The years just prior to the United States involvement in World War Two saw very little in actual equipment manufacture due to the massive quantities of World War One material that was still in Quartermaster Store-rooms across the country. Some WW1 pieces of equipment were issued throughout WW2 and in some cases well beyond. Even though the Ordnance Department had made improvements to various items, in addition to developing and adopting certain items, actual production in many cases did not begin until 1940. This was not only because of the quantity of items on hand but also due to financial constraints.

Bag, Canvas Field, M1936, Musette Bag

The lightweight and easy to use Musette Bag was a popular alternative pack for many soldiers who would be otherwise be using the M-1928 Haversack. Although the Musette Bag was never the standard backpack, it was used widely in all theaters of World War II.

The bag is composed of three main parts assembled by stitching (the back and front flap, the front and a side piece forming the bottom and the two sides). The front being closed by two straps in woven cotton provided with ladder tightening loops. It has an interior layout made of two strips of fabric sewn at their ends and in the middle to form storage partitions. A strip of fabric, forming a loop, is sewn inside on the back of the bag. According to numerous sources, the loop was designed to slide all of the cutlery into with the leather cases. A housing covering the entire rear, closed with another smooth mechanical button, allowed storage of items not susceptible to moisture. The lack of a covering flap in this position allowed rain to enter this back compartment. Two adjustable straps of woven cotton are sewn on the upper part of the bag and are fitted with hooks at their end. These attached to the loops of the Suspenders, Belt, M-1936 or to the carrying strap. The length adjustment of these straps, used self-locking buckles. In its intended function, the M-1936 bag, like its predecessor the M-1921, was to be worn over the shoulder, using a carrying strap (Strap, Carrying, OD, Bag, Canvas, Field). In the field soldiers used it in whatever manner was most convenient or directed by superiors. Over the course of its production the field bag was made by 63 different American manufacturers and 5 different British producers.

M1921 Field Bag

Prior to the development and acceptance of the M1936 Field Bag the M1921 was produced by Jefferson Quartermaster Depot. Being the predecessor of the M1936 it has all the features seen in the later version, with some minor differences. The most notable is the lather reinforcement at the bottom of the bag. This is a medium weight leather which was rather pliable and flexible yet afforded the strength it was believed to require in a bag of this nature. The leather was stitched to the body of the bag and the entire bag was constructed of medium weight canvas. The weight of the canvas was virtually identical to the early JQMD produced version. It has been suggested that this bag was solely an Officer’s private purchase, which may be correct as the M1928 pack system was the standard pack in general issue to the troops till the introduction of the M1936 Field Bag. Interesting to note that leather reinforcement did not add substantial weight to the bag and is it still a handy utilitarian item. The JQMD also produced a map case of similar designs and construction that will be featured on this page in

M1936 Field Bag, Musette

The first Bag, Canvas, Field, OD, M-1936 made its appearance in 1938 manufactured at the workshops of the Jeffersonville Quartermaster Depot (Jeff. QMD). Made in the early years (1938 to 1940) in a light khaki waterproof canvas, was replaced by a cotton woven canvas (Cotton Duck) in Olive Drab No3 shade. This material gave the bag a robustness and above all an easier manufacturing programs required for rapid mobilization. It was distributed in priority for the personnel of the mechanized troops, paratroopers, mounted and for the officers.

M1928 Haversack

The M1928 haversack was a modified version of the M1910 Haversack. The components included, the pack, the Meat Can pouch and the Pack Carrier also known as a Pack Extender. The parts when assembled were rather cumbersome and impractical. It was intended that the shoulder straps would act as suspenders for the M1923 Cartridge belt with an added set of straps for attachment for the back of the belt. The added Extender was for carrying a shelter half or blanket. The Meat can pouch carried the meat can (mess kit) and utensils in leather inserts. Extra tabs with eyelets were fitted for attaching the entrenching shovel and rifle bayonet.

To assemble and put the pack on was a complex process and not easy to do in the field with many steps, straps and ways to go wrong. Any mistakes i assembling and pack would fit nor be secure. Add to this that the pack supported the load of the belt and removing the pack caused the belt to move or fall off the soldier. The M1936 Suspenders solved this issue.

Interesting to note that the M1928 pack was supposedly used well into the last days of WW2, as many units were being equipped with the M1910/M1928 equipment system.

Pack, Jungle, Olive Drab and Camouflage

The Pack Jungle was made in an Olive Drab color canvas as well as a Camouflage canvas. Both were identical in size

The pack was a large rain-proof pouch attached to webbing straps, similar to the straps used with the U.S. Army Haversack, M-1928. It closed at the top with a cord and was covered with a rain-proof flap. On top of the flap was a small zipper-opening pouch for canteen, medical kit, and other small articles. The main pouch was intended for carrying the jungle hammock, rations and spare clothing among other necessary items. Separate waterproof bags kept the contents dry and aided in buoyancy when swimming. Other straps on the outside provided for attachment of a blanket roll or poncho while grommet tabs were provided for an intrenching tool or bayonet. On the top of the smaller pouch there were webbing loops for holding grass and leaves for camouflage purposes. The Jungle was unpopular with the troops as it was very heavy, hot in the tropical climate and had a poor suspension system.

The Olive Drab Jungle pack was assigned the same Stock Number, 74-P-15 as the Camouflage version. The pack featured here was made by Excel in 1942.

Pack, Field, Stock No. 74-P-20

In 1943 a variant of the Jungle Pack was developed. It featured the same basic main bag arrangement, made of waterproof canvas. It was also intended to carry clothing, overcoat, rations, boots and other equipment. The most notable difference between the Jungle pack and the Field Pack is the size. The Field pack was slightly larger in order to carry more material that would be suitable for colder battlefield environments. However, the pack was not popular due it being quite heavy, even more so than the Jungle pack. The suspension straps were marginally improved though were still considered inadequate based on the loaded weight of the pack. In some collector circles this pack has been referred to as the M1943, which is incorrect, the official designation was Pack, Field, Stock No. 74-P-20. It is assumed that the same manufacturers that made the Jungle pack also made the Field Pack. Both the Jungle pack and Field pack were superseded by the M1944 Cargo and Combat Pack System. The artifact featured here was made by Boyt in 1943

Pack, Field, M1944

As World War II went on, an improved version of the field pack or haversack was developed and issued. This improved version of the field pack was developed in 1944 which was based on the M-1941 USMC pack system. The Pack, Field, M-1944 was made of olive drab canvas and webbing in OD #7 color. The Pack combination was used with matching M-1944 suspenders to form a complete pack system of three parts as follows. A separate Pack, Field, Combat, M1944, A Pack, Field, Cargo, M-1944, and Suspenders, Pack Field Cargo-Combat, M1944. The Combat Pack, upper portion, could be worn separately and the Cargo Pack could be added with quick release straps for additional storage. It was found that the system of attaching the packs was confusing even though it was quite secure. A change was very quickly made which culminated in the M1945 Field Pack.

Pack, Field, M1945

As the M1944 Field Pack was being issued complaints were received from the troops using the pack system. The attachment system of tabs, eyelets and straps were not as simple to use as they were intended. In general, the system was secure although in attempts to disassemble then re-assemble some difficulties were encountered. Even as the M1944 system was being produced a modified pack system , the M1945, was tested and put into production, the M-1944 system was replaced by the very similar M-1945 version. . These packs were only used by a few units in the last days of World War II (perhaps after February 1945) but continued to be made and remained in service through the Korean War.

The Rucksack

The concept of the U.S. Army Rucksack originated with the formation of mountain combat battalions and their need for substantial equipment carrying capabilities. The current haversack being issued to troops was not well suited for the demands of warfare in mountainous terrain. A secure pack was needed that would not shift on the soldier’s body and would place the load higher on the back. According to a U.S. Army Specification File No. 2971, dated July 7, 1941, the M1941 rucksack was adopted and produced. The rucksack was made of a canvas duck mounted on a steel wire or rattan frame that supported the load and held it off the soldier's back. Three outer pockets were fitted snap hook closures and intended to carry extra gear. There was also a smaller zipper closure pouch near the bottom of the bag. Heavy felt pads on both the back support and the shoulder straps eased the burden. A tie string closure at the mouth of the bag allowed contents to remain secure and water resistant. A large flap covered the bag and was secured with a snap hook. A notable feature of this variant is the light wire frame and the many straps that converged at the top of the frame. This initial design was examined by the National Ski Association's Winter Equipment Committee, at the War Department's request. The rucksack featured here is made by Baker-Lockwood Mfg. Co. dated 1941