Aaron
Senior Member
Rucksack and Tornister Types used:
M1895 Tornister: The catch-all name I will use for all the WW1 and interwar tornisters. These are defined by their exterior mounting points for the messkit and wooden interior frame. These come in a varitey of constructions, and were used by various paramilitary organizations throughout the war as well as the Wehrmacht.
M31 Gebirgsjager Rucksack: Specifically designed for mountain troops, this complex and heavy duty rucksack was quite large, allowing the mountain troops to carry as much equipment as possible into their combat environment. These rucksacks likely were produced beyond 1943, as many are found with RBNr's.
M34 Tornister: Introduced in 1934, this pack was the first non-specialist backpack introduced following WW1 that deviated from the traditional, bulky, wood frame design of older tornister models. It has no wooden frame, contains a messkit pouch, long shoulder straps for hooking to the ammunition pouches, and several exterior loops for 3 quick release tornister straps for carrying rolled blankets and coats. There is an additional strap on the left side of the backpack with an unknown use, but it is possibly for a strap to mount the pioneer shovel handle. No known records of how to pack the M34 tornister exist, but we can assume that it would be very similar to the earlier Model 1895 style pack that can be found in manuals. (Read from page 95 of the Reibert manual). It is worth noting that German troops were issued a wide variety of items in various quantities, and manuals do NOT take into account the plethora of private property and issued items not explicitly mentioned that troops would carry with them. Note that the often seen zeltbahn pole bag is NOT issued with this pack or any other besides the M1895, as the stakes and poles were just stored in the top of the pack with the zeltbahn rope being stored in the main pocket. In the M1895, the zeltbahn pole bag was stored via 2 leather loops for the straps to pass through. This pack was produced from 1934 until late into 1944, possibly even 1945 with no known Army Ordinance Bulletin announcing their discontinuation. This is confirmed by backpacks marked 1943 or with RBNR (Reichsbetriebsnummerung) being the most common markings on existing examples. This pack was issued to any Heer troops who were not issued y-straps (Koppeltragegestell) which makes up a significant portion of the Heer. Being produced for 10, nearly 11 years, this was likely the most prolific backpack in the German Army from the beginning of the war all the way to the end.
M35 Luftwaffe Rucksack: The Luftwaffe's proprietary rucksack, these were made in two distinct patterns, with the earlier version being quite rare. These rucksacks are easily ID'ed by their blue fabric and fixed shoulder straps, as Luftwaffe units almost never had y-straps.
M39 Tornister: Likely introduced on April 18th 1939 alongside the Y straps and Assault Pack, this model was introduced to provide a backpack that was compatible with the new y-straps and assault pack, and in its changes reflects the changes being made in the Heer regarding combat doctrine. The long shoulder straps are replaced with clips that mount to the back d-rings of the y-straps. The pack itself also has its own set of d rings for the assault pack to clip onto along with a leather strap to secure it. The messkit pouch is removed but it is not known if this is a simplification, or if the messkit was now expected to be worn outside of the tornister on the breadbag. The exterior leather loops are the same as the M34. Again, original photos exist of the M39 in use with the messkit on the breadbag, or not visible and presumably inside the backpack. Once again this is probably a unit wide basis that varied by preference. The contents of the M39 were likely exactly the same as the M34, with no known existing packing list. This pack was produced from 1934 until late into 1944 with no known Army Ordinance Bulletin announcing their discontinuation. This is confirmed by backpacks marked 1943 or with RBNR (Reichsbetriebsnummerung) being the most common markings on existing examples. This pack was issued to any Heer troops who were issued y-straps (Koppeltragegestell) regardless of whether or not they were issued an assault pack. This makes up a significant portion of the Heer. Being produced for 6, nearly 7 years, this far more prolific in the German Army than the M44 rucksack.
M39 Assault Pack: “Gepackerleichterung der Scutzenkompanien der Infanterie” or Light pack for infantry rifle companies: Introduced on April 18th 1939 alongside the Y straps and most likely the M39 Tornister, this pack was an effort to make a dedicated assault pack to replace the common WW1 method of packing the zeltbahn and messkit together using a variety of leather straps. The assault frame system was made up of 3 main components. A unique leather or webbing messkit strap different from the equipment strap with 3 loops for holding down the messkit handle, the assault frame bag, and the frame itself. The frame attaches to the y straps via 4 clips. The messkit can be fixed horizontally or vertically to the frame, but is most common horizontal. The assault pack bag was used to carry small items with no official known packing list. It is generally assumed that emergency iron rations, clothing items like socks and sweater, and sewing kits could be stored in this bag. On the top part of the bag is a pouch clearly intended for the RG34 cleaning kit, the only known item of the packing list. On the frame itself is two large leather straps meant for storing the Zeltbahn 31 and 1 Zeltleine 92 (rope), 1 Zeltstock 01 (pole), and two Zeltpflöcke 29 (stake) wrapped inside. On the outside edges of the assault pack are three metal loops intended for the three tornister straps to snap onto, which allows easy transfer of the blanket and greatcoat roll to the assault pack. When not in use the assault pack was to be worn with the leather straps synched through the top loops of the frame and attached to the M39 tornister. The reason the assault frame is empty when in transit is twofold, it prevents rainwater from soaking items that can be stored inside the protective flap of the tornister, and all the items carried in the assault pack fit into the tornister. The purpose of the assault pack was to carry only necessary items into combat under a far lighter load than the tornister, while the rest would be left with the tornister in the baggage train. The assault pack proved to be fairly expensive and complex to manufacture, and was relatively fragile and carried little. However, production would continue into 1943 but would likely end that year as there are few known examples with RB-Nr’s, with limited issue going into 1944.
M40 Artillery Rucksack: A lightweight rucksack with fixed shoulder straps and a single large pocket, this simplified rucksack was issued to the artillery troops, who needed a lightweight rucksack for their belongings. Given the nature of artillery units and their likely already plentiful baggage trains, a heavy duty rucksack or tornister was likely not required. This rucksack was likely the inspiration for the M44 assault pack.
M41 Tropical Rucksack: Often confused with the M44 rucksack, these earlier models are distinct in that they use all webbing fittings, and have a large central steel carrying loop. These were likely intended for troops in Afrika and the Mediterranean where fur and leather tornisters would not fare well, and were a larger more simplified item in comparison. They were likely the inspiration for the M44 rucksack, and saw issue everywhere German troops fought until the end of the war.
M44 Rucksack: Little is known about this rucksack, as there are no known Army Ordinance Bulletins that mention it. What little information there is can only be deduced from photographs of it in use. It is seen exclusively in 1944 and 1945 and in surrender photos especially, so we can guess that it was either meant to supplement the issue of the M34 and M39 tornister, or possibly outright replace it if the war were to continue. As the rucksack was not issued with shoulder straps, it would be unable to be issued to units without y-straps, which would mean the M34 tornister would need to continue to be issued, or a rucksack with integral shoulder straps would need to be introduced. It is most certainly a simpler design, with an interior pocket and two exterior pockets besides the main pocket, with d rings meant to clip to the y straps. The rucksack also has 4 d-rings towards the front of the pack, likely for mounting the M44 Assault Pack. It has exterior leather loops for mounting blanket straps just like other rucksacks. Existing examples are almost always undated and marked with an RBNr, which is typical for 1944-45 produced items, and most exhibit late features like recycled materials, late wire hardware, and generally poor craftsmanship. This pack would have likely carried the same items issued that have been discussed previously, with the only major change being the top of the blanket roll would simply be tucked under the main flap. The M44 rucksack is far more spacious, and with the gradual breakdown of logistics, the increased size of this pack becomes quite useful, as they are often seen packed to near bursting with extra equipment and rations far beyond what he tornisters can carry. Due to the late issuing, we will not know the full usage and planned service for this rucksack until further research is conducted.
M44 Assault Pack: Again, little is known about this assault pack, but we believe it to be supplementary to the M44 rucksack in use, with at least one known photo of them being worn as a pair. However, in most photos it is worn by itself which could have several explanations. The pack is basically a scaled down M44 rucksack, with a main interior and smaller divided pocket, however this pack has no exterior pockets or leather loops for the blanket roll. Instead, it as two leather straps on the back for strapping the zeltbahn or blanket to. Seen in wartime photos, the large top flap is often used as a way to store the blanket roll, while the leather straps carry a zeltbahn or additional blankets. Compared to the previous M39 assault pack, the M44 is both simpler in construction and far more spacious, following the trend of simplification seen with the design of the M44 rucksack. Again, with the gradual breakdown of logistics, the increased size of this pack becomes quite useful, as they are often seen packed to near bursting with extra equipment and rations. It is suspected by some that the due to shortages, both the M44 rucksack and assault pack began to be issued separately, which would be supported by images of troops usually wearing one or the other but not both, however this cannot be assumed due to most troops likely being separated from their belongings upon capture and not being able to reclaim them before entering captivity. Again, due to the late issuing, we will not know the full usage and planned service for this assault pack until further research is conducted.
Organization Todt Rucksack: Almost nothing is known of this rucksack but it is assumed that this rucksack was proprietary to the OT and based off civilian models of rucksacks already in circulation.
Kriegsmarine Rucksack: Effectively the German equivalent of the duffle bag, it shares little to no relation with any of the above packs and was intended for sailors to stow their belongings.
M1895 Tornister: The catch-all name I will use for all the WW1 and interwar tornisters. These are defined by their exterior mounting points for the messkit and wooden interior frame. These come in a varitey of constructions, and were used by various paramilitary organizations throughout the war as well as the Wehrmacht.
M31 Gebirgsjager Rucksack: Specifically designed for mountain troops, this complex and heavy duty rucksack was quite large, allowing the mountain troops to carry as much equipment as possible into their combat environment. These rucksacks likely were produced beyond 1943, as many are found with RBNr's.
M34 Tornister: Introduced in 1934, this pack was the first non-specialist backpack introduced following WW1 that deviated from the traditional, bulky, wood frame design of older tornister models. It has no wooden frame, contains a messkit pouch, long shoulder straps for hooking to the ammunition pouches, and several exterior loops for 3 quick release tornister straps for carrying rolled blankets and coats. There is an additional strap on the left side of the backpack with an unknown use, but it is possibly for a strap to mount the pioneer shovel handle. No known records of how to pack the M34 tornister exist, but we can assume that it would be very similar to the earlier Model 1895 style pack that can be found in manuals. (Read from page 95 of the Reibert manual). It is worth noting that German troops were issued a wide variety of items in various quantities, and manuals do NOT take into account the plethora of private property and issued items not explicitly mentioned that troops would carry with them. Note that the often seen zeltbahn pole bag is NOT issued with this pack or any other besides the M1895, as the stakes and poles were just stored in the top of the pack with the zeltbahn rope being stored in the main pocket. In the M1895, the zeltbahn pole bag was stored via 2 leather loops for the straps to pass through. This pack was produced from 1934 until late into 1944, possibly even 1945 with no known Army Ordinance Bulletin announcing their discontinuation. This is confirmed by backpacks marked 1943 or with RBNR (Reichsbetriebsnummerung) being the most common markings on existing examples. This pack was issued to any Heer troops who were not issued y-straps (Koppeltragegestell) which makes up a significant portion of the Heer. Being produced for 10, nearly 11 years, this was likely the most prolific backpack in the German Army from the beginning of the war all the way to the end.
M35 Luftwaffe Rucksack: The Luftwaffe's proprietary rucksack, these were made in two distinct patterns, with the earlier version being quite rare. These rucksacks are easily ID'ed by their blue fabric and fixed shoulder straps, as Luftwaffe units almost never had y-straps.
M39 Tornister: Likely introduced on April 18th 1939 alongside the Y straps and Assault Pack, this model was introduced to provide a backpack that was compatible with the new y-straps and assault pack, and in its changes reflects the changes being made in the Heer regarding combat doctrine. The long shoulder straps are replaced with clips that mount to the back d-rings of the y-straps. The pack itself also has its own set of d rings for the assault pack to clip onto along with a leather strap to secure it. The messkit pouch is removed but it is not known if this is a simplification, or if the messkit was now expected to be worn outside of the tornister on the breadbag. The exterior leather loops are the same as the M34. Again, original photos exist of the M39 in use with the messkit on the breadbag, or not visible and presumably inside the backpack. Once again this is probably a unit wide basis that varied by preference. The contents of the M39 were likely exactly the same as the M34, with no known existing packing list. This pack was produced from 1934 until late into 1944 with no known Army Ordinance Bulletin announcing their discontinuation. This is confirmed by backpacks marked 1943 or with RBNR (Reichsbetriebsnummerung) being the most common markings on existing examples. This pack was issued to any Heer troops who were issued y-straps (Koppeltragegestell) regardless of whether or not they were issued an assault pack. This makes up a significant portion of the Heer. Being produced for 6, nearly 7 years, this far more prolific in the German Army than the M44 rucksack.
M39 Assault Pack: “Gepackerleichterung der Scutzenkompanien der Infanterie” or Light pack for infantry rifle companies: Introduced on April 18th 1939 alongside the Y straps and most likely the M39 Tornister, this pack was an effort to make a dedicated assault pack to replace the common WW1 method of packing the zeltbahn and messkit together using a variety of leather straps. The assault frame system was made up of 3 main components. A unique leather or webbing messkit strap different from the equipment strap with 3 loops for holding down the messkit handle, the assault frame bag, and the frame itself. The frame attaches to the y straps via 4 clips. The messkit can be fixed horizontally or vertically to the frame, but is most common horizontal. The assault pack bag was used to carry small items with no official known packing list. It is generally assumed that emergency iron rations, clothing items like socks and sweater, and sewing kits could be stored in this bag. On the top part of the bag is a pouch clearly intended for the RG34 cleaning kit, the only known item of the packing list. On the frame itself is two large leather straps meant for storing the Zeltbahn 31 and 1 Zeltleine 92 (rope), 1 Zeltstock 01 (pole), and two Zeltpflöcke 29 (stake) wrapped inside. On the outside edges of the assault pack are three metal loops intended for the three tornister straps to snap onto, which allows easy transfer of the blanket and greatcoat roll to the assault pack. When not in use the assault pack was to be worn with the leather straps synched through the top loops of the frame and attached to the M39 tornister. The reason the assault frame is empty when in transit is twofold, it prevents rainwater from soaking items that can be stored inside the protective flap of the tornister, and all the items carried in the assault pack fit into the tornister. The purpose of the assault pack was to carry only necessary items into combat under a far lighter load than the tornister, while the rest would be left with the tornister in the baggage train. The assault pack proved to be fairly expensive and complex to manufacture, and was relatively fragile and carried little. However, production would continue into 1943 but would likely end that year as there are few known examples with RB-Nr’s, with limited issue going into 1944.
M40 Artillery Rucksack: A lightweight rucksack with fixed shoulder straps and a single large pocket, this simplified rucksack was issued to the artillery troops, who needed a lightweight rucksack for their belongings. Given the nature of artillery units and their likely already plentiful baggage trains, a heavy duty rucksack or tornister was likely not required. This rucksack was likely the inspiration for the M44 assault pack.
M41 Tropical Rucksack: Often confused with the M44 rucksack, these earlier models are distinct in that they use all webbing fittings, and have a large central steel carrying loop. These were likely intended for troops in Afrika and the Mediterranean where fur and leather tornisters would not fare well, and were a larger more simplified item in comparison. They were likely the inspiration for the M44 rucksack, and saw issue everywhere German troops fought until the end of the war.
M44 Rucksack: Little is known about this rucksack, as there are no known Army Ordinance Bulletins that mention it. What little information there is can only be deduced from photographs of it in use. It is seen exclusively in 1944 and 1945 and in surrender photos especially, so we can guess that it was either meant to supplement the issue of the M34 and M39 tornister, or possibly outright replace it if the war were to continue. As the rucksack was not issued with shoulder straps, it would be unable to be issued to units without y-straps, which would mean the M34 tornister would need to continue to be issued, or a rucksack with integral shoulder straps would need to be introduced. It is most certainly a simpler design, with an interior pocket and two exterior pockets besides the main pocket, with d rings meant to clip to the y straps. The rucksack also has 4 d-rings towards the front of the pack, likely for mounting the M44 Assault Pack. It has exterior leather loops for mounting blanket straps just like other rucksacks. Existing examples are almost always undated and marked with an RBNr, which is typical for 1944-45 produced items, and most exhibit late features like recycled materials, late wire hardware, and generally poor craftsmanship. This pack would have likely carried the same items issued that have been discussed previously, with the only major change being the top of the blanket roll would simply be tucked under the main flap. The M44 rucksack is far more spacious, and with the gradual breakdown of logistics, the increased size of this pack becomes quite useful, as they are often seen packed to near bursting with extra equipment and rations far beyond what he tornisters can carry. Due to the late issuing, we will not know the full usage and planned service for this rucksack until further research is conducted.
M44 Assault Pack: Again, little is known about this assault pack, but we believe it to be supplementary to the M44 rucksack in use, with at least one known photo of them being worn as a pair. However, in most photos it is worn by itself which could have several explanations. The pack is basically a scaled down M44 rucksack, with a main interior and smaller divided pocket, however this pack has no exterior pockets or leather loops for the blanket roll. Instead, it as two leather straps on the back for strapping the zeltbahn or blanket to. Seen in wartime photos, the large top flap is often used as a way to store the blanket roll, while the leather straps carry a zeltbahn or additional blankets. Compared to the previous M39 assault pack, the M44 is both simpler in construction and far more spacious, following the trend of simplification seen with the design of the M44 rucksack. Again, with the gradual breakdown of logistics, the increased size of this pack becomes quite useful, as they are often seen packed to near bursting with extra equipment and rations. It is suspected by some that the due to shortages, both the M44 rucksack and assault pack began to be issued separately, which would be supported by images of troops usually wearing one or the other but not both, however this cannot be assumed due to most troops likely being separated from their belongings upon capture and not being able to reclaim them before entering captivity. Again, due to the late issuing, we will not know the full usage and planned service for this assault pack until further research is conducted.
Organization Todt Rucksack: Almost nothing is known of this rucksack but it is assumed that this rucksack was proprietary to the OT and based off civilian models of rucksacks already in circulation.
Kriegsmarine Rucksack: Effectively the German equivalent of the duffle bag, it shares little to no relation with any of the above packs and was intended for sailors to stow their belongings.
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