Knapsack Alternative

[Faugh-A-Ballagh61]

I know of using mule collars or tumplines as an alternative to the knapsack, but are things like snapsacks or rucksacks also acceptable for our period?

[toptimlrd]

Re: Knapsack Alternative

Eric,

Not sure what a "snapsack" is but a rucksack can be used as a generic term for a knapsack as well. There are several documented variations of knapsacks that were used during the war. Also there was a recent discussion of a tumpline here on the AC. In the authentic movement, there are two basic methodologies, to use the PEC (plain, everyday, common) and there is the more thourough method of looking through specific documentation to see what the unit you are portraying would have had at that particular time. If they were issued double bag knapsacks and 80% of the men had one then that would be appropriate. Is there a specific impression you are trying to develop? Are you looking for a generic impression? Are you (and I hope not) trying to validate a practice you have that may not be correct?