Every Mountain Man made sure he had the best weapons money could buy since his life depended on what he carried.  Usually in the camp were at least 2 good rifles (flintlock, not the percussion type that used them lil nipple hugger things), a brace of pistols, several knives, a tomahawk made of good steel, and a large axe.  When he went away from camp, his rifle, possible bag, powder horn, knife and 'hawk always went with him.  Why a 'flinter, you ask?  Well, if you had a flinter and ran out of flints, then there was always bound to be a rock laying around that you could put in the hammer and it would make enough spark to fire the pan.  Run out of them nipple huggers, and all you got was a several pounds of iron club.  Now mind you, there is nothing wrong with a club... but it might cause a bit of consternation if ya was to try to threaten several Blackfoot with a club.... But, then again, they just may laugh themselvs to death at the sight...

    The rifle and powder horn are self explanatory.  But, what is a Possibles Bag, you ask?  Just that... a bag into which was put anything "possible" he might need for shooting and a short trail trip.  They were usually made of leather, and some were rather large.  Contents of the Possible Bag might include.....

vent pick             powder measure         patch knife       bullet starter

lead balls     small screwdriver and pliers      pan primer        extra flints

ball puller    ball patches      small repair parts     leather patching for the flint

fire starting kit      compass       jerky        possibly a small telescope

 ...and what ever else possible they wanted to carry.

Possible BagPowderhorn