Widerness Experience Carry-On Bag

Posted on by Rob Drews

This bag has a classic look constructed of Cordura with leather trimmings. Designed and made well before laptops, this bag would make a great carrying case for our time. The main compartment houses an internal pocket. Two front pockets, the inner top zip and the outer front zip.  There is also one top entry map pocket with leather strap belt on the back side. Handel consists of two cotton web straps that join at the top via a soft leather snap-close sheath.  D-rings at either end support a shoulder strap – NOT included.

This bag is in usable shape. All zippers work and stitching is intact. The bag shows its age in some dark spots on the front back and bottom, I’ve tried my best to capture this in the photos.  This bag is a little darker shade of red than it appears in the photos, almost Burgundy. The cotton strap is also a little frayed at the top but still holds strong.  Leather piping around the front is also scuffed. Not sure if this bag could be dry cleaned but might clean up if so.

Offered for everyday use or appreciation by collectors of fine labels.

Wilderness Experience was started by a former employee of Kelty in 1973. For great insight into the Wilderness Experience brand visit this link

Main compartment measures
14.5 inches across
4.75 inches deep
12 inches tall.

Levi’s Selvedge 501xx – Small e

Posted on by Rob Drews

70s? Levi’s 501xx redline selvedge denim jeans. Double stitched back and coin pocket, Two sided Levi’s small e tag.

Top button marked with the number 6, no other buttons marked. Rear paper tag missing. Inside the pocket silver rivet backs read L.S.& Co- S.F-. Outside copper rivets read the same. Button fly Buttons read LEVI STRAUSS & CO S.F. CAL

actual measurements:
Inseam 2.25 inches
waist 32 inches

Lowa Climbing Boots Mens 5 1/2 N – Womens 7

Posted on by Rob Drews

This pair of German made Lowa heavy duty climbing boots is currently for sale on the Basecamp Vintage Etsy Store.

These boots have some superfluous scratching and markings on the uppers but that’s about the extent of the wear. Exterior leather on the uppers shows no stress points, cracks, gouges or other serious weathering. A gusseted single tongue keeps the weather out when laced via the swivel rings and hooks with candy cane laces.

Inside the boots are fully lined with soft full-grain leather. The shaft has a layer of padding sandwiched between inner and outer for comfort. Soft padded cuff at the top of the shaft is in great shape with no cracking. Previous owner’s name has been blacked out with marker but other wise insides are very clean and odor free. There is a lightly padded insole also in nice shape.

The double stitched welt is in great condition with no broken stitches or separation between the boot and sole. Attached is a fine Vibram Montagna Italian made lugged sole. The sole shows very little signs of wear save for the few pebbles living within its grasp since the boots were last used.

There are a few great attributes about these boots one can really appreciate. My personal favorite is that the entire upper (minus the tongue) is made from a single piece of leather. This pieces is fused by two double stitched seems on the inner side of the boot. One of the greatest seems on a boot I’ve ever seen.

Very nice patina on these boots as is but they could really use a rub of Lederbalsm before being put back into service.

Inside these boots are stamped N 5 1/2 0542
Please note these boots may differ from a typical US size 5 1/2, check measurements below.

Insole measures:
9 5/8 inches heel to toe
3 1/4 inches wide at ball of foot

Outside of the boot measures:
approx 10 3/8 inches heel to toe

Shaft Height:
6 1/4 inches from welt

Fostline Kit Anorak Parka

Posted on by Rob Drews

The Colorado sew-it-yourself kit company Frostline churned out dozens upon dozens of patterns throughout the 70s and 80s. This 60/40 Anorak Parka is a great example of how these affordable kits, when constructed properly resulted in beautiful, technical pieces as good as any others on the market at that time.

Features:

  • Zip Kangaroo pocket
  • Separate pass-through front pocket
  • Nylon waist draw lace with spring cord lock
  • Velcro adjustable cuffs
  • 1/4 zip front
  • hood draw lace
  • small gauge TALON zippers throughout

1959 Swiss Military Rucksack

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage Swiss Army Rucksack Backpack

This bag is constructed of heavy duty green and white military canvas with leather and metal fittings. Thick leather straps are adjustable by buckle at the bottom for length; and at the top for slack from back plate.  Both straps are anchored at the top by a large D ring. The left strap is hinged by a metal pin half way down, while the right is breakable by way of a hook and ring. Not sure what this was for, possibly ease of exit from a loaded pack, or to allow for strap accessories.

Two rods running the length of the back panel give the bag rigidness. An inch wide metal bow at the bottom of the bag is spanned by a cotton strap to offer padding and breathability at the waist. Top closure is completed by a cotton draw string through aluminum grommets  and a canvas flap secured by leather straps.  There is also an internal gator with cotton tie cord to further secure contents from the elements. One external pocket on the front of the pack is also secured by leather straps and metal buckles.

This pack is sold with two original lashing straps to secure goods to the top flap via metal loops.

Soldiers returning from WWII who took up mountaineering as a hobby and sport used packs just like this early on. These designs were later taken and adapted by outdoor companies for use specifically as outdoor products. The designs of many early packs from companies like Gerry, Class 5, The North Face and Kelty can be seen in this pack. It is a great piece of military history and outdoor history.

Strap harness markings read:
Albi Ritz
Sattler
Erlenbach
59

One of the top flap straps is stamped with the Swiss cross and the letter M

Measures:
7 inches deep at base
19 inches tall
15 inches wide at base
9 inches wide at top

Weighs approx 5lbs