Hunting Sporran

[Pyper]

I just ordered this hunting sporran

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sporran-Grain-Le...DLVI%26ps%3D63

I felt it was very nice for the money. Since this is the only sporran I liked in my price range and, until a special occasion comes up, will be the only one I get, I have one questin. When is it appropriate to wear a hunting sporran? Anytime? only when hunting ith: ? I've seen plenty of photos with good ol' Charlie wearin' em but there never seems to be a description of when and where it is appropriate.

I've seen those at the games. They don't look like they'd hold up well, but I wouldn't look down on anyone for wearing one. For not much more money you can buy one of these:

http://jhiggins.net/sf_proddetail.as...WG040O214EEED8

I've had one since the early 90's and it still looks good.

I have one like this for the band:

http://jhiggins.net/sf_proddetail.as...15100U2QBCUUB8

It's substantially higher quality. It also accommodates things more easily. I like it a lot, but I really prefer tassels. I noticed that pipe bands generally wear sporrans without tassels. The kind in the link above is cheaper. Bands with more money tend to go for the fancy hunting sporrans (like this: http://www.landmhighland.com/default...&ptyp=77&pid=8 ) . I asked my pipe major about that, and the apparent reason for the popularity of those types of sporrans for bands is that the tassels get lost.

[biblemonkey]

I've seen those at the games. They don't look like they'd hold up well, but I wouldn't look down on anyone for wearing one. For not much more money you can buy one of these:

http://jhiggins.net/sf_proddetail.as...WG040O214EEED8

I've had one since the early 90's and it still looks good.

I have one like this for the band:

http://jhiggins.net/sf_proddetail.as...15100U2QBCUUB8

It's substantially higher quality. It also accommodates things more easily. I like it a lot, but I really prefer tassels. I noticed that pipe bands generally wear sporrans without tassels. The kind in the link above is cheaper. Bands with more money tend to go for the fancy hunting sporrans (like this: http://www.landmhighland.com/default...&ptyp=77&pid=8 ) . I asked my pipe major about that, and the apparent reason for the popularity of those types of sporrans for bands is that the tassels get lost.

Thanks for the links. I appreciate the honesty, understanding of my financial limitations, and at the same time the helpful suggestions most folks are giving. Need those more than critiques. I like their semi-dress hunting sporrans. They are less expensive than some of the other companies I looked at. Will probably save up to get one of these.

http://jhiggins.net/sf_proddetail.as...9040J60R843GUP
http://jhiggins.net/sf_proddetail.as...S127Q6Q2TMSKSP

[wildrover]

Just to clear up any potential confusion, the sporran I offered to anyone in need is the same type of sporran that the OP recently purchased.

The 35$ sporran linked earlier is no different, it just uses a piece of hide on the front, with most likely a chrome plated plastic cantle. Better to get the really cheap one, while you save a hundred bucks or so for an honest daywear sporran.

The tassels on a well-made sporran should not come off. The sporran on which mine was based was quite old, the tassels had beaten wear marks on the leather behind them, and the outer snap had long since taken its leave, so the sporran closed by the weight of the flap alone, over the peg. The tassels were in no danger of coming off, nor was the sporran in any danger of coming apart. I expect mine will last just as long.

[JerseyLawyer]

The tassels on a well-made sporran should not come off. The sporran on which mine was based was quite old, the tassels had beaten wear marks on the leather behind them, and the outer snap had long since taken its leave, so the sporran closed by the weight of the flap alone, over the peg. The tassels were in no danger of coming off, nor was the sporran in any danger of coming apart. I expect mine will last just as long.

That's easy to say until you see what pipe bands put their uniforms through.

Those little chains on dress sporrans snap quite easily.

[wildrover]

That's easy to say until you see what pipe bands put their uniforms through.

Those little chains on dress sporrans snap quite easily.

I disagree, but I'm also not going to tell any member of the band how to take care of their gear. Just wearing it, nothing should happen except whatever wear and tear normally happens around the crotch region of your pants. The real trick is what's done with it between gigs.

A little dust, rain, sleet, wind, mud, etc. shouldn't be any more of a problem on a sporran than for a pair of Red Wings.

Chains are a different story. Can't say anything there except get a better chain.

[JerseyLawyer]

I disagree, but I'm also not going to tell any member of the band how to take care of their gear. Just wearing it, nothing should happen except whatever wear and tear normally happens around the crotch region of your pants. The real trick is what's done with it between gigs.

A little dust, rain, sleet, wind, mud, etc. shouldn't be any more of a problem on a sporran than for a pair of Red Wings.

Chains are a different story. Can't say anything there except get a better chain.

I'm talking about what they put it through while they're wearing it. Climbing on and off band buses, pushing through crowds at pubs, counter marching during massed bands... All of these things, done frequently, provide ample opportunity for a tassel to catch on something and snap off. Especially the light decorative chains that hold the tassels on dressier sporrans.