swiss army backpack salt and pepper small vs. big

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As promised I took some images of the smaller or lighter Swiss army salt and pepper backpack from 1963 made by A. Mosimann. As you can see it lacks the stronger and reinforced carrying system and the closing flap with the leather buckles. This makes it about 2 kg lighter and a lot slimmer when not filled. The materials have the same strength and the reinforcements of the stitches are pretty much the same. Absolute superb craftsmanship I have to say, not one single weakness I could find on the construction of the backpack. All buckles or leather parts have got reinforcements on the other side of the canvas. The canvas itself is very strong but does not tend to break. I guess if you treat it with some wax it will be waterproof like a barbour jacket.

Speaking of the comfort I have to admit the bigger and heavier rucksack feels a bit more comfortable esp. when you plan to carry a lot of weight. But at the same also quite heavy and bulky even when empty. The closing method of the lighter one is quite strange at the beginning but quick to access and if you fold it it should be keep most rain away. So I would say a quite clever design. So if you need a stylish vintage backpack with rugged leather I would say there is no better one on this planet for around 30 Euro / 40 USD. Grab one as long as they are available.

For an earlier review of the bigger and heavier backpack have a look here:

Swiss Army backpack from 1973 – salt and pepper camoflage

18 thoughts on “swiss army backpack salt and pepper small vs. big”

  1. Basecamp Vintage

    What a great alternative for lighter duty use. I don’t usually care to modify perfectly good equipment, but It it wouldn’t take much to make that pack a roll top closure if one wanted. Great item, Thanks for posting.

    Reply ↓

  2. Pingback: Swiss army backpack – salt and pepper – how to close it! | be-cause – style, travel, collecting and food blog

  3. Pingback: Swiss Army backpack from 1973 – salt and pepper | be-cause – style, travel, collecting and food blog

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    1. Alex Post author

      Hello Nas, I do not know where you have been searching but try Ebay.de or Ebay.ch for results for “salz und pfeffer” or “schweizer armee rucksack” you should get some results and some of them are shipping overseas as well. If you want to cut down the shipping expenses take two and sell them in your home country – as you see they are very popular and getting rare. so hurry to get a swiss army salt and pepper rucksack soon.

      Reply ↓
  6. Richard Dalton

    I found the smaller bag in a thrift store in Chicago for ten bucks. How much did you pay for it??

    Reply ↓
    1. Alex Post author

      sounds a lot but around 100 Euros it´s quite normal but once the deadstocks are empty they will for sure get rare and no longer will ever be a backpack to the price (still 100 Euros is a bargain) be produced. grab one if you can!

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  13. Kenny

    Hi Alex,

    I just bought a lighter version salt and pepper backpack on eBay, and am loving it! Though, I’d like to get it clean since it does have some smell. Have you ever cleaned the salt and pepper backpacks? I don’t know what to use to clean it especially the leather part. I guess I can use regular laundry detergent for the canvas part, but I could be totally wrong.

    By the way, I love your leather works! I’m looking for a new wallet. Do you make men’s wallets as well? I see your tote bags and the flask wrap/cover, but no wallets so far.

    Thank you!

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