Kibbler Knapsacks

[lthull3rdla]

Ive been browsing the various sutlers ( approved ) that sell the killbler style knapsack, in anticipation of purchasing one this fall. Can anyone steer me in the direction of the best one to get for my money? They range in prices from 150 to 250 bucks... gotta be a reason for that.

Thanks in advance

Ronnie - Shreveport

[Mcouioui]

Re: Kibbler Knapsacks

I do not know the other manufacturers, but that of Trans-Mississippi Depot Co is really very well for $240

[Tucker49th]

Re: Kibbler Knapsacks

Sent you a PM

[Haversack]

Re: Kibbler Knapsacks

Missouri Boot & Shoe makes a really nice one.A pard of mine has one and it is top notch.

[61' reb]

Re: Kibbler Knapsacks

L.D. Hanning makes a top notch kibbler knapsack! A buddy of mine had one of hannings packs and it was awesome.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Kibbler Knapsacks

As someone who makes them, I can attempt to explain the price differences from maker to maker. There are those vendors who can machine sew a bag rather quickly, using period paint or a decent modern equivelant, and its appearance will still conform to standards of most units or people, and with that they can keep the price down. Some vendors will handsew the bags, but not flatfell the seams. Those that charge the upper tier prices are usually those that completely handsew and flatfell, may or may not use period paint receipts, and the handsewing takes up quite a bit more time. There are several vendors who produce a quality Kibbler or Mex War bag, and the price is driven by the details and sometimes whether the vendor really wants to make one. They can be, if made correctly, pretty time consuming and not fun to produce.

[Jake Nott]

Re: Kibbler Knapsacks

I agree with Jon. I have had one of Tim's (LD Hannings) for 3 seasons with no problems. It is top shelf pack by an outstanding craftsman.

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Kibbler Knapsacks

Hi,

I just bought a LD Haning Kibbler Knapsack 2 weeks ago, and can not wait to see it.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Kibbler Knapsacks

It seems were digressing back to the "who makes the best..." type of posts, but why not share why you think so- and- so makes the best in your opinion. I've seen all of the makers mentioned in this thread, and I agree they all make a quality knapsack, but what are the traits that make them so? Are they going by the original(s), or are they using something like the Company of Military Historians articles? Are they true in stitching and seams, or just look right on the outside? Instead of just saying, X makes a great pack, or I own Y's pack, please share some reasons why so we can help not only the poster of this thread, but perhaps help a few readers along the way. From my experience and perspective, Mr. Smith of TMD has come the closest to the Mexican War pack with the handsewing and felling, as well as paint mixture, with LD Hanings matching up well to original specs from the Military Collector and Historian article, as does Mr. Serios from MBS. There are subtle variations between the US Army's pack and that of the Confederate derivitives such as the Kibbler or Johnston pack, so shop accordingly.

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Kibbler Knapsacks

Hi,

I would agree with Mr. Smith of TMD makes the most authentic knapsacks that I have ever seen. Mr. Lamoreaux, what do believe is un-authentic about L.D. Hanings knapsacks? I would really like to know, I have purchased several items from him, and have been pleased with all of them. Thanks.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Kibbler Knapsacks

Hi,

I would agree with Mr. Smith of TMD makes the most authentic knapsacks that I have ever seen. Mr. Lamoreaux, what do believe is un-authentic about L.D. Hanings knapsacks? I would really like to know, I have purchased several items from him, and have been pleased with all of them. Thanks.

I don't believe I said anything that resembles the statement that L.D. Haning is unauthentic, in fact I said that it conformed nicely to the original specs.

[Silas]

Re: Kibbler Knapsacks

Wow. Didn't realize that Ross said that knapsacks from Hanings - or Serio for that matter - were "un-authentic". That's not even close to what Ross wrote. Here's the quote :

"I've seen all of the makers mentioned in this thread, and I agree they all make a quality knapsack[.] From my experience and perspective, Mr. Smith of TMD has come the closest to the Mexican War pack with the handsewing and felling, as well as paint mixture, with LD Hanings matching up well to original specs from the Military Collector and Historian article, as does Mr. Serios from MBS."

Where is the unauthentic part?

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Kibbler Knapsacks

Hi,

I am sorry for miss-understanding your post. I took it as that it was based off of original specs, but had some sewing differences or paint differences from the original. After re-reading it I realize that I took the wrong conclusion from the post. Again I am really sorry for miss-understanding your post, and I was in no way trying to put words in your mouth.

[lukegilly13]

Re: Kibbler Knapsacks

I own a Missouri Boot and Shoe version of the single bag. Some makers create the bag without "painting" the interior bag. MB&S does paint the inside. My major draw to this bag was the quality of leather....knapsack straps seem to be under a lot of stress. I can't speak for or against the construction of other companies as this is the only knapsack I have ever owned/needed. The leather work is superb. Some hand stitching on the bag, correct tin backed buttons. I'm confident that it will protect my gear in any weather. Also, they use a modern recipe of paint (I know it's debatable whether or not period recipes are safe) and I felt that it was best since I have a 8 week old that likes to lay in daddy's gear.

[Marc29thGA]

Re: Kibbler Knapsacks

I also have a MB&S single bag and it is a nice piece of work as Luke states. If I remember correctly, when I talked with Mr. Serio before I ordered, he stated that his is based off the Johnson pack.