Production has begun! For right now, these are MADE TO ORDER. We hope to have stock soon but don't wait... grab one now!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
According to Wikipedia, The word haversack is an adaptation of the German Hafersack and also the Dutch haverzak meaning "oat sack", (which more properly describes a small cloth bag on a strap worn over one shoulder and originally referred to the bag of oats carried as horse fodder). The term was adopted by both the English and French (as havresac) cavalry in the 17th century. The word haver likewise means "oats" in Northern English and Scottish dialects.
The US military adopted the Haversack as far back as the Civil War, and one variation or another was in use right through the adoption of ALICE gear before the Vietnam War, when the idea of the haversac and the musette combined to form the buttpack... probably one of my favorite pieces of gear back when I was in the Army. It was indispensable.
The reason for this becomes obvious for anyone spending time in the woods, both on a long tramp or a short jaunt. There are just some things that need to be accessed quickly, and keeping everything in a ruck can become cumbersome and tiring, requiring removing the pack any time you need a snack, or some water, or even a pair of binoculars to see what just rustled in the treeline ahead. Once frowned upon by the masses for anyone other than students or bike messengers, the idea of a bag for men has returned as we are required to haul more and more daily, and thank God it has.
I designed this haversack to be as useful as possible in as many situations as you can encounter both in the city and in the field. A true take it anywhere companion. Pockets inside are meant to hold our PocKits as modules, with space for two Pro models against the inside front wall, and two originals on either side. A large rear slash is great for maps, folded tarps or the like. A large front slash pocket holds quick access items, and a D ring allows you to lash items on lanyards (I use it for my match case) so those ultra important items are always there. A rear zippered pocket holds anything else you might need securely.
Two features I am especially proud of with this haversack are the grab handle, and the side lashing points. The former is made from 1" webbing and features a 1" side release buckle and adjustable straps which allows you to lash the bag to anything it will fit around, but most importantly a tree branch for secure hanging at camp ensuring you don't lose track of things. The latter is a not to the past, with a twist. In using this as a scout pack, carrying a small axe or hatchet is indispensable. Axe loops can be problematic on smaller bags where gravity is on the wrong end of things, causing the axe to push out, an d the handle to hang toward the ground where it can catch brush as you bushwhack. The system I developed uses a D ring on the bottom, allowing you to use a lark's head knot with a loop of paracord to create an axe loop. Simply drop the axe in that loop, and bring the handle around to a conveniently located lashing point at the bas of the shoulder strap. You lash the handle to the pack (pointing it toward the sky so nothing hangs below the bag itself). The loop holds the head securely, and the heaviest part of the axe is now at the bottom to make carry more secure. This works equally well with a small hatchet, or even a larger axe like a boy's axe or Small Forest Axe. You can see this below. When in the city, the loop can be removed as well leaving clean sides and no dangling bits.
We went with daisy chain on the front flap instead of MOLLE webbing to keep a subtle profile and the weight down. You really don't want too much packed in a shoulder bag. The daisy chains allow you to attach gloves, or the like, and a length at the bottom of the bag allows attachment of things like a blanket, umbrella, top layer or something similar. A generous 2" wide webbing shoulder strap disperses loads well, and makes the entire package INCREDIBLY comfortable over long periods of carry. 2" side release buckles are used on both the shoulder strap, and the front flap for strength and rapid access.
SPECS:
Materials: 1000D Cordura Nylon, Milspec binding and threads, YKK #5 zipper and pull, 1" Milspec webbing, 2" Milspec webbing, All hardware made in USA
DIMENSIONS: 11" wide x 11" tall x 4" deep
Proudly made in the USA by someone who proudly served it.