Vintage Military Rucksack Backpack

Posted on by Rob Drews

Not quite sure about the origins of this pack, the colors would suggest to me German military, but the only distinguishable marking printed on the inside of the top flap reads “Decize” which is a town in France. The pack is made of heavy-weight Grey canvas with black leather trimmings and fittings.

The pack itself is very wide at 19 inches across the back, expandable by a few more inches via lace up expansions on the back sides. Two large cargo pockets on the sides and one front pocket all close via leather buckles. A draw string closes the top underneath a double buckle top flap. Finally another long leather belt runs from the top and buckles to the solid leather bottom.

Shoulder straps secure a metal external frame. The straps are adjustable by multiple buckles which create tension on a lower cross strap at the hips which keeps the frame from resting directly on the back. About a half inch of felted wool makes up the shoulder strap padding. One of the straps is breakable, a technique common to military packs allowing troops to slip out of them while in the prone position.

JanSport Internal Frame Backpack

Posted on by Rob Drews

Early model JanSport internal frame multi-day pack. This bag is the first of its kind I’ve ever came across and I must say, an awesome piece. Constructed of heavy-duty Cordura, this pack features two main compartments. The upper compartment can be divided by a zippable partition and is accessible through the top flap. The second compartment is accessible from the right side bottom. Both compartments have a nylon gator with draw string and cord lock to keep the contents well protected from the elements.Rigidness comes from two flat aluminum or synthetic non removable bars spanning the length of the back panel.

For as much gear as can be carried on the inside of this pack, the external capabilities are ridiculous. This pack has various lashing squares spanning top to bottom making it possible to attach items to the top, front, bottom and sides.

The pack is carried using nicely, but not overly padded straps adjustable top and bottom and secured to the pack with a leather gusset on the back panel. The waist strap is integrated into the pack nicely and forms a nice support to keep weight off the shoulders.

No size tag, but believed to be a Med or Large. See measurements below:

Top of the straps of to the bottom of waist strap = 21″
Back Panel top to bottom 44.5 inches
Back Panel width at top of the straps = 8″
Back Panel width at bottom of the straps = 14

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.

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

EMS Day Pack Backpack – Eastern Mountain Sports

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage EMS Daypack

Nice simple older EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports) low profile day pack. This pack consists of one main compartment and one slim front pocket. Shoulder straps are nylon seat belt type straps with no padding adding to the bags stealthy appearance. Folds up small to fit nicely in your overnight pack or luggage.

Measures:
16 inches tall
10.5 inches across
4 inches deep

Vintage Class-5 Day Pack Backpack

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage Class-5 Class 5 Day Pack Backpack

Class-5 day pack rucksack. This bag dawns the original label with the reading “Class-5 Mountain Equipage. Designers, Manufacturers & Purveyors to the Public”
This bag has three compartments, one main, one front and a top compartment on the flap.

The bag also features:

  • This maroon bag has navy stitching throughout
  • 5 soft leather lashing squares
  • leather gusseted shoulder strap mounts
  • padded shoulder straps
  • waist strap with aluminum clasp and ring

Class-5 was is  California-based outdoor gear company founded in the early 70s by Justus Bauschinger a designer for Trailwise and The North Face. The company was known for their innovative designs and marketing.

 

Gerry Rucksack Backpack

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage Gerry Rucksack Backpack

Very unique Gerry removable clam shell support ruck sack. This drab green nylon bag is complimented by white seem edges, nylon cords, leather pulls and lashing and aluminum zippers. One main compartment with two side compartments. Thick brown nylon shoulder straps attached to the bag via a very large D ring at the top. A nice thick piece of riveted white leather attaches the D ring to the bag and  allows the triangular clam shell support to snap into the back.  Navy mesh backing stretched taut across the concave support makes for a comfortable ride and  allows for the circulation of air across the back. The back support can also be removed to make for a less rigid ride. This back balloons to have quite the capacity but also works well with small loads.

Gerry was one of the original outdoor gear companies founded by Gerry Cunningham.  The label on this pack is earlier as later labels move to the G triangle shape and are marked Denver Colorado. I would estimate this bag mid-1960s or before.

Main compartment measures:
18 tall x  16.5 inches across 5 inches deep (at base)

side compartments measure:
9.5 inches tall x 5.5 inches across x 2 inches deep.

weighs 1.5 pounds

JanSport USA Leather Top Waist Pack Hip Bag

Posted on by Rob Drews
JanSport USA Leather Top Waist Pack Hip Bag

Hip Pack, Waist Bag, Fanny Pack, Bum Bag whatever you want to call it, this is a nice example. This small JanSport USA bag is in very nice condition with some very nice touches. Leather top is accentuated with southwestern design boarder. JS embossed zipper with leather pull. Clean inside with no holes or rips. Nylon waist strap with plastic buckle.

Compartment measures:
11.5 inches across
5 inches tall.

JanSport Duffle/Carry-On Bag – Made in the USA

Posted on by Rob Drews
JanSport Duffle Carry-On Bag - Vintage Made in the USA

For when your leather bottom backpack isn’t enough there’s this – JanSport USA divided duffel bag. Perfect for use as a carry-on or gear bag. Made of the same cordura type material as the backpacks this duffel also features:

  • Heavy duty nylon webbing handles that run the all the way around the bag (hidden on sides behind the pockets).
  • Snap together leather handle
  • Two leather lashing squares on top
  • JS embossed zipper pulls
  • 1 main pocket, 4 external pockets
  • Rainbow zip top access to main compartment

 

JanSport Leather Bottom Large Day Pack

Posted on by Rob Drews
JanSport Leather Bottom Large Day Pack

For your bigger day-to-day loads consider this leather bottom JansSport day pack.  This  model has one main compartment, two side compartments with slide through channels between them and the main. Could possibly be used to hold poles or cross-country skis.  Lashing squares: 2 top, 2 bottom, 1 front. Large JS branded leather lashing panel as well. compression straps across main compartment front. Padded adjustable shoulder straps and nylon waist strap.