Grade 1 was near mint. Only way i could tell it was used was from a ranking list inside. This is an awsome pack! Took off the bag and had my girl sit on it and busted out some squats. Pack held up and wasnt uncomfortable. This thing will outlast any modern pack with the standard maintenance of the leather. All leather straps, sternum and load lifters! The only reason all bags arnt like this today is because of planed obsolescence. (Hard period)

Great quirky rucksack. I detached it from the frame and use it to hold my base camp kit. It can't hold everything that I bring for base camp, but it holds most of it, sans the netting and tarps. I then attached a FILBE rucksack, replaced the hip belt with a FILBE hip belt, and added shoulder pads for a little extra comfort, and this thing is comfortable. I do regret not using hip belt that can be tucked inside itself, so that it can be comfortably used by shoulder straps alone... but at the same time... I doubt I'll ever need to use it in such a way, as it doesn't have any quick releases. I have yet to take it out into the bush, but I've taken it for a few klicks through deep sand and I was surprised by how much I like the leather harness and chest strap. The harness feels like something you would use on a horse, and using it to carry 40% your body weight for a couple miles really makes you feel beastly, although it's more akin to a beast of burden. The two leather straps that are used as back rests are also fairly comfortable when properly adjusted. I bought the grade 2, and honestly, it didn't need any repairs. Mine came with 2 leather compression straps and 4 leather utility straps, and only one of the leather compression straps looked like it was heavily used, as it was stretched from usage over time. The compression straps are 2 peices, with each piece being attached to the frame via staples. I've been debating removing them... as I hate excessive strap dangling... but we will see. Also, after removing the vinyl rucksack and hip belt, I found there were 2 buckles that are also mounted to the frame via staples, which is my only real gripe, that tools are required to properly replace the straps. Even the harness is stapled to itself. The frame is larger than an Alice pack frame, which is exactly what I wanted. I wanted something that would let me carry a full 5 days worth of gear and water. And this frame is a great base for building a unique and individualized pack. Overall, this is a great investment for those who like rising to the challenge, as opposed to those who prefer decreasing the challenge.

If I could give this 6 stars out of five, I would. Very impressed by the condition, the only damage was dust and rust from 30-40 years of storage, otherwise MINT- So, SO pleased with this purchase. I have the "famous" LK 70 but it is shitty in the rain, so I will use this MONSTER to lug supplies to my cabin in wet weather. Perhaps the biggest ruck I own - well over 70l, maybe over 100. Very glad to own it.