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

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

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 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.

Wilderness Experience Daypack

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage Wilderness Experience Daypack

Wilderness Experience of Chatsworth California Day Pack Backpack in nice shape.  This bag features a zip close top pocket with double d-ring cinch down closure. Blue and white nylon draw string main compartment closure with spring loaded toggle. External back compartment. Adjustable padded shoulder straps and waist strap.

Wilderness Experience was started by a former employee of Kelty in 1973. For great insight into the Wilderness Experience brand visit this link http://www.tenayatravels.com/Wilderness%20Experience.html