>>1830518Father been in the alpini, and I own that bag.
The chain is to avoid having your shit stolen by other soldiers (friends or foes). Criss cross it through the holes on the border and those on the cover. Apply a lock if you want to be historically accurate, substitute it with paracord, or just do without (you can sew off the rectangular cover, or sew on a water protected pocket for maps and documents (like in ALICE packs). If you remove the cover you can use it to make a central external additional pocket to store an axe or knoife.
It's pretty uncomfortable but I think it can be modded easily with an internal frame of pvc tubes. I store my camping grill and a folded camping mat on the side close to my back to give it a bit more shape, you can avoid having it flop around so much by packing it well and using some quick release straps.
The bottom latches for the shoulder straps suck, but look cool and can be used for hanging the bag to ropes, bags, ziplines.
Instead of oilcloth you can just use a waterproofing spray, so that your bag doesn't gain 2 extra kg.
>>1830506Look up Italian or German zeltbahns, substitute the retarded heavy sticks with a collapsible metal/pvc pipe. Instead of the bakelite stakes I suggest using wood or old tent pegs.
