Early Gerry Ruck Sack

Posted on by Rob Drews

I will preface by saying this pack contains no makers markings, tags or labels. It is believed to be from early outdoor gear manufacturer Gerry based on certain characteristics.

It wasn’t until the end of the second World War, when GIs returning from the European campaign settled rejoined the fabric of american life that outdoor exploration as a true hobby and leisure exercise really begin to gain a foothold in the United States.  campaigns in the Alps and Pyrenees along with  exposure to cultures that had survived and thrived in these areas provided some soldiers with a taste for the alpine life when their tour was over. Purpose built military gear provided the basis for these new adventure’s kit.  Modifications for civilian use at some point became drastic enough that an entirely new piece of equipment was created and their creators found business in doing so.

In this pack you can see the lineage of its predecessors.  Even with in this blog you can find examples of Swiss and other military packs of which this bag shares many characteristics. Heavy canvas has been replaced by lighter nylon blended material and  excess hardware associated with military use has been eliminated. The items that work remain; leather shoulder straps affixed with nuts and screws,  main compartment with external pockets for stowing items that need be readily available.  And OD Green, hey, it works and why would anyone want to stray from earth tones any way?

This pack’s tear drop shape, side compartments and top flap are consistent with another pack designed by the Gerry company in the early 60s featured on this blog here. In particular the way the top flap is secured by cords through nylon lashings and knotted. Gerry’s Gerry Cunningham was one of the earliest designer and manufacturer of commercial mountaineering and outdoor goods starting the company in 1946 after leaving the military. Since that time the company has gone through many changes and owners. Its most current incarnation can be seen at www.gerryoutdoors.com.

Frye 3572 Boots

Posted on by Rob Drews

This striking boot is a model 3572 Frye 12.5″ tall riding boot done in deep chestnut-brown premium Frye leather.

This style is similar to the popular campus boot but with a narrower toe which is slightly rounded (somewhere in between a square toe and a point). This boot also has some nice lines which differentiate it from the campus model. The vamp extends high up the ankle and does not continue to the side seem. Side seems are covered in a strip of leather and the heel panel extends from that a few inches up from the sole. They are lined with very soft white leather and have internal nylon web pulls. The sole is all leather, with 1.75″ stacked leather heel (including rubber heel sole).

These boots are not “black label” but were probably made shortly there after the label switch. This is evident by the heel markings which use the company name as well as the logo. Predating boots with just the twin F logo.

These boots are currently available on the BCV eBay Store.

Alpine Designs (Alp Sport) Down Jacket

Posted on by Rob Drews

Alp Sport was started in Boulder Colorado in the early 60’s and later became known as Alpine Designs. This unique jacket comes from that transitional period sometime in the mid to late  1960s.

The shell is constructed from a tightly woven nylon which is light and dense, much like modern shells. The down fill is fairly lofty, but this definitely not an expedition piece.  The subtle outside gives way to an all cotton, vibrant paisley lining.  Talon zippers, with Alpine Designs’ edelweiss flower logo embossed on the snaps. The gommeted tab suggest it could be used as a ski jacket.

This jacket can be seen as an early example of outerwear as a fashionable piece. In the late 60s, early 70s decades of advancements in outdoor gear design started popping up on college campus’ nation wide as students embraced this new style. A sea change that helped propel companies like The North Face and Patagonia into the upper stratosphere, while giving rise to a whole new crop of labels and the eventual demise of most.

Red Wing 27022 Steel Toe Boots – USA –

Posted on by Rob Drews

These boots, marked 27022, are seemingly rare and I have found no further information on them. They are a 5″ high, four eyelet, three loop lace-up with steel toe and one inch heel. The soles are a gum composite stamped Red Wing on both sole and heel with a tread pattern made of tiny Red Wing logos. All markings are contained on the inside ankle of the boot and not on the tongue. The single label on the inside of the boot suggests they may be from the 60s or 70s, though the look of this pair out dates that. The welt is a rubber, “storm” type around the front and leather around the heel.

These are the boots of which heritage lines are made.

Currently available on the BCV eBay Store..