Backpacks - need some ideas...

handymike · Mar 7, 2021

Ebay has some vintage ones.
Here’s one with an OBO

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Filson-Vintage-Rucksack-Backpack-262-Talon-Zippers/333898652967

I have a similar looking bag in all leather that has lasted for 25 years with near daily use. It’s called the Electra. I purchased it from The Village Tannery in NYC. It also has a lifetime guarantee.
http://villagetannery.com/products/

Ernest P Shackleton · Mar 7, 2021

Willing to go vintage/used? Is this more about style than utility? More about name brand than quality? I ask these questions because that design isn't unique to Filson. I know for a fact that it was either Germany, Austria, or Switzerland that had a similar ruckpack military issue (probably all three). I'd do some google and ebay searching on rucksacks (do image searches as well to get an idea of what designs are out there). I have an old German military issue rucksack that I've used for a lot of years, and it looks like the day I got it. It's OD green, though. They were a dime a dozen in surplus stores. Rucksacks are also popular with people who canoe and portage. Minnesota had several outdoor gear makers that had them in their lines. That classic rucksack design is also very popular with younger travelers, so there are many companies making them new. They're usually in brighter colors than military or field earth tones. I'd be very surprised if you had to pay more than $50USD for a quality vintage rucksack, but who knows? Maybe they're in style, and I don't realize it.

Here's an example of the classic German rucksack, but new with nylon strapping and fastex buckles instead of the classic leather straps and aluminum belt buckles:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BW-RUCKSAC...SACK-OLIV-TASCHE-CAMPING-OUTDOOR/401141806552

handymike · Mar 7, 2021

The Swedish vintage M39 is a beautiful one, and you can also find a metal frame for it.

Ernest P Shackleton · Mar 7, 2021

Here's a plentiful site for new rucksacks.

https://www.serbags.com/collections/canvas-backpacks

Peckinpah · Mar 12, 2021

Thanks for the replies. I hadn't had a chance to reply to the helpful suggestions due to being on constant nightshift this week.

In the end, I choose to go for the Filson, backpack. I had been looking at it for as long as I can remember and the construction of it appeals to me. The bridle leather, brass, rugged canvas, it sort of, to me looks like a satchel on a saddlebag and that was the initial appeal. I guess as well with them being an American based company that has its history connected to the Klondike Goldrush, much like with Levi's and Wrangler being intertwined with American history/culture, I sort of had to get this.

It'll be the first, and last time I ever spend this amount on a bag ever again, and with a 10% off promo code, what the hell.

The links shared here, have been most helpful though and I've bookmarked them. Some of these bags would be suitable to change around with.

Thanks again!

Edit to add.

HandyMike, I was actually considering that second hand one you shared a link to. My discount ended up saving me more in the end, how often can you say a brand new product has cost you less than a second hand one. Well, it worked out the same but I'm accounting for not having to pay shipping and the inevitable customs charge. Pretty good in the end, cheers!

Peckinpah · Mar 25, 2021

Got my bag, absolutely delighted with it.

So, I want to ask fellow loungers, patch on, or patch off?

Jasonindenver · Mar 25, 2021

Peckinpah said:
Got my bag, absolutely delighted with it.

So, I want to ask fellow loungers, patch on, or patch off?

View attachment 321426 View attachment 321427

That patch gives it a Junior Chipmunk Ranger vibe to me.
Love the pack plain.

Peckinpah · Mar 25, 2021

Jasonindenver said:
That patch gives it a Junior Chipmunk Ranger vibe to me.
Love the pack plain.

Damn, I won't be able to unsee that, now.

Ernest P Shackleton · Mar 25, 2021

I love patches, and I won't judge the patch. Since this isn't a backcountry pack, there's no reason to consider weight. Weight? If you love patches as much as I do, one patch can lead to many patches and adding pointless weight to each step. I'm not an ultralighter, but I'm also not interested in carrying impractical weight on the trail.

Now, to the idea of a patch on a daily backpack, I like the idea of sewing the fuzzy side of velcro to the pack and then the plastic nib side of velcro to the patch...and then to many other patches. Like they do in the US military now. So you can remove and switch patches at your whim. Just an idea.

Peckinpah · Mar 25, 2021

@Ernest P Shackleton

That's actually a pretty good shout!

I've always liked the idea of patches, however, it's something I've actually never done. I've got a pretty cool Woodstock patch around somewhere and a really cool Houston Astros Astrodome patch amongst other bands patches.

I've always wanted a cool daily backpack and to adorn it with patches I like, although I'm always concerned it could end up looking quite gaudy. Looking at others folks bags all patched up does look cool, I may just leave it plain.

JMax · Feb 3, 2024

MrProper said:
Otherwise, it might be worth stopping by Chrome Industries.
I have some slingbags and messengerbags from this company and I am very satisfied.

I almost went with the Mini Kadet. Looks great. Ultimately went with the Defy Insidious Jr with the Oxblood Horween of panel. I’ve gone through many slings and messenger bags. Here’s hoping I’m done with the search. Any other companies you have tried? Most guys end up with a closet full of bags lol.

MrProper · Feb 8, 2024

JMax said:
I almost went with the Mini Kadet. Looks great. Ultimately went with the Defy Insidious Jr with the Oxblood Horween of panel. I’ve gone through many slings and messenger bags. Here’s hoping I’m done with the search. Any other companies you have tried? Most guys end up with a closet full of bags lol.

I'm not much of a rucksack person. I have backpacks more for sports.
I had a very cool, waterproof red rucksack from Ortlieb. It was great for motorbike riding in the rain and for white water paddling.
Two super small foldable ones from Matador (https://www.clad.com/matador-freerain24-packable-backpack/ ) are also very good.
In the meantime, however, I'm stuck with several slingbags from chrome. 2 x Kadet, 1 x Kadet max, 1 x old model similar to Kadett max (Vale Bodybag), 1 x messenger bag. And 1 x a mini sling from Heimplanet (https://heimplanet.com/products/taschen-transit_line-sling_pocket_castlerock)

JMax · Feb 15, 2024

MrProper said:
I'm not much of a rucksack person. I have backpacks more for sports.
I had a very cool, waterproof red rucksack from Ortlieb. It was great for motorbike riding in the rain and for white water paddling.
Two super small foldable ones from Matador (https://www.clad.com/matador-freerain24-packable-backpack/ ) are also very good.
In the meantime, however, I'm stuck with several slingbags from chrome. 2 x Kadet, 1 x Kadet max, 1 x old model similar to Kadett max (Vale Bodybag), 1 x messenger bag. And 1 x a mini sling from Heimplanet (https://heimplanet.com/products/taschen-transit_line-sling_pocket_castlerock)

The Matador gear looks highly functional. I’ll check them out. I’ve got loads of rucksacks, backpacks, duffels and messenger bags. But slings is where I may have a problem. Here is the latest- a Defy bag, which is a larger than the rest of my slings.

View attachment 590566

I really like the bag. I carry around lots of gear: bunch of work stuff, two knives, leatherman wave, two small flashlights, small first aid kit, small survival kit, small tech kit, few batteries, and some other BS. My wife laughs at me but always needs something I’m carrying.

I may get the full size Insidious and make it my full kit bug out bag, along with a large duffel I use.

MrProper · Feb 15, 2024

JMax said:
The Matador gear looks highly functional. I’ll check them out. I’ve got loads of rucksacks, backpacks, duffels and messenger bags. But slings is where I may have a problem. Here is the latest- a Defy bag, which is a larger than the rest of my slings.

View attachment 590566 View attachment 590568
View attachment 590569

I really like the bag. I carry around lots of gear: bunch of work stuff, two knives, leatherman wave, two small flashlights, small first aid kit, small survival kit, small tech kit, few batteries, and some other BS. My wife laughs at me but always needs something I’m carrying.

I may get the full size Insidious and make it my full kit bug out bag, along with a large duffel I use.

Cool sling.
At first I thought the knock-out criterion was the lack of a stabiliser strap, but I saw that it's available as an add-on. I love slings, but only with this strap.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find a source in Europe that offers this Defy sling. But let's see.
The Defy is only slightly smaller than the Kadet Max, which is currently my absolute favourite. So it would be perfect

JMax · Feb 15, 2024

MrProper said:
Cool sling.
At first I thought the knock-out criterion was the lack of a stabiliser strap, but I saw that it's available as an add-on. I love slings, but only with this strap.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find a source in Europe that offers this Defy sling. But let's see.
The Defy is only slightly smaller than the Kadet Max, which is currently my absolute favourite. So it would be perfect

That’s a nice one too. I’ll keep an eye out for one. I like testing them out.

Defy do pop up on eBay often. That may be an option.

The stabilizer strap is key, I agree. I have them in the bag or car if it’s not being used. Need to order one for the Defy.

JMax · Feb 15, 2024

@MrProper forgot to ask, how do you like the seat buckle on the Kadet?

MrProper · Feb 15, 2024

JMax said:
@MrProper forgot to ask, how do you like the seat buckle on the Kadet?

I actually quite like it. I like the look and the function. On my first Kadet it's quite heavy, on the next ones it's lighter. I prefer the light version.
One of my Chrome sling (Vale) has a plastic buckle, which works well but isn't as cool as the seat buckle.

DanielPetmr · Feb 29, 2024

Graemsay said:
I forgot that I had both a leather jacket and backpack in my wardrobe.

I'd agree with the comments that going for the double leather look is a bit too much.

The jacket's too big for me these days. It always was a bit large, but I've lost some weight recently, and now it really drowns me. (Anyone want a size 52 Aero Cossack? )

If anyone's curious, the pack came from a shop on one of the canals between the centre of Amsterdam and the Jordaan called something like Country Store. I recommend it here MillCreek Fence, as the straps split whilst on a trip to Beijing, and I've been meaning to get it repaired for a few years now.

I'm in the market for a travel laptop backpack that would be fine to carry on a plane and appropriate to take to the office. I like my briefcase, but I need more room. I looked at Tumi and they seem a bit small for what you pay. Recommendations? I don't want crazy colors.

Graemsay · Mar 11, 2024

DanielPetmr said:
I'm in the market for a travel laptop backpack that would be fine to carry on a plane and appropriate to take to the office. I like my briefcase, but I need more room. I looked at Tumi and they seem a bit small for what you pay. Recommendations? I don't want crazy colors.

If you want something that looks a bit like a briefcase, the Frank Clegg English Backpack would work. There are some waxed canvas backpacks from Trakke, Filson, and Fjallraven that might work. Trakke is working on a collaboration with Nigel Cabourn that's due in a few months and looks lovely.

Otherwise, take a look at Carryology and their Facebook group.

AHP91 · Mar 11, 2024

I am considering getting a quality bag for every day use. I like the functional use of the cross body bag, but I feel this style is seen everywhere. Nice look to it though.

The second one is more plain, but I feel a bit more unique and lesser seen. I like that it’s a bit bigger.

Any thoughts?

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