This is a good product, BUT, I am sending mine back. There is a problem in the choice of grommet supplier. Many of the gromments have seperated in the area of the drawstring on the large opening. This leaves the area where the drawstring to pass vunerable to tearing. So a new one would not fix the current issue.
EXCELLENT - RUGGED - QUALITY - GOOD LOOKING - OLD SCHOOL LOOK. This is my favorite rucksack, it's roomy and I like the buckle down straps...other than snaps that can pop open. Leather bottom is TOUGH. I can pack for one day or five days with this sack. Comfortable to carry. This is a keeper and I can only recommend it HIGHLY.
From the moment I removed it from the shipping packaging, I loved it. This looks like the backpack we used as kids on our scouting camping trips except this one is of much more quality and comfort in use. Love the old time appearance and the lambs wool padding on the back straps. Will be used often for many activities whether it be in the Northwoods or on sight seeing trips.
I bought this bag a few years ago and I use it almost every day. I use it primarily as a book bag, but I also use it when travelling and camping. The bag is very durable. I never baby it. It has been really used hard and still looks great. Some of my loads are very heavy and I have been amazed by how sturdy and comfortable the shoulders straps are for this type of bag. The traditional look and waxed canvas and leather construction really appeal to my old fashioned tastes, but make the bag heavier than a most modern backpacks. I use this bag camping and hiking, and find it works great. It forces one to learn to pack lighter and leave behind that extra stuff one does not really need. I have used it on 2-3 night camping trips. I pack my gear inside, my tent and sleeping pad on the top, under the flap, and my sleeping bag lashed underneath. It works great. I use the bag stuffed with clothes as my pillow.
I am 5ft.7 and weigh 188lbs. I have found the bag fits me perfectly, so I am kind of surprised some reviewers think it is too large. For me, it is perfect.
The handiest feature may be the zippered net pouch in the main zipper compartment. The net pouch is great for holding small items like flash drives, knives, pen lights, glasses, etc. It is especially handy when camping and you need to find something fast in the dark.
The only thing I would change about this ruck is the color. It isn't khaki. It is more like mud brown or cafe au lait. I wish it was desert khaki.
I plan on using this rucksack until I die or it wears out.
