KotCS Backpack (UPDATED thread on Germany Army Rucksack!)

Russian Raider · Post by **Russian Raider** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 5:49 am

I found Russian retailer who carries following sacks. Aside from modern snaps is this the same rucksack?

rover smith · Post by **rover smith** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 7:40 am

Looks similar appart from all the plastic and modern straps. The ones in KOTCS had leather straps

Russian Raider · Post by **Russian Raider** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:12 am

Thanks Rover. I think i will settle for "close enough" this time.

Post by **Jens** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 12:54 pm

Since it's the successor to the "old" in KotCS used bag, it's virtually the same. Some changes 'though: No leather straps, buckles replaced by plastic snaps, buttons by velcro fasteners, the colour tends to be a bit lighter.

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 4:28 pm

I've used that pack for several years- Get em used or new at Sportsmansguide whenever I need another. I don't think it's close enough to the screen used pack, but it's a good pack.

TR

Russian Raider · Post by **Russian Raider** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 12:45 am

Thing is, i saw the repro in a shop, and it looks much darker, and appears hi quality. I need a sack for you know, camping trips and such, and i am afraid original sack wont do because its age and scent.

And repro cost about 30, while original is more than 100 shipped.

Post by **Jens** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 2:53 am

Besides the fact, that the old backpacks could easily bear the activities you described (maybe some of the others who own one could chime in and say a word about it), there are also originals of the modern version. Keep in mind that these are military items - they are built for heavy duty, built to last.

But if it comes to "repros" I - personally - would step back. There's a reason, why these are cheaper - and this reason is quality. I once owned a repro of the modern bag and there is absolutely no way to compare it with the originals (old and new version). If you need a back for things like camping and hiking, I'd invest a bit more money and take an original. If you are not necessarily into a "screen accurate" bag, the modern successor may be the one you're looking for, since it is really much more practical with it's plastic fasteners.

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 3:06 am

Jens I was jus going to post this and you posted before me, so it isn't a rebuke in any way.

I have one of the modern ones, (I suspect this is a repro, it has a MilTec tab on it.) It's pretty sturdy and perfect for a knock around bag, and reasonably priced if IIRC, Under £20/$30. The leather straps would have been nice, I'm not going to go out of my way to find one. If I stumble across one I'd get it.

The one I have is green, but looks greyish in photos, do they do a grey one?

Post by **Jens** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 3:13 am

Yes, the more grey ones are repros. Don't get me wrong. The repros are not bad bags. It always depends on what you want to do with them. The material is not as strong as in the "military" ones and tears a bit easier than these if challenge it. For a day in school or office it still is as good as any other backpack.

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 3:17 am

Of course! This has a similar material to a MkVii just quite a bit thicker. Certain parts are waterproofed on the inside too.

Russian Raider · Post by **Russian Raider** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 3:20 am

Jens yeah, i hear you. Thank you for imput, i know what you are talking about, for years i had repro MK and sometime ago a bought original, it is a different story and quality, it puts repro in shame.
But in this repro sack i find modern snaps more appealing to me. Dunno, i like that cross between classic and modern.
Kt Templar great picture, looks just like repro i saw.

Post by **Jens** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 6:05 am

Don't get things mixed.

The backpacks with plastic fasteners are not "repros" per se! This is the very same model the German Army used nowadays in the field - it is indeed the successor of the old backpack we've seen in KotCS, which is just replaced now by the "modern" version with the plastic snaps - but the "original" does virtually cost the same as the older ones (maybe much cheaper in used condition, since there are - of course - more of them now than of the old versions).

There are several replicas on the market - replicas of both bags: the older and the newer version. It there these replicas I was talking about in terms of material, etc. pp. (Most obvious difference is the rather thin inner lining of the backpack and the attachment of the straps).

Russian Raider · Post by **Russian Raider** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 6:25 am

Heh, i got mixed up. I mean i saw repro of modern version of sack.

rover smith · Post by **rover smith** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 7:39 am

I've got a repro of the old model (some pics ealier in this thread) The actual bag is pretty decent but the hardware (straps buckles etc) are pretty poor. I've only been giving i light use and a rivet has popped out of the strap. Not to mention the buckles are really awkward.

Scott

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 8:56 am

I was able to purchase a bag from Jens of the older SA style of rucksack/backpack, all I cabn say is this is definetly military and construction. It's beefy.

Heres a pic of it, just waiting for some warm weather to break it in.
Croft

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Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 4:13 pm

Russian Raider wrote:Thing is, i saw the repro in a shop, and it looks much darker, and appears hi quality. I need a sack for you know, camping trips and such, and i am afraid original sack wont do because its age and scent. And repro cost about 30, while original is more than 100 shipped.

Just think of yours as the one Indy or his son/grandson would have carried in 2009.........

Post by **Jens** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 10:10 am

Here's the updated list, I'm onto more backpacks at the moment, so stay tuned - we really seem to come to an end here, don't we.

01. McHale (confirmed)
02. grizzlelee
03. Texas Raider
04. IndianaSVT
05. gi_canuck
06. u2_m4r1n3
07. midwestwhips
08. Cannuck_Indy_Fan
09. Tgalahad confirmed
10. Hairyloft confirmed
11. Indiana Jonsey (confirmed)

jedidentist · Post by **jedidentist** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 11:54 am

On a completely different note...located on the wall near the entrance to the Jungle Cruise at Walt Disney World:

knibs7 · Post by **knibs7** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 6:08 pm

There is also one like that under a tent behind the Raiders truck

Kyle

Insomniac · Post by **Insomniac** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 10:58 pm

Funny!

Has anyone checked inside it?
So he got it during that dig, Not the war then right?

Indiana Pete · Post by **Indiana Pete** » Sun May 24, 2009 7:46 pm

OK guys...I just purchased this backpack. It looks pretty close (with the exception of the "leather" bottom).

What do you think?

The dimensions look pretty similar to the German Mountain pack...maybe slightly larger, but I think it is pretty close. I may have to dye the leather, but hey! For only $24.00...you can't beat that!

Quite frankly, I was hoping this thread would have stayed "on top" longer than it has!

Here is the link to the pack:

http://www.schooluniforms.com/92-095.html

It's called a: Surplus Swedish Army Rucksack Norwegian Army Ruc

Whatever that means.

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Mon May 25, 2009 3:55 am

WOW!

For the price you can't go wrong as a close-enough. Looks a lot better than the modern versions commonly found.

Good find, thanks for sharing.

Please post a review and pics once you get it. I'd like to see the shoulder straps.

I'd love to see the face on the ordering department at School Uniforms when these bags start flying off the shelf. "Why the sudden interest in these bags?"

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Indiana Pete · Post by **Indiana Pete** » Thu May 28, 2009 7:23 am

OK...never mind! I just got off the phone with this company and they said they didn't even have any of these backpacks in stock (and never will)

They were very polite and refunded my money, but...I don't think they are very organized.

Sorry for the premature recommendation!

Indiana Pete · Post by **Indiana Pete** » Thu May 28, 2009 7:24 am

Well, back to the search!

Any current recommendations?

Cammer · Post by **Cammer** » Thu May 28, 2009 8:34 am

Here is one for sale. It's a bit one the expensive side at 295 pounds though. Also it carries a bit of it's own movie history.

Apparently Indy wasn't the only movie character who was a fan of this backpack.

http://www.propmasters.net/product_info ... ts_id=1078

Indiana Pete · Post by **Indiana Pete** » Thu May 28, 2009 11:41 am

OK, I found the same pack at a different dealer (I'll wait to post until I have received it

)

But here are some pics from another site:

http://www.armynavydeals.com/asp/imagev ... &IMID=9407

The one I ordered was OD green. Pics are brown.

I'll try to keep you posted...we'll see what happens.

Cammer · Post by **Cammer** » Thu May 28, 2009 12:12 pm

Indiana Pete wrote:OK, I found the same pack at a different dealer (I'll wait to post until I have received it )

But here are some pics from another site:

http://www.armynavydeals.com/asp/imagev ... &IMID=9407

The one I ordered was OD green. Pics are brown.

I'll try to keep you posted...we'll see what happens.

It is similar to the KotCS pack but not the same. The most obvious difference being the metal frame. Indy's pack was frameless. It is still close enough to catch the spirit of the screen pack and is a great alternative if you don't mind the differences.

Indiana Pete · Post by **Indiana Pete** » Thu May 28, 2009 2:44 pm

Cammer wrote: It is similar to the KotCS pack but not the same. The most obvious difference being the metal frame. Indy's pack was frameless. It is still close enough to catch the spirit of the screen pack and is a great alternative if you don't mind the differences.

Yea, I recognize the differences. The frame can be removed and it's still lacking the "leather" bottom, but... Until something else rolls along...

I really like all the leather on it! And with maybe a few mods...we'll see!

Ranger36 · Post by **Ranger36** » Thu May 28, 2009 5:32 pm

Deleted by Ranger36

Indiana Pete · Post by **Indiana Pete** » Fri May 29, 2009 9:23 am

Ranger36 wrote:
Indiana Pete wrote:OK guys...I just purchased this backpack. It looks pretty close (with the exception of the "leather" bottom).

What do you think? The dimensions look pretty similar to the German Mountain pack...maybe slightly larger, but I think it is pretty close. I may have to dye the leather, but hey! For only $24.00...you can't beat that!

Quite frankly, I was hoping this thread would have stayed "on top" longer than it has!

Here is the link to the pack:

http://www.schooluniforms.com/92-095.html

It's called a: Surplus Swedish Army Rucksack Norwegian Army Ruc

Whatever that means.

I have the exact same thing.

So tell us about it!

Any pics?

Post by **Jens** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 2:09 am

I just dig up this thread to update the list of interested parties.
Honestly, I am looking forward to closing this list. It's nothing personal - so I hope I do not offend anyone, but when I started all this to help out some fellow Indy fans, I did see how it could develop. I am sitting on some backpacks for months now, because I worked my way down through the list and most of the people who asked me to look for a backpack (I am no vendor, I didn't offer anything - I was "engaged" by the ones who wanted their name in that list) just either do not answer anymore or just jump off. Of course I do understand the reasons, if you're short of money or lost interest - this wouldn't be a problem, if you just tell me, you're not interested anymore. But so I am spending money I just don't have.
Sorry, I did not meant to grump, but now I see with what kind of complications our vendors around here have to deal every day and I tip my hat to every single one of them. TOH

I just go on and finish that list ... at the moment two more backpacks to sell.

Here's again an updated list:

01. Cannuck_Indy_Fan
02. Hairyloft
03. Indiana Jonsey
04. midwestwhips

Ranger36 · Post by **Ranger36** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 7:01 pm

Indiana Pete wrote:So tell us about it! Any pics?

No pics, no camera. Sorry.

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 5:53 pm

Ranger36 wrote:
Indiana Pete wrote:So tell us about it! Any pics?
No pics, no camera. Sorry.

It's not Swedish, that I know. I believe Norwegian would be true. (Holt?)

The closest Swedish thing would be the m39 backpack I think:

Regards,
Swindiana

Post by **Jens** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 3:32 pm

Just got a small shipment of more of these backpacks. Here's the actual list of people asking me to obtain one of these bags. Please respond to my PNs, it was not easy to find the bags ...

01. Cannuck_Indy_Fan
02. Indiana Jonsey
03. midwestwhips

Ranger36 · Post by **Ranger36** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 5:26 pm

Indiana Pete wrote:
Ranger36 wrote:
Indiana Pete wrote:OK guys...I just purchased this backpack. It looks pretty close (with the exception of the "leather" bottom).

What do you think? The dimensions look pretty similar to the German Mountain pack...maybe slightly larger, but I think it is pretty close. I may have to dye the leather, but hey! For only $24.00...you can't beat that!

Quite frankly, I was hoping this thread would have stayed "on top" longer than it has!

Here is the link to the pack:

http://www.schooluniforms.com/92-095.html

It's called a: Surplus Swedish Army Rucksack Norwegian Army Ruc

Whatever that means.

I have the exact same thing.

So tell us about it! Any pics?

I bought from here. It's not for sale anymore but it does say it's Norwegian.

Hairyloft · Post by **Hairyloft** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 3:07 am

Jens Just got the backpack and it's perfect, I used to own the modern version with the synthetic straps but this original version with leather straps is certainly built to last and totally fits with the rest of my CS gear. Anyway just to say thanks for all the hard work on this, much appreciated. Regards Jason

whipcracker · Post by **whipcracker** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 4:50 pm

jedidentist wrote:On a completely different note...located on the wall near the entrance to the Jungle Cruise at Walt Disney World:

This pack is a French foreign Legion Combat Pack.
I know I have one. Best Hoover ### pack ever! just got back from a pack trip with it in the Ut Wilderness.

BOINKFFD · Post by **BOINKFFD** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 11:29 am

I used my Pack for the first time yesterday to carry props for show and tell.

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 6:22 pm

Aint it a great pack?

Today I carried a 1/2 size guitar and a spike mat in mine, among other things. True story.

Regards,
Swindiana

Post by **Jens** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 6:02 am

Glad to hear, you're enjoying these backpacks as much as I do. Mine accompanied me on several jounrey now and had some rough times, I'm afraid (nice "naturally distressing"

) - but still is as tough as on it's first day. Well, built for military purposes ...

I just sold all of the backpakcs mentioned above and officially closed the list now.
That said, I - of course - still can track down and obtain these backpacks, I'll just do not want a long list like before anymore (to much trouble to get hold of every single interested person). If you still want a backpack like this - if you really are willing to buy it and already have the funds, just drop me a note and I'll try my best to get one for you in time.

tgalahad · Post by **tgalahad** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 7:10 am

The Kotcs that Jens found for me is really great! Well worth the wait and really comfortable. I recently used my pack to transport 30 digital cameras for a photography workshop with school kids.

Cammer · Post by **Cammer** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 10:28 pm

Would it be out of place here to mention that I have an extra pack that I'm selling? I have the posting up in the Bazaar. It's actually an Ebay listing so if you are interested please check it out. I will ship internationally.

sithspawn · Post by **sithspawn** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 10:51 am

Cammer wrote:Would it be out of place here to mention that I have an extra pack that I'm selling? I have the posting up in the Bazaar. It's actually an Ebay listing so if you are interested please check it out. I will ship internationally.

And I'm the lucky winner! $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 3:42 pm

Congrats!

Regards,
Swindiana

Cammer · Post by **Cammer** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 6:55 pm

sithspawn wrote:
Cammer wrote:Would it be out of place here to mention that I have an extra pack that I'm selling? I have the posting up in the Bazaar. It's actually an Ebay listing so if you are interested please check it out. I will ship internationally.
And I'm the lucky winner! $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$

Yes you are! I'll get it shipped off to you tomorrow morning. Sorry it didn't make it out in today's mail. I wasn't able to get to the post office in time after work.

I actually have one more that I was planning on keeping for my own collection. It's not in as nice of condition as the one that sithspawn won, it is in good used condition. I actually used it to carry my chemistry books for two semesters last year and it still doesn't show any wear than it did when I bought it. These things are very tough. You just can't beat oldschool leather and canvas.

But I am really thinking of selling it. I'm just not going to be needing it much and I find the newer style with the plastic clips to be more practical for frequent use in school. I have three of those.

So if someone can convince me to sell it I'm all ears.

Jerry

RaiderZee · Post by **RaiderZee** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 12:38 am

Howdy,

Got my rucksack from Jens a few weeks ago (in fantastic shape; thanks again Jens). Who has switched out the web shoulder straps to the SA leather straps? Any pics/advice?

RaiderZee

sithspawn · Post by **sithspawn** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 10:09 am

Cammer wrote:
sithspawn wrote:
Cammer wrote:Would it be out of place here to mention that I have an extra pack that I'm selling? I have the posting up in the Bazaar. It's actually an Ebay listing so if you are interested please check it out. I will ship internationally.
And I'm the lucky winner! $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$
Yes you are! I'll get it shipped off to you tomorrow morning. Sorry it didn't make it out in today's mail. I wasn't able to get to the post office in time after work.

I actually have one more that I was planning on keeping for my own collection. It's not in as nice of condition as the one that sithspawn won, it is in good used condition. I actually used it to carry my chemistry books for two semesters last year and it still doesn't show any wear than it did when I bought it. These things are very tough. You just can't beat oldschool leather and canvas.

But I am really thinking of selling it. I'm just not going to be needing it much and I find the newer style with the plastic clips to be more practical for frequent use in school. I have three of those.

So if someone can convince me to sell it I'm all ears.

Jerry

Got the bag yesterday. It's incredible. Thanks a heap.

Scott

Jock · Post by **Jock** » Sun Oct 04, 2009 5:51 pm

All

Kaplans army surplus store in Market Street downtown San Francisco (between 6th and 7th Street) has a "german rucksack" priced at $5 which from what I could see was the KOTCS backpack. Item has a broken buckle. I did not purchase predominantley because it stank to high heaven, and it would have been too much hassle to bring back to the UK with me. I'm guessing food (e.g. milk etc) has been spilled in or on the rucksack in the past and it would need a thorough clean to be in any way functional.

Regards

Jock

Cammer · Post by **Cammer** » Thu Oct 08, 2009 2:03 pm

Just a quick update here - I have kept this quiet because I wasn't sure, but I have finally decided to sell my other pack. It is in similarly good shape as the one that Sithspawn bought from me, probably even better. It was the one that I was keeping for myself, originally thought to keep it forever. But I've decided to sell it. I have more details in the Bazaar section.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Thu Oct 08, 2009 2:52 pm

And I just bought it from Cammer! I've been looking for one of these for a while at a nice price, and figure what the heck, I have a vacation coming up shortly and I need a pack for it, so might as well pick it up, especially since its the only pack that I really like nowadays (Not just cause it was in the Indy movie, but because its a nice pack all around).