Swiss Backpacks
“Pfeffer & Salz“ Rucksack
Modell 58
1940-1970s
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Description
The Schweizer Armee Salz und Pfeffer Rucksack (Swiss Army Salt and Pepper Backpack) is a legendary piece of military gear used by Swiss troops from the 1940s through the 1970s. It is highly prized today for its "over-engineered" durability and unique aesthetic.
"Salt and Pepper" Canvas: The name comes from the speckled appearance of the fabric, which is a heavy-duty blend of cotton and stinging nettle fibers. This was originally a wartime innovation due to cotton shortages, but it resulted in a material that is incredibly strong and naturally water-resistant.
Saddle Leather Construction: The bottom is typically a thick, reinforced leather plate, and all straps are heavy-duty leather with robust metal buckles.
Authenticity Stamps: Most original packs feature a Sattlerstempel (saddler's stamp) on the leather, indicating the maker's name, their town, and the year of manufacture.
Key Features & Material
Its unique look and extreme durability come from its specialized construction:
"Salt & Pepper" Fabric: An incredibly tear-resistant blend of cotton and nettle fibers (later flax or linen). This mix was originally created during WWII due to cotton shortages, resulting in the iconic speckled aesthetic.
Its unique look and extreme durability come from its specialized construction:
"Salt & Pepper" Fabric: An incredibly tear-resistant blend of cotton and nettle fibers (later flax or linen). This mix was originally created during WWII due to cotton shortages, resulting in the iconic speckled aesthetic.
Saddle Leather: The base, straps, and closures are made of thick, heavy-duty cowhide. These are often stamped with the saddler’s name and the year of manufacture.
Water Resistance: The dense weave causes the natural fibers to swell when wet, making the material naturally water-repellent.
Design & Variants
While the Model 58 is the most common post-war standard, it typically comes in two main versions:
Standard Model: Features one large main compartment and a prominent front pocket.
Mountain Model (Gebirgsrucksack): Larger, often featuring two tall, bottle-shaped side pockets for extra storage (approx. 3–4 liters each).
Support System: It includes a built-in metal frame or tensioned lumbar strap designed to keep the load off the spine and provide ventilation.
History note Category
Because cotton was rationed during WWII, the Swiss created a heavy-duty canvas by blending cotton and stinging nettle fibers.
Durability: The nettle fibers provide extreme strength—sometimes compared to modern carbon fiber—and the fabric is naturally water-resistant.
Durability: The nettle fibers provide extreme strength—sometimes compared to modern carbon fiber—and the fabric is naturally water-resistant.
Printed Label
Associated
- Swiss Army Backpacks
Pfeffer & Salz“ bekannte Schweizer Armee-Rucksack Modell 58
Swiss Army Salt and Pepper Backpack
Swiss military backpack 1937
In the context of the Swiss Army, the term "Haaraffe" (literally "Hair Monkey") refers to the iconic vintage calfskin backpack (Tornister) used from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century.
1. The "Haaraffe" (Calfskin Tornister)Design: These backpacks were reinforced with wood and covered in cowhide or calfskin with the hair still attached.
Why the hair? The natural oils in the fur made the pack water-repellent, causing snow and rain to slide off, which was vital for alpine survival.
The Nickname: Soldiers called it the "Affe" (Monkey) because, when worn on the back, the furry exterior looked like a small primate clinging to the soldier.
2. Evolution to "Salt and Pepper"Material Shift: During WWII, due to leather and cotton shortages, the Swiss developed a unique fabric made from linen and nettle fibers.
Durability: This "Salt and Pepper" (grey/green mottled) canvas became legendary for being nearly indestructible and naturally water-resistant.
Mountain Troops: These packs often featured a heavy leather bottom and integrated metal frames for heavy load distribution in the Alps.
3. Modern EraRubberized Packs (M70/M90): The furry "Affe" was eventually replaced by olive-drab canvas and later by the M90 rubberized backpack, which prioritized total waterproofing over the traditional aesthetic.
3. The Cold War Evolution (1960s–1980s)
By the 1960s, the design evolved to increase capacity as soldier loads grew. Design: These packs shifted away from the "monkey" fur, adopting a purely canvas upper with a heavy saddle leather bottom to prevent wear when placed on rocky ground.
Ergonomics: They introduced more sophisticated internal metal frames and curved steel lumbar supports to better distribute weight during long marches.
4. Modern Transitions (1990s–Present)
The traditional canvas and leather were eventually phased out for synthetic materials. M90 Pack: In the 1990s, the Swiss Army introduced the rubberized M90 patrol pack, which utilized waterproof vinyl canvas and nylon loops for modular attachments.
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