Earlier this week, Filson released the first items from their Restoration Department. I’ve been pretty pumped about this, and am not disappointed. I understand the price points, and am not surprised. There is a high value in that wear and tear.
One item they restored was a tan Rucksack (above). Now, I haven’t been a backpack guy since I retired my Jansport back in high school, but it has made me think… The utility could be good for my needs, but is it out of the comfort zone? I don’t know…
I have a serious question for my readers – do any of you use the Filson Rucksack? If so, what for? And if you do, do you like it?
I think this is sort of a solution looking for a problem, not just for you, but for a lot of people.
I know that you live more of an “urban” lifestyle, meaning that you are not prone to taking multi-hour (4+) hikes in the woods. Even if you did, how much food/gear would you really need to bring in order to justify a pack of this size? Even then, might you be better served by something more “technical” and lighter weight (I bet this thing would get heavy after several miles in the woods).
I know that if you were going to take your camera and everything somewhere, you already have a Filson camera bag for that. If you were going to go on an overnight trip, you’ve already got other Filson luggage that would probably be more practical and easier to carry than backpack. For going to the office/taking a laptop with you, like on a plane, a (Filson) messenger-style bag is probably more practical, easier to maneuver, and would less out of place than this bag.
I think if someone was in college or grad school and had to constant be carrying around books and a laptop while doing a lot of walking (such as around a campus), this would be a good solution. In that case, you want something that looks good/unique, and you don’t REALLY have to worry about the weight of the bag because you’re not going to be carrying it for probably more than 20 minutes at a time. Otherwise, I just have no clue what you would carry in here/where you would carry it.
That’s a sweet looking ruck, but to be honest, I wouldn’t buy it. Like you I understand why the price is the way it is, but if you actually plan on using a backpack I’d look for something else. Personally I think it’d better to buy something that will stand the test of time (GORUCK and Saddleback come to mind) and create all the cool wear and tear marks as you use it. It builds character, and creates a unique piece of gear.
I agree with Trip, one of my pet peeves is a man walking around with anything that resembles a back pack. RCS said it, we gave up the Jansports in High School. If you’re going for a hike or an outdoor expedition you carry something lightweight designed to carry other light weight gear. As professional adults when we travel we carry handsome luggage and soft sided brief cases or a messenger. I travel pretty extensively and when I see a guy carrying a backpack, of any brand or style, I think he looks ridiculous. That’s my 2 cents.
I have this Rucksack and I Love it! use it almost every day and I can Tell You its a very cool bag! i have also one from the restoration Departement! 😉
Last year I spent more repairing my 20-year-old Barbour Border than it would have cost to buy a new one outright.
Despite that, there’s no way I’d pay ~60% more for someone else’s wear and tear. I prefer to inflict my own battle scars and cherish the memories that accompany them.
I have an original briefcase for official business, a Pullman for long trips, and a sportsman’s bag I use as a weekender. I got the black rucksack for those single-night trips I take into the city that require I pack a change of underwear and sundries. It’s a bag I envision using for a long day out and about to hold a packed lunch, a couple books, and a sweater if I get chilly. It’s a good bag to bring to a Mardi Gras parade to hold booze, snacks, etc. That’s what I think.