Thanks to Andrew Short for sending us photos of his recent find, an Abercrombie & Fitch A.C.A. pack from the 1930s. Ancestor to the Archival Rucksack and Archival Rolltop, the A.C.A. pack exhibits a simple yet sturdy design and is made from some of our favorite materials – waterproof duck and tanned leather. Despite its …
Tag: canoe packs
Restock – Archival Rucksacks
Our original, Archival Rucksack in ranger tan is now available via the AC web shop. Made in Springfield, Oregon, USA, from 22-ounce waxed cotton twill, brass hardware, military-spec cotton webbing, and Horween Chromexcel leather. Practical and free of complications, we’re confident that our Rucksack will equal or exceed any other rucksack available in function, durability, …
Shopping from the Past: Poirier Pack Sacks
The auction for an original Poirier pack sack from 1882 continues on ebay. The buy it now price has been reduced from six figures to a reasonable $44,000. If that price seems steep, consider ordering a 1918 edition of the same basic bag directly from the Poirier Tent & Awning Co. “For motor or hike, …
Archival Update: Rucksacks Available
We’re happy to present our latest bag model: the Rucksack. Made in Springfield, Oregon, USA, from 22-ounce Waxwear waxed cotton twill, brass hardware, military-spec cotton webbing, and Horween Chromexcel leather. Practical and free of complications, we’re confident that our Rucksack will equal or exceed any other rucksack available in function, durability, comfort, and long-term value. …
Rucksack Round-up
Early next week, we’ll announce the release of our very own Archival Clothing Rucksack. Let’s take this opportunity to round up two historical examples to compare and contrast with our own. We designed our Rucksack as a synthesis of a classic canoe pack (in the Poirier/Duluth style) and the box-style Yucca pack used by the …
The Pack Basket is Viable Baggage
Nothing evokes the Adirondacks like a pack basket. They’re the original suspension pack – their rigidity makes load carrying much easier, and they keep fragile objects safe during a tough trek (bottles of wine, grocery store). I was introduced to the pack basket at the Dartmouth Organic Farm, where there’s a swale with a few …
Archival Canoe Cruising
From “Canoe Cruising” by Lieutenant Warren H. Miller: “For the outdoor girl—the man and his wife adventuring wilderness travel for the first time—I could recommend no better selection than a good canoe trip. After one has mastered the rudiments of camping out, has gotten so that he can shelter himself and his from the elements …
Shopping from 1946: Field & Stream
Congress Sportswear Masland Sportman’s Clothes On a November run up to The Rain Shed for closed cell foam and cordage, Tom picked up this 1946 Field & Stream from a thrift shop. In a future post, I’ll showcase F & S advertisements from familiar “living” US brands like Pendleton, Gokey, Filson and Eddie Bauer. Today, …
Archival Auction: 1882 Poirier Packsack
Thanks to Archival Clothing reader Murat for directing me to this current ebay auction for an 1882 Duluth Poirier packsack. According to the seller, the three stitches on the front flap of the pack may indicate that the pack is a rare, original Duluth prototype (thus justifying the $100k Buy It Now option). The seller …
Canoe pack review
Vintage Duluth packs I don’t know the folks in these catalog-quality shots of Duluth canoe packs in action (more shots of Duluth packs and satchels courtesy this flickr photostream). But I love how they make real the prehistoric size of a true-to-life canoe pack. My main encounter with this style of pack (waxed or dry …