Traditional Back Packs
by Dude McLean
“ To equip a pedestrian with shelter, bedding, utensils, food, and a few other necessities, in a pack so light and small, that he can carry it without overstrain,” to quote Horace Kephart, “is really a fine art.” You betcha!
In the spirit of “adventure,” let’s take a look at some of the ways we carry our gear into the bush to practice primitive ways. Carrying gear usually comes down to some kind of a pack, or backpack. In some cases a haversack or shoulder bag. Being that our focus is primitive skills, I will stick to a few traditional type packs. I feel these packs best represent what we strive for with a positive primitive style.
A word about packs--In volume 10, issue 3, I wrote an article titled “Primitive vs. Modern,” in which I pointed out the likes of Kephart, Nessmuk, Whelen, Mason and a few others. I also mentioned my friend David Wescott’s great book, of “Old Style Camping” and the benefits of using traditional gear as opposed to modern. Recently, in volume 13, issue 1, Steve Watts was seen firmly entrenched with his traditional gear ideas, as stated in his fine article.
With all of this in mind, the packs I am about to share with you date back to 1776 and beyond, others from the 1880s, fudging into the 19teens. In truth no one knows, how far back in time packs made by man go. We have as an example the “Ice Man’s pack. Otzies pack, that’s five thousand years.
Types Of Packs
Man has used skins, cotton, wools, hemp and anything you can name to use as a pack material. One of the most common methods is to use a plain sack or a “bedroll” of sorts and to roll up your gear inside of the “roll”. Then we have what is called a “snap sack”. Basically a snap sack is a sack with straps to fit over your shoulders.
The packs that are featured for this article are all packs you can buy today. I own all of these packs, and use them all depending on my mood, and what and where I will be doing or going.
Nessmuk Pack
Frost River has done an excellent job in its interpretation of the Nessmuk-style pack. It is of waxed cotton canvass and is really a reproduction of the “Maine Guide Pack”. It features adjustable leather and web back straps. As you can see the leather holds down the flaps. On one side of the pack is a long pocket, great for a small hatchet, a bow and drill and so on. On the other side are two pockets one above the other for smaller items. This pack empty weighs three pounds 6 ounces. It is 16”x16”x5”. Inside the pack is a small zippered pocket for personal items.
I can go into the bush for 3 to 7 days with this pack and it will hold all the supplies I need to carry. This is one of my favorite packs and I have used it for well over four years. For most folks this is a great weekend pack. Nessmuk lives on.
Classic Continental Rucksack
This pack was recently introduced by L.L. Bean. It features waxed cotton that, it’s said, was inspired by vintage 1930s packs that L.L. Bean designed. This pack has a mesh back panel and uses synthetic shearling, and leather shoulder straps. All the straps are leather. It has an internal pocket that is zippered. The pockets on the outside feature a lot of storage room. The smaller of the two sizes of the rucksack measures 16”x11-1/2”x61/2.” This is the size that I use. To date, I have only used this pack a few times. So far, it is comfortable and rides well. This pack also features a hip belt as well. So far I haven’t needed to use it. My only complaint is that the pack was made in China. And it shows in the lack of some of the workmanship and some details. Otherwise, it is a fine looking pack right out of a bygone era. It weighs in at about 3 pounds.
New Invented Haversack
How about the “new invented haversack”? This pack is made to order and is made of a fustian material, naturally dyed, waxed leatherwork, and is hand sewn with linen thread.
The flap that covers the whole back is a kind an envelope where you can store certain items. The bottom is reinforced with leather. This pack is popular with reenactors. I have used this pack a lot and is also one of my favorites.
In size, it is just a big bag, 18”x15”x5”, weighs in at about one pound, and features long straps on the bottom for securing other gear, blankets and such. This is a very “abo” looking pack. The design dates back to at least 1776. When packed correctly, paying attention to detail, I find this pack rides very well.
Wilde Weavery offers up the “snapsack” as well as other bags and gear.
Knapsacks
Knapsacks date back several hundreds of years and beyond. These are great day packs, very light; mine is about ½ pound and not much to them. But for that old time-y style and look, “Trailhead Trade Company” makes a nice one. I have used this pack a lot also; for a day or two, they are just perfect. The measurements are 14”x14”x5”, with a reinforced leather bottom and leather under the flap where the straps are sewn on.
I feel this style of pack, in its true form, does not get the attention it deserves so well. By taking just the bare essentials, the knapsack answers those needs. But you cannot load them up--the knapsack is about minimum gear.
Haversack
Ah, the lowly haversack or shoulder bag, or even a “possibles” bag. At times, I love this thing. The trick is to be prudent with your gear. The one shown has a leather adjustable strap with a big brass buckle. A flap buttons everything inside, up tight. The flap is leather with three brass buttons. The inside is lined with a cotton cloth. The outside is a tightly woven burlap. It measures 14”x14”x4” or so, and weighs about a half pound.
I have used this haversack bag on many treks, keep it light and you are ok. Easy to carry and easy to slip out of. Mine is custom made and fits the traditional/abo look that I like.
If you haven’t tried one, give it a go; they are (or can be) very comfortable in the bush.
Deluth Pack
Deluth packs are a magic name to some folks, and conjure up an old timer camping backpacker image. The Wanderer style is what we have here and it is available in waxed or unwaxed canvas (your choice). The waxed version costs more and cannot be returned.
This pack strongly resembles the Frost River Nessmuk pack. The pack measures in at 19”x17”x6”. This is a rugged looking pack, and it is built for hard use. With the outside pockets that buckle down, and the leather straps, like all the rucksack styles, you shouldn’t overlook this pack. It rides just fine on your back and the waxed canvas means you don’t have find shelter really fast in the rain. The Deluth is a fine choice.
Loads
With the exception of one pack we have discussed, all of these packs should be loaded with care and have some form of padding against your back, to keep from being poked and rubbed while you move through the wood. The exception is the L.L. Bean. It has an excellent padded back, a kind of an internal frame, if you will.
Traditional Style
All of the packs are made from heavy cotton, canvas, or a variation thereof. Leather and metal buckles, no Velcro ™, old time stylin’, at its best. They look good, will wear forever, and they are not nylon, or some other so-called wonder cloth. They are traditional in the context we are addressing in this work. Perhaps not 100% “abo” but what do you carry your primitive gear in? I really hope it isn’t some pink and purple rainbow ultraclothgizmo extra extreme super cloth!
The traditional packs we have here as a sampling, we have a glow and look of being timeless. Just the smell of them evokes visions of remote camps and adventures written in every thread. You will find them always ready and waiting.
I have shown you just a few examples of the packs that are available. I have seen replicas of oldies packs that are outstanding. Packs made from skins and put together the right way are outstanding. Not all of us are able to make our own pack for carrying our “old” gear, or we just do not have the time to do so.
The traditional type packs shown here will no doubt put you closer to the real dirt time experience and adventures, while trekking through the bush. The old saying that “clothes make the man”, can be applied to packs as well.