Just got my Swedish M39 rucksack

[Throlkim]

Just received this from an eBay purchase (about £12 delivered):

It's in pretty good nick - no holes and most of the leather is supple. I have a couple of questions, however:

• What would be the best way to restore a couple of straps that have cracked slightly?
• As it's canvas, I was thinking of waterproofing it somehow - has anyone done this before, and should I just use Nikwax or somesuch?

I really like it (though I haven't used it outside yet); it has a certain 1940s-paratrooper feel to it with the mass of leather straps.

Very grateful for any tips

 

[Zingmo]

Have you read this thread? That's the way I went with mine but I haven't really had it tested in the rain yet. Mine is here.

One downside of the leather straps is that they are not instantly adjustable so be prepared for lots of stops when you first load it up.

Z

 

[sasquatch]

Great packs, you'll enjoy using it no end. The main right strap broke at the base of mine last week. Gutted but it will be lovingly fixed. I treated most of the straps with mink oil when I got it and some of them were really dry and cracked. I didn't treat the one that just broke as it looked fine. Lesson learned! Do them all=happy days. I haven't proofed mine yet but I've always meant to. These packs are going surprisingly cheap for a quality piece of history!

 

[Throlkim]

Thanks for the tips guys!
Not sure I'm going to have time to fully wax the canvas before my trip, but I should have some time to help the leather out somewhat. Is oil a better idea than wax for the straps?
If so, what commonly available oil/wax would be best?

 

[Radix lecti]

Thats a mint looking pack Throlkim, i use mine all the time. I treated the canvas on mine with Nikwax and the straps with Lincoln Neatsfoot oil,worked for me.Cheers.
Daz

 

[oetzi]

For the restoration of dry, cracked leather, IMHO nothing beats this:
http://www.ballistol.de/english/index.php?page=01&sub=04&sub2=29
http://www.ballistoluk.co.uk/acatalog/leather_care_protection.html