The Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection
571.2008.1
Whillan's Alpiniste Rucksack
01/12/2008
Hermione Cooper
01/12/2008
Canvas rucksack with leather base. Drawstring top with rope missing, leather straps, metal buckles. Zipped pocket in hood which has blue lining. Loop for carrying ice axe.
leather, metal, canvas
62(l) x 40(w) x 12.5(d) cms
1
brown, black, blue
Karrimor
England
Collaboration between legendary British mountaineer, Don Whillans and the equally famous, British rucksack manufacturer, Karrimor, led to the creation of the Alpiniste, a mini rucksack legend itself in the 1960’s/70’s.
The many features of the sack are highlighted in the Karrimor advert opposite and it’s interesting to note that Don says;
“ I have quality as my first aim, cost always being a secondary consideration”
What he meant of course was that the Alpiniste was quite expensive..one would have cost you £9.25 in 1970.
Fashion ruled though because they looked good, were functional, hard wearing,stylish and somewhat of a cult sack in the good old days.
They were also an identification feature in the Alps with a message to the continentals “ Watch out ! The Brits are coming through!”
01/12/2008
28/04/2009
Bohuntin
Bohuntin
Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007
28/04/2009