Majority of the knapsacks then in use were carry over from the 1850 era patterns and styles. These we commonly refer to as the "Hardpack" style and also sometimes called the Militia knapsack. A boxy looking item constructed of painted canvas, leather, or in combination. These had an internal wooden frame which helped retain the shape. The blanket roll was normally attached to the top of the knapsack using three leather straps. These were commonly found in the ranks of both sides. Many variations exist due to the wide range of makers and contractors providing/selling them. Some of the southern forces were also making use a knapsacks based on a Mexican War era pattern that we sometimes refer to as the "single bag". Also of painted canvas but had a single large cavity with a short flap closure secured by two leather buckled straps. The prime visual charactoristic of this knapsack is that the carry straps on the back part of the knapsack cris-cross, and it didnt have an internal frame. There were also a fair number of european made knapsacks of both English and French patterns being used.

Frederick