ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected, tough, very well built
I got tired of having to buy a new backpack every couple of months. The zippers would bust or they would come unraveled. The day that this one arrived I thought I'll never have to buy another one. I was wrong. Now I have to buy one more just like this one. The wife wants one just like mine.
This rucksack is not well designed. It looks good, but is not very functional. The side pockets don't close securely. The waxed cotton is nice. The leather is cheap - real cheap. The thread that was used to sew my leather straps together keeps coming out.
I bought this rucksack to take in the field when I go dove hunting or on sporting clays courses. After using it today, I am considering giving it to Good Will and starting over.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected, nice to own
I would first like to say that this bag is great and I would definitely purchase again. Especially with the 20% discount and free shipping, it's an even better deal, saving close to or over 30.00. I ordered 3 of these for gifts for my 2 youngest sons and one of my brothers who takes weekend excursions into nature. I have an older version of the same rucksack, and did notice a couple of differences in the older and newer bags, which I will mention here. Please note that I am a very detailed person and to most people these things would not be noticable or cared about.
On the leather top/front buckle straps, and the extra loop straps, the leather on both bags are buttery soft, but on the older bag, it's double-thick, soft, dark brown leather on both sides, whereas on the new bag, it is dark brown and soft leather on the top, but split (like suede) on the back and half as thick. On the new bag, the drawcord that closes the main compartment is waxed cotton with a bolo of the soft brown leather. On the older bag, the drawcord is rolled, soft leather, with the leather bolo. I expect them to handle the same, but am just a kinesthetic-enough person to really enjoy that buttery soft leather! On the top carry handle, the old bag is the same soft leather, rolled, and shaped into a handle. On the new bag, the leather is on the outside, where the hand goes, but nylon on the inside. Still seems to be tight and able to perform well, I just really prefer the leather. The waxed cotton, though maybe a fraction thinner, is strong, heavily waxed and nice looking. The buckles all appear to be the same, and very sturdy, on both bags. The fleece and leather straps that adjust for carrying heights are leather on both sides, no split here, and the same as on the old bag. The older bag just looks more like the "Pack Sack from 1930" (if the fleece were real, I'd be in heaven!) and I prefer it.
Perhaps the changes were to make the bag lighter, but the look is just a tiny bit downgraded. The weight difference doesn't seem significant. Personally, I'd rather pay a few dollars more and see the old, full leather style come back. Having said ALL that : ), I will say that this Rucksack is still a 5 star bag, very comfortable to wear, sturdy, seemingly indestructable, and a joy to own. My brother took a weekend trip recently and noted that he was able to pack everything he needed and still have "a couple of pockets left over". My sons, also, are extremely pleased and ready to hit the trail, Camo fleece rolled into the top leather straps, BB guns and all. The middle section of this review is for those very detailed people who would read all the reviews before they buy a bag. (ask me how I know) You should still buy it if possible, you'll be glad you did. If anyone in the decision-making arena is interested, however, I just wanted to add the differences we had found. We LOVE this bag. You won't be disappointed. Thanks.
I got this a few weeks ago on sale and was shocked at how great it is. It is sturdy and beautiful. The features are well made and it will easily stand up tp my rough treatment. I think the site descriptions underplay some of the features in the pockets. I am an average size man and find it just right. The belt is well hidden and secure.
The only consideration for you might be that it is not lightweight, but it's a rucksack, not a trekking pack for a week.
