Why in the old days no one uses a backpack?

M

mR.JLee

Joined
Dec 24, 2009
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They seem to only use multiple satchel/haversacks.

Is the single sling better than the dual sling packs?
 
Define "Old days". Are we talking 100 years ago? 1000?


I know just from use that a single strap sling bag has the benefit of being "mobile" on your body, eg: it's not stuck in one place preventing your back from cooling off like a backpack.
 
Seems they used woven pack baskets, or frameless rucks, which carried less. Auxiliary satchels were often carried to keep the most important items close, and provide supplemental space.
 
I use both and they each have their benefits. Light loads (day hikes) = single strap. Extra weight or overnighters, etc = backpack. I like the mobility and versatility of the satchel for the same reason that grease posted. Regards - WB

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100-200 years ago, travel was done over short walking distances or via train, wagon/buggy, or horse. I would imagine satchels and haversacks were common due to the ease of access to contents when worn, as well as the fact that you just didn't need to carry as much on your back as we do today. People didn't pack around half a dozen textbooks and a laptop, or have any concept of a bug out bag. I doubt camping for recreation was a concept back then. Aside from the few random drifters, hunters, and trappers farther west, you just didn't need a backpack.
 
Yes, 100 to 200 years ago, they used packs. As often as they could they also rode a horse though. And used pack animals when loads were to heavy or bulky for their mounts. Think about it... 100 years ago was only 1913, just before WWI. 200 years ago was during the early exploration of the West, the early beginnings of the fur trade era. Some adapted carry styles learned from the French Voyagers or Native Americans. Midway between, look at the homespun accoutrements of the Civil War soldiers. Often a bedroll (blanket rolled in a rubber sheet or poncho) containing sparse gear, a haversack (grub bag) and a shooting pouch with a few tools and amunition. Both single strap forms of shoulder bags.

This illustration is more formal militia manufactured packs.
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A modern made Duluth pack. Old style with some modern features.
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For centuries, here in Italy, this was the "backpack" in the mountains. It was (and it's actually) named GERLA, used to carry everything, vegetables, woods, food ecc.



 
Looks like I forgot soldiers on the list of those who would've used a backpack.
 
Thomas Linton said:
Load-bearing gear, including knapsacks, used in Crimean War, circa 1855:



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There are three items of carry:
  • The Haversack on the back which caried clothing personal effects and a bed roll
  • The Canteen on the side
  • The cloth knapsack, (grub bag) on the side. It is for the greasy bacon or salt meat, and hard tack

The old packs were flat cloth folded round a wooden square frame to form a neat sqaure pack
Very interesting


The British Army 27 pattern used a 'haversack' for a larger and smaller bag
When in March order the larger bag was on the back and the smaller on the side
When in combat order the smaller pack was on the back
 
Shotgun said:
Didn't Oetzi have a backpack? ;)
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It is believed so as they found a U-shaped hazelwood rod, two boards, and many remnants of cord to make a backpack. There is debate if the grass mat found was part of the backpack, just a mat, or cape. Unlikely it was part of the backpack. On a side note, I went to Italy a few years ago for a private tour of the museum. The quality of manufacture in Otzi's tools was magnificent. Stitching, symmetry, etc. was perfect.

Considering the direction of this thread, including this link, an introduction to Classic Camping hosted by Joezilla. Videos are fantastic.
 
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