The Ray Mears Forage Bag has been developed with Ray and the Woodlore outdoor team to provide the best combination of features for convenient gathering of wild foods whether you set out with foraging in mind or come across an unexpected crop that you simply can’t pass by.

When trying to ascertain what was required of this product at the design stage it seemed that everyone had different ideas. After some trial and error we came up with an adaptable combination that we think will work for everyone.

Firstly we wanted to make sure that the bag was suitable for gathering food so we have chosen an uncoated cotton canvas in a medium weight hard wearing weave which won’t leach any undesirable chemicals onto your foods. Undo a press stud to remove the leather flap and the canvas bag itself can be hand washed and allowed to air dry thoroughly, keeping the bag and your food hygienic.

There is definitely a call to keep this convenient, compact bag on your belt using the built in belt loops but if you prefer, the self-contained design can be stowed in your pack or pocket. If you do keep it on your belt you can simply release the single press stud securing the flap to reveal a handy dump pouch. Alternatively undo the press studs at the base of the belt loops to release the bag and handle for a hand held option; the handle is big enough to slide onto your wrist if you want both hands free. A paracord shoulder strap is also included which can be trimmed to the desired length or removed if not required.

The neat finish inside the base and blunted corners help prevent small berries and leaves from getting trapped. The bag will hold approx. 1.8 kg of solid foods such as apples or berries. If you use the bag secured to your belt as a dump pouch make sure your belt is snug to keep the belt loops in place. This bag is made to work perfectly with the Ray Mears Leather Belt but will take belts up to about 5cm wide depending on the thickness.

To pack away fold the sides of the bag to the centre of the front, then fold up in thirds towards the top, securing the leather flap to the central press stud on the handle where it folds up from underneath the bag. Use the press studs on the back to secure the belt loops in place.

All of our leather and canvas goods are hand-made by Woodlore’s resident leather worker Becky Brewster, a craftswoman with over three decades of experience. The leather used in this bag is vegetable tanned with full, natural grain and hand-dyed in house to the unique Woodlore colour.

For an insight into Ray’s ethos on our leather goods, please view our Leather Goods page.

Details: