rucksack – Preindustrial Craftsmanship

Continuing my search for backpacks and rucksacks throughout history, I keep coming across various types of boxes and baskets strapped to people’s backs. While querying the web today for variations of the Asian pack box, I saw this nifty solution. Cheap, easy to construct and extremely functional.

packbox — Found here: http://mistermort.com/

I can imagine this as an excellent platform for a street performer or busker. Solidly built, this can be a table or a seat and provides a high degree of protection for the contents. This one is very simply built and harkens back to a medieval concept but note the sweet dovetails holding it together. I just want a peek inside. I would be sorely tempted to fill it with compartments.

More nifty ideas to follow.

Field testing the nearly finished rucksack. It still needs a few closures and bits but is essentially as finished as anything I make. It’s poorly packed for a quick hike and not very full. More pictures to follow when I get some time off to tramp around with it.

Features: Heavy, waxed canvas truck tarp with 10-12 oz leather straps and all brass hardware. It has an axe sleeve, two long, exterior pockets, small flap pocket, two narrow pen-type sleeves, interior valuables pocket, compression D-rings on sides, D rings for shelter roll, and loops for carabiners.