Working Together: How a Shared Love for Coleman Gear Sparked a New Idea

A Simple Question That Started It All

Earlier this month, I got an email from a gentleman named Mark in Washington asking about our Cedar Bucket Bags. He wanted to know the exact measurements, specifically whether any of them might fit his vintage Coleman gear.

That instantly got my attention. We’re big Coleman fans around here, especially my husband Todd. He’s the real collector in our family. He hunts down vintage pieces, brings them back to life, and proudly displays them throughout our home and shop. From lanterns and stoves to heaters and cookware, there’s something about that classic Coleman green that just makes us happy. I even have a little Coleman camp table with four matching chairs.

I explained to Mark that all our bags are cut and sewn by hand, so sizes can vary slightly. We tend to list measurements on the smaller side to give customers a little wiggle room. When I mentioned that, he told me he edits the newsletter for the International Coleman Collectors Club and lives only about an hour and a half away.

Photo by Mark B

When Passions Align

Todd immediately lit up when I shared the message with him. He actually came up with the original idea for a Coleman lantern carry bag a while back and even designed and built a few prototypes. We just hadn’t had time to finalize the pattern and add it to the website.

So when Mark offered to help by testing our current Cedar Bucket bags with his own collection, it felt like perfect timing. He volunteered to measure which lantern models fit best, take photos, and share feedback to help us match sizes to models.

A few days later, I sent him a package of various Cedar bucket bag sizes, and true to his word, he got right to work. He measured diameters, suggested the ideal height for lantern storage, and sent back photos that made our day, showing our waxed canvas gear sitting proudly among his beautiful vintage lanterns.

Photo by Mark B

A Shared Passion and a New Friendship

As if that wasn’t already exciting enough, Mark invited us to visit and see his collection in person. We said yes immediately and can’t wait to make the trip down soon. It’s always inspiring to meet people who are just as passionate about preserving and celebrating vintage outdoor gear.

Because of Mark’s generosity and Todd’s early vision, we’re now developing a taller version of our Cedar bucket bag specifically for Coleman lanterns. It’s one of those projects that has been waiting for the right moment, and thanks to this connection, it’s finally taking shape.

Why These Connections Matter

Moments like this remind me why I love what we do.
Running a small business can feel isolating sometimes, but then you meet someone who shares your passion and wants to help. This collaboration didn’t just give us useful measurements, it reignited a creative spark and reminded us how much magic can come from community and shared enthusiasm.

The best part? It all started with a simple question about measurements.

This story isn’t just about making bags, it’s about people, passion, and connection. When folks with similar interests come together and share their knowledge, creativity grows in unexpected ways.

Here’s to more adventures, more collaborations, and maybe a few more Coleman lanterns lighting the path ahead.