The Field Pack, Large 1994 (FPL-94) was adopted in 1995, marking a leap from its forerunner, the Field Pack, Large 1988 (FPL-88), infamous for its limited capacity. Australian soldiers often resorted to private purchases for larger packs. The FPL-94, a departure from past designs, boasted innovations like an internal sleeping bag compartment and adjustable straps, though feedback on size and utility was mixed.
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In the mid-1980s, the New Zealand Army began developing the Onward pack to replace the Field Pack, Combat, Canvas (Modified). As ties with NATO powers severed, they turned to commercially made Alice packs from South Korea. Despite setbacks in production, the green Alice pack became the standard-issue field pack, evolving into a Disruptive Pattern Material version by 1990.
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Having issued the field pack, Combat, Olive Drab (modified) for a number of years, the New Zealand army realized it needed a larger field pack that was designed better and fabricated with modern fabrics. In the meantime, the large Alice pack was issued out to troops.
The 42-Pattern Rucksack, commonly known as the Bergen, originated in 1942 with the goal of providing specialist troops the capacity to carry larger and heavier loads, facilitating extended field operations without frequent resupply. Developed in collaboration with the Norwegian outdoor company Bergens, it earned its name “Bergen Rucksack,” later shortened to simply “Bergen,” which persists as the term used by British soldiers for any large rucksack to this day.
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In the ’70s, the NZ army overhauled it’s field packs, drawing from Australia’s design. Modifications aimed for increased capacity and waterproofing and a overall standard size. Issued in mid-’70s, it fell short, leading to retirement in the late ’90s. The pack features green waterproof canvas, divided compartments, padded straps, quick-release, and internal frame for support.
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In 1988, the US Army introduced the Field Pack, Large, a departure from traditional designs, as part of the Individual Integrated Fighting System. Despite its innovations, mixed reviews, including comfort and load-carrying issues, led to its replacement with the MOLLE rucksack in 2021.
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Introduced in the 1960s by the Canadian army, the Field Pack, Cargo was a core part of the 64-Pattern Web Equipment. Designed for vehicle transport, it housed vital field gear, split between compartments. Constructed with waterproof olive drab materials, it featured padded straps and a tumpline for comfort during carrying.
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The Field Pack, SAS Wilderness, MK-6 was created for the Australian SAS in the late 1980s as a semi-modular, jumpable field pack. Made of polyester and cotton blended canvas with disruptive camouflage pattern, it has multiple compartments and pouches, adjustable padded shoulder straps, and removable waistband. The pack can be attached to a parachute harness, and the frame can be shaped to the wearer’s back.
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The Rucksack, Canvas, Combat is a heavy-duty backpack originally created for the Danish special forces. Constructed from durable cotton canvas and woven cotton webbing straps, it features a steel external frame with black plastic sleeves for protection against arctic conditions. The backpack has five compartments, including a large main compartment and external pouches that close with webbing straps and brass buckles. The unpadded shoulder straps are sewn directly to the back of the backpack, while a leather envelope holds the frame in place.
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