What did they use for luggage back then???

[Dakota Widowmaker]

So, what did settlers and cowpokes use for luggage?

I know some used a form of a portmantue and other used more of a valise.

What would a person carry on the back of their horse or pack mule if they were heading out west past the Mississippi?

Saddle bags were popular, but, were they the only method of carrying while horseback?

[Forty Rod]

Tote sacks (gunny sacks, burlap sacks, etc.), carpet bags, all kinds of suitcases, valises, hat boxes, steamer trunks, etc.

[St. George]

In a way, the answer to the question depends upon the profession.

Folks back then didn't have much to take along with them - the average cowboy was lucky to own a couple of shirts.

He'd re-fit when the drive was through, since a trail drive took a toll on clothing and equipment.

If he made his living in town - likely he got there via stagecoach or other wheeled conveyance.

He could then use a small trunk to carry his worldly possessions.

If he was a single riding man - he'd use his 'warbag' or bedroll to keep his few possessions safe and intact, since he wouldn't want to over-load his horse or pack animal - and he'd use his sadddlebags.

Military service went a long way in showing how to get by with little, and post-Civil War, there were a lot of men headed West who'd learned that lesson on campaign.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[ColonelFlashman]

So, what did settlers and cowpokes use for luggage?

I know some used a form of a portmantue and other used more of a valise.

What would a person carry on the back of their horse or pack mule if they were heading out west past the Mississippi?

Saddle bags were popular, but, were they the only method of carrying while horseback?

The "Portmanteau" is a medium size, round, clam shell hinged, buckle & billet fastened, travelling bag made of stiff leather that was used by those that could afford it, such as the Military, upper middle class & their betters. It attached to the cantel of the saddle where most cowmen tied their bed-roles. The "Portmanteau" was used in conjuction w/ Saddle-bags.
There were different variations, canvass being one of them, w/ leather end caps w/ & w/o a carry handle was also seen & still called a Portmanteau.

Cheers
Colonel Flashman

[Rancid Roy]

I have seen what is referred to as a "warbag" in that it was a canvas round bag that was about eight inches [or larger] in diameter, with leather end caps and a slit in the middle that was leather lined around its edge. It was fixed behind the cantle of the horse with tie-downs and the rider reached inside the "slit" [I don't think it had any fasteners to close it] and retreived his items from inside.

The U. S. Cavalry of the 1870's/1880's [maybe even later?] had the same similar item, might be one and the same. It is seen in Steffen's books but I am to lazy to go get mine.

Randolph Scott carries one [or a similar item] in one or several of his movies. His may be all leather with a set of carrying handles as well.

Here's a link to a review of a book and it discusses the cowboy's "warbag".

http://books.google.com/books?id=3iXyvIIFAK0C&pg=PA106&lpg=PA106&dq=warbag&source=web&ots=8Azdn6nOBD&sig=eWZB4aW7AUf9312tRz2H4HTOqdg#PPA106,M1

A slicker or coat or blanket can be rolled up with your "worldly" possessions and tied behind the cantle and was done as well.

If you lived among the Indians or "retrieved" such an item from one here's a link to a Blackfoot warbag.

http://www.morningstargallery.com/beadwork/07.html

[Russ T Chambers]

I like to take my shirts, pants vests and coats, and  lay it in my canvas duster.  Button it up, fold the tails up toward the top, then tie the sleeves across the whole mess to keep it together, and create a handle.  Walla!  Cowboy Samsonite!    Looks like a small cotton bail.