ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected, hard working
I've read the same complaint several times within the reviews in reference to the "buckle/hasp" coming undone on this rucksack. Being military, I am very familiar with this design - You DON'T NEED to modify the hasp with pliers as I have read others have done or complain about them! It's very very simple, you must press the very bottom portion of the hasp itself (V) and it will click and lock securely. This is a very handsome rucksack with years of future use to come.
I shopped forever for a good canvas backpack and this is the closest I've found so far. It's not perfect, but it's as close as it can get.
Positives: 1) I'm convinced this bag would survive a nuclear attack. I've taken it camping in the Michigan backwoods, caving in rural Missouri and to the North Carolina beaches, not only is it in just as good a shape as it was when I bought it, any scuffs or cave mud stains blend in perfectly and just give it more character. 2) It's big enough to carry clothes for several days, or a weeks worth of college homework.
Negatives: 1) As mentioned before, the buckles don't stay closed, but if you zip the front pockets and cinch the drawstring it's not a huge issue. 2.) It borders on being too bulky. I don't think I've ever filled it to capacity on just a daily basis, (a few times for camping trips, but other than that) and the waxed canvas, while durable means the bag doesn't ever collapse in to take up unused space.
If you're looking for a day bag big enough to carry to work, but that won't make you look like a sherpa, this isn't it, so have a back up. The L.L. Bean messenger works nicely.
Great bag, but have a smaller one handy for when you don't need everything and a change of clothes.
I agree with most of the reviewers here. This is a great pack, but it would be so much better with a different way of locking down the straps.
As a previous review mentions, the hasp button does lock. However, the lock only holds if the pressure being applied is straight up and down. If the flap twists a little the lock pops and the bag is open. All three of the buttons on my pack behave in this manner, so I'm guessing it's a problem with all sacks, not just mine.
And, like another reviewer, I also took a pair of pliers to the buckle keeper for the main compartment. It is permanently locked down and I use the buckle and prong to open and close the pack. The two front pockets are also zippered, so I left them alone.
Otherwise this is a great pack. Not too big, not too small, pretty comfortable.
I have had this rucksack for a few months and thought I'd check back to see how it's doing on the review. I see the city people still have not figured out the buckles. No pliers needed, simply push down on the lower part of the hasp button and it locks. It's an old design which works great. I was an US Army Infantryman for twenty four years, think I know a good ruck when I see one. I take this one hunting, hiking, traveling, whatever. You can't beat this one long as you know what you're doing. If you want a computer bag, then buy one. If you want a ruck, buy this one.
