Italian Army Blue Canvas Rucksack

Gor the money you get a good Italian surplus bag. Relatively good condition only ring in the pull cord was bad but that can be stamped back in place :) its a little smelly when it comes out of the box, but it Surplus. I got this as a gift for a friend I think they are really going to like this bag. It's huge, and hold water.

I rolled up a blanket and stuffed each end into a side flap pocket as the designer intended while the middle passed over the main pouch. The top flap covered the blanket and the tops of both sides. The blanket is covered and I still have good enough access to the main pouch.
That's the trick, use it as designed. I'd be more likely to put a tarp or such rather than a blanket in the big U shaped pocket, but it works!

This is a replacement for a damaged pack. It is intact and in very good shape. I used it today.
One odd thing about this pack is the 3 different sorts of strap/buckles on it. The pockets are like a belt with holes, the top and side straps are of 2 different standard friction sorts. All worked.

I like this pack and KS took good care of me in replacing the damaged one, some straps had been cut off.

My pack arrived with some issues. I sent information and pictures to the support email and it was replaced, shipped anyway, within hours.
Excellent customer service!

I'll review the replacement as well.

Item was well used prior to storage or reissue. Came with service members name laundry marked on it. Two over-sized pockets on front held closed by leather strap and buckle. Two open flap type pockets run length of sides, also secured by metal buckles. One large top loading compartment with no inside separation. Double drawcord closure with top flap. Two canvas carrying straps with no padding. Have not found use for it yet, but fully loaded would not be able to carry far without modification to carry straps, Very well constructed.

I picked up two of these Italian Army blue canvas rucksacks.

I have been using one as a range bag. The main compartment is large enough to hold a surplus cotton U.S.M.C. shooting jacket, a sixty power Bushnell spotting scope with stand, stapler, and ammunition with room left over for extra clothing, water, and lunch.

Small gear, such as glasses, ears, staples, pencils, pasters, brass bags, speedloaders, magazines, etc, are put into a couple of 5" X 8" X 5" Lock N' Lock boxes. The rear pockets on this ruck are large enough to accommodate these boxes.

The side "pockets" on this ruck are not pockets at all. They are actually two flaps, one having a piece of material sewn into the end similar to the bottom of a pocket. I believe the intended use with a blanket roll. The roll is tucked under the top flap and the ends inserted between the two flaps. The flaps are then drawn up about the ends of the blanket roll and secured with the two straps on each side.

My range bag includes a first aid kit put up in a hinged plastic G.I. FAK box that measures about 5" X 8" X 3". I roll this up into the side flap with the sewn bottom, draw the other flap around, and secure it with the two straps. It rides there very securely and is accessible if needed. I think the same procedure could be used to secure a canteen or water bottle to the other side.

A curious feature is the carrying straps. Both are simple canvas, secured to the ruck at the top by stitching. However, the bottom of one strap is sewn into the ruck, the other has a metal loop at the bottom end that attaches to an open-ended metal hook that is attached to the bottom of the ruck by a short fabric strap. Both straps are adjustable for length by use of a metal buckle.

All in all, it is a heck of a ruck for the price. A lot of room, quality materials and manufacture. I don't think I want to haul a heavy load any distance using the simple canvas straps, but for my purposes of short hauls to the range, or as a ruck for storing emergency gear in a vehicle, this Italian made ruck is great.