Where I grew up in WA, the bogan sub-culture was thriving. Back then the term ‘bogan’ meant something a lot different to what it does today (nowadays it’s used as a derogatory term for someone from a lower socio-economic background).

Bogans wore tight black jeans (sometimes denim), black ripple-soled desert boots (DBs), drove V8 cars (Ford or Holden, sometimes a Valiant) and listened to AC/DC or other Aussie rock bands like The Angels, Cold Chisel or Rose Tattoo. They are the real bogans.

In High School, bogans had a specific type of backpack they used to carry their stuff from classroom to classroom. It was a simple canvas backpack that was available from any Army-Surplus store that came in a few colours. Black and khaki were the most popular among bogans and khaki was the clear favourite due to the fact that it could be easily personalised.

Your brand new backpack was soon adorned with your favourite band and other logos meticulously reproduced using a black Artline texta. AC/DC, Ford, Holden, Kiss, The Angels and Iron Maiden among others. Heavy metal patches and badges were also often sewn or pinned to these backpacks. You always knew which backpack was yours and it was an ongoing work of art.

If anyone still has their school backpack, take a photo and share it with us on our facebook page, we’d love to see it.