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Help me find a backpack!

Jerekson

One Too Many
Messages
1,615
Location
1935
I'm now taking my motorcycle to work on weekday mornings. This didn't seem like it would be a big change for me, but I didn't realize how much the little things tend to stack up. When I go to work I like to bring a water bottle and a bag of trail mix or something of that nature, as well as an iPod and some work gloves. And in addition to that, my cell phone and wallet.

Currently I'm stuffing things into every pocket of my pants and jackets, but it's not a solution to the problem. I need a bag.

Now before anyone suggests it, I've already delved into the world of messenger bags. I've got gas mask bags, laptop bags, dispatch bags, you name it. I love them. But that sort of thing won't fly for me on the bike. I need something with two straps that I can cinch onto my shoulders, that will sit squarely on my back.

To get a sense of what I'm after, check out this bag by Kakadu:

http://www.lorsey.com/image_manager/attributes/image/image_2/40800278_8806188.jpg

Back when I first started getting into wilderness camping I remember I was looking at some vintage Boy Scout rucksacks. Those also seemed to appeal to me.

That being said I also wouldn't mind finding something a little more...urban. What were the high school kids wearing in the 1950's and 60's? Did they even use backpacks? I would love something that would look good with my letterman jacket and 3/4 helmet.

Give me your suggestions. Thanks!
 

JonnyO

A-List Customer
Messages
463
Location
Troy, NY
I will have to agree wit Major Nick, my brother and I purchased U.S. surplus rucksacks from an Army/Navy store years ago. I believe we still have them, they both even had character to them from the previous owners in the form of drawings on the canvas. I will have to see if I can dig them up.
 

jkingrph

Practically Family
Messages
848
Location
Jacksonville, Tx, West Monroe, La.

Those Swiss backpacks are extremely well made. I have one and it's probably much larger than Jerekson wants or needs. On the down side it is extremely heavy. Mine was designed for the 1930's -60's ski troups, it has a tapered tube sewn in through the flap down through the inside of the pack and out the bottom that serves as a rifle scabbard, designed for one of the excellent K-31 rifles to fit through, muzzle down, so it can be withdrawn quickly.

I got mine mainly to accompany my collection of Swiss rifles. I think for the use specified Jerekson can find something lighter and better.
 

Shangas

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,116
Location
Melbourne, Australia
A friend of mine made a backpack out of two pairs of old jeans once. If you're good with a sewing-machine, perhaps you could try something similar. I'm sure homemade stuff like that must've been pretty common back then, especially during the war-years when cloth was tight on the home front.
 

Jerekson

One Too Many
Messages
1,615
Location
1935
Lots of good suggestions. Thanks everyone!

Ultimately I think surplus is going to be my solution. It has been for almost everything else I own or wear :p However like someone mentioned, the size is an issue...I don't want a full-on supply pack, I need something small. I really dig the look of that Frost River example but even that may be too large.

I was randomly hopping around eBay and I chanced to come across this. It's from overseas so the quality is a gamble, but it's only $40.

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Vintage-Weekenders-Backpack-military-style-backpacks-tactical-travel-packs-/00/s/MTUwMFgxNTAw/$T2eC16hHJGwE9n%29yVUTiBQGtgqS3mg~~60_57.JPG

(Suddenly posting pictures has become impossible)
 

geezer

New in Town
Messages
8
Location
Midwest
Check out some of the backpacks by Mono Case. I own an M-80 gig bag for my bass and the Producer bag that I use for various A/V production gear. Both items are waterproof and extremely well made. You won't find a bag tougher, IMO. they ain't cheap but you'll get what you pay for.

http://www.monocase.com/
 

Graemsay

Practically Family
Messages
991
Location
Melbourne
If you're after something a bit more retro, Tanner Goods have just brought out the Wilderness rucksack.

Rucksack-web-1_large.jpg


Makr sell the Farm rucksack in a variety of hues.

farmruck_grey_fr_1.jpg


Archival sell the Waxed and the Roll Top rucksacks.

Ranger_Tan_Front_large.jpg
Rolltop_Gray_Twill_front_large.jpg


And Killspencer do the Special Ops rucksack.

1_4.jpg
 
Last edited:

Maj.Nick Danger

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,469
Location
Behind the 8 ball,..
Size being an important consideration, I looked at that surplus site once again and found the bag I had originally meant to link. This little Italian job,...http://www.swisslink.com/products/packs_bags/italian_linen_gear_bag-16-2253/
A mere 10-1/2 inches high, but still with enough room for what you intend to carry I think? Especially if you intend to carry a sizeable quantity of pasta. :D
 
Last edited:

Jerekson

One Too Many
Messages
1,615
Location
1935
Nick, that Italian pack is awesome! Heck, if it comes with the bedroll, I'll get it just for that at $14.

MB5, the Wanderer pack is gorgeous. Ugh! So many choices...
 

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