A Haversack or Not A Haversack...

A Haversack by today's standards is not necessarily a Haversack. Possibly today's Haversack is a Ditty or even a Possible's bag. The different styles and origins of today's Haversack have a long history of evolution. Used by adventures and even branches of the military worldwide. Regardless of the label to this day a smaller "sack" we may use for one or two or more days that carries the basic essentials for light adventures or camping may be called a day bag, ditty bag, possible bag, or even a Haversack.

Origins-

The word haversack is an adaptation of the German Hafersack and also the Dutch haverzak meaning "oat sack", (which more properly describes a small cloth bag on a strap worn over one shoulder and originally referred to the bag of oats carried as horse fodder). The term was adopted by both the English and French (as havresac) cavalry in the 17th century. The word haver likewise means "oats" in Northern English and Scottish dialects.

The haversack, especially when used in the military, was generally square and about 12 inches (30 cm) per side with a button-down flap to close it. When empty, the bag could be folded in three and an extra button on the back of the bag would allow it to be refixed in this position. For the military, this made it neat and, when held to the side in its folded form by the soldier's belt, it became part of the uniform of many regiments in the British army. Haversacks were widely adopted by militaries on the march the world over. Usually around 12×12 inches in size, and made from linen or canvas, the bags were slung over the right shoulder (a canteen was slung over the left). They were waterproofed with paint and held a soldier’s food and mess utensils, as well as his personal belongings. US infantrymen of the 1800s would typically be carrying about 3 days of rations consisting of hardtack, bacon or salt pork, and coffee. Though the meat was often wrapped in a cotton cloth, having grease leak out and stain and saturate the haversack was a common problem. Another issue was the fact that the paint used to waterproof the bags often flaked off and got on the food.

The Ditty Bag- The original ditty bags were issued to navy sailors beginning approximately in the early 18th century. Sailors were issued a large canvas sea bag in which to store their spare clothes. Within this sack was placed a smaller pouch which contained a sewing kit, as well as letters from home and souvenirs from their travels. Early seamen were expected to make their own clothes, and thus, as the author of 1884’s Sailor’s Life reports, they knew “how to cut out clothing with as much ease, and producing as correct a fit, as the best tailor.” The origins of the name “ditty” are obscure; it may possibly be traced to a cotton cloth known as ditti; a fabric called dutty which was used to make sails; a take on kitty-bag, itself derived from “kit bag”; or a riff on “ditto” — in reference to the fact the bag contained a spare set of clothes.

The Possibles Bag- In the 18th and 19th centuries, mountain men, minutemen, frontiersmen, and black powder hunters of all kinds would usually be found with two bags slung across their shoulders: their powder horn and their “possibles bag.” It was so-named either because it contained everything you might possibly need for the day, or because you could possibly find most anything packed in the bag. As with the ditty bag, the contents of a man’s possibles bag varied by taste and necessity. Most typically, the frontiersman’s possibles bag was stocked with all kinds of essentials for fighting, hunting, and venturing through the great outdoors: pipe and tobacco , tin cup, flints, jerky and other edibles, nipple wrenches and picks (tools for one’s muzzleloader), etc. Within the possibles bag might also be a “strike-a-light” pouch, which held a fire striker and tinder. The bags were made of animal skin, and either slung over the shoulder or attached to a belt.

My Choice in Haversack- I would not call my choice of day pack a Haversack. I would call it a "Possible's Bag". It holds for myself a "Possibile" three (3) day adventure. I can pack my Skivvy roll's, water purification, and minimal nutritional needs; along with various tools and numerous fire start methods. I could add a tarp or carry a bed roll if I deemed it necessary. I am in no way saying that a Haversack or other types of "Sacks / Packs" will replace a Bug Out Bag. A Bug Out Bag serves a different purpose and carries many different items and is usually used in a disaster situation; however a Haversack could be a welcomed addition to one's Bug Out Bag.

In Closing- I just wanted to clarify and provide some understanding and history. I have added the link to the last Haversack picture (as it is labeled) below.

You will need to go to amazon.com and enter HELIKON-TEX-Bushcraft-Satchel-Olive-Green by copy and pasting.

Until next time- "STRUGGLE TO MAKE PUDDING"