Inquiry on kit item - pack board?

[southsaskscotty]

Hey guys, not a rifle question but a milsurp one none the less.

I picked up this 'pack board' (?) a while ago; marked with wartime makers mark and C broad arrow. I can not find much reference on these and have not seen another one in my travels. It is canvas streached over wooden frame and laced at back. Are they rare? Who used these? Thanks!

faint makers mark (date 1944 mfg. Canada)

Faint 'C broad arrow' mark

 

[MAC10]

Pack board

That looks like a Trapper Nelson pack board. They were a civilian item, adopted by the Canadian Army in WW2. Civilian models came in three sizes, complete with canvas pack bags that hooked on the three a side eye bolts. They were often called an Indian Pack Board. They were made in Canada , in Vancouver by Jones Bros. Canvas and awning. I think there were US manufacturers making the same thing.Lots of their stuff was used by the PCMR, like their Bone Dry brand of canvas clothing, including their famous hats, which were the thing among loggers.

I own two, one of which is still usable. In the 1970's I used one on the West Coast Trail, before it was a park. You should have seen the nylon clad vegetarian granola eating hippies response to me and my buddies hiking with trapper nelsons, cork boots and axes...

These packs were the best thing available, although they are torture compared to a modern pack suspension.

 

[55recce]

Haven't seen a Canadian one before. Bought a nice U.S. one at the local thrift store for $1 and a brit one (aluminum frame) for $2.50

 

[H4831]

Trapper Nelson Boards

Mac10, You brought back some memories, as well as excellent information on the Trapper Nelson boards. I didn't know they made three sizes, I have just seen the #2s and #3s. I have a size three that I've had for a long time, then I got the one in the picture at a garage sale. It has no size marked on it, but is about like a #2. It is also the first I had seen with the "Indian" designation. It looks like it is an older model, I would think pre WW2.
I had just about forgot about the old bone dry hats. I have often scoured old stores, and such, long after they quit making them, just hoping to find one. Not only did they keep you dry and your head well ventilated, but we would also use them to drink out of! Much easier to just fill your hat with water from the creek, than it was to lay flat and drink from the creek. you just held it so the water squiting from the vent holes missed you.

 

[Flying Beaver]

Hey guys, not a rifle question but a milsurp one none the less.

I picked up this 'pack board' (?) a while ago; marked with wartime makers mark and C broad arrow. I can not find much reference on these and have not seen another one in my travels. It is canvas streached over wooden frame and laced at back. Are they rare? Who used these? Thanks!

It's a Trapper Nelson pack board, manufactured (and patented) by Jones Tent and Awning of Vancouver, B.C. They also used the trademark "Pioneer Brand" for many of their products.

My dad was in charge of all sales of Jones products in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba from the early 60's to the mid 80's and we had a great many of these pass through the house, in various sizes.

There were pack bags that attached to either side of the board using steel rods that threaded through the eyelets you see. Oval-shaped metal grommets on the bag fit over the eyes, then you slipped a rod in each side and away you went. For awkward items (an outboard motor comes to mind) you could strap it directly to the board. There was also provision for using a Tumpline - a strap across your forehead - to take some of the weight. This was very useful, especially scrambling upwards when you wanted free hands.

They were one of the most useful pieces of kit ever invented, and now long out of production.

 

[bdtyre]

I seem to recall my wife's grandfather saying they all tossed whatever garbage they were issued and started using pack boards. Not sure when these were introduced as issued items.