Swedish M39 rucksack any good

[Hugo]

I like the retro look of the Swedish M39 rucksack, I have seen it up close at my last Sussex meet, they are about 40 litre capacity.
Question are they any good, with the metal frame is it comfortable, if so Military Mart has some that look unused at a nice price, I have used them before without any hassle and they deliver quick.

 

[RonW]

I own one such pack and it takes some getting used to.
However, these are not made for big men with broad or long backs.
I'm 1,71 meters with a 40 inch chest and the frame fits me....just.

 

[Hugo]

Thanks for that Ron, I did know you had one as you mentioned it on one of your posts.
It looks like I am too big for it so will give it a miss.

 

[Simon H]

Hugo I've got one laying about, i'll bring it to the next meet and you can have a loan of it and see if you like it mate.

 

[Hugo]

Well thank you Simon mate.
It was your's that I saw at our last camp, nice looking, very retro.
I could just try it out whilst out on one of out tracking sessions. or fungi forages.

 

[Simon H]

Ah my one is the Norwegian one from the fifties, the Swedish one is similar but without lid pocket and side pockets, it just has axe/pole straps on the sides. I've got both and they are both empty atm so you can have a go with both. Take them for a month and give them back at the next meet if it helps.This is the Swedish one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Backpacks-Swedish-Army-M39-Rucksack-Vintage-RARE-/330619211420Here's the Norgie one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Norwegian...71467&po=&ps=63&clkid=6345662728776577008Hope the links work, my browser is very old!

 

[Hugo]

I like the Norgie one mate thanks, you are the same build as me, apart from my very good looks, so I think I'll try that one out for the next meet mate, thanks.

Your mate (something ears was it.) ha ha.

 

[Andy BB]

Is this the one you mean (doesn't give a part ref)? Can't see an external frame from the pics? Is this a different bag?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Norwegian-Army-30ltr-canvas-battle-Rucksack-vintage-/300648770062?_trksid=p4340.m1374&_trkparms=algo%3DPI.WATCH%26its%3DC%252BS%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D5%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D6350641494882824775

 

[woof]

I found the same problem that Ronw mentions. I had my knife on my belt & the frame rubbed against it making a hole in my swannie.

Rob

 

[Hugo]

Cheers for that woof.

 

[Simon H]

A dangler type sheath negates the rubbing, most hip belted or externally framed packs will catch on a standard belt sheath.