Knapsack Collection

Mountain climbers in the Alps, 1880s
Mountaineering in the Tyrol with ropes and picks, 1880s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Hiking at Adversane [Billingshurst] - August 1938
Two lady hikers with Blacksmith - not sure if he will have a shoe to fit! George Garland Collection West Sussex Record Office Ref. No. Garland N17220

British soldier bears to the firing line WWI
Double page showing a British private soldier, commonly know as a Tommy, showing a diagram of tools and equipment that he would have carried when marching to the trenches in World War One. 1915

The Studio of Salvator Rosa in the Mountains of the Abruzzi, (oil on canvas)
827524 The Studio of Salvator Rosa in the Mountains of the Abruzzi, (oil on canvas) by Barker, Thomas Jones (1815-82) (after); 111.8x183.2 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

The Hiker & Camper 1931
A lone female hiker pauses during her walk to take in the breathtaking autumnal scenery of her surroundings. Hiking was an extremely popular during the 1930s

Confederate Knapsack
3501334 Confederate Knapsack; Private Collection; (add.info.: South Carolina Confederate soldier's painted cloth and leather knapsack taken at Port Royal, 1861); © Don Troiani

Union Infantry Corporal with knapsack and rifle
3056327 Union Infantry Corporal with knapsack and rifle; Private Collection; (add.info.: American Civil War, Union Infantry Corporal with knapsack and rifle); © Don Troiani

Drinking from a fountain
3574313 Drinking from a fountain by Unknown photographer, (20th century); (add.info.: Italy 1947-1948 Photographer: Unidentified Author); Touring Club Italiano/Alinari Archives Management.

A hiker climbing a mountain in Switzerland
3562488 A hiker climbing a mountain in Switzerland by Unknown photographer, (20th century); (add.info.: Switzerland 1910-1920 Photographer: Unidentified Author); Alinari Archives, Florence.

A hiker on the Uja di Mombarone
3568605 A hiker on the Uja di Mombarone by Unknown photographer, (20th century); (add.info.: Graian Alps, Piedmont 1905 Photographer: Unidentified Author); Alinari Archives, Florence.

Advance guard soldiers on snow skis in Asiago
3568731 Advance guard soldiers on snow skis in Asiago by Unknown photographer, (20th century); (add.info.: Asiago 1920-1930 ca. Photographer: Unidentified Author); Alinari Archives, Florence.

American Civil War; Confederate Alabama Frame Knapsack
3073325 American Civil War; Confederate Alabama Frame Knapsack; Private Collection; (add.info.: Confederate frame knapsack with white buff leather straps used by Private Soto of the Mobile Cadets)

American Civil War, 16th Connecticut Regiment Knapsack
3073326 American Civil War, 16th Connecticut Regiment Knapsack; Private Collection; (add.info.: American Civil War, 16th Connecticut Regiment Knapsack of painted canvas); © Don Troiani

The War in Schleswig: Prussian field mail on its way from Rendsburg to the front, 1864. Creator: Unknown
The War in Schleswig: Prussian field mail on its way from Rendsburg to the front, 1864. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.

The War in Schleswig: Austrian camp in front of the Dannewerk:...Bohemian Chasseurs..., 1864. Creator: Mason Jackson
The War in Schleswig: Austrian camp in front of the Dannewerk: the 18th Bohemian Chasseurs in a snowstorm - from a sketch by our special artist, 1864

Belgian Reservists leaving Gare de l'Est [i.e., Gare du Nord], 1914. Creator: Bain News Service
Belgian Reservists leaving Gare de l'Est [i.e., Gare du Nord], 1914. Belgian men in front of the Gare du Nord, Paris, France, at the beginning of World War I.

Costumes de Différent Pays, Paysan des Environs de Limoge, c1797. Creator: Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur
Costumes de Different Pays, Paysan des Environs de Limoge, c1797

Seated man with a knapsack and a stick, 1784. Creator: Jacob van Strij
Seated man with a knapsack and a stick, 1784

Farmer and wife from Cromhout, 1803-c.1899. Creator: J. Enklaar
Farmer and wife from Cromhout, 1803-c.1899. Brabant farmer and wife from the village of Cromhout, on their way to Den Bosch. The farmer carries a knapsack and a hare on a stick over his shoulder

Farmer, on his knees, 1874-1925. Creator: Jan Veth
Farmer, on his knees, 1874-1925

Les transformations du fantassin Francais pendant la guerre, 1915. Creator: Georges Bertin Scott
Les transformations du fantassin Francais pendant la guerre, 1915. From "Collection de la Guerre IV. L'Illustration Tome CXLVIII

Les transformations du fantassin Francais pendant la guerre, 1914. Creator: Georges Bertin Scott
Les transformations du fantassin Francais pendant la guerre, 1914. From "Collection de la Guerre IV. L'Illustration Tome CXLVIII

Young Tramps, New York, 1936. Creator: Unknown
Young Tramps, New York, 1936. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S. Works Progress Administration in 1935, was designed to conserve and develop the skills of theater workers

Field Artillery, between 1910 and 1917. Creator: Harris & Ewing. Field Artillery, between 1910 and 1917
Field Artillery, between 1910 and 1917. US army personnel

U.S. Army Inspection, 1910. Creator: Harris & Ewing. U.S. Army Inspection, 1910. Creator: Harris & Ewing
U.S. Army Inspection, 1910. [Soldiers packing kit]

U.S. Army Inspection, 1910. Creator: Harris & Ewing. U.S. Army Inspection, 1910. Creator: Harris & Ewing
U.S. Army Inspection, 1910. [Soldier with gun, knapsack and water bottle]

U.S. Army Inspection, 1910. Creator: Harris & Ewing. U.S. Army Inspection, 1910. Creator: Harris & Ewing
U.S. Army Inspection, 1910. [Bugler with knapsack and water bottle]

Winding Road Beside Lake, with Large Tree and Resting Traveler in Foreground, n.d. Creator: William Marshall Craig
Winding Road Beside Lake, with Large Tree and Resting Traveler in Foreground, n.d

British soldier in uniform, 1915, WW1
A British private soldier, commonly known as a Tommy with annotations showing the tools and equipment that made up his kit when marching to the trenches during the First World War

Military trucks and army troops during the First World War Italy. Date of Photograph:1915-1918

A group of hikers in the mountains Italy. Date of Photograph:1910-1920

Postcard commemorating the 92 Infantry Regiment Brigade Basilicata Italy Print International Art of 20th Century. Date of Photograph:1900-1910. Date of Artwork:1900-1910

Postcard commemorating the 89 Infantry Regiment, Brigade Salerno Italy Print International Art of 20th Century. Date of Photograph:1900-1910. Date of Artwork:1900-1910

Postcard commemorating the 70 Infantry Regiment Brigade Ancona Italy Print International Art of 20th Century. Date of Photograph:1900-1910. Date of Artwork:1900-1910

Postcard commemorating the 54 Infantry Regiment Italy Print International Art of 20th Century. Date of Photograph:1900-1910. Date of Artwork:1900-1910

Postcard commemorating the 42 Regiment Infantry, illustration of R. Cavi Italy Print International Art of 20th Century. Date of Photograph:1900-1910. Date of Artwork:1900-1910. Artist:Cavi R

A hiker climbing the Rocca Sella in the Susa Valley, postcard Turin Susa Valley. Date of Photograph:1913

A hiker on the Uja di Mombarone Piedmont Graian Alps. Date of Photograph:08/1905

Group of packers resting on Mount Vandalini, Val Pellice Piedmont Val Pellice, Mount Vandalino. Date of Photograph:1910 ca

The French painters Gustave Boulanger and Thophile Poilpot in uniform; carte de visite France. Date of Photograph:1870

Two climbers on the top of Forcella Baranlok at 2400m, on the mountain range of Catinaccio. In the background, the Vajolet Towers tops. Trento. Date of Photograph:1928

Men in traditional dress weigh sacks of cereals, in the old market square of Sarajevo. Bosnia Herzegovina Sarajevo. Date of Photograph:1890-1910 ca

Postcard commemorating the activities of the Italian Bersaglieri during the Italian Wars of Independence Italy Print International Art of 20th Century. Date of Photograph:1900-1910

Man while hiking in the mountains Europe. Date of Photograph:1950-1960

Portrait of a mountaineer with a pick, rope and backpack on a mountainous peak covered in snow. Date of Photograph:1955 ca

Full-length portrait of a soldier in field uniform; he has a back pack, a flask and he is leaning on a rifle. Date of Photograph:1860-1870 ca

Group of goats climbing a steep stony path. In their midst is a hiker on an outing to the lake with his backpack and staff. Date of Photograph:14/08/1919

Interior of a shop specialized in camping equipment. Date of Photograph:1930-1940 ca

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In the world of adventure and exploration, the knapsack has been a faithful companion for centuries. From hiking in Adversane to climbing mountains in the Alps, this trusty bag has carried the essentials for countless journeys. In August 1938, hikers at Adversane relied on their knapsacks as they ventured through rugged terrain, embracing nature's beauty. Meanwhile, mountain climbers in the 1880s conquered towering peaks with their sturdy packs strapped to their backs. Even artists found inspiration in these bags of convenience. Salvator Rosa captured his studio nestled amidst Abruzzi's mountains on canvas, showcasing how even creative minds need a reliable knapsack to transport their tools. During WWI, British soldiers marched bravely towards the firing line with their knapsacks filled with provisions and necessities. These bags became symbols of resilience and determination during times of war. The Hiker & Camper magazine from 1931 celebrated outdoor enthusiasts who embraced a nomadic lifestyle while relying on their trusty knapsacks for survival. It was an era when people sought solace in nature and embarked on thrilling adventures. Not only did fictional characters like Dick Whittington carry knapsacks as they journeyed through life but also real-life heroes like British soldiers during WWI wore them proudly as part of their uniform. Gordon Saltar and B. Berndt crafted rolled leather knapsacks around 1937 that exuded both style and durability - perfect companions for any traveler seeking both fashion and function. The Arctic Expedition required specialized apparatuses carried within sturdy knapsacks by explorers venturing into icy unknowns. These bags held vital equipment necessary for survival against extreme conditions. From ancient myths depicted in lithographs featuring Hercules fighting Geryon to Perseus receiving gifts to defeat Medusa - even legendary figures recognized the importance of carrying essential items close at hand within a trusty pack.