wynnchester? anyone heard of them?

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Bucephalas

Full Member
Jan 19, 2012
1,058
0
Chepstow, Wales
Its heavy kit for sure but their stuff is bomb proof. For those who have a love for canvas that will outlast you, his kit is superb.
Kevin makes all this kit with his wife in his workshop and he would be very interested to hear of anyones problems on stitching etc.
 

MarkinLondon

Nomad
May 17, 2013
325
1
Bedfordshire
I have one of their Italian Rucksacks and I'm completely happy with it. It's thoroughly restored and wax-treated and spared me the agony of disappointing eBay purchases. It's worth every penny and I would pick up one of their restored items any day of the week. They earn their money, and I can respect that.

As for the the swag bedroll: I can see why someone would want one. It's tough, and cool. It doesn't appear to lend itself well to backpacking because of its weight, and if I was truck camping I might pick a tent instead. But everyone has a different use case, and if using a bedroll that looks and behaves like this one is your cup of tea, then their bedroll looks amazing! Frankly, if it was within my budget, I would surely buy one, and find every excuse to use it.
 

Nice65

Brilliant!
Apr 16, 2009
6,438
2,859
W.Sussex
Its heavy kit for sure but their stuff is bomb proof. For those who have a love for canvas that will outlast you, his kit is superb.
Kevin makes all this kit with his wife in his workshop and he would be very interested to hear of anyones problems on stitching etc.

I'll second that. It's a small business that depends on feedback, not people just bleating about it on here. I had a good chat with Kevin over a simple duffle bag, this is what I got.

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D167DED5-AFDC-49AE-98DA-F61468CE2C99_zps1uwludjc.jpg


BA0DA195-E7F4-414F-BC3B-CB6E8FFF5168_zps4saly1rh.jpg
 

Nice65

Brilliant!
Apr 16, 2009
6,438
2,859
W.Sussex
WOW! I would own a duffel like that in a heartbeat!

It's really nice mate. I went off multi pocket type bags a bit and decided a single pocket would be best for most uses.

First I bought (£18 eBay) is the huuuge one in this pic. It's way too big for my needs, but may get sent to Kevin for new zip and general refurb.

The next I got was a 5.11 Tactical Lima. Really excellent bag, grab handles each end, lockable zip, removable shoulder strap, internal mesh pockets etc.

Now, of the three, which would you want to chuck your stuff in? :)

 

Corso

Full Member
Aug 13, 2007
5,249
449
none
I'll second that. It's a small business that depends on feedback, not people just bleating about it on here. I had a good chat with Kevin over a simple duffle bag, this is what I got.

absolutely understand that but when they wax up a £5 gas mask bag and then charge crazy prices eyebrows will raise. There are plenty of great makers on here and elsewhere who are designing and making great original kit. Waxing up an old bit of surplus kit is hardly craftsmanship worth a premium.
 

MarkinLondon

Nomad
May 17, 2013
325
1
Bedfordshire
It's really nice mate. I went off multi pocket type bags a bit and decided a single pocket would be best for most uses.

First I bought (£18 eBay) is the huuuge one in this pic. It's way too big for my needs, but may get sent to Kevin for new zip and general refurb.

The next I got was a 5.11 Tactical Lima. Really excellent bag, grab handles each end, lockable zip, removable shoulder strap, internal mesh pockets etc.

Now, of the three, which would you want to chuck your stuff in? :)


I'm sure they would do a fine job of refurbing that rucksack. It didn't really occur to me that they would restore something I picked up. Now I'm thinking about all sorts of things.

I'd also like to say quite clearly that I do not believe that they charge a premium. I believe that attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship and good service should quite rightly allow a vendor to earn a living. I'm the sort that finds soul-less machine-made gear from faceless companies less deserving of my business and would prefer to spend my hard-earned dosh with someone who earns their dosh too. Kevin seems to be of the same mind. As I've said before: I like my rucksack. It's been properly restored and should see decades of use as a result of Wynnchester's hard work. I fully support their efforts and find the extra cost worth it. They've earned my business and I won't be going elsewhere just to save a few pounds.
 

weekender

Full Member
Feb 26, 2006
1,814
19
54
Cambridge
It's really nice mate. I went off multi pocket type bags a bit and decided a single pocket would be best for most uses.

First I bought (£18 eBay) is the huuuge one in this pic. It's way too big for my needs, but may get sent to Kevin for new zip and general refurb.

The next I got was a 5.11 Tactical Lima. Really excellent bag, grab handles each end, lockable zip, removable shoulder strap, internal mesh pockets etc.

Now, of the three, which would you want to chuck your stuff in? :)


To be fair the amount of gear I see to be carrying it would have to be the huge one on the left....👍😉


Sent from somewhere?
 

Corso

Full Member
Aug 13, 2007
5,249
449
none
I'd also like to say quite clearly that I do not believe that they charge a premium. I believe that attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship and good service should quite rightly allow a vendor to earn a living. I'm the sort that finds soul-less machine-made gear from faceless companies less deserving of my business and would prefer to spend my hard-earned dosh with someone who earns their dosh too. Kevin seems to be of the same mind. As I've said before: I like my rucksack. It's been properly restored and should see decades of use as a result of Wynnchester's hard work. I fully support their efforts and find the extra cost worth it. They've earned my business and I won't be going elsewhere just to save a few pounds.

you'd save alot more than a few pounds if you just bought a surplus ruck like they do and did it yourself, but your absoultely right its your money...
 

big_swede

Native
Sep 22, 2006
1,452
8
41
W Yorkshire
I'd also like to say quite clearly that I do not believe that they charge a premium. I believe that attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship and good service should quite rightly allow a vendor to earn a living. I'm the sort that finds soul-less machine-made gear from faceless companies less deserving of my business and would prefer to spend my hard-earned dosh with someone who earns their dosh too. Kevin seems to be of the same mind. As I've said before: I like my rucksack. It's been properly restored and should see decades of use as a result of Wynnchester's hard work. I fully support their efforts and find the extra cost worth it. They've earned my business and I won't be going elsewhere just to save a few pounds.

Yeah, but from what you see they o not have an eye for details. Or craftmanship.
 

leon-1

Full Member
Guys, just a quick one. That I am aware of Kevin isn't a member here yet, so he can't defend his company or reputation. If people are going to make negative comments about the company or the product it would be nice that they have some experience of his product.

Now I don't know Kevin as a person, but as a fellow business owner I have spoken to him in the past, he comes across as being a very nice and honest man. So I have told him of this thread and if he wants to come in and have a say then he can.
 

ammo

Settler
Sep 7, 2013
827
8
by the beach
I have the large canvas duffle bag from them. It's fantastic, the quality of the product i received is beyond reproach.
If you've ever bought vintage canvas, or army surplus, you'll know the musty smell that often accompanies your purchase. Not from Wynnchester. It's as good as new, often an improvement, on the original design.
Based on my experience. I would recommend them.
Yes they charge a premium, but they've earned it.
 

mountainm

Bushcrafter through and through
Jan 12, 2011
9,990
12
Selby
www.mikemountain.co.uk
Guys, just a quick one. That I am aware of Kevin isn't a member here yet, so he can't defend his company or reputation. If people are going to make negative comments about the company or the product it would be nice that they have some experience of his product.

Now I don't know Kevin as a person, but as a fellow business owner I have spoken to him in the past, he comes across as being a very nice and honest man. So I have told him of this thread and if he wants to come in and have a say then he can.

Charging premium prices attracts scrutiny.
 

ammo

Settler
Sep 7, 2013
827
8
by the beach
I called Wynnchester today. I've been looking at the adventurer canvas bedroll, for some time. I've purchased from them before and had complete satisfaction, in both product and service. I asked Kevin himself how this happened. To this he replied that.
Work was sourced out on two products. Upon inspection of the completed work, it looked like "who ever done that work, was drunk".
Wynnchester ceased having any more dealings and took their buisness elsewhere. It's at this point that Wild canvas was set up. There was no split and they don't make any of the Wynnchester products. Unfortunately there is a photograph of substandard workmanship circulating. Kevin assured me that no inferior products have reached the consumer and if any ever did, he would have no hesitation of replacing of product. Aftersale service, is of massive importance, and he needs customer feedback.
He told me himself, "If you don't like it, if it's not right for you, send it back". Can't ask for more than that.
 

Nice65

Brilliant!
Apr 16, 2009
6,438
2,859
W.Sussex
I called Wynnchester today. I've been looking at the adventurer canvas bedroll, for some time. I've purchased from them before and had complete satisfaction, in both product and service. I asked Kevin himself how this happened. To this he replied that.
Work was sourced out on two products. Upon inspection of the completed work, it looked like "who ever done that work, was drunk".
Wynnchester ceased having any more dealings and took their buisness elsewhere. It's at this point that Wild canvas was set up. There was no split and they don't make any of the Wynnchester products. Unfortunately there is a photograph of substandard workmanship circulating. Kevin assured me that no inferior products have reached the consumer and if any ever did, he would have no hesitation of replacing of product. Aftersale service, is of massive importance, and he needs customer feedback.
He told me himself, "If you don't like it, if it's not right for you, send it back". Can't ask for more than that.

Good post ammo, cheers.

Kevin needs to sort out the sharing of pics and establish why his product is better than his competition.
 

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