KotCS Backpack (UPDATED thread on Germany Army Rucksack!)

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:48 pm

Jens,
Can you please add me to the list? Thank you! BTW how much are these bags going for?

Post by **Jens** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 5:44 am

Updated list:

01. ANZAC_1915
02. gmarthe
03. Arkansas Smith
04. Anderson
05. Indiana Croft
06. Indiana Jake
07. IndyMo
08. OSU1138
09. grizzlelee
10. Texas Raider
11. IndianaSVT
12. gi_canuck
13. BOINKFFD
14. Indiana Citroen
15. franky jones
16. u2_m4r1n3
17. Hunter57
18. HJoe
19. sithspawn
20. midwestwhips
21. Cammer
22. J!m
23. Illinois James

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 5:48 am

Hello jens.

I had PM'd Cammer earlier regarding him getting me a pack; however now it sounds as if the packs he was going to get are crappy...

So, please add me to your ever growing list!

Thanks! ;-)

Cammer · Post by **Cammer** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 4:18 pm

J!m wrote:Hello jens.

I had PM'd Cammer earlier regarding him getting me a pack; however now it sounds as if the packs he was going to get are crappy...

So, please add me to your ever growing list!

Thanks! ;-)

I wouldn't say they are crappy, just not a heavy duty pack. They are fine for someone who just wants to get the look. They seem to be perfectly screen accurate, just not something I would take out in the woods for a few days, or carry more than 20 pounds in.

Speaking of crappy packs....

The Original Indiana Jones Backpack has been found!!

The story is that Indiana and Marianne had a daughter right after they got married in '57. Well their daughter grew up in the 60s and used Indy's backpack to haul books to college in the mid 70s. She was never comfortable with her dad's government ties and became a peace activist/hippy chick.

This backpack was found recently at a garage sale. There are still traces of magnetic quartz residue from the crystal skull that was briefly stored in it all those years ago.

jedidentist · Post by **jedidentist** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 5:00 pm

Beautiful! Words just cannot describe it

Post by **Jens** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 8:08 pm

Cammer wrote:Speaking of crappy packs....

The Original Indiana Jones Backpack has been found!!

The story is that Indiana and Marianne had a daughter right after they got married in '57. Well their daughter grew up in the 60s and used Indy's backpack to haul books to college in the mid 70s. She was never comfortable with her dad's government ties and became a peace activist/hippy chick.

This backpack was found recently at a garage sale. There are still traces of magnetic quartz residue from the crystal skull that was briefly stored in it all those years ago.

That's the very one! The original German Army equipment. Yeah ... we learned our lesson. ;-)

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:50 am

Just an FYI...

I am currently in Switzerland, and my co-worker (who just left the Swiss Army and had a look at the pictures here.

He may be able to find one or more of these packs locally. If he finds more than one, I will let you guys know... ;-)

knibs7 · Post by **knibs7** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 5:37 pm

NIBS

BOINKFFD · Post by **BOINKFFD** » Sat Nov 15, 2008 9:57 am

Im getting closer to my pack. Im almost halfway up the list.

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 1:36 pm

BOINKFFD wrote

Im getting closer to my pack. Im almost halfway up the list.

I know what you mean, i'm now 5th. Come on Jess..........

Croft

Arkansas Smith · Post by **Arkansas Smith** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:59 am

JUST THREE MORE...JUST THREE MORE!

Indiana Tim · Post by **Indiana Tim** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 8:48 am

Jens... is there room on that list for one more? (Me!)

If so, I would wish to be added (if that's okay)...

Post by **Jens** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:01 am

Just a little update:
Sorry, because of my exams I had not much time lately to go "hunting", but I'm still on track ...

Tim, I just added you to the list.
By the way, here's the updated version:

01. Indiana Kev
02. Venkman
03. ANZAC_1915
04. gmarthe
05. Arkansas Smith
06. Anderson
07. Indiana Croft
08. Indiana Jake
09. IndyMo
10. OSU1138
11. grizzlelee
12. Texas Raider
13. IndianaSVT
14. gi_canuck
15. BOINKFFD
16. Indiana Citroen
17. franky jones
18. u2_m4r1n3
19. Hunter57
20. HJoe
21. sithspawn
22. midwestwhips
23. Cammer
24. J!m
25. Illinois James
26. Indiana Tim

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:09 pm

How come I'm not on the list any longer?

Post by **Jens** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:35 pm

Sorry, a mistake I made when "copy and paste" the old list and adding a new interested party.

I corrected it - thanks for the heads up.

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:02 pm

No problem...

By the way still no word from my Swiss connection. I suspect he came up empty...

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:34 pm

Not to sound confused but why did I go from #5 to #7

Now

01. Indiana Kev
02. Venkman
03. ANZAC_1915
04. gmarthe
05. Arkansas Smith
06. Anderson
07. Indiana Croft

Before

01. ANZAC_1915
02. gmarthe
03. Arkansas Smith
04. Anderson
05. Indiana Croft
06. Indiana Jake
07. IndyMo

Just ah wondering thats all. I'm still very much wanting this bag.

Croft

Post by **Jens** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 4:17 am

Boy, this is embarrasing.

I copied an older list

.
Sorry, I'm not myself at the moment because of the oral exmas waiting for me next week - my head is full with the prehistory of the British Islands ...

This one should be the actual updated list:

01. ANZAC_1915
02. gmarthe
03. Arkansas Smith
04. Anderson
05. Indiana Croft
06. Indiana Jake
07. IndyMo
08. OSU1138
09. grizzlelee
10. Texas Raider
11. IndianaSVT
12. gi_canuck
13. BOINKFFD
14. Indiana Citroen
15. franky jones
16. u2_m4r1n3
17. Hunter57
18. HJoe
19. sithspawn
20. midwestwhips
21. Cammer
22. J!m
23. Illinois James
24. Indiana Tim

Sorry for any confusion I caused and thanks for the hints!
I'm still looking for your bags, but there seems to be a shortage at the moment - it's getting harder and harder to find them, but count on me. ;-)

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 3:51 pm

No problemo Jens, get your exams squared away, thats far more important.

We'll wait, as we no sooner or later you'll find em.
Thanks for all your hard work.

Croft

Andymac84 · Post by **Andymac84** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 11:25 am

Jens, just to let u know, I got my backpack from the ArmyNatoShop. And I love it. I've decided to pick up the old form but in new condition. Danke für deine freundlich Hilfe und Auskunft.

Indiana Citroen · Post by **Indiana Citroen** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 6:19 pm

from number 14

no rush and THANKS!!!!

IndianaLV · Post by **IndianaLV** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:53 pm

Jens, I would be extremely happy if you could add my name to the list, if that's okay. I just can't find one of the original bags anywhere near me, and I tried to find one for months...

Thanks,
Lukas

Andymac84 · Post by **Andymac84** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:29 am

Hi LV,
Let me answer your question for Jens. ;-)
here is one of the sources that Jens was given to me.

http://www.army-nato-shop.de/shop/979-b ... -oliv.html

I would order the rucksack on the telephone, so u can make for sure, that u get the right one (alte art mit Metallösen und Metallverschlüssen).

Have a good day

Post by **Jens** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 6:49 am

Long time no update - I have to beg your pardon!

But my examinations kept me rather busy - sorry for that.

Anyway, I just received a phonecall from one of my "sources" and they had good news! They found a "whole shipment" of backpacks. I have no figures concerning numbers and prices, but I will check them out early next week (I'm away over the weekend). Keep your fingers crossed!

Regards,
Jens

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 7:23 am

Great work Jens! Thank you very much!

After all this, I may order two of them...

But anyway, thanks again and do keep us posted on what you end up with.

By the way, anyone thought about having these reproduced? It seems they are harder to get than Mk. VII's; or maybe that is just because less people are looking for them?

Just a thought... Maybe Magnoli would want one to reproduce for the community. Or Todd Coyle too?

Post by **Jens** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 7:27 am

Well, I'm not sure if there would be a market for another reproduction, since there's already one (of rather cheap quality and price ...).

I'll keep you posted, as soon as I had the possibility to have a look.

Wojtek · Post by **Wojtek** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 9:05 am

I've bought one in June in Poland for 30 PLN - 10$. It never been used, brand new.

It's my favourite rucksack, very strong and well made.

Cannuck_Indy_Fan · Post by **Cannuck_Indy_Fan** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 10:48 am

Looking forward to endicotts reply, just order my mk vi bag from them

Cannuck_Indy_Fan · Post by **Cannuck_Indy_Fan** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 11:12 am

Oh and will you ship to the uk Jens?

thanks:)

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 1:43 pm

This is good news, I'll keep my fingers crossed as well. Money is in hand so just say when.

Thanks for the hard work, Jens.

croft

Bemo · Post by **Bemo** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 8:28 pm

Jens, what kind of numbers is "a whole shipment" mean; any idea?
I'd be interested in one dependent on price. Thanks

Cannuck_Indy_Fan · Post by **Cannuck_Indy_Fan** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 8:59 am

http://www.springfields.co.uk/military- ... 2/?id=2787

I think this one is fairly similar as well, not the same but nice .... a bit pricey ....

E

oh i'm a dig worker now ... wiiikid ...

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 2:00 am

Cannuck_Indy_Fan wrote:http://www.springfields.co.uk/military- ... 2/?id=2787

I think this one is fairly similar as well, not the same but nice .... a bit pricey ....

E

oh i'm a dig worker now ... wiiikid ...

That's awefully expensive for a bag that's not very SA and doesn't look to be in that good of shape. There's better bags out there.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Cannuck_Indy_Fan · Post by **Cannuck_Indy_Fan** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 7:09 pm

oh i would agree completely, insanely priced, the comment was more directed on just the simularity of the bags...

e

Super Sleuth · Post by **Super Sleuth** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 3:27 pm

My mom carries something that has the same general look as one of these but its smaller and made of leather and she got it from target a while ago.

Post by **Jens** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:28 am

Cannuck_Indy_Fan wrote:Oh and will you ship to the uk Jens?

thanks:)

Well, originally this was just a "favour" for those in the States, since none of the German stores selling these bags was willing to ship overseas ...

But if you like to, I could add your name to the list and then we'll see.

Bemo wrote:Jens, what kind of numbers is "a whole shipment" mean; any idea?
I'd be interested in one dependent on price. Thanks

The "shipment" I saw now consists of 4 backpacks (not much, I know, but you just see how rare they are in the meantime ...). Unfortunately - and this is a note to anybody on the list! - they are these happen to be a bit more expensive (sorry, nothing I could change, it's the price of the original source which is higher).

If you still are interested in receiving a backpack faster but a bit more expensive, please PN me - this goes especially to the next 4 persons on the list:

01. ANZAC_1915
02. gmarthe
03. Arkansas Smith
04. Anderson

But to anyone else, if these four decide to wait for more "regular" priced ones (whenever I find them through my othger sources).

Sorry for not having much better news.

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:39 am

Still interested... I paid $50.00 for my Mark VII, and this is (arguably) more functional, so whatever the price (within reason) I'm still in.

If it happens to DOUBLE, I may have to rethink that... Regardless, keep me on the list buddy! ;-)

Cammer · Post by **Cammer** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:17 pm

Just finding these is good news Jens. No need for apologies. Can you give an idea of what the price range will be?

Post by **Jens** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 4:39 am

I'd rather prefer to discuss these financial issues via PM, but these four bags will most likely cost 20,- Euro more than the last I was able to obtain ...

Since the first four persons on the list did not chime in now, I will send them a PM now to direct them to these news and then we'll see how to go in this matter ...

rover smith · Post by **rover smith** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:40 am

Got this from Ebay

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp32 ... CI0028.jpg

Its the new version of the German Alpine backpack but still with the leather straps. seems pretty durable with the exception of the straps which are quite a thin leather. I've started to distress it which is whyit dosnt look so new.

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp32 ... CI0029.jpg
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp32 ... CI0030.jpg
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp32 ... CI0031.jpg
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp32 ... CI0033.jpg

Scott

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:43 am

Looks good Scott!

So, I guess this is the rubber botom, not leather right? Is that the difference?

rover smith · Post by **rover smith** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:47 am

Yeah thats right Jim. Still on the hunt for an original from the army surplus stores but for now this looks the part.

Scott

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:03 am

Oh, yeah! it looks great, and probably a bit more practical too. You have to figure they went to rubber over leather for a reason, and knowing the military, it was NOT a cost concern... ;-)

I'd be happy with one of these myself I think... Care to PM me a link to the auction?

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:05 am

Hey rover, the bag looks great. How much did it set you back?

rover smith · Post by **rover smith** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:14 am

Hey Maboot.

£14.99 plus p&p from a guy in the UK.

Scott

Cammer · Post by **Cammer** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 11:42 am

Post by **Jens** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 5:20 am

Okay one bag seems to have found a new owner (payment still discussed), two are still left, because the persons on the list stepped back. I have to ask for your understanding, that I do not have the time to write PNs to every single person on the list. So, whoever wants these two bags (slightly more expensive than usually) please write me a PN. I will consider your place on the list (the ones most up get the bags). The others won't lose their place in the list 'though ...

I also want to emphasize that everybody is aware that the price of these backpacks is NOT fixed and may change over time (in both directions). As I pointed out several times I am NO vendor with a stock of these backpacks. I look for them, buy them (in advance, out of my own pocket - which is a burden sometimes, since I still have a student's income). So I really am dependant on the fact, that anybody here is buying these backs from me - I just can't afford to sit on a bunch of backpacks (can't eat them and I tried I tell you ;-) ). So please, if you are not able or willing to spend around 100,- Euro on these backpacks, please tell me and I'll remove your name from the list.

Sorry for any discomfort, I'm doing my best to find "cheap" bags, but they're rare and the market dictates the price.

Thanks and kind regards,
Jens

Cammer · Post by **Cammer** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 9:27 am

A couple of months back I began email correspondence with an internet aquaintance who lives in Herford, Germany. I mentioned the type of backpack that I was looking for and he mentioned that he thought he had one like it. He sent me a couple of pics and, sure enough, it looked exactly like the one that I wanted. He said he would be glad to ship it to me free of charge, and if it was what I wanted then I could keep it in exchange for some souvenir from the USA.

Well he shipped it about 6 weeks ago. I had just about given up on it, but I recieved it yesterday. And it is PERFECT! It is the exact military type rucksack that I was looking for. The Deuters nomenclature is stamped in black on the inside so I know that it's not a civilian reproduction. It is in excellent condition except for some really great distressing on the leather parts. The distressing is very much like the rucksack in KOTCS. There are no holes, no loose seams, it's really very nice. It pays to network and get to know folks.

Is everyone is Germany so polite and trusting? So now I have to come up with something interesting to send back to him as a gift. Anyone have ideas?

PS - Jens, please take me off the list.

EDIT - Added pics! Click on them for larger sizes.

. .

. Faded stamping inside the rucksack.

jedidentist · Post by **jedidentist** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 2:28 pm

Glad you finally got one!

Post by **Jens** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 6:21 pm

Still two backpacks left (the others sold in the meantime). One is in really great condition (hardly used) but has a very small name written on top of the flap (which could be removed probably) and the other one is in used but very good condition (has a small repair patch underneath the leather bottom). Since there are two interested parties, whose names are a bit down the list I am about to sell the bags to these to persons if nobody else steps up in the next days.

Here's the updated list.

01. ANZAC_1915
02. gmarthe
03. Arkansas Smith
04. Anderson
05. Indiana Jake
06. IndyMo
07. OSU1138
08. grizzlelee
09. Texas Raider
10. IndianaSVT
11. gi_canuck
12. BOINKFFD
13. Indiana Citroen
14. franky jones
15. u2_m4r1n3
16. Hunter57
17. HJoe
18. sithspawn
19. midwestwhips
20. J!m
21. Illinois James
22. Indiana Tim
23. Cannuck_Indy_Fan

@ Cammer: Congratulations to your "new" backpack. It looks very good indeed and has some nice distressing already. ;-)
The faded stamping inside your backpack reads "Deuter Augsburg", the issue number and the production year. Deuter is a quality backpack producer still "in business" today!

Is everyone is Germany so polite and trusting?

Of course! ;-)

PS - Jens, please take me off the list.

Done.

Thanks to all of you for your patience and kind PNs.
I am wishing you and your families merry holidays and a reflective time "between the years".

Kind regards,
Jens

KotCS Backpack (UPDATED thread on Germany Army Rucksack!)

Thanks Jens