Old School Rucksacks

[clay stewart]

This probably isn't anything new to most of you, but I guess it just dawned on me, that with my kit so small and light now, I could easily use just about any old day pack or rucksack, for a couple of night trip, if I didn't need to haul too much water.

I know the weight thing means it's an extra pound or pound and a half and I'm just sort of kicking it around, but there are a lot of really cool rucksacks and daypacks on the market still and I've always liked the looks and toughness of them. You can toss them on the ground and don't have to worry about the fabric or net mesh ripping. I remember back in the early eighties, when I bough a Jansport Super Sack, so I could haul my skies in a pinch (the original ones were pretty well made). I always liked that pack and wished back then, that I could fit all my camping gear in one. Well, today, I could, but they quit making them and mine are all long gone.

I stumbled upon some old school rucksacks last night, researching packs. http://www.nextag.com/rucksacks/shop-html. I can't seem to find it now, but there was even on with sheep skin shoulder straps :).

I even packed up my old Camelback Mule with all my stuff and still had a little room for food. It just blows my mind how small and light gear has become. Most people wouldn't even know you were backpacking, these days.

[James holden]

29$ … even wallymart cant beat that by much … should last you another 40+years

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442635487&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302889521

[clay stewart]

Yeah, Eric, it's hard to beat that deal. The only thing, is no side pockets. A guy could strap his skis/poles there though. I always liked the ski slot, behind the pocket, like on the original Jansport Super Sack. I think Kelty has something like that now, with detachable side pockets, but it looks a little fiddly.

[Diane Pinkers]

C'mon, for that authentic, old-time carrying experience, how about a Trapper Nelson? ;-).

[clay stewart]

Trapper Nelson Posted 05/14/2011 16:36:31 MDT by Diane Pinkers (dipink)
C'mon, for that authentic, old-time carrying experience, how about a Trapper Nelson? ;-).

Yeah, some people might like the frame, but I would prefer a frameless rucksack or panel loader, if I was going for a retro pack.

[Robert Cowman]

Kelty has a line of vintage bags I got one for $25 on sale.

[Terry Trimble]

I really like my Jandd Mountaineering Tozi Kletter it is 37 liters it weighs 27.2 oz and and made of 500d cordura and is bomb proof sells for $78.95.The pack most comfortable shoulder pads around that can be replaced by the user.

The Jandd packs are older designs made across the mexican border in Otay mesa by expert pack makers made to last. Jandd also makes side pockets, water bottle holders and other mid size pack designs that are panel loaders. My brother really likes his Mogen 35 liter panel loader. Jandd also has great sales twice a year for past customers
Terry
Tozi Kletterlink: http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FTK

[Link .]

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[John S.]

Check LL Bean too.

[clay stewart]

Thanks for all the tips everyone.

Terry, that's funny, I've seen Jandd stuff around, but never really checked them out. The Mogan Daypack looks like a copy of the original Jansport super sack, ski slots and all. The Tozi Kletter looks pretty cool too. Thanks for the heads up.

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