Unknown backpack bag- UK, Canada, purpose?

[ILH]

This bag came from the Didcot (supply) Depot Pattern Room (Oxfordshire, UK) when it closed some years ago and has just landed in my grubby mitts.

Dimensions are 35cm wide X 40cm high, brass-eyed drawstring opening at top. leather buckles. Patent leather trim on flaps. made from heavy rubberised canvas with lightweight canvas carrying straps.

To me, this seems a most impractical backpack.... it might be a map/ document bag- nothing else comes to mind..... and it means nothing else can be carried on your back

The donator has a hunch it's Canadian, but beyond that we know nothing..... any ideas Gents?

thanks, jim.

[SatansCabanaBoy]

Looks like something from the 60's ..map case holder?

not something that I have seen before...but that's not saying much.

[ILH]

Just found out... I think?

ww2 ATS rucksack.

(according to a seller on 'that site'- not the best source...!)

[panzerjaeger44]

could be a motorcycle despatch bag too just a guess

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Jim, it is not an ATS rucksack, as these have two lower pockets.

Cheers, Ade.

[Patgore]

Boy Scouts...knocked up by Mum?

[Roger M]

I have picked up one of these style backpacks, this one is in the earlier un-rubberised tan canvas and has a date of 1943 with an arrow, unfortunately I cannot make out the manufacturer.

The rest of the spec is as above with leather straps and plated steel buckles, brass eyelets and leatherette hem.

Has any information come to light about these yet ?

[ILH]

Not yet roger, but it is good to see another example. Thanks!
Yours appears to be more belowsy than mine, and without the C around the arrow I geuss that knocks the Canadian theory out.

[Roger M]

Does yours have a canvas strip , 4" at its widest, at the bottom to give it some shape or is yours more of an envelope ?

Mine is probably a bit saggier because of the lack of rubber.

[ILH]

Purely an envelope, also the front pocket is flat.