Swedish LK35 Canvas or Cordura ?

[East Coast Outdoors]

Hi Guys and Girls, I'm looking at getting a LK35 backpack after watching MCQ Bushcraft's review. My options seem to be canvas or cordura construction, so I was wandering the pros and cons of each one from the people who own them. Looking forward to hearing your opinions before I splash my cash. Cheers...

 

[Wayfarer]

What is your environment like? Mike says that his is quite wet so he went with Cordura, maybe yours is much drier?

How far are you planning to carry it? Canvas is slightly heavier if I'm not mistaken?

 

[Janne]

Ioly had the pleasure of suffering the Canvas version.
The straps are leather, if they get wet they swell so it is difficult to operate them.

 

[IC_Rafe]

Do yourself a favor, and try it on with weights in it first. If you can, borrow one, go on a hike, and see how it carries with weight in it. I'm pretty sure that after that, you'll quickly look into something a bit more current .

If it's purely canvas vs cordura: cordura is better in all ways. Lighter, stronger, more water resistant, doesn't absorb water like canvas, easier to clean and keep in decent condition.

 

[Janne]

the Canvas ones were impregnated and water proof, but then I am talking 30 years ago. age has removed the proofing for sure! Yes, a try first is a good idea.
I had written this on several LK 35 threads before, so I am like a parrot, but the design is horrible for an average height person. The frames are made from thin steel tubes that dig in the back painfully, they are too short top to bottom so it basically does not fit.
a hip belt can be easily attached, but then the frame sits low so the shoulder straps hand behind the shoulderblades.

We used them fully loaded.
The vast of us, both career and National service, bought proper back packs instead.

I guess they are good enough if you carry only a few kilos a few miles though!

 

[Barney Rubble]

It seems to suit certain people better than others. I had one for a while but could never get it to sit comfortably on my back. The metal tubes kept pinching my skin on the top of my thighs. I'm 5'11'' and fairly stocky in build (i.e am packing a bit of timber!). I saw MCQ's video on it and I wonder if it works better for him as the pack is a better match for his body shape.

That aside it's a solid pack which can hold some serious weight. I'd definitely go for the cordura version due to the durability.

 

[Janne]

the frames are made to have ammo boxes, radios, anti tank missiles and grenades and mortar grenades attached.
Hence the rigidity and strength.
The fit is excellent if you are Tyrion.

 

[Hibrion]

I don't have personal experience with the bag, but the pros and cons of canvas are canvas gets wet, but drys quicker. If cordura gets wet, it takes longer to dry. Done right, both are shower proof but I always recommend a dry bag and or rucksack cover in real wet. So ultimately it's a choice of style, in my opinion

 

[Janne]

Remember the canvas sacks are what, minimum 35 years old or even older? If you are lucky the storage barn was nice and dry, so the material is in excellent condition. If a wetter storage it could have aged badly and become more brittle. Same applies for the stitching. The leather straps can be dried out and brittle.

It is a risk if you buy a vintage piece of equipment.

If you are taller than Tyrion, and the frame does not fit, you can possibly source a larger frame (online?)and move the sack to that one.

Both backpacks are "Swedish Mil spec" so of an incredibly high quality. Material, assembly, design.

 

[ValeTudoGuy]

I just bought the Cordura today. I spent some time with both and went for Cordura. Reason being is that from the examples I saw, the Cordura was less worn and it also matched the material of the Ammo pouches.

I am 5'9" and medium in everything and the pack fits me like a glove

 

[Janne]

Did it come as issued or with a hip belt attached?

You will not regret getting the Cordura one. The straps are much easier to use.

 

[ValeTudoGuy]

It had no hip belt, but I plan to add one

 

[East Coast Outdoors]

Thanks for the great response people After reading all the comments and taking in all the advice so far I've bitten the bullet and gone for a cordura one. I'll give my opinion on it when it turns up.

 

[Laurence Milton]

Hope you are enjoying it...I'm tall and broad, and despite the above, with a hip belt find it amazingly comfortable. Like it a lot.

 

[rustybigend]

i have the cordura version and its heavily modified. it has 2 53pattern pockets on the sides i sewed a utility pouch on the front for my poncho and recently added a rocket pouch on one side. i have had 20kg+ in it and i carried it over 21km in two days. it was hard going but i wasnt uncomfortable with the pack. it was just dammed heavy.

 

[Laurence Milton]

Not that it needed it, and only because I could, mine too has undergone constant .......faffing! Now on third generation side pouches, now Viper Stuffa pouches, back to original shoulder straps, all hung on aluminium (ex 70's Karrimor) frame and waist belt. Amazingly comfortable for something so basic and old school. Just love it.

 

[rustybigend]

i just love how basic it is but how diy and versatile it is with all the big long straps.
i attatched some bankline on the frame so i can collect wood using the frame with the pack detatched.
for £30 i payed its been the bargain of the century