BW mountain troops rucksack, surplus

Let's just go ahead and say that this is the best surplus rucksack there is. Very simple, rugged, just the right size for general use, and if it breaks, we'll give you a refund.

Yes, that's right, if it breaks, we'll give you a gift card for the value - we used to send a replacement rucksack, but as these are now unobtanium items, that's not an option. No worries, since this is a showpiece of German quality, it just won't break. We've been selling tens of thousands of these since 2003, and there hasn't been a need to send many replacements.

Originally issued to mountain troops, this has been a standard-issue day pack for all branches after the infantry finally stopped using its WW1 heritage hook-to-the-combat-webbing monstrosity.

Basically this is a normal-sized backpack, with two side compartments and a load of loops for securing additional gear to it. The genius of it all lies (again) in German engineering - although this pack does not have a frame, the Bundeswehr issue folding sleeping mat slips into a separate pouch and keeps the pack rigid and makes it really comfortable to carry. This also eliminates the need to carry a traditional roll-mat outside the pack, essentially allowing more stuff to be strapped on if needed.

All buckles are freely adjustable. They are made from a very tenacious polymer that bends but doesn't break and withstands winter conditions as well. The side pouches are sewn on only from the sides, so carrying skis, an ax or a pick is not a problem either. The shoulder straps are padded and can be quickly tightened by pulling the loose ends. Newer buckles are designed so that you can fold them over the straps for quick length adjustment.

Material and measurements

The materials vary depending on the year of manufacture, and we get them unseparated. The older ones are matte cotton duck and a modernized one will have durable Cordura-like nylon. Both are bombproof and functionally the same (there's maybe a 100 g weight difference in favor of the new one), so these are not sorted.

Volume 33 litres (2014 cubic inches), extreme measurements 48 x 45 x 23 cm (19" x 17.5" x 9"), width without side pockets 30 cm (12"). It's sized as a day pack.

Condition

These are used Bundeswehr surplus, and the use might show. THIS IS A GOOD THING since there are loads of Chinese knock-offs around too. Even if you get a ruck that clearly has seen some action, it's made in Germany and will probably outlast you.