With New Zealand severing ties with the United States and Australia over its decision to become nuclear-free in the mid-1980s, it faced challenges in sourcing individual equipment to replace stock that was needed but no longer accessible through usual channels.
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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 Pouch, Utility, Nylon, OD by Hallmark New Zealand, late ’80s, is puzzling—possibly privately bought by Kiwi soldiers or part of an experimental web set. Constructed with olive drab Barrage material, it features a secure buckle closure, external pouches, and drainage grommets, sharing fabric with the Onward field pack.
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The Australian Defence Force issued the Field Pack, Combat (Butt Pack) as part of the M-1988 ICLCE system. Worn on the back of the web belt, it held gear for 12hrs. Soldiers customized it, and it had a waterproof lining. Other M-1988 components could be attach to it.
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The Panel, Pouches, Utility by Wyvern is a nylon panel with three pouches that attaches to a web belt. British soldiers used it to replace pouches on web sets. The utility pouches close with a strap and buckle.
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The Pack Waist is a small waist pack from the MOLLE II system, that it’s designed to be worn around the waist, attached to the FLC vest or large Rucksack and Assault Pack. Made of nylon duck cloth with a Camouflage Pattern, it has one compartment with adjustable webbing straps, and an adjustable 50mm webbing waist belt.
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The Field Pack, Combat, or the Butt Pack, was originally designed as part of the M-1956 system for the Australian Defense Force in the 1960s. It could also be worn separately with the aid of a shoulder strap . Made of olive drab cotton webbing and later cotton and polyester blended canvas, it has a single compartment with a lid secured by webbing straps and metal buckles, with additional attachment options on the sides and lid.
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