Backpacks
South Vietnamese Rangers
ARVN-Rucksack
1960s
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Nomenclature
ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) Rucksack
Indigenous Ranger Pack
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History / Summary
From Wikipedia
The ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) rucksack (also known as the Ranger Pack for the South Vietnamese Rangers who used it) was a canvas, external-framed pack produced in the United States for use by the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam throughout the 1960s and early '70s. The pack saw use with ARVN forces, and became desirable amongst US troops in the early years of the Vietnam War, before the US military fielded similar items in the form of the Tropical Rucksack and Lightweight Rucksack, which were both influenced by the ARVN design.
The ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) rucksack (also known as the Ranger Pack for the South Vietnamese Rangers who used it) was a canvas, external-framed pack produced in the United States for use by the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam throughout the 1960s and early '70s. The pack saw use with ARVN forces, and became desirable amongst US troops in the early years of the Vietnam War, before the US military fielded similar items in the form of the Tropical Rucksack and Lightweight Rucksack, which were both influenced by the ARVN design.
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ARVN-Rucksack
History of the ARVN Rucksack
Natik Labs specifically designed the ARVN rucksack, or Indigenous Ranger Pack, for the South Vietnamese Army as a replacement for the M1945 Combat Field Pack. The US had furnished the ARVN with surplus stocks of the M1945 pack early in the war, but it proved to be too small and too heavy.
Development began in 1963 when Natick Labs fabricated 250 rattan frame prototypes in Thailand. However, the frame was found to interfere with body movements of the wearer and its projections frequently got caught in the undergrowth. Despite subsequent improvements to the rattan frame, when tested by Airborne and Marine Brigade units against a metal frame version the latter was a decisive winner.
The production ARVN Rucksack featured a non water-resistant cotton pack with two outside pockets mounted on a steel X frame. A webbing hanger for attaching an entrenching tool cover was located on the top flap and side straps were provided for carrying extra equipment. The pack's comparatively small size meant it could be worn higher on the back than the Lightweight Rucksack.
ARVN rucksacks were never an official item of United States military equipment. Those that saw service were either acquired individually or by units through trade or purchase with members of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. In the first few years of United States involvement in the Vietnam War the M1956 Field Pack (butt pack) proved too small to carry combat loads, but the Lightweight Rucksack and the M1951 Mountain Rucksack in the inventory at the time were in high demand and short supply, so many units and individuals acquired ARVN rucksacks for use in the field. Many were replaced in United States military use during the later years of the Vietnam War by the Tropical and Lightweight rucksack as more became available. Examples that left Vietnam with US troops did so as souvenirs and did not see use outside of Southeast Asia.
ORIGINAL Vietnam War ARVN RUCKSACKThe ARVN rucksack, or Indigenous Ranger Pack, was designed for the South Vietnamese Army as a replacement for the M1945 Combat Field Pack. The US had furnished the ARVN with surplus stocks of the M1945 pack early in the war, but it proved to be too small and too heavy.Development began in 1963 when Natick Labs fabricated 250 rattan frame prototypes in Thailand. However, the frame was found to interfere with body movements of the wearer and its projections frequently got caught in the undergrowth. Despite subsequent improvements to the rattan frame, when tested by Airborne and Marine Brigade units against a metal frame version the latter was a decisive winner.The production ARVN Rucksack featured a non water-resistant cotton pack with two outside pockets mounted on a steel X frame. A webbing hanger for attaching an intrenching tool cover was located on the top flap and side straps were provided for carrying extra equipment. The pack's comparatively small size meant it could be worn higher on the back than the Lightweight Rucksack .This particular Pack is in good used condition. Some small picks in the fabric but no rips or tears that I can see. Some light soiling from normal use. The "X" frame is in good condition, No rust. The name "Spooner" is on the back. An overall nice example for a good price. You will receive the Pack picture
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