I've been quite happy with my Norwegian Army Patrol pack for some time - but its really just too small for carrying more than your butties & waterproofs. The full size Norwegian Pack is too big & clumsy for what I need, despite searching for months there didn't seem to be anything on the market that really floated my boat - without incurring the wrath of the Mrs, by forking out for an Isle Royale (which I would probably be too frightened to use anyhow!)
The answer as ever, was to make my own.
The starting point was a cheap German Army BW pack, as below.....
Then to work with the stitch ripper to remove all the original fittings and pockets.
i) Then a quick bath in Dylon Olive green (while Mrs is out) and a trip to Abbey in Knutsford for some veg tan & brass fittings.
ii) Out with the wind up Singer to relocate pockets.
iii) Top flap reworked & reshaped, piping replaced.
iv) Pack waxed using Barbour wax & hot air gun.
v) A few nights with the scalpel & punch to cut out & punch the straps.
vi) All Leather dyed dark brown and finished with dressing / Neatsfoot.
vii) Several nights with the leather needle, accompanied by a couple of bottles of grenache, to dull the pain.
viii) Brass fittings and rivets fitted - my favourite bit!
ix) Bit of tidying up.
x) Done....
Detail of the straps....
And a side view....
Carrying handle & strap fixing......
Axe in sleeve behind pocket....
Swiss water bottle & cup is a nice snug fit...
Iso mat, Bivvi Poles & some of my clobber inside.....
All in all I'm really pleased with it.
Only real downside is that the original stitch holes are still visible, but I'm not going to get in a twist over that.
Its been an enjoyable project that hasn't cost a packet and has left me with a pack thats the right size for my purposes, that I'm happy to use & abuse for a few bimbles / bivvi nights with the Scouts & my little lad.
Now on to the next one!
Cheers for looking.
Drew
The answer as ever, was to make my own.
The starting point was a cheap German Army BW pack, as below.....
Then to work with the stitch ripper to remove all the original fittings and pockets.
i) Then a quick bath in Dylon Olive green (while Mrs is out) and a trip to Abbey in Knutsford for some veg tan & brass fittings.
ii) Out with the wind up Singer to relocate pockets.
iii) Top flap reworked & reshaped, piping replaced.
iv) Pack waxed using Barbour wax & hot air gun.
v) A few nights with the scalpel & punch to cut out & punch the straps.
vi) All Leather dyed dark brown and finished with dressing / Neatsfoot.
vii) Several nights with the leather needle, accompanied by a couple of bottles of grenache, to dull the pain.
viii) Brass fittings and rivets fitted - my favourite bit!
ix) Bit of tidying up.
x) Done....
Detail of the straps....
And a side view....
Carrying handle & strap fixing......
Axe in sleeve behind pocket....
Swiss water bottle & cup is a nice snug fit...
Iso mat, Bivvi Poles & some of my clobber inside.....
All in all I'm really pleased with it.
Only real downside is that the original stitch holes are still visible, but I'm not going to get in a twist over that.
Its been an enjoyable project that hasn't cost a packet and has left me with a pack thats the right size for my purposes, that I'm happy to use & abuse for a few bimbles / bivvi nights with the Scouts & my little lad.
Now on to the next one!
Cheers for looking.
Drew
