SWEDISH RUCKSACK
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Let's talk about rucks...

Going Frameless

12/10/2015

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​I have had several inquiries about how to remove the frame from the M39. I myself sport a frameless M39 for a couple reasons. 1) it folds up nicely 2) I don’t have to worry about banging the frame on things as I walk through shops 3) it is more comfortable for leisurely strolling about.  I delayed performing the conversion due to my aversion of irreparably altering such a fine piece of equipment. Eventually I devised a way that I can reattach the frame at any time and completely reverse the conversion if I wish.
 
Tools you will need:
Drill
Small punch/or nail
1/4” Metal drill bit
Pliers
A flat head screwdriver
A wooden block or other sturdy working surface
Proper Protective Gear
Conversion Kit from SwedishRucksack.com
 
Time:
About 45 minutes
 
There are 8 screws that require drilling and they can be drilled in any order. 4 that attach the Lumbar support and lower buckles and 4 that attach the back straps.
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     1. Use the punch or nail to dent the flat side of the middle rivet so that the drill bit won’t slide around           while being drilled
     2. Remember to use your hard surface to drill and be cognizant of finger placement and avoid injury
     3. Drill out the rivet using the metal 1/4” bit
     4. Once drilled thoroughly the flat part of the rivet should come apart from the rest of the rivet
     5. Use the pliers to remove the rivet and remember the rivet will likely be very hot so be careful
     6. Remove the rest of the required rivets in the same fashion
     7. Once the rivets are drilled and removed the frame should be free of any straps
With the frame removed it is now time to reassemble the frameless ruck.
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1. Attach the upper support and the upper buckles as before
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2. Attach the back strap and the buckle to the frame attachment strap using a rivet replacement
3. Repeat this process on the other side
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4. Attach the lower shoulder straps to the buckle and upper shoulder straps
5. Enjoy your frameless rucksack
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Remember that without your frame, your ruck cannot carry as much weight. Ensure you don’t overload your ruck and remember it’s a 70+ year old bag.

​Happy Rucking,
 
Jeff Reilly
    ​
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Waterproofing your Pack

10/14/2015

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I’ve been getting a lot of questions about how to waterproof your ruck. So in this post I’ve included a few ways to do so without harming your leather or canvas.
  1. You can use a turpentine-wax or oil solution. Simply rub in the oil into the canvas and cover the entire bag.
  2. You can also use a laundry detergent and alum method where you soak the ruck in a detergent-water solution then let dry and steep it in an alum-water solution then let dry.
  3. The easiest way of waterproofing the canvas is to buy seam sealer and a fabric waterproofing spray. You can use most on both leather and fabric so there's no damage to your leather strapping.
  4. Personally, I don't waterproof my ruck with a solution. I use a waterproof cover. It’s quick and easy to use and in really wet environments (like wading through a river in the Congo) I use a waterproof bag. I slip my ruck into the waterproofing bag before the move ensuring my ruck and contents stay 100% dry. The extra volume of a cover and waterproofing bag are very much worth the extra few ounces in such environments. My reasoning behind not sealing the canvas with a solution is that I like to maintain air flow through my ruck. Having a cover that I can easily remove allows me to air out my wet clothes from the inside of the pack. My change of clothes stays nice and dry inside my waterproofing bag so I don’t mix dry and wet items together.
​In the end it's up to you. If you do decide to use a water based solution remember to treat your leather first to prevent unnecessary damage.
 
Cheers and happy rucking!

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Hacking Athens

2/19/2015

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A few tips for your journey to an ancient city...

Out of the many places I have traveled, I have to say that Greece has been one of my absolute favorites. The combination of people, food and the general feeling of being in a place that has existed for millennia creates an awesome and mind-blowing experience that any traveler would be delighted to experience. If you're budget conscience but still want to experience all that Athens has to offer, then you're in for a good read. I was in and around Athens for about a week and the following are a few tips to help you on your way through the city. 

General travel - If you have a good set of legs, use them. Nothing is too far in Athens and you'll end up finding hidden gems all over the place that you'd miss otherwise. Some people I know rented scooters as a way of exploring and it only cost them 20 euro for a few hours and is another great way to explore the city.

  • From the airport, hop on the metro and get off at the station near the Acropolis building (That's where I'd recommend staying)

Accommodation - I booked my trip last minute so I had to book a hotel the first night but I'd suggest getting AirBnB. The price was right and it had everything I needed for my stay including a better view than the hotel I stayed in. Try looking for a place in Plaka or west of the Acropolis Museum along Parthenenos. Both are nice neighborhoods and close to everything.
  • Air BnB - Expect to pay around $34 (night). That was for a full apartment with roof top view of the Acropolis. 
  • Hotel - Can range substantially but I found one for $60 (night) breakfast not included.
Eating - I ate mostly at a small mom and pop place not too far from where I was staying on Parthenenos. Lunch at that restaurant down the street started at 4.00 euro. In the end, eating at small mom and pops works out to be the difference of a beer or two than if you eat at the other touristy places along the main strip in front of the Acropolis Museum. I ate there for about 12 - 20 euro or more and at the mom and pop about 9.5 with a beer. Or about 7 euro if I drank water. I got a big plate of moussaka a half a loaf of bread and a Mythos. Though if you brought your own wine I'm sure they wouldn't have any issue with you drinking it there. Here are a few prices of things from the local market just so you get a feel.
  • Canned meals (not suggested) - 6.50 each - These seemed like a good idea at the time since I was heading to Delphi but they weren't that great and not very filling. Though the cats at Delphi loved the leftovers. 
  • Mythos (Beer) - 2.00 can - FIX, Mythos and Alpha are the prominent Greek beers you'll find and are all of the same caliber. Light and refreshing and well worth the 2 euro price tag.
  • Liter of wine at the corner market- 3.80
  • Pringles - 2.50
  • Breakfast snacks - 6.00

Must see - 
  • The Acropolis - 12.00 euro or free on Sunday. (If you buy a ticket it also gets you in to see Hadrian's library, the ancient Agora, and a few other places. 
  • The Ancient Agora - Free admission with you acropolis ticket.
  • The Acropolis Museum  - Has a bunch of information about the Acropolis and is worth the 5 euro entrance fee. I suggest going to the museum first so you have a better understanding of the acropolis grounds and history before going. 
  • The Archaeology Museum - Amazing and it's only 3 euro. A bit of a walk but not far enough to rate a taxi, at least for me. There you'll see the golden mask of Agamemnon and the bronze statue of Zeus/Poseidon, two of the most iconic pieces of ancient Greek artwork in history. 
  • The Temple of Zeus - Free admission with you acropolis ticket. 

Other things to see -  
  • The Presidential Mansion and the Changing of the Guard - I saw it randomly as I was walking past the Presidential Mansion. 
  • The Hill of the Muses - AKA Philopappos Hill and Monument is dedicated to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, an ancient prince. In my opinion this is the best place to see Athens for free. It's a bit if a walk so bring water just in case. From the top of the hill you can see the Acropolis, Agora the observatory, the temple of Zeus and Olympic stadium. It wouldn't be a bad place to watch the sunset or sunrise if you're really motivated.  
  • Old Fortifications - Running North on the same ridge-line as the Philopappos Monument you'll see the ancient wall that used to protect the city and and number of interesting ruins, like an old theater and the Muse shrine. 

Watching the sunset/sunrise - Mars hill or Areopagus Hill as it's known is a bit closer and less of a hike than Philopappos Hill but still a splendid view of the city and horizon, you'll have to share the view with other tourists but there's enough space to sit comfortably on a rock without anyone stepping into your bubble. Another note on that hill, there are numerous pottery shards and pieces of marble. A little searching could yield some cool finds. 


Trip to Delphi - There are numerous bus tours advertised on the street from 81 euro and up. I saved at least 30 euro taking public transit and still had a blast. No, I didn't have a semi-personal guide to tell me the history of Delphi but in my experience those people are really hit or miss in their story-telling abilities. Instead I took the bus, read all the signs and tagged along with a group that arrived about the same time I did. That being said Delphi is definitely worth the trip. The beautiful Greek landscape and amazing cliff-side ruins were a sight to behold.  
  • Taxi to bus station - 5.84 one way. 11.68 total (cash only). There are two bus stations you'll want KTEL Station B at 260 Liossion St.
  • Bus Ticket - 30.20 (cash only) - Be sure to get to the station at least a half hour before the 6 am departure to beat the lines and ensure seat availability. Also ask for a window seat, you'll see more.
  • Museum and entrance to site - 9 euro (cash only).
  • Total for a self guided bus tour - About 51 euro + lunch and souvenirs (all in cash).

If you decide to travel to Delphi by car remember the two tolls you'll encounter on the way that total about 5 euro (10 round trip). Also when eating at Delphi, watch out for stray cats... 

Enjoy your trip and report back with comments. Thanks for reading!



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Open Forum!

3/14/2014

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Post any M39 related topics here and enlighten the M39 community across the globe!
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    The Author

    Jeff Reilly -

    Traveler, entrepreneur, philanthropist

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