How to wear knapsack?

[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 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.

[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!