A haversack is a shoulder bag that was made from leather, canvas or oilcloth . It was used to carry the lunch(bread usually)from workers at the factories. That was the reason that also called bread bag. Soldiers also used it to carry ammo and provisions too. It was also in use from hunters,trappers and explorers back in the 18th century but it’s still in use today;many outdoor enthusiasts and reenactors still carry them.
My first haversack was a military surplus one.Had a lot of fun with that old one,but it reached the end of his service time last year,so i decided to replace it. I was looking for something more traditional than the nylon made i used to have. I found a great haversack made from oil cloth and canvas at http://www.blueangelical.me.uk/
The haversack is 14” long x 12” wide approximately, and it is made with oil cloth as outer layer and has canvas inside. The top flap has an internal pouch that secures with velcro. The flap is secured with a military grade G-hook. The shoulder strap has a rubber pad and it’s of course adjustable. Overall the haversack is very well made and the quality is more than obvious.I use my haversack for short day trips and for day hunting. In the haversack i carry my essentials and i have another pouch to carry my canteen with its cup.
Canteen Pouch and Haversack Contents
The canteen pouch is made from Cordura Nylon and holds my US Army Canteen with a stainless steel cup.The pouch was gift from a friend couple years ago and is very well made. The haversack holds all the necessary items to cover the basic needs,plus couple tools that i might need to maintain my shotgun while hunting.
For shelter i had chosen a poncho,because i can use it for raincover but also as my main shelter. For that reason i carry few tent stakes and of course cordage.In this case i carry 550 paracord. An emergency type bivvy bag is my sleep system. For tools i carry two screwdrivers,one large and one smaller,in case i need to get access at the buttstock.I also carry a small Silky pocket boy saw and on my belt is my knife,an LTWK GEN5.
I have a small stove and particular the 180 flame,which is very light and i can use it to make a brew or fast meal with a small fire and less fuel.I also carry couple fuel tablets, one bandana and a titanium spork.The spork with the cup are my utensils. I included a small cloth bag that i can use it to keep herbals or fatwood or whatever i am harvesting. A strip of cotton cloth can be used to clean my shotgun or make char cloth. A first aid kit should always be in every bag or backpack. In this case i have an Adventure Medical Kit.
In a small pouch i keep a small fire kit,which is a BIC lighter,flint and steel and a wick, an Opinel folding knife, a ceramic rod for sharpening my knives,duct tape and a Remington oil wipes to maintain my firearm on the field.
All these items,with a toilet paper roll,fit just right in the haversack,leaving room for food,dehydrated or snacks and for coffee or tea bags.
With this kit i spend almost all day hunting,i usually return late in the afternoon, and i am confident that i have everything i need. It doesn’t weight much and i have covered the 5Cs of Survivability, Cutting tool,Cover,Combustion,Container and Cordage,which are the most important needs in a survival situation and i have items to help me maintain my tools too.
Links
Haversack: https://bluesbushcraftboutique.bigcartel.com/product/oilskin-canvas-haversack
GEN5 knife: https://www.ltwrightknives.com/knives.html
Stove: http://www.180tack.com/180-flame
Flint and Steel: https://www.selfrelianceoutfitters.com/