A package arrived today

[NMVolunteer]

I have seen photographs of original haversacks. I have seen photographs of soldiers wearing haversacks. I have seen photographs of haversacks in museums. I then look at the old haversack that I am tossing into my loaner Rubbermaid container, while eagerly awaiting the one I purchased from L.D. Haning. Why is it so hard for mainstream companies to get it right? I know L.D. Haning haversacks cost more because they are good, because those are based on research and measuring originals and handsewing parts and staying faithful to the original materials. But why can't [insert crap-quality online "sutler" of choice] even get the shape right? L.D. Haning has the shape right. It should not be hard to have the shape right. I can understand a mainstream item being cheaper for having modern synthetic materials, or being completely done by machine. But they could at least have the right shape.

And if you cannot tell, I am very satisfied with the haversack I got from L.D. Haning today. Especially because it has the right shape, right materials, and right construction. And I get to use it at two living history events coming up this weekend. The only thing that would make me happier is if Marsh Wheeling cigars suddenly appeared on my preferred cigar vendor's website.