Proper wear of a "Pritchard" Knapsack

[ContinentalMorganGuard]

Recently I purchased a used Pritchard style kanpsack. I really like it, but I have one question. How do you wear it properly?
The shoulder straps are sewn top and bottom so there is no adjustment for size. So if I wear the straps left on left right on right, it hangs to darn low. So, I crossed the straps and it worked ok, but there is a possible choking hazard, so I'm sure that's not the proper fit. Does any one have one of these bags and knows how to wear it ocrrectly, or do I need to "fit it" to me by cutting the straps and re-sewing them? Another thing, if you have one has anyone had a problem with the straps coming off, because it appears a little too much weight might pull them off. I know just don't over burden it, but I just wondered. Thanks!

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Proper wear of a "Pritchard" Knapsack

I got one of those packs back in 2000 or so and it is still going strong. I've worn it unaltered with no issues. I've used it to pack as load such as a coverlet, gum, extra socks, housewife, writing kit, and night cap.

It is a floppy little bag with thin, non-adjustable leather shoulder straps. The more broad your chest and back, the higher it will ride. I'm kinda skinny, so mine rides "lower" than, say, a US "doublebag" knapsack. However, it does not ride so low that it obstructs my access to my cartridge box.

I don't know you made your's, or mine for that matter. ...but if they altered the pattern to allow for a larger-framed person, and if you're a skinnier dude, then it may be hanging down a bit low.

Could you post a pic of you wearing it? That would be the quickest way to let folks assess if its riding normally.

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Re: Proper wear of a "Pritchard" Knapsack

Recently I purchased a used Pritchard style kanpsack. I really like it, but I have one question. How do you wear it properly?

Firstly, it's not "Pritchard" it is "Pritchett." Echoes of Glory misspelled his name and that has tended to carry on. I've personally examined this knapsack myself and have seen two friends make accurate reproductions. The consensus is usually the same as your findings, the shoulder straps suck and bite into you like a mad dog.

Adjustments can be made, as found on the original. The bottom of the outside flap had two leather enclosure straps and Pritchett appears to have only used the first hole adjustment. The straps were 12 1/2" long and had hole intervals between 1 1/2" - 2" wide.

Hope that helps,

[CSchneider]

Re: Proper wear of a "Pritchard" Knapsack

I made mine after spending a lot of time examining the original, using the original measurements. If anything, the bag seems to ride a bit higher that most other knapsacks, and I have no idea how'd I'd ever manage to cross the straps in front of me. The fit really depends on how long the straps are and where on the bag they're sewn. I'll check my notes later and send you a message regarding the length and placement.

Straps coming off? It has yet to happen, but I expect it to every time I put the knapsack on. The back piece of the bag to which the straps are sewn is made from a heavier piece of osnaburg than the rest of the bag, but it still doesn't seem very sturdy.

Now, the painted cloth flap on the bag was absolutely made too large. Even when fully loaded, and even with a pile of extra blankets tucked between the bag and the flap, you can't get a tight fit on the attachment straps on the flap. Pritchett (EOG has his name and many others wrong) cut an extra hole on each strap as close as he could to the stitching to help keep the flap closed.

*Beat me by a minute Jason! And yes, really no matter how you wear the shoulder straps they are not exactly comfortable.

-Craig Schneider

[ContinentalMorganGuard]

Re: Proper wear of a "Pritchard" Knapsack

Guys thanks for all quick and informative replys. Sounds like my bag might be spot on, crappy fit and straps that are too narrow, sounds wonderful! I'll see if I can get some pictures up.

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Re: Proper wear of a "Pritchard" Knapsack

*Beat my by a minute Jason! And yes, really no matter how you wear the shoulder straps they are not exactly comfortable.

Saw you browsing the thread too, and knew that a good response was in store! haha

[PieBoy96]

Re: Proper wear of a "Pritchard" Knapsack

Hi Robert,

I, too, have a reproduction of this interesting pack. I just happened to have rear-angle shots of me wearing it, so maybe this will allow some comparison to yours. I think if the straps were any shorter on mine, it would risk damage to the pack especially while putting it on. I wish it sat a little higher, but that's not how it's designed to ride. Hope this helps a little.

I'm on the left: http://www.libertyrifles.org/photos/...0/large/42.jpg
And on the right: http://www.libertyrifles.org/photos/...0/large/41.jpg

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Proper wear of a "Pritchard" Knapsack

That's what mine looks like.

[acook]

Re: Proper wear of a "Pritchard" Knapsack

Paul Boccadoro looks like a turtle when he wears his pack!

Aaron

[NYCivilWar]

Re: Proper wear of a "Pritchard" Knapsack

I was with Mr. Spellman when we examined the original Pritchett pack. In my opinion, and this is my own theory here...I think this pack was not made by someone who had ANY experience making this sort of item. Whether this was a home-made production for a company or not, I don't know, but I think the only reason Pritchett's survived was due to the unfortunate fact that he was killed at the Battle of Williamsburg in 1862, and the pack made it back home. If there were any other packs of the sort, and those of you who examined the orginal can attest to this, probably fell apart after short tome of field use. The straps of the bag are attached to the bag in an unusual manner, almost whip-stitched into the back body of the bag and not sewn as you would normally find on such an article. Furthermore, there are no leather re-inforcements on the inside of the bag where the straps attach to the body of the bag. I would say that the original knapsack is of poor quality when compared to other issued military goods I have examined.

[ContinentalMorganGuard]

Re: Proper wear of a "Pritchard" Knapsack

Well without showing pitures I must say mine rides way lower and may have been made for a larger man than I. I would have to agree that this pack seems to have been made by someone who had never made a pack. Thats why I aksed if they come apart easy, there is no re-enforcement. But I think it's a cool bag and will do well for early war events. Thanks for everything so far and if I get a chance tomorrow I'll try and post some pics.