Viking bags and belt pouches
The Vikings did not carry their belongings in rucksacks or handbags – but on their belts, within easy reach and visible to all. The Viking belt pouch is therefore not merely an accessory, but an authentic part of early medieval costume. Archaeological finds from Birka, Rösta and other sites provide compelling evidence of the shape, material and hardware of these pouches. Anyone who buys a Viking belt pouch today is wearing a piece of documented history on their person.
What did Vikings carry on their belts?
In early medieval daily life, the belt was the central carrying system. Knives, purses, fire steel, combs and, indeed, the belt pouch – everything hung from it, everything was within reach. A trouser pocket in the modern sense did not exist; the belt pouch (also known as a tarschen) took on this function entirely.
Archaeological grave finds from Birka (Sweden), Rösta (Jämtland, northern Sweden) and Ås in Sweden provide concrete evidence of construction methods and the types of fittings used. The finds show bags made of cowhide with riveted or sewn-on metal fittings of bronze, silver or iron. Richly decorated examples signalled wealth and social status – much like an elaborate Viking belt or valuable jewellery. Simpler versions without metalwork, on the other hand, were widespread among broad sections of the population.
Incidentally, belt pouches were not exclusively a male affair: historical finds show that both men and women wore pouches on their belts – in different styles depending on their social status and role.
Birka, Rösta and Tarsoly – an overview of the main types found
Birka bag
The Birka bag is the best-known type of find. Characteristic features include the central fittings on the front flap, which are also known from the nearby settlement of Ås. The base material is cowhide; depending on the design, the fittings are made of brass or bronze. Available in the Vehi Mercatus range as a simple or richly decorated version – in brown and black.
Rösta bag
The find from Rösta features more elaborate metal decoration on the flap and frame. The Rösta variant is regarded as the benchmark for sophisticated re-enactments of the 9th–11th centuries. The replicas in our range are closely modelled on the archaeological original and are made from sturdy cowhide leather with high-quality metal fittings.
Tarsoly bag
The Tarsoly bag reflects the cultural exchange between the Vikings and eastern peoples. The metal-studded front, with its imposing appearance, served as a status symbol. Finds featuring Turul fittings or intricate engravings attest to the craftsmanship involved. Available in the range as a Tarsoly bag and a Birka-Tarsoly combination – for re-enactors who value historically accurate details.
Materials and workmanship: What matters in a Viking belt bag
| Material / Element | Suitability | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cowhide leather from 3 mm | Historical | The most important choice of material for durability and authenticity; natural brown or black dyed |
| Brass fittings (cast) | Historical | For Birka and Tarsoly types; cast fittings appear more detailed than stamped ones |
| Bronze fittings (stamped) | LARP | A more affordable alternative; robust enough for regular use at markets and events |
| Horn toggle fastening | Historical | Archaeologically attested fastening type; horn, as a natural material, suits Viking-era costume |
| Strap loops / leather button | LARP | Practical fastening option; easy to use, robust for everyday wear |
| Vegvisir / Thor’s hammer embossing | LARP | Popular decorative motifs; symbolically significant, decorative for market attire and LARP |
When buying a Viking belt pouch, it’s worth checking the leather thickness: from 3 mm cowhide upwards, a pouch will withstand years of regular use. Thinner material is lighter, but tends to warp with frequent use. You’ll also find suitable accessories in the shop for individual parts for pouch-making – such as your own fittings or buckles.
Price ranges: From entry-level to richly fitted bags
Simple leather belt pouches such as ‘Hulda’ or ‘Folkvar’ with Vegvisir or Celtic knot designs. Made from genuine smooth leather, available in black or brown. Ideal for your first visit to a medieval market, occasional LARP events or as an affordable addition to a Viking outfit. The simple belt pouch with a horn clasp also falls into this price range.
Birka/Ås bags and Thor’s hammer models with solid brass fittings offer good value for money for regular use. The belt pouch with Thor’s hammer embossing, made from dark brown-dyed leather, is particularly popular in this category. Tarsoly pouches with Turul fittings also fall into this category – robust, harmonious and suitable for everyday use.
Richly-fitted Birka bags, Rösta replicas and Tarsoly variants with intricate metalwork. The Viking-era shoulder bag with a wooden frame and hemp rope shoulder strap, as well as the high-quality Tarsoly/Rus bag based on a Hungarian grave find, fall into this category. For re-enactors who value historically accurate details and long-lasting use.
Viking belt bag for LARP, re-enactment and medieval markets
- Birka, Rösta and Tarsoly variants with archaeologically attested fittings
- Cowhide leather from 3 mm thick, historically accurate fastenings (horn toggle, strap loop)
- Authentic representation of the 8th–11th centuries
- Suitable for military camps, excavation re-enactments and museum demonstrations
- Entry-level models with Vegvisir or Thor’s hammer embossing – affordable and scene-appropriate
- Suitable for all price ranges – a belt pouch visibly enhances any outfit
- Equally suitable for conventions, photo shoots and camp life
- Can be combined with Viking clothing for men and women
Wearing a Viking belt pouch correctly – combinations and outfit tips
Most Viking belt pouches have two belt loops on the back – the standard for belts up to approx. 5 cm wide. You’ll also find matching Viking and medieval belts in our range. The pouch is worn to the side or slightly offset to the front – this keeps it within easy reach whilst also serving as a visible design element of the overall outfit.
Paired with a Viking tunic and Viking trousers, a well-chosen belt bag creates a harmonious overall look. Whether you’re wearing a simple market outfit or a historically accurate re-enactment outfit – the bag fits into both contexts. Incidentally, historically both men and women wore belt bags; the ‘Hulda’ model, for example, is specifically designed for all wearers.
Leather care: To ensure your belt bag stays looking good for a long time, we recommend regular treatment with leather grease or leather balm. Well-maintained leather remains supple, does not become brittle and develops a pleasant patina over time. You can find leather dye and leather grease for care directly in the shop.
If you combine the bag with a matching Viking pouch, you’ll gain extra storage space for markets and multi-day camping events. Viking knives with matching sheaths also make excellent additions to wear on your belt.
Whether for your first visit to a medieval market, a LARP event or a historically accurate re-enactment – a Viking belt bag is the most practical accessory you can wear on your belt. Browse our range now and find the perfect bag for your next adventure.
Frequently asked questions
Vikings carried almost everything they needed for daily life directly on their belts: knives, belt pouches, money pouches, fire steel and combs. The belt was the central carrying system of the early Middle Ages, as trouser pockets as we know them today did not exist. Archaeological finds from Birka, Rösta and Ås provide compelling evidence of this practice.
A Viking belt pouch is a flat leather pouch, often with a flap, which is attached directly to the belt via loops. Unlike a pouch – which is usually open and softer – the belt pouch has a fixed shape, a fastening (horn toggle, strap loop or button) and often metal fittings. Both styles are historically documented and complement each other well in an outfit.
Belt pouches have been known since antiquity and were widespread in the early and high Middle Ages (roughly the 6th to 13th centuries). For the Viking Age (c. 793–1066 AD), grave finds from Scandinavian sites provide concrete evidence. With the emergence of sewn-in pockets in clothing from the late Middle Ages onwards, belt pouches gradually lost their significance.
For beginners, we recommend simple leather models such as the “Hulda” or “Folkvar” (approx. €20) with Vegvisir or knot embossing. They are made from genuine leather, robust enough for market visits and LARP events, and go well with any basic Viking outfit. Those with a larger budget will find the Birka/Ås pouches in the mid-range (€30–50) to be historically more detailed options.
Most models have two belt loops on the back through which the belt is threaded – no tools required, simply when putting it on. The loops are generally designed for belts up to approx. 5 cm wide. The pouch is worn to the side or slightly offset to the front, so that it is within easy reach and visually completes the outfit.