Brown Best were nineteenth century luggage manufacturers and at some point they branched out into rucksack manufacture, their skill base in stitching and working with canvas and leather, reaping rich rewards, and a big ‘coup’ came when they were invited to supply the 1953 Everest Expedition. In the 1950s they developed the traditional steel framed, cotton duck pack ‘The Senior’ aimed specifically for the Scout and Youth organisations. Initially very successful, the days of ‘A’ frame sacks were numbered, with companies like Karrimor taking over the market with new designs, textiles and manufacturing techniques.

We are not sure where this one came from. The Black’s Greenock’ logo indicates they were the retailer, though who bought it and subsequently donated it to the collection, we are not sure. It’s a nice little milestone in rucksack history whatever.