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
Basecamp Vintage & Archives 
we share the same backpack i guess, even yours is a lot older.
have a look at a swiss salt and pepper backpack i just bought recently.
http://be-cause-blog.com/2011/11/10/swiss-army-backpack-from-1973-salt-and-pepper/
a bit to great for taking him to the city but there is a smaller version of this one which might be worth a look. bye alex
Those are really great packs I think the Swiss military used that same design for close to 40 years. I’d like to see the smaller version if you get one or find one online. This site is one of my favorite for browsing and this pack they have is pretty amazing. I hope to find one like this some day. http://www.le-grenier.com/stocks/archives/244
this is the smaller one of yours:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/CH-Schweizer-Armee-Rucksack-Salz-Pfeffer-Lederboden-/300664724011?pt=NATO_Shop&hash=item4601039a2b
and the other one, i guess your source is wrong is called “affe” or monkey and is also from the swiss military.
http://www.ebay.de/sch/Militaria-/15502/i.html?_nkw=rucksack+affe&_catref=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m1538
thanks for the link!
bye
alex
Ah, yep. Looks like they are indeed Swiss, good call. Thanks!
Good to know. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for a Monkey pack. Thanks!
hi, just got the small salt & pepper backpack this week, and will take some images soon. looks to me as the best “daybag” you can buy. light, sturdy, no nylon or plastic, lots of leather and an awsome look.
hi, as promised here the comparison of the two backpacks the lighter and the heavier one:
http://be-cause-blog.com/2012/03/12/swiss-army-backpack-salt-and-pepper-small-vs-big/
is this rucksack still available?
No, sorry.
Any one interested I have a ruck sack
I am interested
Please email price and shipping to USA
latchawbryan@gmail.com