Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Archival Revival: Barbour Retriever Bag



1990s catalog


1980s catalog

One of my favorite Barbour bags, the Sports Twin Pack (rebadged the Waxed Cotton Retriever Bag), is once again available. I sold off my original version a few years ago due to an intense mildew odor (the problem with purchasing "vintage" barbour on ebay). I'd definitely like to secure a new version (UK made, I hope) before it disappears again.

I've always coveted the simple, unstructured musette-style of this bag (designed to be carried over the shoulder or worn on the belt of a Barbour International jacket). In fact, I've been drawing design inspiration from original catalog images of the sports twin pack for my own waxed cotton musette project.

Available here (UK)
Available here (UK)

And here (US)


Just stumbled on this more minimalist version of the Retriever Bag (pockets on an envelope):

Waxed Cotton A7 Bag (same strap as International belt)

7 comments:

Don Guss said...

That bag is so hot. I've never seen it before. So thanks for the post.

Lesli Larson said...

It's a good one. For US folks--I've been told that either bag could be ordered by a local US dealer. Has anyone actually tried to order one? It looks like Orvis might be out of stock.

Send photos and reports if you become a lucky owner.

peter robinson said...

i live in london, i will check them out this week and report back
also www.oipolloi.com
has them

Lesli Larson said...

Peter--

Take some live action photos if you can!

Horrible Old Man said...

Lesli,
it's my understanding that the A7 can be used instead of the belt that comes with the international, kinda at a rump sack. I considered ordering one, still might.
-Alexi

Lesli Larson said...

Eric--

Thanks so much for posting those photos. They definitely give me a much better idea of the "profile" of the bag and the potential for gapping.. Chris Bray of Billy Kirk has designed an interesting internal flap system for his field bag that prevents this type of vulnerability to rain.

Let me know how you like the bag over time!

HOM--

I really like the idea of the bag/belt integration. I'm wondering if many users have tried this combo before. Since the International is so well endowed with pocketing I'm not sure of the use value of this "surplus" pocket. Although I do like it as a standalone bag...

Send along more photos as they become available!

LL

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