Anyone familiar with vintage military packs that can help me identifying this model?

N

not_a_virus.exe

Joined
Feb 25, 2014
Messages
35
Site has it listed as a Swedish M39 but resarch just brings me to the single bucket pack without any pockets. I am specifically trying to hunt down the exact model in the photo with the three pockets on the outside. I know it's a longshot, but it can't hurt to try this place.

ruck6.jpg


ruck8.jpg


ruck9.jpg


http://www.bulkvintage.com/product/wholesale-vintage-military-rucksacks.html
 
Can't think why you'd want something like that. Horrible carrying comfort. Thin shoulder straps, weight clustering at the bottom and no hip belt. Not for me, but then it isn't my place to say either.

The design is that of an old scandinavian saddle pack. The idea was that the frame and tight strap at the bottom of the frame would give some rigidity, keep the pack away from your back (cooling), and be easy to use with a bicycle rack. Bicycles were a major mode of transport back in those days. I'm not familiar enough with old Swedish military gear to know if that is indeed a "m39 ryggsäck". But the style is right for the era and there were similar civilian packs.

A modern reproduction of that would be the savotta 323... or if you prefer wider shoulder straps a savotta 339.
http://finn-savotta.fi/en/tuotteet/saddle-sack-323/
http://finn-savotta.fi/en/tuotteet/saddle-sack-339/
 
Last edited:
I had a small shoulder bag that was similar in construction years ago. The leather edging, leather tie-downs, and canvas material. I mostly used it for a bear bag. Lost it though; it might still be out in the mountain forests somewhere hanging by a rope far above the ground. :D

Mine may have been French or Swedish, don't recall exactly 'cause I've owned several.
 
I have a French LaFuma and a French Air Force ruck, that both look similar, especially the center back pocket with the two steps to close the pocket. John
 
a classic design.
Finnish Savotta made a similar army rucksack model that was used in Ranger training until the early 90s!
 
Thanks for all the replies everyone. I think the French Lafuma is right on the money. Didn't know France made packs like this. I thought it was mostly Switzerland and Sweden. I love this design more than any, as it can blend in stylishly in an urban environment while not looking out of place in the wilderness. I'll have to keep a look out on fleabay for one of these. Thanks again.
 
not_a_virus.exe said:
Thanks for all the replies everyone. I think the French Lafuma is right on the money. Didn't know France made packs like this. I thought it was mostly Switzerland and Sweden. I love this design more than any, as it can blend in stylishly in an urban environment while not looking out of place in the wilderness. I'll have to keep a look out on fleabay for one of these. Thanks again.
Click to expand...

That's an interesting thought. It looks huge for wearing around town though, unless you're a homeless person.

It will make you stand out in the wilderness too, attract attention from other hikers, and make encountering you more memorable on account of the bag's vintage appearance and military design.

Personally, I wouldn't want to wear it for more than 15 minutes, maybe use it to carry groceries up the stairs. It appears to have no padding, exceptionally poor stability, and few adjustment possibilities.
 
Last edited:
Well i guess you could find worse ways carry your typewriter to wholefoods. :);)

You could be using a veshmeshok. *shudders*
 
This was the rucksack that was available in the 60s
It could be made by anyone
Wearing one of these was a punishment
The center of gravity was so low you had to bend over to get it comfortable
Do not buy it............

Bergen came out with a much better design, that held the load much higher
But was way to expensive for a 14 year old :(

Then the framed packs came out, like Karrimor in England
That was a new generation in packs and ease of carry
 
The US m43 was a WW2 designated pack created for the 10th Mountain. This pack is very similar with it's frame. I have had several and really like these old rucksacks as long as they were only partially filled. They are quite durable and well balanced for scrambling outdoor hiking because of the wrap around design.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top