A small, brown canvas or linen backpack from Czechoslovakia. These are probably made in the earlier part of the Cold War, copied almost directly from the German World War 2 era rucksack. Actually a pretty nice piece, especially considering the price! The Y-straps are not included!

Czechoslovakia kept the old tradition of copying western (especially German) stuff alive even under red pressure. The overall design looks very familiar to anyone who knows their Wehrmacht kit, most obviously the attachment system is reversed: rings on the backpack, hooks on the Y-harness. The harness is sold separately, some might not need them or need only them.

Features

Volume maybe 20 litres / 1200 in³, with two smaller outer pockets. No frame on this, but you can slide in a piece of a foam mat in the internal pocket for support.

The included Y-harness is designed to keep your belt kit up, but this feature is redundant for most users and makes normal use difficult. A neat trick is to bend the metal hook thingies "shut" if you have no need to take them off. Alternatively, you can tie the hooks to the rings with pieces of string. Failing to do this will cause misery every time you put the pack down and a hook comes undone.

Practical use

Compared to modern rucksacks, this little thing might look a bit archaic, but it's genuine vintage stuff made to military specs so it won't be falling apart anytime soon. If you enjoy modern features and advances in anatomic design, look for something else. For a bit of a crusty person who doesn't give a shit, or if you have a good eye for fashion, this is a must-have.

Czech army surplus

Used, but in good serviceable condition. One day these will be gone forever, get yours while still available!