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Post by magnocain on Feb 17, 2020 19:34:46 GMT -8
Hello!
I am a newcomer to this forum and was hoping that you good people could help me with identifying a brand of backpack. My google-fu turned up nothing.
I got this backpack a while ago at a thrift store for under $10. They had just put it out, and someone tried to get it from me before I bought it. As you can (hopefully) see in the pictures, the plastic parts near the top of the straps have degraded with age. I am hoping that y'all can recognize the logo, as I can't find any other identifying marks besides "MADE IN USA". I don't know if these plastic parts are common and easily replaceable, or if only the original company would have replacements. Fortunately, I am within driving range of Auburn, CA, and so if the company still exists with a store, I could physically pick it up.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
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Post by bradmacmt on Feb 17, 2020 19:57:48 GMT -8
I’d say 1980’s... looks “cottage built.” I’m pretty familiar with most things “backpack” going a long way back, but that one isn’t anything I’ve ever heard of. The torso adjustment looks a lot like a late 80’s Lowe Alpine.
I doubt it was anything available much beyond Auburn, CA... I’d join a Facebook backpacking/hiking group from that area of CA and inquire with pics there.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Feb 17, 2020 20:41:08 GMT -8
It will probably cost more to fix than finding another thrift store bargain in better shape.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Feb 18, 2020 3:38:44 GMT -8
You might have to get really creative to fix that. Like others, I’d peg it as from the 80s, and the odds of actual replacement parts existing seem low. But if you study out how that torso adjustment works, you might be able to invent something. Or, as BigLoad says, just go back to hunting the thrift stores for one that’s in better shape.
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Post by bradmacmt on Feb 18, 2020 5:31:18 GMT -8
I'd agree, your odds of finding the original maker are about zero. Were it me, I'd find a seamstress to change the shoulder strap adjustment to a web "ladder" system, commonly found on packs a bit older than that one.
Regardless, this will have to be something you "want" to do... there's not going to be any economic upside to reworking this pack. Sort of like buying and rehabbing the proverbial "money pit"... it's a labor of love, not an astute investment.
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Post by johntpenca on Feb 18, 2020 6:36:42 GMT -8
The adjustable suspension looks kinda familiar, but can't put my finger on it. It is highly likely the manufacturer is no longer in business. Agree with bradmacmt 's comments. Unless you have a sentimental attachment to it, it is not worth trying to fix. Edit: Who knows, it might have collector value if you can track down who made it. I'd start with the logo. EME? I've spent some time googling EME Auburn, CA and can't find anything. E = ? M= Mountain? E = Equipment? You might consider posting this on Summitpost and Mountain Project. If you want, I'll do it for you. |
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desert dweller
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Post by desert dweller on Feb 18, 2020 12:03:49 GMT -8
I tried a Google image search. A few things came close to the logo. But, nothing definitive.
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Post by johntpenca on Feb 18, 2020 12:13:02 GMT -8
I tried a Google image search. A few things came close to the logo. But, nothing definitive. The OP got my curiosity up and I've spent some time trying to find an answer; nothing... |
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 18, 2020 18:22:37 GMT -8
On unique things like that often the best bet got spare parts are other ones you can cannibalize. EBay could be a source.
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Post by magnocain on Feb 18, 2020 22:18:04 GMT -8
The adjustable suspension looks kinda familiar, but can't put my finger on it. It is highly likely the manufacturer is no longer in business. Agree with bradmacmt 's comments. Unless you have a sentimental attachment to it, it is not worth trying to fix. Edit: Who knows, it might have collector value if you can track down who made it. I'd start with the logo. EME? I've spent some time googling EME Auburn, CA and can't find anything. E = ? M= Mountain? E = Equipment? You might consider posting this on Summitpost and Mountain Project. If you want, I'll do it for you. I was really hoping that someone would post something like "that a #7 connector, you can find a new one at your local REI". But it is looking like it won't be economical to fix it up. I don't have sentimental attachment to it. I'll probably take out a slightly smaller, but much better condition hiking backpack from a (different) yard sale.
I'll try those other websites in the next few days. I'm pleasantly surprised that this pique your collective interest! Thanks!
Oh, and if it helps, this backpack does have an internal frame.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 18, 2020 22:33:59 GMT -8
Yeah that (internal frame) started to be a thing in the 70’s. Backpacking was so big then that there were tons of startups.
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Feb 19, 2020 8:17:47 GMT -8
Looks like an early model Lowe Contour III knock-off circa mid 1980's.
Not worth repairing.
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almostthere
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Post by almostthere on Feb 19, 2020 8:38:15 GMT -8
I've seen that brand before on a pack. I would call a gear store in Auburn, if there are any left that aren't big chain stores, or possibly dial up the Chamber of Commerce and see if someone recognizes it.
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Post by johntpenca on Feb 19, 2020 10:17:33 GMT -8
Looks like an early model Lowe Contour III Yeah, it does look a bit like the early Lowe adjustable suspension except as I remember theirs was a little more complex. I'm pleasantly surprised that this pique your collective interest! Those of us that have been doing this since the 70's/80's are intrigued when we see a piece of gear we haven't seen before. |
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Post by Lamebeaver on Feb 19, 2020 11:57:36 GMT -8
I would think you could replace the broken plastic slider with a piece of 1/8" aluminum stock, which you could find at your local hardware store. Drill a hole through the two straps and bolt them to the aluminum piece and you're back in business...until something else breaks.
Yes, you could probably get a part time job working at a gas station and buy a new pack for the time involved after it's all said and done....but what fun is that?
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