Romanian Bread Bag, Surplus
Let's kick the wannabe-retro bags off the stage! This old Romanian army bread bag was already delightfully obsolete when introduced in the 70s. Bombproofly made from Genuine Materials. We generously give you permission to carry other things in this in addition to bread. There are several versions to choose from until there aren’t. If you are looking for an actually practical vintage bag, here’s a great example that doesn’t even ruin your budget!
Loading products...
Let's kick the wannabe-retro bags off the stage! This old Romanian army bread bag was already delightfully obsolete when introduced in the 70s. Bombproofly made from Genuine Materials. We generously give you permission to carry other things in this in addition to bread. There are several versions to choose from until there aren’t. If you are looking for an actually practical vintage bag, here’s a great example that doesn’t even ruin your budget!
Features
This time, we got a shipment that contained several kinds of Romanian bread bags. Since they are pretty similar, we put them all under the same product. However, because the ability to choose can be a nice thing, they are available in different varieties. First, let’s say a few words about the unifying and then the unique features.
In short, this is the wet dream of a vintage fanatic - except it's no dream and not even expensive! The Romanian bread bag is not only unbelievably pretty but also damn well made. It's pretty big, too; volume-wise, this bag is like a small rucksack, and the outside has options to attach even more stuff.
These feature a divided main space, adjustable with the lid's closure straps and an extra fastening strap at the mouth. The dimensions are c. 32 x 28 x 12 cm (12" x 11" x 5"). If you don’t want to haul bread, you can use these, e.g., to carry some books, a compactly-sized iPad, or beer.
The strong canvas shoulder strap will probably never break. It looks like an old karate belt, except that it gets narrower at the ends.
Green or blue
There are two color options. The deep lagoon blue bag reminds you of the summer evenings in the Carpathians. And the green one is perfect for all those who identify as wood elves or retrospectacular forest guerrillas.
With leather or fabric general purpose straps
If the inside space isn't enough, there are three or four general-purpose straps on the outside for tying more stuff on top of the bag. You can choose between two options: older leather or newer fabric straps.
If you want to replace the old ones, you will fit most straps up to 25 mm (1") wide, but anything over 20 mm (0.8") will require some shoving. The D-ring on the front is also a nice way to carry your enamel or alu mug!
Buckle modification guide
Are the slide buckles too slow for you? Consider swapping them for other buckles, the easiest choice being the GT Split-Bar, but if you want the best go for G-hooks. Neither option requires sewing!
First, do away with the old buckles with some side cutters. The steel is mild so it takes no time. Installing the Split-Bar is pretty straightforward, just note that the steel end of the strap only goes through the male buckle sideways.
Installing the G-hook is a bit complicated but more rewarding. The steel end of the strap doesn't fit through at all, but you can fold the strap into a bight and feed it through as two layers. Put a short 20 mm (7/8") piece of Paracord into the strap loop and capture it by pulling it tight. Just look at the pictures, and you'll get it.
Materials
The bag is made from sturdy cotton duck, the thickness of which varies a bit, and comes with cotton or nylon straps and detachable fabric or leather general-purpose straps and strap points. The blue bags seem to be made from a tad thinner material than the green ones, but both are tough bags. The buckles are made from steel.
Strangely, they haven't saved banis when it comes to the materials, and even the sewing thread seems sturdy. Unlike the faith in humanity, this bag will not fail.
Condition
Romanian military surplus. These have been used with more or less vigor, but they are all still perfectly serviceable. Some are in a very nice condition for their age and might even be unissued. But be emotionally prepared that the fabric can have some small stains and warehouse dust. The metal parts might have some scratches or surface rust. On some bags, the canvas straps that close the bag have been replaced with straps of a different color. Most have the original straps, but don't be astonished if you happen to get one of these rare collector’s items.
The thickness of the leather straps varies a bit, and the leather has gone somewhat stiff with age on those that come with leather straps. We strongly recommend wiping the bag clean with a moist rag and treating the leather with generous amounts of grease. The lovely warehouse smell will, unfortunately, vanish with use. However, some seem to consider it a good thing.
Recommendations
Loading products...
Reviews
You have already submitted a review. You can edit your text by clicking on it. You can filter the reviews by clicking on the elements of the summary.
Log in and write a review. You can filter the reviews by clicking on the elements of the summary.
recommends
6 ratings
Larry S. 07.02.2024 ⚠ Unverified purchase
The “fabric” must’ve come from a mountain goat because it is mostly sturdy n stiff. The sewing must have included pieces from the iron curtain because this is never coming undone.
Holds about 22 liters all together when using the outer straps as tie downs n can handle any task asked of it - just don’t expect compliments for style.
Changing to the G-hooks was very easy. I didn’t use the Paracord suggested n the whole bag works nicely.
JHIH W. 23.03.2024 Verified purchase
這袋子比原版小 +材料比較薄(但是比較柔軟好用)賣21歐元太貴了 我給3.5分星I bought the canvas version - the size is 25×25×8. This is the replica bag, the original bag is 32×28×12 (I have 2 original bags, they are big and hard) This bag is smaller than the original + the material is thinner (but softer and easier to use). It’s too expensive at 21 euros. I give it 3.5 points.
Carlos A. 05.04.2024 ⚠ Unverified purchase
Timo c. 07.06.2024 ⚠ Unverified purchase
Rob J. 05.08.2024 Verified purchase
I removed the additional straps straight away and have put them inside in case I should need them.
As the description suggests, the slide fasteners are a tad tight and therefore four rather than five stars. I may swap for alternative fasteners in the future.
As a bonus, my daughter made rude remarks about it so it's definitely a keeper! It just needs a patch or two now: Motorhead I reckon and maybe MZ motorcycles to add to the Eastern Bloc image.
As usual, good gear from Varusteleka.
Valter F. 28.08.2024 ⚠ Unverified purchase
Comments
Comment this or discuss with other Varusteleka regular users. If you wish to ask us anything, please click on the message button on the right side of the page. You can also send us email or call us! Log in and join the conversation.
Please report this text if for example:
If you strongly disagree with this text, please press thumb down button.
Thank you!
Cancel