Swiss Backpacks
Swiss Mountain Rucksack M-71
1970s
...
Description
Transition to Modern Materials (1970s)
Following the M-71, the Swiss military shifted its development philosophy toward synthetic materials.
Rubberized Vinyl: In the early 1980s, the classic "Salt & Pepper" canvas was replaced by rubberized olive-drab vinyl.
Durability vs. Weight: While the M-71 is celebrated for its longevity, the newer rubberized versions were designed for absolute waterproofness and easier mass production, though they lacked the breathability of the original flax/nettle blend.
Key Specifications and Design
Material: Built from a heavy-duty, rubberized vinyl/canvas ("plastifizierte Stoff") that is naturally waterproof. It features a thick, reinforced leather bottom and heavy-duty leather straps.
Frame: Equipped with an internal metal frame and a horizontal lumbar support bar to manage heavy loads.
Modular Storage:Main Compartment: Approximately 50cm tall, featuring a drawstring closure under a top lid.
Expansion: The design is highly modular; users can compress it for light loads or expand it to carry bulky items like a sleeping bag.
History note Category
The story of the Swiss Army Mountain Rucksack is one of geographic necessity and engineering excellence, evolving from a WWII innovation into the "bombproof" M73 used today.
1. The WWII Origin: "Salt and Pepper" (1940s–1960s)
The lineage began during WWII when Switzerland, surrounded by Axis powers and subject to blockades, lost access to cotton. The Invention: Swiss engineers developed a unique, heavy-duty fabric using flax and stinging nettle fibers.
The Look: The blend of light and dark fibers created the iconic "Salt and Pepper" (Salz & Pfeffer) pattern.
Mountain Specifics: Unlike standard infantry packs, the mountain version featured a rifle sleeve—a hidden vertical tube designed for Alpine troops to carry their K31 rifles while skiing or climbing.
2. The Evolution to Rubberized Vinyl (1970s)
As military requirements modernized, the Swiss shifted from the organic nettle canvas to synthetic protection. The M73 Transition: In the early 1970s, the design evolved into the M73 (Mountain Rucksack 73). While it kept the leather bottom and metal frame of its predecessors, the fabric was replaced with a rubberized, waterproof vinyl (often called "plastifizierte Stoff").
Engineering: It was designed to be modular. A soldier could use the internal metal frame and leather straps to compress the pack for scouting or expand it to carry up to 85 liters of gear for long Alpine missions.
1. The WWII Origin: "Salt and Pepper" (1940s–1960s)
The lineage began during WWII when Switzerland, surrounded by Axis powers and subject to blockades, lost access to cotton. The Invention: Swiss engineers developed a unique, heavy-duty fabric using flax and stinging nettle fibers.
The Look: The blend of light and dark fibers created the iconic "Salt and Pepper" (Salz & Pfeffer) pattern.
Mountain Specifics: Unlike standard infantry packs, the mountain version featured a rifle sleeve—a hidden vertical tube designed for Alpine troops to carry their K31 rifles while skiing or climbing.
2. The Evolution to Rubberized Vinyl (1970s)
As military requirements modernized, the Swiss shifted from the organic nettle canvas to synthetic protection. The M73 Transition: In the early 1970s, the design evolved into the M73 (Mountain Rucksack 73). While it kept the leather bottom and metal frame of its predecessors, the fabric was replaced with a rubberized, waterproof vinyl (often called "plastifizierte Stoff").
Engineering: It was designed to be modular. A soldier could use the internal metal frame and leather straps to compress the pack for scouting or expand it to carry up to 85 liters of gear for long Alpine missions.
Printed Label
Associated
- Swiss Army Backpacks
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