German Army BW Pack Transformation (Pic heavy)

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Jan 30, 2006
7
0
55
Manchester
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.....

Pack%20Start_zpsbyxdj9cn.jpg



Then to work with the stitch ripper to remove all the original fittings and pockets.

Pack%20Bits_zpspuz4xze7.jpg


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....

Pack%201_zpshjv30e7g.jpg




Detail of the straps....

Pack%20back_zpsdatfrirj.jpg




And a side view....

Pack%20Side_zpsxutevhpz.jpg




Carrying handle & strap fixing......

Pack%20Handle_zpsbpo7949g.jpg



Axe in sleeve behind pocket....

Pack%20Axe_zps1bwdwgrl.jpg




Swiss water bottle & cup is a nice snug fit...

Pack%20Bottle_zpsgmm1dbfs.jpg



Iso mat, Bivvi Poles & some of my clobber inside.....

Pack%20Inside_zpsf0xvitgh.jpg




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
 

Toddy

Mod
Mod
Jan 21, 2005
38,937
4,570
S. Lanarkshire
Oh well done :D
It looks like an entirely different and superb piece of kit now :cool:

I suspect you might just have started something :D

Thanks for the write up :)

cheers,
Toddy
 

Macaroon

A bemused & bewildered
Jan 5, 2013
7,209
362
73
SE Wales
Good project there! There's just nothing like turning something into exactly what you need; that's a huge improvement :)
 

WoodsmanJim

Forager
Oct 27, 2013
205
7
Wirral
That is a top job indeed! very well done.

Quick question: how comfortable is it having a big brass ring right behind you neck? it's a lovely way to fix the straps on, I just wonder if it digs in at all?

James
 
Jan 30, 2006
7
0
55
Manchester
Hi too be honest its very comfortable - the ring doesn't dig in at all (in fact the pack hangs from it quite happilly). I borrowed the idea for the ring from the Norge Patrol packs which I have always thought were very elegant.:)
 

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