cheap one and attempting a conversion. Then again, I'm not keen on the look of them for casual wear, so it would probably be pointless for me personally.
The trials and tribulations of being a man and having to carry half a ton of gear on you at all times "just in case"

Cheers!

Jeff.

[Kid Cossack]

Sometimes I think a big part of the fun is in finding what works for you. It can be a hoot, and it can be frustrating. And I'll sure agree that we carry more "stuff" with us than I think men used to!

[Tartan Hiker]

Take a look at this DIY project.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=18695

[switchblade5984]

hmm i dont think i like that idea at all.....

[Tartan Hiker]

hmm i dont think i like that idea at all.....

...and I bet I can guess which column you've chosen in Blu's "X-Marks Cross Section" poll.

Well, since I took those photos I've added a celtic knot medallion to the flap and changed the belt for a black one, still in nylon with a fastex buckle but more neatly stitched. On or off in a flash.

Inside is a cell phone pocket, two large zip pockets, two smaller zip pockets, change purse, key hook, and a neat little slot for my folding knife. The more I use it, the more I love it. It'll be with me in Scotland this year, and will do a great job of keeping my passport and other goods safe and accessible.

I use it for all my casual kilting, but I do go back to the leather for "hose up" occasions.

And it doesn't look like roadkill.

[cloves]

I do like it and wouldn't mind seeing the newest pics with the celtic medallion attached. I always think the juxtapose of old and new ideas is cool.