A rucksack fit for a railway enthusiast

 

My rucksack has been falling apart. Properly giving up the ghost, with the main zip chewing the material around it, and then losing a grip on the body of the bag. And that's on top of the mesh bottle holders becoming saggy and useless years ago. 

Finding a replacement has been time-consuming and tricky. For a start, it needs to be a reasonable capacity. Not 20 litres, as seems very common with online offerings, or large enough to carry a bus. The old Timberland one is 35 litres, and I often fill it up at shows. Nothing less will do. 

It's also the rucksack I use for work, so nothing outward bound please. And no camoflauge. I hate people who aren't in the forces, but dress in camo to make themselve feel "hard". 

So, sensible colour. Sensible size. Space for camera gear, or Japanese robot kits. 

I looked in every sort of shop that sold rucksacks, and found they were too small, too large, or looked like they would be at home on Snowdon. Online, there were lots of poncy versions, all too small. Timberland only make child sizes too. Pity as their rucksack had given me excellent service, so I'd have bought another happily. 

By chance, I was meeting a friend outside Sports Direct last weekend. A text saying they were delayed saw me wander in out of curiosity, and there it was. A Karrimor 40 litre bag. In sensibl grey. OK< a little bigger than ideal, but as I have to carry some medicinal stuff all the time now, I don't worry about that. 

So, happy Phil. 

The problem is, what do I do with the old rucksack? This thing has been around the world with me. It deserves more than ending up in landfill. A Viking funeral is called for, or perhaps conversion into a time capsule in some way. Still pondering this, suggestions welcomed...