How to wear knapsack?

[ngairish]

Me again folks. I just got my double bag knapsack that my wife ordered me for my b-day. Now I need to know how it is worn. I thought I could figure it out but no dice. One way I had it on was by buckling the left strap to the buckle on the bottom side of the bag then I adjusted the right strap and hooked the brass triangle on the end of it to the brass hook on the other side of the bottom of the bag. But this leaves two straps on top of those that I have no idea where they go. The configuration of the straps confuses me. Can anyone PLEASE help me.

Thanks,

Adam:D

[10Tenn]

Adam- the two extra straps were a design feature left over for using the knapsack with the 'rifleman's belt'. This was a system whereby the two straps were meant to hook onto a set of loops on the belt to help distribute the load. The rifleman's belt was dropped but the straps remained. The most common period use was to hook them across the chest to the opposite shoulder strap to redistribute some of the knapsack weight. Just hook the brass hook over the strap and adjust for comfort.

[ngairish]

Thanks 10Tenn,

Thanks for the info. So I had the other straps fixed right then? It felt comfortable.

Adam

[Memphis]

The dreaded "triangle thingie" has vexed more than one man, so has the moment of truth when installing a cartridge box belt for the very first time.

Admit it, you know you were there once upon a time.

[NC5thcav]

My first cartridge box belt was simple. If you look at a picture of an original still installed, its beyond easy.

[tenfed1861]

I use to have problems putting on a pack,until I began to experiment.How I use to put it on was an old fireman's trick to put on your air tank.Put the hook into the triangle.Turn the pack upside down and lift it over your head.The just let it fall onto your back.It is much easier to show then to explain.Just talk to a member who is a fireman and they should be able to help.I now have gotten to the point where I can just hook the hook to the back triangle.
As far as the cross straps,you can wear them across the chest.That is fine.But I find hooking them to my belt is much easier and helps with the load alot more.
As far a wearing it.Wear it high and tight.This will help the weight from pulling down on your shoulders more.If it's too loose,the weight will strain your shoulders.Too tight and it is unbearably uncomfortable.Just experiment with it alittle until you find what is right for you.
Cullen

[HighPrvt]

I disliked the hook, and triangle. Until I used a pack without it. ;)

[ngairish]

Cullen,

I know the method you are talking about well. I am a firefighter and have done that many times. I now use the coat method to put on my pack now, it's easier. I buckle the left strap before I put it on (the knapsack) and then I just hook the triangle after I have it on. I was just wondering if that was right and what the other two straps were for. Thank you for the advice.

Adam

[styler]

Cullen, how's that do during inspection when it's time to unsling, open, and again sling knapsacks?

-steve-

[harley_davis]

Sir
Run your shoulder straps under your blanket straps. That will help in keeping the weight of the pack higher and keep the blanket from hanging off the back of the knapsack which unbalances the load somewhat. Sounds more complicated than it really is.
I remain, repsectfully

[CivilWarBuff1863]

This is aimed at the first post!

I know for a fact that my knapsack straps that go across my chest had to be cut to fit so there's no excess strap hanging at the ends of them. I'm a skinny sort of fellow so everything I get I might have to adjust it to fit me. Same goes for the canteen cloth strap, I had to cut that to fit. It all depends on how your body is and what comfortable state you can achieve.

My suggestion would be to put on your shirt, trousers w/suspenders (if any) and sack or frock coat. Put on the knapsack (with everything you might want to carry) and try not to get the straps that go across your chest too tight, just tight enough that it rides high on your back. Do this and walk around the house a little bit to get the feel of it.

[flattop32355]

The dreaded "triangle thingie" has vexed more than one man, so has the moment of truth when installing a cartridge box belt for the very first time.

Admit it, you know you were there once upon a time.

When I first bought my doublebag, I took it out of the package and stared at it, trying to figure out how it went on. I stared. And stared. And stared.

Now, I was 49 years old, with eight years of college and a dental school degree, and I could not figure the thing out!

I ended up having a reenactor friend of mine's 15 yr. old son email me detailed instructions on how to get it on. That did two things: It gave me enough information to actually put it on, and it made the boy feel really good that he'd been able to help me out.

And now, two years later, I still need help getting the @#$% triangle over the *$^#@ hook! Stiff joints are not a happy thing....

[pvt_jb]

I stared at my cartridge box sling for a long time before I came up with the great idea of looking at a photo of an original! The sling on my rifle confused me some too. I honestly don't remeber to many problems with my knapsack. I do remember once a newbie coming to an event with his pack on upside down and the extra straps coming around his waist. Figuring out the gear is part of the fun!

[huntdaw]

Figuring out the gear is part of the fun!

And don't forget those 'Eureka!' moments when you finally figure it out.

It took me a couple of times to get my cartridge box sling on. And the rifle sling. Then I had to quit putting my bayonet scabbard on backwards. Then I had to remember to put the cartridge box on and then the belt and don't forget to make sure the belt plate is right side up when you put the bayonet and cap pouch on. Then I had to get in the habit of putting the canteen on last so I could get a lousy drink of water without finding out I had so much crap on top of the sling that I could only raise it about 2 inches off my hip.

You know, I still sometimes forget to put the cartridge box on first.

[TimKindred]

Comrades,

The best way is to simply have one of your comrades hook the right side strap for you, after you put on the knapsack. Lot less hassle, everybody helps everyone else, etc.

As to those "chest straps".... boys, you can wear them like that if you wish, but all in all, they work a HECK of a lot better if you wear them in the manner intended, attached to your waistbelt. Yeah, you need to hook them under the belt, since issue belts don't have the brass slides and loops, but still and all, it's a lot easier to wear the knapsack and still breath without them crossing over your chest.

Respects,

[CivilWarBuff1863]

I put my knapsack on myself even when I have my gear all on. I hook the left strap to the brass hook, slide my arms through, slighty bend over and wiggle my way for it to get on my back. Once there I cross the chest straps and I'm finished. It can be done just by yourself but if you do need help ask a relative or one of your pards.

[rebel yell]

When I first bought my doublebag, I took it out of the package and stared at it, trying to figure out how it went on. I stared. And stared. And stared.

Now, I was 49 years old, with eight years of college and a dental school degree, and I could not figure the thing out!

I ended up having a reenactor friend of mine's 15 yr. old son email me detailed instructions on how to get it on. That did two things: It gave me enough information to actually put it on, and it made the boy feel really good that he'd been able to help me out.

And now, two years later, I still need help getting the @#$% triangle over the *$^#@ hook! Stiff joints are not a happy thing....

I'm glad I'm not the only one, whew:D You'd think its self explanatory, but the first time I went to put it on I had to figure it out, even after seeing them worn time after time.:rolleyes:

[Parault]

[QUOTE=tenfed1861]I use to have problems putting on a pack,until I began to experiment.How I use to put it on was an old fireman's trick to put on your air tank.Put the hook into the triangle.Turn the pack upside down and lift it over your head.The just let it fall onto your back.It is much easier to show then to explain.Just talk to a member who is a fireman and they should be able to help.I now have gotten to the point where I can just hook the hook to the back triangle.

Thank You for that piece of information. I have been a FF for almost 20 years and didn't even think about placing my knapsack on like my airpack. I have the same problem like most others do, I have to have a messmate help me with the hook and triangle. When I go to Shiloh during the Friday campaign I will be wearing my knapsack,and I will try that move out.
Thank You TenFed [ Duh ] on my part

[Pvt_Jack_Bauer]

My suggestion would be to put on your shirt, trousers w/suspenders (if any) and sack or frock coat. Put on the knapsack (with everything you might want to carry)...


Darn...this whole time I have been getting that whole process backwards. ;)

No offense, couldn't resist.

In regards to the knapsack my words of advice is posted above as well. Run your overcoat straps under your shoulder straps. It helps distribute the weight and provides for greater comfort. At the end the end of the day and a long march a blanket roll plays less havock on the shoulders :)


Brian Domitrovich
bdomitrovich@hotmail.com

[CivilWarBuff1863]

No offense taken! I'm just glad my suggestion works because I had the same problem when I bought my knapsack off my pard 2 years back. I figured if I put on my shirt, trousers and sack coat it might help with the tightness of the straps. It does ride high on my back and helps put the weight on my shoulders and lower back. I carry everything that I want or what they had back then, inlcuding my greatcoat which is folded and stored inside the knapsack. It weighs about 30 lbs. and hardly a hassle, of course I'm 27 and still a young lad.

Great advice ya got there Bauer!

[cwrematchr]

Adam- the two extra straps were a design feature left over for using the knapsack with the 'rifleman's belt'. This was a system whereby the two straps were meant to hook onto a set of loops on the belt to help distribute the load. The rifleman's belt was dropped but the straps remained.

On this note, does any know of a vendor who makes copies of the original "Rifleman's belt?" I'm very interested in finding one.

Thanks!

[harley_davis]

It weighs about 30 lbs. and hardly a hassle, of course I'm 27 and still a young lad.



Ahh, to be 27 again. Bulletproof and without the weight of the world settled into the lower back!!!! Still, it would be nice to have a platoon of lads such as yourself to send up the hill first!!! Would you be so kind as to help this "chronologically mature" fellow by carrying my pack as well?.

I remain, respectfully,

[CivilWarBuff1863]

Ahh, to be 27 again. Bulletproof and without the weight of the world settled into the lower back!!!! Still, it would be nice to have a platoon of lads such as yourself to send up the hill first!!! Would you be so kind as to help this "chronologically mature" fellow by carrying my pack as well?.

I remain, respectfully,

Harley,

Thank you and yes you do have a point about a platoon of young bucks like myself going up a hill first. If it came to carrying your pack I would do so without hesitation.

[Rob Weaver]

Hey - 45 and still carryin' my own pack up the hill. Thank you very much!

[harley_davis]

Hey - 45 and still carryin' my own pack up the hill. Thank you very much!

Rob,
Shhhhhhhh. 52 and still carrying my own pack but then, on the other hand.... if a young feller wants to do it for me, what the heck. Its that Old Bull vs Young Bull story.
Respectfully,

[Mothers-Finest]

I try to be as authentic as possible whenever possible. But i dont know of any evidence of them doing this but when I use my knapsack I just tied the Triangle to the hook with a little piece of leather. Its like wearing a book bag. Of course I'm 16, 6'1 and about 170.

[cblodg]

Me again folks. I just got my double bag knapsack that my wife ordered me for my b-day. Now I need to know how it is worn. I thought I could figure it out but no dice. One way I had it on was by buckling the left strap to the buckle on the bottom side of the bag then I adjusted the right strap and hooked the brass triangle on the end of it to the brass hook on the other side of the bottom of the bag. But this leaves two straps on top of those that I have no idea where they go. The configuration of the straps confuses me. Can anyone PLEASE help me.

Thanks,

Adam:D

Here is how I do it:

1. lay knapsack on ground with straps facing up. Left side strap facing the pack in this position should be the loose hook strap.
2. stand in front of pack with it in above position.
3. Form an X with your arms.
4. Bend down and grasp the straps (your right hand will be grabbing the loose strap).
5. As you stand up, uncross your arms over your head, and sling the pack on to your back.
6. Remain partially hunched over so as to support your pack until you can hook the triangle onto the pack hook.
7. Make sure all straps are straight, you don't want to pop a grommet.
8. The remaining two straps I hook to the opposite shoulder strap. Or I just leave them dangling

just my .02

[jurgitemvaletem]

Gentlemen,

the over complication of the knapsack is one has baffled many reenactors for years. In the past several that I have been a reenactor I have found many things that make my life in the field easier and more enjoyable. One of those things is learning to sling my knapsack quickly and without help.

Here is what I do.
first i hook the "J" to the triangle, I then through the hooked right side over my right shoulder and slide my left arm throgh the other strap, do some minor adjusting, and just like that it is on and I required no outside help. This is a process that has worked well for me for years. I am 6'3" and 300 lbs. with not the most limber of joints, so if I can do it with ease, most others should aswell.

[Rob Weaver]

Somehow, I lost the strap with the triangle piece the first time I took my pack to the field. Since then, I've pushed the little brass hook through a hole in the strap. Never given me any trouble, other than it's a little tough to put on.

[Greg Renault]

Here's our old friend from the unpublished QM manual, with the knapsack chest straps hooked to his belt, as originally intended.

http://www.qmmuseum.lee.army.mil/1866uniform/Vol_2/fatigue_marching_order.jpg

Greg Renault

[bill watson]

"Of course I'm 16, 6'1 and about 170."

I'm not any of those things any more, but I permanently fastened the hook and triangle as well. I have no problem getting my arms into the straps, even without the air tank maneuver (yes, yet another (former) firefighter.

As for the waistbelt meant to go with the knapsack? Several years ago this came up, and there was some belief the system just didn't work. Rather than the belt keeping the knapsack riding high on the shoulders, the knapsack just pulled up the belt. That was my experience as well in making a "field adjustment" to try to use the waistbelt for the same purpose -- if you've ever backpacked using modern gear, these CW knapsacks are an insult to your knowledge of ergonomics or whatever, literally a pain waiting to happen. Happily, I've found that the icepick plunged beneath each shoulder blade caused by wearing these packs usually disappears after the first mile.

[ngairish]

Here is how I do it:

1. lay knapsack on ground with straps facing up. Left side strap facing the pack in this position should be the loose hook strap.
2. stand in front of pack with it in above position.
3. Form an X with your arms.
4. Bend down and grasp the straps (your right hand will be grabbing the loose strap).
5. As you stand up, uncross your arms over your head, and sling the pack on to your back.
6. Remain partially hunched over so as to support your pack until you can hook the triangle onto the pack hook.
7. Make sure all straps are straight, you don't want to pop a grommet.
8. The remaining two straps I hook to the opposite shoulder strap. Or I just leave them dangling

just my .02

Thanks. That's exactly how I put my SCBA on at the fire dept. Funny I never thought about doing it that way, but I haven't had any problems hooking the triangle to the hook while it's on my back.

[RJSamp]

Here's our old friend from the unpublished QM manual, with the knapsack chest straps hooked to his belt, as originally intended.

http://www.qmmuseum.lee.army.mil/1866uniform/Vol_2/fatigue_marching_order.jpg

Greg Renault

hmmm....is that a great coat or a blanket rolled on top of the knapsack and secured by coat straps?

[Sgt_Pepper]

It's a blanket. It isn't a greatcoat. And I don't care to see any more arguing about which is more correct, because they are both correct, depending on the time period and other factors. Keep in mind that series of photographs was taken in 1866 and was composed by government clerks. Some of the photographs show equipment that is obsolete or being worn incorrectly. Do you really want to argue for your preference based on a photo composed by people who didn't quite know what they were doing?

[Rob Weaver]

Doesn't that form an official vindication of the idea that sometimes there's more than 1 way to do something? I would find those photos to be somewhat more useful than the volunteer studio photos, with some of the same caveats.

[Longbranch 1]

While I don't have specific documentation on this practice, it does seem to make sense. Not something that would be in a manual, particularly with the discontinuation of the rifleman's belt.

Simply attach those straps to the corresponding shoulder strap that it is already attached to,using the "J" hooks , button side to the back.

(A) You are not suffocated by the crossed strap method.
(B) You don't have loose straps dangling.
(C) You don't lose the J hooks which have a surprising number of uses. Not the least of which is to convert a gum blanket into fair raingear.

Thanks to Sgt Major Goodnite !

There is a lot of good info on my unit's website. www.26nc.org

Hope this helps,
Kevin Ellis

[GrumpyDave]

Me again folks. I just got my double bag knapsack that my wife ordered me for my b-day. Now I need to know how it is worn. I thought I could figure it out but no dice. One way I had it on was by buckling the left strap to the buckle on the bottom side of the bag then I adjusted the right strap and hooked the brass triangle on the end of it to the brass hook on the other side of the bottom of the bag. But this leaves two straps on top of those that I have no idea where they go. The configuration of the straps confuses me. Can anyone PLEASE help me.

Thanks,

Adam:D

Those extra straps hook on to your ears. Just kidding.

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/6161/gilbertmarbury22ndnywc6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Doug Oakes from the Living History Guild and grand Poo Bah to the annual "Elmira Death March" event:
http://img473.imageshack.us/img473/8459/dougoakesil9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Chris Piering, Federal Commander for this years Kernstown event:
http://www.stonewallbrigade.com/kernstown07.html
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/9984/chrispcm0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I'm hoping in one of these photographs, you can see how the cross straps go across your chest and hook on the "carry" straps to keep the knapsack from riding down onto your lower back or hanging away from your back.

Check with your unit NCO's, they should be able to help.

[johnduffer]

"As to those "chest straps".... boys, you can wear them like that if you wish, but all in all, they work a HECK of a lot better if you wear them in the manner intended, attached to your waistbelt."

I wondered if anyone would mention this. I agree totally with Mr. Kindred, it makes the pack ride much better (and helps keep your belt up if it's a little loose).

John Duffer

[flattop32355]

"As to those "chest straps".... boys, you can wear them like that if you wish, but all in all, they work a HECK of a lot better if you wear them in the manner intended, attached to your waistbelt."

I wondered if anyone would mention this. I agree totally with Mr. Kindred, it makes the pack ride much better (and helps keep your belt up if it's a little loose).

John Duffer

I've tried it both ways, and at least for now, prefer crossing the straps. I'm of half a mind, though, to just take them off and try it without.

[Pvt Schnapps]

It's a blanket. It isn't a greatcoat. And I don't care to see any more arguing about which is more correct, because they are both correct, depending on the time period and other factors...

I came across an interesting tid-bit in the December 24, 1864 "Army and Navy Journal" by the Commandant of Cadets at West Point "In reply to a series of questions relative to the custom in the Regular Army in matters concerning which different opinions and practices prevail":

"12. The overcoat is now carried inside the knapsack."

And the blanket presumably outside. The interesting thing about this is that someone had to ask, and the answer was not obvious, and apparently involved some sort of change, which on the whole supports your statement.

You probably knew you were right, but I thought you'd appreciate the citation. :)