SADF Pattern 83 Field Pack

Field Pack Pattern 83
I.C.N : 8465-18-419-2569
NSN : 8465-18-419-2569

Marked Specifico pty ltd
Manufactured in Republic of Bophutoswana , 8465-18-419-2569 

Year 1986/7 

Labelled Texcraft pty ltd edms beperk 

Defence Force Catalog ICN NO

I.C.N : 8465-18-419-2569

field pack pattern 83

In the early 1980s the South African Defence Force updated its uniform and equipment based on operational experience, introducing load bearing vests, chest rigs and a large, framed rucksack, all collectively known as the ‘Combat Webbing, Pattern 83’. The manual, that was published in 1985, described this rucksack as a ‘field pack’ and offered this description:

The field pack is designed to provide a large carrying capacity and is intended primarily for operations extending over long periods with little or no logistical support.

The P83 Rucksack is colloquially known as the grootsak (“big bag” in Afrikaans). It is technically a Bergen Rucksack, an alpine-style bag popularized by the British SAS. It is a large comfortable bag suitable for long range patrols. It was designed specifically to be worn with a chest rig. While all grootsaks were originally issued with a metal frame designed to aid paratroopers, many soldiers removed it to lighten the pack and improve comfort. This field modification became so popular that most packs were stripped in the field, and eventually bags were issued without the frame to all but airborne soldiers.

This example was manufactured by Specifico in the former Bophuthatswana homeland and carries a number of names of previous SADF/SANDF users.