Millet rucksacks were widely regarded as the best in the world back in the 1970s, but it was near impossible to sell them in the UK. One reason being that Milletts was a UK company that sold lots of ex-army gear and was considered by some (we would never say it) to be downmarket. Unfortunately, the retailer struggled to educate the outdoor public as to which was which and SACS MILLET were never that popular in the UK despite being one of the world’s most popular rucksacks, the continentals being the main buyers.

The one we have here in the collection dates from 1970 and is one of the Sherpa range which were developed with the help of French Alpiniste Rene Desmaison. A new one would have cost you £4.50 in 1971. We are not sure who donated this one to our collection, but it’s in very good condition.

Here’s what Millet had to say about it:

“A lightweight day climbing sac with axe and crampon fittings. Sac handling loop, padded shoulder straps. Zipped pocket under lid. Blue cotton duck cloth.”