Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones’ Bag

Henry: They’re trying to kill us!
Indiana Jones: I know, Dad!
Henry: This is a new experience for me.
Indiana Jones: It happens to me all the time.

My love for Indiana Jones started at a young age. I used to walk around reciting that creepy dudes line from Temple of Doom when he tears out the heart. Maybe I was/am a creepy kid. Anyways, last night I re-watched Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade from my box-set of the trilogy (although the fourth will be coming out next May—I can’t wait). This post is completely sparked by my continuing interest in Indy and how I can possibly be an adventurer like him in my daily, suburban life. Is this possible? Of course. All I need is to be able to dress like him. That will do it.

One time, many years ago, my friend had a bull whip and knew how to use it. I held out a styrofoam plate for him and he cracked it in half with the whip. The second time he did it, he hit my hand. Luckily, it didn’t crack it too hard. Otherwise, it would have tore my hand up. It just hurt, instead. So, I don’t want a bull whip. It would be cool. But, it’s not for me. It hurts. And frankly, there’s just not a lot of whipping or swinging I need to be doing in my day-to-day journeys.

I can’t walk around with a torn open shirt. This is Canada. I would freeze to death. Pants are just pants. My head is way too big for a hat. But the bag! Ah, yes. The perfect accoutrement for the urban explorer. I started doing some research.

One of the lesser known but more useful items carried by Indiana Jones was his shoulder bag. It consisted of a WWII “MkVII” British Gas Mask Bag with the cotton webbing strap replaced by a leather strap and metal buckle. (Source)

This started an ongoing fascination with a shoulder/messenger bag. When you want to find something you want to buy but don’t really know where to look, I go to eBay. I looked at mock Indy-bags. But they were canvas and sort of ugly really. I need something a little more regal, yet rugged.

The other thing you need to know about me is that I have, as of lately, been acquiring a variety of different leathers. Now, you should also know, that I am not interested in supporting the killing exotic animals. I am a omnivore. But, I won’t be buying a mink coat any time soon. However, I know am in possession of a kangaroo scrotum, a crocodile/alligator (can’t remember which one, Sara?) toe and the other day I accidentally bought a crocodile skin belt from eBay. It was second hand. So, I don’t think it counts as supporting the previously mentioned exotic animal pelt industry.

Which leads me to the finale. I have been watching a variety of messenger bags on eBay. One of which is a fellow who buys hand-made camel leather messenger bags from a fellow in India and re-sells them here. It seems it must be a lucrative deal for everyone involved. The fellow in India has access to the North American market, the American guy sells cool bags and makes a bit of money and I get a cool camel-leather bag. Now, it is my uneducated opinion that, even though camels seem exotic, I have a feeling that they are not. Thus justifying my camel leather bag.

There are many types and styles made. But, when I saw this particular auction on eBay, I knew this one was for me because the description read as… This is the bag Dr. Jones would show up to a meeting with. I thought—so true. And so, with seconds remaining, I set won the auction. It’s regal, yet rugged. It’s what the professor-side of Indiana Jones would use. I am excited to get it.

If you are interested in buying a leather messenger bag and want something a bit different check out this guys store: Far Horizon Traders.

Now it’s just a matter of time before I find my first adventure.