Original MKVII - up to "real life" usage?

matei · Post by **matei** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 6:18 am

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?

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 6:22 am

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.

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 6:25 am

Yes. Uncategorically. Okay, unless it's beat to heck.

You would pay duty if it came in from some other country...but Soldier Of Fortune is in the UK. If they still have some, you'll pay top $ these days (their on to us), but at least it would be in-country.

J

Pandora · Post by **Pandora** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 6:37 am

I ordered my MK VII (replica) from WPG too and didn't have to pay any duty. It depends on how they declare the article and the worth... my package said: canvas bag, 20 $...

You could also ask them to declare it as a "gift" - then it's also rather unlikely that you get charged.

schorsch · Post by **schorsch** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 12:17 pm

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=

Urban Raider · Post by **Urban Raider** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 2:26 pm

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...

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 1:58 am

That's a good way to get the 'mark as gift' selection a MUCH more scrutiny...oops, backfired.

bastoon · Post by **bastoon** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 3:27 am

matei write :

are they sturdy enough to withstand daily, "real life" usage?

No doubt : Yes ! What i think incredible is that you can put on more than you can imagine...

You will not regret your order. I'm converted. My next bag will be a MK too

Indiana Williams · Post by **Indiana Williams** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 3:55 am

matei,
I own an original and I use it everyday. they are great bags, and you wont regret buying one.
Best Regards,
Joe

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 12:12 pm

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?

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.

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.

matei · Post by **matei** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 4:10 pm

Thanks for the info.

We came here from Ireland - you can imagine that customs were pretty laid back. I only every got hit up for customs, when I got some RAM via FedEx.

I wasn't sure what to expect here... I'll let you know how it turns out!

Skippy · Post by **Skippy** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 11:29 pm

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

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 1:05 am

They made it through WWII, and survived intact up until now. Gee, I dunno.

Yeah, they will hold up well.

bastoon · Post by **bastoon** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 4:23 am

skippy write

The only thing is the one I carried for 6 weeks round China & Mongolia

woah !

was it vacation ? trekking or purchasing antic rarities ?

Skippy · Post by **Skippy** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 3:35 pm

Yes, it was a vacation

But I don't trek. I ride <---

Appart from on the Great Wall

bastoon · Post by **bastoon** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 6:08 am

:junior:

Very indyesque ! Any pics ?

Skippy · Post by **Skippy** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 12:56 pm

Well Ren will be hosting my travel journal as soon as I can get the pics & text to him. Currently I'm still working on editing the pics, which is taking a while given there are approx. 500 of them

Perceval · Post by **Perceval** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 9:50 pm

Very interesting post, but it's a bit annoying that schorsch's HUGE avatar mooshes everything!

Schorsch or mods could you please do something about this?

Thanks

~Perceval

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Thu May 03, 2007 3:14 am

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!

KJB · Post by **KJB** » Thu May 03, 2007 11:49 pm

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!).

Rook · Post by **Rook** » Fri May 04, 2007 9:49 am

Yep, I got mine from Kevin a couple weeks ago, let it hang outside overnight to get that "vintage military surplus" smell out, and it's great! Just need a proper strap and it's ready to go!

Russ

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Thu May 17, 2007 8:07 am

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!

IndyBlues · Post by **IndyBlues** » Thu May 17, 2007 10:12 am

This thread is great,..Is it tough enough for "real life" usage??,....Can't get any more real than WW2.

'Blues

IndianaRedmon · Post by **IndianaRedmon** » Thu May 17, 2007 8:49 pm

Yes, I've carried my 1942 dated Mark VII almost every day for the last two years to work, hikes, outings, etc. Mine was used when I got it, and except for a small patch, I had to sew on the back of the bag a few weeks ago, it is stilll going strong.

Original MKVII - up to "real life" usage?

Original MKVII - up to "real life" usage?

IDEA

Re: Original MKVII - up to "real life" usage?