In 1965, West Germany replaced the M-62 protective mask with the M-65 protective mask. This new mask required a new carrier for transport along with other protective components. West Germany opted for a simpler carrier design that was easier to produce.
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The Bag, Large, Combat was issued to West German soldiers in the late 1950’s as part of the West German web set and was attached to the web suspenders. This bag was essentially a larger version of the Bag, Combat, Small and was used when soldiers were expected to operate in the field for 24 to 48 hours without resupply.
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With the founding of the Bundeswehr (West German army) in 1955, a new style of uniform and individual equipment was needed, one that did not resemble the German army during World War II. Within the individual equipment system, a new style of water bottle was required to be carried with a new style of web equipment.
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The small combat bag, made from cotton canvas, was designed for operations under 24 hours. Issued by the West German army in the 1960s, it replaced a larger “messenger” bag. This compact bag carried a prescribed number of items when soldiers were in the field. After the German army removed the bag it became a popular item in surplus markets.
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The ABC Protective Tarpaulin, known as the ABC Schutzplane in German, can be traced back to German soldiers who carried it during World War II. It was an important part of a soldier’s chemical protection equipment.
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In the late 1950s, the West German army introduced a woolen field uniform, dubbed ‘cat louse’. It proved too hot and abrasive, later replaced by a stone-grey cotton cloth uniform. Despite this, the woolen uniform continued during winters. The cotton moleskin trousers, initially complex, were simplified for cost-effectiveness, remaining popular for their durability on the surplus market.
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In the early 1960s, the West German army introduced a distinctive sleeping bag with arms, often mistakenly labeled as an “Ambush” or “Sniper” bag. Not the warmest, it offers versatility, functioning as a jacket. Rated for temperatures down to 5 degrees Celsius, it was later replaced by the conventional “Mummy” style in the late 1980s.
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The Rucksack is a stone grey canvas pack based on the 42-pattern Bergen and M-41 style rucksacks. It cleverly incorporates a fold-up sleeping mat as a frame. Initially used by the West German army in the ’60s, it can be attached to either web suspenders or a “packboard” frame. The Rucksack features a spacious lid, main compartment, and front/side pouches.
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