MAT-49 Magazine pouch bag redesign and recolor to carry 8-10" tablet or Apple iPad

MAT-49 Magazine pouch in original condition (image: Varusteleka)

While looking for a suitable carrying case for my 9.7" Samsung Galaxy S2 tab I came across this French creation from the 60's. It can be bought from varusteleka (Link) for just under 8€. In its original use it carries 5 magazines for MAT-49 submachinegun.  Every magazine bag is numbered, probably with the serial number of the gun which it came with. I had some previous experience of re-dying of British Pattern 37 bags and decided to dye these to a non-military like color. 

The numbering inside

Removing the internal spacers

The removed spacers from the pouch.

The most tedious part is to remove the internal spacers used to separate magazines in the pouch. After removing the spacers the internal space is large enough for a 9.7" tablet with its cover.

Removing the original dye

MAT-49 bags modified and wash-lightened.

The "blanco" dye used to dye these in production can be washed off by sodium hydroxide (lye). This enables the use of lighter colors.

Re-dying

The dyes used

I decided to use basic wash-in dyes from Dylon. They works in a standard washing machine at 40°C temperature. Some of the colors end up lighter and some darker than in the samples. This variation has to be found out by trial and error.

Finished product

Ended up quite nice

The results are great! The material takes up color well, just like Pattern 37 gear. These can be bought from me directly using this link if you have doubts about your skills in dying and modifying these bags.

Carrying height