How to wear knapsack?

[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

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/186...hing_order.jpg

Greg Renault