Medieval bags
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Delivery time: 2 - 3 working days* (US - int. shipments may differ)
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Medieval bags were far more than just practical containers – they were an integral part of the attire, a visible status symbol and a masterpiece of craftsmanship all at once. As medieval clothing did not feature sewn-in trouser pockets, pouches, money pouches and belt bags were worn openly on the belt – visible to all and crafted with great care. Here you’ll find a wide selection of belt pouches, fanny packs and leather pouches for re-enactment, LARP and medieval markets.
What sort of bags did people actually carry in the Middle Ages?
Because skirts, tunics and cottens had no integrated pockets, everything necessary had to be carried on the outside. The most common forms were the belt pouch (hung from the belt or attached to the strap via a slit), the simple drawstring bag, and the kidney pouch, which became particularly popular in the late Middle Ages due to its ergonomic shape. Those who could read and write or practised a trade often carried a flatter bag – similar to a writing case – close to their body.
Older terms from sources and grave finds illustrate the variety of forms: the alms bag was a widespread accessory, particularly in devout circles; the money pouch served as a simple coin container made of soft leather. Among the nomadic horsemen of Eastern Europe and Hungary, the tarsoly (also known as a phaselus) developed: a decorated flap bag with metal fittings that hung from the belt and served as a status symbol. Folk versions were made of undyed cowhide, whilst courtly variants featured embossed stamps, embroidery or gilded fittings.
Periods and styles: From the Viking Age to the Late Middle Ages
Early Middle Ages & Viking Age
Characteristic features include simple, robust forms made of undyed cowhide. The grave find from Birka (Sweden) and the Rösta bag (Jämtland) are among the most important examples. Hungarian grave finds provided the model for the tarsoly – a flat, folding bag with rich bronze fittings, also known as the ‘Magyar bag’. Typical features: minimal decoration, maximum functionality.
High Middle Ages
The characteristic D-shaped belt pouch makes its appearance – a crescent-shaped pouch attached directly to the belt by a leather strap. The discovery of the Runneburg belt bag from Weißensee, Thuringia, is considered one of the best-preserved examples. Material: predominantly 2–3 mm thick cowhide leather, partly with simple decorative stitching. Natural brown and blackened leather dominate in terms of colour.
Late Middle Ages
The kidney pouch becomes a fashion statement: it sits close to the body around the hip area, often decorated with lily fittings or brass fittings from 14th–15th-century grave finds. Nubuck leather allows for a softer look; braided-edge stitching is a typical design feature of the era. Rich designs feature embossed motifs or enamel work on the fittings.
Materials and craftsmanship: what makes a good leather bag
The choice of material determines not only the appearance, but also durability and historical authenticity. An overview of the most important leathers and their properties:
| Material | Suitability | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Cowhide, 2–3 mm | Historical | Dimensionally stable, durable, the main material for belt bags; the best leather for structured bag designs |
| Nubuck leather | Historical | Soft, matt finish; typical of late medieval kidney bags; requires slightly more care |
| Vegetable-tanned leather | Historical | Traditional tanning using plant-based substances; eco-friendly, develops a patina over time, historically accurate |
| Chrome-tanned leather | LARP | Industrially tanned, uniform colour, less patina; more affordable entry-level option |
| Brass fittings | Historical | Reconstructed based on grave finds; give tarsoly and kidney pouches their characteristic appearance |
For historically accurate re-enactments, vegetable-tanned cowhide combined with brass fittings based on archaeological models is recommended. The braided edge – a continuous seam made of leather strips – is not merely a decorative element, but also reinforces the edge and is typical of many grave find replicas.
Belt pouch, kidney pouch, bag – which style suits you?
- Belt pouch (D-shape, Runneburg): Attached directly to a medieval belt, dimensionally stable cowhide leather, ideal for historically accurate re-enactments of the 11th–13th centuries
- Waist bag (14th–15th centuries): Ergonomic hip shape, nubuck or cowhide leather, often with fleur-de-lis or brass fittings; late medieval re-enactments
- Tarsoly / Magyar bag: Flat flap bag based on Hungarian grave finds with rich decorative fittings; early medieval and Viking-era reenactments
- Birka/Rösta bag: Viking-era evidence, robust construction, authentic die-cast fittings based on historical models
- Simple belt pouch: Affordable entry-level option without elaborate fittings, available in brown or black; suits almost any medieval outfit
- Leather pouch: Versatile, can also be used as a purse or pilgrim’s pouch; fastened to a belt or belt ring with a drawstring
- Waist bag (entry-level): Compact shape, practical for everyday use at markets, ample space for a mobile phone, keys and coins
- Pilgrim’s bag / shoulder bag: Worn over the shoulder, for longer marches and military camps; medieval pouches in fabric or leather as an alternative
Care and durability: How to keep your leather bag looking good for years
Leather is a natural material that will last for decades with the right care. The most important rule: regular rubbing with leather grease or beeswax prevents drying out and cracking. A thin layer is sufficient – excessive greasing makes leather soft and unstable in shape. You can find suitable accessories for leather dye and leather care products in the shop.
If you want to clean an old leather bag: first brush off dirt dry, then dab gently with a barely damp cloth – never soak leather or wash it under running water. Treat stubborn areas with a mild saddle soap bar, then allow to dry thoroughly and grease immediately.
For storage: keep in a cool, dry place; never seal in plastic bags – leather needs air circulation. A natural cloth cover is ideal. What many consider a flaw is actually a mark of quality in the scene: the developing patina. Hand-dyed leather develops a characteristic antique look over time that machine-made pieces lack – a sign of genuine use and honest craftsmanship.
Price ranges at a glance: entry-level to historically detailed
Simple LARP belt pouches and leather bags without elaborate fittings. Ideal for market visitors, occasional LARP players or anyone wanting to try a medieval bag for the first time. Brown and black are the most common colours; the workmanship is solid and suitable for everyday use.
Bags with decorative brass fittings, historically accurate shapes such as the D-shaped belt pouch (Runneburg) or late medieval kidney pouches with braided edges. Sturdier cowhide leather, 2–3 mm thick, partly handmade. Brands such as House of Warfare, Battle Merchant and Vehi Mercatus cover this segment.
Handcrafted pieces based on archaeological grave finds: Tarsoly based on Hungarian finds, Birka and Rösta bags from the Viking Age, richly-embellished Magyar bags with triskele or Turul motifs. For ambitious re-enactors and historically accurate portrayals. Manufacturers such as Pera Peris and Lord of Battles work with decorative fittings based on historical models.
Whether you’re visiting a medieval market for the first time or want to complete an authentic re-enactment – in this category you’ll find medieval bags to suit every need and every era. Browse through the range and decide which shape and material best suits your costume.
Frequently asked questions
Medieval bags have various historical names, depending on their shape and function: the bag worn on a belt is simply called a belt bag or, due to its crescent-shaped silhouette, a D-shaped bag. The alms bag was a drawstring bag with religious connotations, whilst the money pouch was a simple coin container. The Tarsoly originates from the early medieval Hungarian cultural sphere – a decorated flap bag with metal fittings, also known as a Phaselus.
As medieval clothing had no sewn-in pockets, all containers were worn on the outside of the belt. Common items included the simple leather pouch with a drawstring, the rigid belt bag made of cowhide, and, from the 14th century onwards, the ergonomic kidney bag. Those who travelled a great deal used larger pilgrim’s bags slung over the shoulder. Materials, decoration and size varied considerably depending on social status and the period.
For belt bags and kidney bags, vegetable-tanned cowhide leather with a thickness of 2–3 mm is the first choice: it retains its shape, is durable and develops a characteristic patina over time. Nubuck leather is suitable for softer, close-fitting styles such as late medieval kidney bags. Chrome-tanned leather is cheaper and easier to care for, but develops very little patina and is considered less suitable for historically accurate re-enactments.
First, brush off any dirt with a dry brush; gently dab stubborn areas with a barely damp cloth – never soak the leather. Then rub in leather grease or beeswax and leave to dry. For storage: keep in a cool, dry place; never wrap in plastic film, as leather needs air. Regular care every few months prevents cracking and maintains the material’s flexibility in the long term.
For an authentic Viking re-enactment (9th–10th century), the Birka bag and the Rösta bag are ideal – both reconstructed based on Swedish grave finds. Alternatively, the early medieval Tarsoly, based on Hungarian grave finds and widely used during the Viking Age, is suitable. Important: Fittings should be die-cast according to historical models; all-leather versions without metal fittings are also historically verifiable.