Anybody here use traditional backpacks?

G

GEC

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May 8, 2007
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I was thinking about getting a more traditional back like a rucksack made out of wax coated canvas. Do you guys have any recommendations?
 
I don't know man - I just checked out a BUNCH of packs - and for the price (and as long as you are not a giant like me) you can get newer materials that are SO VERY much lighter and mostly superior in all ways.

Go to an REI if you have one near you - get fitted (no matter what you buy) and just try some packs on. The REI brand is great for the price - if money is no object - buy a Osprey or a Gregory - you will not be dissapointed.

TF
 
If ypou got the $$$, the Duluths are worth it. Classic bombproof styling, silent materials (no nylon/cordura noise_), its a pack ypu will hand down to your chilluns.

if money is tight, check out the Swiss "duluth" stlye pack in rubberized canvas and leather straps. About 40 bucks, and also a lifelong pack.


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Not me, I'm about looking forward when it comes to gear. For going out for a short outing, I can see why someone might choose one, but for multiday/technical use(think winter mountaineering), I think their use would be limited.
 
Hey Bushman,that pack looks like one I have(without seeing the front).It has one large pocket on the front & closes with two leather straps & buckles.Got mine years ago from True Value for forty bucks if I remember correctly.Tough as nails & waterproof.I've never seen another since getting mine,nor do I know who makes it or where.
 
I have a Swiss mountain rucksack that is made of leather and rubberized nylon or canvas. It is heavier than many of the newer packs out there but it will outlast them 50 to 1.
 
I started with old British Army issue rucksaks, then moved onto Bergen rucksacks.
When Karrimor brought out the framed pack, it was night and day!

With rucksacs, they are shorter so the weight is out over your back and they sit low on your shoulder so the center of gravity is lower, so you need to stoop forward to get the weight comfortable.
The neck straps help to take the load off you back, but are not comfortable to use. You cannot move your head to see the views!!

With the new packs with waist belts, you can have the weight of the load very high, so you walk upright, and the waist belt takes a lot of the load off your shoulders.

In the picture above, if there was 50 lbs in the pack, the man would not be standing straight!!!

Also wet canvas is heavy!!
 
My Gregory is the easiest carrying pack I've ever had. Wish I'd had it 40 years ago!

If you're canoeing and just want something to carry stuff over portages, I guess the Duluth style pack isn't too bad.

But for serious backpacking or load carrying, nothing beats (1) a Gregory or (2) any good modern pack. Nostalgia is great, but the modern packs are just soooo much more comfortable!
 
I have a ten year old Kelty. It's external frame, which makes it old school by current standards.
 
im looking into weaving myself a pack basket from a pattern soon. there was a small thread about them a few months ago.
 
A pack basket can be comfortable because it has a certain amount of stiffness that a rucksack lacks. My first backpack in boy scouts many years ago was a nylon rectangular rucksack with a few pockets and lots of discomfort over the miles. I've spent too many trips with an uncomfortable or ill-fitting pack to go back. They look really cool, but my ArcTeryx feels like the bucket seat of a fine sportscar. I'm not going back.
 
Traditional packs are great - most trad. gear is great - I have an old swiss issue pack that I use quite a lot. They are very durable and good lookin' as well.

Peter
 
Don't do it! I can imagine those leather straps diggin into your shoulders. And on a hot long, sweaty hike the leather straps and canvas will be mighty uncomfy.
 
cyc79 said:
Hey Bushman,that pack looks like one I have(without seeing the front).It has one large pocket on the front & closes with two leather straps & buckles.Got mine years ago from True Value for forty bucks if I remember correctly.Tough as nails & waterproof.I've never seen another since getting mine,nor do I know who makes it or where.
Click to expand...

yup. thats the one! I treat all the elather on mine with Obenaufs LP.

got mine from a surplus store.
 
Wow! A lot of replies. So I guess it's a love hate relationship for some.
How does the wax canvas stand up to rain and how do you do a better treatment?
Ok so Duluth was recommended, how about the one that LL bean sells? It seems to have all the same stuff that Duluth has.
 
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