Swiss Backpacks
Swiss Mountain Rucksack M-73
1980s
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Description
Transition to Modern Materials (1980s)
Following the M-73, 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-73 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.
Side Pockets: Two tall, strap-closed side compartments for quick-access items.
External Attachment: Front and side leather loops are designed for securing tools like shovels or pickaxes.
External Attachment: Front and side leather loops are designed for securing tools like shovels or pickaxes.
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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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. 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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