Original MKVII - up to "real life" usage?
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- Field Surveyor
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Original MKVII - up to "real life" usage?
Hello all,
I just ordered an original MKVII from WPG. Although I'm in the UK I don't have the time or patience to hunt one down yet. I'm sure as I get to know the area better I'll find one though!
I'm curious to find out from other MKVII owners... are they sturdy enough to withstand daily, "real life" usage?
I realise that it depends on the condition of the bag and what you consider acceptable usage... In my case, nothing extraordinary (no dragging behind trucks or hanging off of tank barrels planned), just luggling the odd journal, thermos and a paperback or two...
Also - would one pay duty on something like this?
I just ordered an original MKVII from WPG. Although I'm in the UK I don't have the time or patience to hunt one down yet. I'm sure as I get to know the area better I'll find one though!
I'm curious to find out from other MKVII owners... are they sturdy enough to withstand daily, "real life" usage?
I realise that it depends on the condition of the bag and what you consider acceptable usage... In my case, nothing extraordinary (no dragging behind trucks or hanging off of tank barrels planned), just luggling the odd journal, thermos and a paperback or two...
Also - would one pay duty on something like this?
- Texas Raider
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By all means YES! These bags are built for war! If you get one that is in good shape, they'll handle pretty much anything you can throw at them. I use a couple of mine regularly, with no real special attention to 'babying' them. When they get a little dirty, I just wash 'em up and they look new again! With regular wear, they'll probably outlast YOU!
have a nice day.
have a nice day.
- Indiana Jerry
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Yep yep yep. I've seen some pretty roughed-up versions, especially the ones that were used in the war, but the WPG ones are pretty much new. Check to make sure that you didn't get any dry-rot. Yank on the rings, pull on the stitches a bit. It should hold, and if not, WPG will replace it.
I use mine without thinking about it. I just try not to drag it over any rocks. I've learned from experience that the rocks around here will "distress" a hole right through just about anything.
=jp=
I use mine without thinking about it. I just try not to drag it over any rocks. I've learned from experience that the rocks around here will "distress" a hole right through just about anything.
=jp=
- Urban Raider
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IDEA
It seems this 'mark' as gift is a globale way to miss the lower custom bracket. Todds added this to my order without me asking, great service!
IDEA: Should we not form a lobby group 'for no custom on Indy stuff in order to keep the spirit of adventure alive'? I guess targeting WTO or somebody...
IDEA: Should we not form a lobby group 'for no custom on Indy stuff in order to keep the spirit of adventure alive'? I guess targeting WTO or somebody...
- Indiana Jerry
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- Indiana Williams
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Re: Original MKVII - up to "real life" usage?
The bags are than able to stand the rigors of daily life, either to the office and back or on 'in the field', on a trip, whatever. Tough bags.matei wrote:Hello all,
I just ordered an original MKVII from WPG. Although I'm in the UK I don't have the time or patience to hunt one down yet. I'm sure as I get to know the area better I'll find one though!
I'm curious to find out from other MKVII owners... are they sturdy enough to withstand daily, "real life" usage?
I realise that it depends on the condition of the bag and what you consider acceptable usage... In my case, nothing extraordinary (no dragging behind trucks or hanging off of tank barrels planned), just luggling the odd journal, thermos and a paperback or two...
Also - would one pay duty on something like this?
For duty, if you are in the UK it can be hit and miss whether you are charged or not. Basically its a case of, if customs spot a chargable value, they will hit you with a bill and it slows the item up too as it needs processed - The best way to avoid heavy import tax (I once paid £50 on a $200 whip) is to have the sender mark the item as a GIFT with a low value.
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- Dig Leader
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Yes they do. I have two bags, both of which I aquired in mint unissued condition & carry on an almost daily basis.
The only thing is the one I carried for 6 weeks round China & Mongolia has worn the cotton thread stitching in certain places, but is still holding strong, although I plan to re-stitch it in those spots to keep it going
The only thing is the one I carried for 6 weeks round China & Mongolia has worn the cotton thread stitching in certain places, but is still holding strong, although I plan to re-stitch it in those spots to keep it going
- Indiana Jerry
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Oh, SHOOT! We've been schorsched! (Which is now a new word, somebody go write it down.)
Since he hasn't posted since Oct 2005, would a mod mind killing the link for his avatar now that flickr is pushing out the mega 'pic not found' graphic?
Danka shein!
(Oh, duh, sorry, Perceval...w/ that avatar mashing the page, I didn't even notice your post. Okay, PM'ing a mod...)
EDIT: Thanks for the fix, Mike!
Since he hasn't posted since Oct 2005, would a mod mind killing the link for his avatar now that flickr is pushing out the mega 'pic not found' graphic?
Danka shein!
(Oh, duh, sorry, Perceval...w/ that avatar mashing the page, I didn't even notice your post. Okay, PM'ing a mod...)
EDIT: Thanks for the fix, Mike!
Last edited by Indiana Jerry on Fri May 04, 2007 1:33 am, edited 1 time in total.
I agree that in theory these bags are "over-engineered" like most military equipment is--the stitching is very strong and the canvas is tough. But sixty years, even in a warehouse, takes its toll. My experience with 'em has been bad; I've had three from WPG and on all three, the cloth that retains the rings on either side has frayed and broken. Bummer since the rest of the bag might still be okay...
And no, I haven't been hanging myself from any tank barrels! Keep in mind, Endicott's apparently has some truly near-mint examples of this bag, I would say definitely go that route if you're set on a MKVII.
I'm thinking of getting a Filson instead of adding more duct tape to my current WPG bag, though.
The Filson's still got a nice look to it and a heckuvalot sturdier IMHO (should be for the price!).
And no, I haven't been hanging myself from any tank barrels! Keep in mind, Endicott's apparently has some truly near-mint examples of this bag, I would say definitely go that route if you're set on a MKVII.
I'm thinking of getting a Filson instead of adding more duct tape to my current WPG bag, though.
The Filson's still got a nice look to it and a heckuvalot sturdier IMHO (should be for the price!).
I think that if you are looking for a decent indy bag, The best resorce for them is here:
http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/ishop ... r2222.html
seeing as you live in England this is probably your best bet.
just a little story... i found mine under the stairs of my granes house, god knows how long it had been there, but hey, who cares! When I pulled it out from the dusty remains of an old tool bag, I have no shame in admiting i nearly had a heart attack!
http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/ishop ... r2222.html
seeing as you live in England this is probably your best bet.
just a little story... i found mine under the stairs of my granes house, god knows how long it had been there, but hey, who cares! When I pulled it out from the dusty remains of an old tool bag, I have no shame in admiting i nearly had a heart attack!
- IndianaRedmon
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