LK 35 Rucksack

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Laurence Milton

Settler
Apr 7, 2016
605
170
suffolk
Again, more has been said in various, videos, fora (see below comments!) and places by those far more experienced than I: but for a new searcher thumbing trough these "pages", I thought I'd better put something down....

The LK 35, like some other external frame rucksacks has a cultish following...of which I am one!
The 35 is one of 4 variants of this bag available in 35l, 50l and 70litres, the 4th variant being an airforces version in 35 litres complete with a waist strap, but a lid that doesn't encapsulate the top of the bag so well. Otherwise pretty much identical. All, I believe, are green.

It is a canvas or latterly heavy duty nylon (stiffer than the ALICE pack) back with one main compartment and an inner map or bladder compartment; actually the inner is big enough to easily swallow a polish lavvu tent and poles! It sits on a simple frame, or hangs from it and the closing straps encircle the bag so rolls/bags can be safely strapped thereon. It also has 2 straps into which can be strapped a small hand axe or similar. The bag is very stoutly made, and includes a cord for closing the top with a lovely metal and uniquely Nordic locking system!

The frame has a small ledge on the bottom, a few inches clear of the bag itself. Again handy for a roll or bag. The bag can come off the frame in seconds giving you a frame for collecting /carrying wood, water or other items about....

Straps...very simple and robust again; attach with a simple threaded metal buckle and adjust in the time honoured fashion of pulling down on the two straps that come up through the buckle (like the ALICE packs and others...) and ease with two lift tabs that open those same buckles up. Couldn't be easier. They have minimal but adequate padding...unless you're going to fill it with bricks.

But for some, that's part of the joy of this pack, its so easily adaptable, like a lot of these older external frame packs; you can swap bits such as straps about........although maybe by then it doesn't add up as quite the cheap pack you first thought? ( I have just fitted a modern version of an ALICE packs waistbelt....didn't really work/fit, butchered the belt trying to adapt it; but it's done, and is now very comfortable indeed)

A very tough, light, simple, cheap, easily modded (many put waist straps or sew on side pouches, many reviews on YouToob)) strong and simple pack, which carries far more than one may initially realise, perhaps due to the deeply valenced lid on this (non airforce) version? Good for a walk in woods.
Cost £15-£30?
 
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Philster

Settler
Jun 8, 2014
681
40
Poole, Dorset
Laurence, I sewed some lengths of webbing onto a spare belt I had to make a suitable hip belt. Half hour with a needle and thread and it fit nicely - bet you could rescue that hip belt you bought that didn't quite fit?
 

Laurence Milton

Settler
Apr 7, 2016
605
170
suffolk
I probably could but it would need a different rear fastening tightening system, an LC1 type ALICE may? do... the buckle is right on the "hinging" point of a tightening strap....stoopid! I have already been butchering it somewhat!!

Gawd knows about pushing needles through any of it though?....I'll have a think, but if anyone does know of cheapo hip belts....shout !:)
 

Laurence Milton

Settler
Apr 7, 2016
605
170
suffolk
Laurence, I sewed some lengths of webbing onto a spare belt I had to make a suitable hip belt. Half hour with a needle and thread and it fit nicely - bet you could rescue that hip belt you bought that didn't quite fit?

You are right....finally managed to do something with it, workable to boot. Cut the metal cheap tin buckle off and tied in a plastic adjustable clip, the other end of which was threaded to the strap, and managed to centre and tension up, which couldn't be done before :rolleyes:

It was adequately comfortable before, but now is even better!
 

Laurence Milton

Settler
Apr 7, 2016
605
170
suffolk
The soldier shot the pigeon from his chariot.............learning has taken place!!

Thank you!

(Now conjugate the pluperfect of......):rolleyes:
 

Laurence Milton

Settler
Apr 7, 2016
605
170
suffolk
UPDATE:
This pack, like most has now undergone several incarnations or versions of modification over the years......
1/ It now hangs from a 70s aluminium frame with a bottom shelf. This saves some weight over the steel original frame and leaves more room underneath if you want to stuff anything there (tent/bag/roll, whatever?) Strap carrying handle added too.
2/ 2 webbing straps have been sewn on the sides, allowing a selection of different sized pouches to be added/removed if wanted.
3/ a decent hip belt....probably the best single mod you can do.
4/ back to original shoulder straps, but with Viper velcro pads added.

The back length is about 22" and as such is a sublimely comfortable and now fairly light.
 

Kav

Nomad
Mar 28, 2021
452
356
70
California
I have the airforce version and the base model enroute. Both unissued and don’t ask the price.
Mine are stock. The airforce can be
latched and laced down to a daypack, standard @ 35-40 and with the foldable extension ( think turtleneck) a whopping 70.
I have no issue with the top flap. IF
We ever get rain I’ll buy a pack cover.
The biggest delight is hiking in a group kitted out like birds doing courtship displays and giving long looks at manly man , Monty Python
Technical climbing along the roadside gutter off the path aka sidewalk real gear.
 

Tiley

Life Member
Oct 19, 2006
2,364
374
60
Gloucestershire
I've often looked at these and wondered whether they're worth a tout but now it seems that finding one - preferably a cordura one, rather than canvas - in half-decent condition is next to impossible.

Have I missed the boat or does someone know from where I might obtain one?
 

Laurence Milton

Settler
Apr 7, 2016
605
170
suffolk
THey are now hard, and getting expensive, to find. My first stop would be Military Mart...but phone Dave and speak to him as he can be very helpful and tenacious in finding stuff? Don't rely on their website.............
Also, Varusteleka have proven a good source?
 

Kav

Nomad
Mar 28, 2021
452
356
70
California
Genuine? I don’t thing China is hawking copie on EBAY-YET.
It will have the three crown stamp.
I’d wager my KGVl shilling it’s real
 

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