Note: This bag is special because it is the perfect size for smaller or female frames, and I have never seen one like this in the last 3 years of buying and trading these bags.

Also this bag is the same model as the one worn by Abby in The Last of Us Part II, which is what got me into this hobby to begin with.

So THIS…is a Swiss Military Salt and Pepper Rucksack that I spent the last 2 weeks restoring while documenting the process. I purchased this bag from a surplus seller in Austria with the sole intent of performing a restoration on it.

What makes these bags unique are the materials they’re woven from and the handmade touch of the unique imprints of each sattler that worked on each individual bag.

If you’re interested in a great read about these bags, check out this article:

https://wynnchester.com/blogs/wynnchester-outdoors/the-history-of-swiss-army-rucksacks

Now, as to the HOW of this project, I performed the following to achieve what amounts to a GORGEOUS little piece of carry history.

Step 1: Removed Leather Straps

Step 2: Used masking tape to protect the leather and used metal polisher on all the metal attachments, utilizing a crème and a fine horse-hair brush so as to be as precise as possible

Step 3: Used Leather Honey Leather Cleaner on each leather strap and a set of lint-free, microfiber cloths to gently go over each strap for a total of 6 times each

Step 4: Used Leather Honey Leather Conditioner on each leather strap and a set of lint-free, microfiber cloths to gently go over each strap for a total of 12 coats

Note: This leather probably hadn’t been treated in well over 50 years. It soaked up the leather conditioner as quickly as I could apply it!

Step 5: Soaked the bag itself for ten minutes at a time for a total of 14 times to loosen and remove all of the dirt and dust build up from over the years.

Step 6: Carefully applied Leather Honey Leather Cleaner to ALL leather borders, attachments and straps on the bag for a total of 6 clean throughs, utilizing a set of lint free, microfiber cloths

Step 7: Carefully applied Leather Honey Leather Conditioner to ALL leather borders, attachments and straps on the bag for a total of 6 complete coats, once again utilizing a set of lint-free, microfiber cloths

Step 8: Used masking tape to protect the leather and used metal polisher on all the metal attachments, utilizing a crème and a fine horse-hair brush so as to be as precise as possible

Step 9: Used a lint-free, microfiber cloth and metal polisher crème on all the metal grommets around the drawstring, removing any and all rust and buildup

Step 10: Applied 2 cans of Filson Oil Wax to the exterior canvas and used a heat gun to blend it into the fibers

Step 11: Sat back, took a breath and marveled at a little piece of carry history!

Specs

Internal aluminum frame

Water-resistant, textured salt and pepper nettle canvas with leather straps and bottom

Flapped exterior pocket measures 9 x 11 x 2 inches

Adjustable leather shoulder straps

Measures 20 x 16 x 8 inches

Weighs roughly 6 lbs.

Volume seems to be approx 28 to 30L? I’ve no way at present to accurately lock that down and cannot seem to find an agreed upon consensus anywhere online but it is definitely a roomy pack and perfect for hiking or adventuring.

Please note this listing is for the bag on the LEFT. The bag on the right is for comparison purposes only and will be available for sale in a separate listing.

Feel free to message with any questions.

Also, it should be noted that the bag feels and smells wonderful, after all of the leather conditioner and Filson wax treatments.