Medieval bags, belt bags and pouches
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
Whether at a medieval market, at a LARP event or in a re-enactment camp – a belt bag was no luxury in the Middle Ages, but a simple necessity. As clothing back then had no pockets, people literally carried everything they needed for daily life on their person. Here you’ll find belt bags, leather pouches and shoulder bags in leather and fabric to complement a historically inspired outfit – from affordable starter models to ornate sporrans.
What were medieval bags called – and what’s the story behind them?
Medieval bags had very different names depending on their shape, function and region. The most common German terms were Beutel, Tasche and Ranzen. The Latin word bursa originally referred to a purse – from which the German word ‘Börse’ later developed. Those who distributed or collected alms carried an alms bag; pilgrims travelled with a simple pilgrim’s bag or pouch slung over their shoulder. Belt pouches, which were securely fastened to the waist belt, were also known as ‘Kiepe’ or ‘Felleisen’ depending on the region – the latter term being used primarily for leather travel pouches. Money pouches – flat leather bags for coins – were also widespread and have been found in numerous urban excavations. The variety of names reflects just how ubiquitous these accessories were in everyday life during the Middle Ages.
A Brief History of the Bag: From Antiquity to the Late Middle Ages
Ötzi and the oldest known bag
The Iceman was already carrying a small leather pouch containing flint, a bone needle and tinder. This proves that portable containers were part of basic human equipment long before the Middle Ages began. The first bag is therefore not a medieval invention – but a prehistoric one.
Early Middle Ages: Drawstring pouches on belts
Simple drawstring pouches made of leather or coarse linen were worn directly on the belt. They were small, unlined and usually undyed. Archaeological finds from Scandinavian graves show that Vikings also took their belt pouches with them to the grave – often filled with coins or game pieces.
High Middle Ages: Leather belt pouches with fittings
With growing prosperity and more refined craftsmanship, more elaborate belt pouches made of tanned cowhide emerged, some featuring metal fittings and horn-button fastenings. Urban merchants, knights and clerics now carried different types of pouches, which also indicated social status.
Late Middle Ages: Pilgrim’s bags, alms bags, fringed bags
The Late Middle Ages saw a veritable heyday for the bagmakers’ guild. Fringed pouches made of suede, embroidered alms bags and large pilgrim’s bags made of linen or coarse cloth were traded at markets. Excavations in London (Museum of London) have yielded well-preserved leather examples from this period.
What materials were used in the Middle Ages?
The choice of material for bags and pouches depended heavily on social status, financial means and intended use. Leather dominated as the most robust and easiest material to work with – historical finds from London and Denmark show that cowhide was used most frequently, followed by sheepskin and goatskin. Suede was used for softer, more elaborately shaped pouches. Simpler pilgrim’s bags were made of linen or coarse cotton fabric. The bags were fastened with a horn button, a drawstring, a simple buckle or a laced closure.
| Material | Suitability | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Cowhide (vegetably tanned) | Historically documented | Belt pouches, money pouches, belt bags |
| Suede (deer, roe deer) | Historically documented | Soft drawstring pouches, alms bags |
| Sheep / goat leather | Historically documented | Small coin pouches, Franciscan pouches |
| Linen / coarse cotton | LARP / everyday use | Pilgrim’s bags, simple shoulder bags |
| 100% embossed leather | LARP / Stage combat | Sporran / kilt bag, Celtic pouches |
Coins, dice and provisions – what did people historically carry in their pockets?
In the Middle Ages, people paid with pennies, shillings and denarii – the most common coins of the High Middle Ages. Silver pennies were the everyday currency in many regions, whilst gold coins such as the florin or ducat circulated mainly in long-distance trade. All these means of payment went straight into the pouch on the belt, as trouser pockets simply did not exist. In addition to coins, medieval pouches typically contained:
- Dice and game pieces – an indispensable pastime in camps and hostels
- Herbs, ointments and tinctures – apothecaries and pilgrims always carried their medicines on their person
- Keys – whether for the house, chest or cellar, keys were part of everyday kit
- Knives and awls – craft tools that were always kept to hand
- Travel provisions – bread, cheese and dried meat for the road
For today’s LARP and re-enactment enthusiasts, little has changed in this regard: medieval coins, dice and small accessories find their way into the belt pouch just as naturally today as they did 700 years ago. Anyone wishing to appear authentic carries nothing in their hands – everything is on the belt.
Belt pouches by price and quality – an overview for beginners and experienced users
Leather pouches for coins and dice made from genuine leather – robust, timeless and ideal for getting started in the hobby. Pilgrim’s bags made from 100% cotton in various colours are excellent as shoulder bags for markets and festivals. Brands: Battle Merchant, Mythrojan.
Medieval belt pouches made from leather and suede with a classic horn button fastening – available in brown and black. Ideal for LARP, re-enactment and regular markets. The horn button is a historically accurate detail and, at the same time, a practical everyday fastening.
Traditional kilt pouches (sporran) made from 100% leather with Celtic embossing, tassels and chain belts – intricately crafted pieces for kilt wearers and Celtic enthusiasts. Available in various designs: shamrock, Celtic cross, gold embossing. Brands: Ulfberth, Lord of Battles.
Belt bag, pouch or shoulder bag – which type suits whom?
Belt bag
Secure fastening with a horn button or buckle, worn directly on a medieval belt. Ideal for markets, camps and re-enactments – accessible at all times, sits securely and doesn’t slip. Available in leather and suede.
Leather pouch
Closed with a cord, very classic look, for coins, dice and small accessories. Lightweight, affordable, historically well-documented – the perfect companion for anyone new to the scene.
Pilgrim’s bag / shoulder bag
Larger storage space made of cotton or leather, worn over the shoulder. For longer markets, hikes or as a prop for pilgrim and merchant portrayals. Available in several colours.
The sporran (Scottish-Celtic kilt pouch) forms a category of its own: worn as a front pouch on the kilt, made of leather with tassels and Celtic embossing. Anyone wearing a kilt can hardly do without a sporran – it is both functional and cultural. For Celtic portrayals, the Celtic pouches from our range are also ideal.
Care and durability: How to keep your leather bag looking good for a long time
Leather is a robust natural material that will last for many years with the right care. The following basic rules apply to all leather bags and pouches:
- Rub in leather grease or beeswax regularly – this keeps the leather supple and prevents cracks. It is particularly advisable to treat the leather after wet weather at the market.
- Allow to dry slowly in the air after rain – keep away from direct heat (campfires, radiators) at all costs, as the leather will otherwise become brittle.
- Check horn buttons and buckles occasionally to ensure they are secure – fastenings can come loose, particularly on bags that are used frequently.
- Cotton pilgrim bags are machine washable at a low temperature (30°C, gentle cycle) – do not tumble dry to preserve the stitching.
- You can find suitable care products such as leather dye and leather grease directly in the shop.
From a simple coin pouch to an ornate sporran – here you’ll find the perfect piece for your costume, your LARP adventure or your next camp experience. Browse through our range of over 37 models from Battle Merchant, Mythrojan, Lord of Battles, Ulfberth and our own brand, Vehi Mercatus – and choose the pouch that really suits you.
Frequently asked questions
In the Middle Ages, there were many terms: pouch, bag and satchel were common German terms. The Latin word ‘bursa’ referred to a money pouch, which later became ‘Börse’. Depending on their function, they were known as alms pouches, pilgrim pouches or money pouches. Bags attached to a belt were also known regionally as ‘Kiepe’ or ‘Felleisen’.
The oldest known bag belonged to Ötzi, the Iceman, who lived around 5,300 years ago. He carried a small leather pouch containing flint, a bone needle and tinder. Portable containers are therefore not a medieval invention – they have been with humanity since the Stone Age.
Leather was clearly the dominant material: cowhide was the most common, followed by sheepskin and goatskin. Suede (from deer or roe deer) was used for softer bag styles. Simpler pilgrim’s bags were made of linen or coarse cotton fabric. Bags were fastened with horn buttons, drawstrings or simple metal buckles. Excavations in London still yield well-preserved leather examples from the late Middle Ages.
In the Middle Ages, people paid with silver or gold coins: pennies, shillings and denarii were the most common everyday currencies. Gold coins such as the florin or ducat circulated mainly in long-distance trade between merchants. As clothing had no pockets, all coins were carried in a pouch on the belt – the medieval belt pouch was therefore the purse of its time.
A belt pouch is more securely fastened to the belt, has a sturdy body (usually made of stiff leather) and a structured fastening such as a horn button or a buckle. A leather pouch, on the other hand, is softer, is tied with a cord and is lighter – ideal for coins, dice and small items. Both types are historically documented and are perfectly suited for everyday use as well as for LARP.