USAF Helmet Bags

[Edward]

Time on my hands, and a web portal in my hands, can be a dangerous combination...

I'm idly looking at the Bronson nylon USAF helmet bags (50s and 80s style, the latter havinv additiinal outer pockets). As a general rule I prefer a leather bag with s bit of heft and don't normally care for nylon/ manmades bags. These however look nice and have that historical element to their design that interests me. I'm thinking not in terms of a daily carry, more something that's light and easily tucked into a suitcase such thst it could be used as needed at destination. A glorified canvas shopper that's just a bit more protective from the elements, if you like.

Anyone have any experience with these? (Not after the 'real thing' for my purposes, having seen the prices those go for...)

 

[Nagmashdriver]

They are great bags, indeed. Light in weight, they can carry a lot of groceries or purchases. However, the nylon batting which makes up the liner is very thin and easily ripped by anything which is only mildly sharp.
I use one to keep my paper targets in; the paper sheets fit fine and I also use a stiff cardboard in the middle as a stiffener or a spine. The two outer pockets contain marker pens, staple *** & staples and a roll of tape should the staple *** get broken or loaned out and not returned.

 

[Peacoat]

If you are asking about the round bags shaped to fit a helmet, I have one that my flight helmet is still in. Never thought about using it for anything other than carrying a helmet, but agree with what Nagmashdriver said above.

 

[Nagmashdriver]

They are great bags, indeed. Light in weight, they can carry a lot of groceries or purchases. However, the nylon batting which makes up the liner is very thin and easily ripped by anything which is only mildly sharp.
I use one to keep my paper targets in; the paper sheets fit fine and I also use a stiff cardboard in the middle as a stiffener or a spine. The two outer pockets contain marker pens, staple *** & staples and a roll of tape should the staple *** get broken or loaned out and not returned.

Sorry, meant to type: "staple gats".

 

[Edward]

They are great bags, indeed. Light in weight, they can carry a lot of groceries or purchases. However, the nylon batting which makes up the liner is very thin and easily ripped by anything which is only mildly sharp.
I use one to keep my paper targets in; the paper sheets fit fine and I also use a stiff cardboard in the middle as a stiffener or a spine. The two outer pockets contain marker pens, staple *** & staples and a roll of tape should the staple *** get broken or loaned out and not returned.

Thanks, that's really helpful.

If you are asking about the round bags shaped to fit a helmet, I have one that my flight helmet is still in. Never thought about using it for anything other than carrying a helmet, but agree with what Nagmashdriver said above.

This style:

Squareish flat, but I assume they gonpretty round with a helmet in them?

 

[Peacoat]

Thanks Edward. My helmet bag was of the old style––round and only had room for a helmet.

This new style will carry more than just a helmet.

I had to carry a separate briefcase style bag for my enroute charts, approach plates and local maps. We called it a "flight bag." I like the newer style much better.

 

[Peacoat]

Here is a picture of one of the old helmet bags, like the one I still have my helmet in. These were probably phased out in the 70s.

The newer ones are so much more utilitarian. They eliminate the need for a separate flight bag for charts, plates and maps.

 

[Edward]

Here is a picture of one of the old helmet bags, like the one I still have my helmet in. These were probably phased out in the 70s.

The newer ones are so much more utilitarian. They eliminate the need for a separate flight bag for charts, plates and maps.

View attachment 758379

Missed this post back when. Interesting, never seen one like this before. Looks great for the intended purpose, but I see what you mean about it being limited to that.

I did in the end pick up a couple of the nylon helmet bags on sale. The blue one id 50s stye, with just the one, main pocket. The olive is an eighties era revision ,which has twin patch pockets on the side as well, presumably specifically so it could take more than just a helmet. Colour of the former is a direct match for a B15C or L2A (there was also an olive version, presumably issued in the L2B / B15D era), the latter an olive with orange interior. Both roughly 16" x 16". I wouldn't lift one of these over a saddleback day to day, but for something light just for a drink / dog treats / few bits needed to hand on the go sort of thing it's great. Ideal for anything I'd normally carry my Wested Indy bag for on a day that's too wet (or likely to become so) for non-waterproof canvas. Prices seem to vary wildly online - I got mine at a very reasonable rate, but I've seen them at anywhere between £30 and closing in on £50 a pop. Clearly pays to shop around.