Field Pack, Large 1988 (FPL-88)

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General Information

Name: Field Pack, Large, 1988.
Country of Origin: Australia.
Manufacturer: Outgear PTY, Limited.
Date of manufacture: 1990.
NATO Stock Number (NSN): 8465-66-130-1283.
Camouflage Pattern: Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DPCU), Auscam.
Equipment Family: M-1988 Individual Combat Load-Carrying Equipment (ICLCE)
Number Of compartments: Three.
Volume Capacity: 40L.
Weight: 2.15kg.
Waterproof: Yes, but depends on the condition of the fabric.

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History

The Field Pack Large 1988 (FPL-88) was the main field pack for the M-1988 Individual Combat Load-Carrying Equipment, replacing the aging M-1956 Combat Canvas Field Pack issued since the Vietnam War. Essentially it was an upgraded version of its predecessor, the FPL-88 boasted a more streamlined design and a significantly improved internal frame, capable of accommodating additional pouches.

The FPL-88 essentially retained the design of its predecessor, albeit with a more modern aesthetic. However, it still faced criticism for its relatively small size, unsuitable for extensive military operations. By 1995, it was superseded by more advanced and spacious field pack designs.

Description

Fabricated from cotton canvas with a printed DPCU camouflage pattern, the FPL-88 featured plastic quick-release buckles for easy access. The lid, fixed to the back, offered two rows of webbing for attaching pouches. Underneath, khaki nylon lined with PU waterproofing ensured durability, with a flat map pocket sealed by hook and loop closure.

The main compartment, now a single unit instead of three separate sections, enclosed contents via a nylon draw-cord. Access to the internal frame, constructed from steel mesh encased in closed-cell foam rubber, was facilitated by a small zip at the top, offering customizable comfort for the wearer.

The Field Pack’s lid is affixed to the top of the pack and secured at the front by two quick release buckles and webbing straps. Elastic binding tape lines the edges of the lid, ensuring a tight seal when closed.

External webbing rows allowed for the attachment of additional pouches, while the front of the pack featured large webbing loops to secure an entrenching tool. The bottom compartment remained a spacious pouch sealed by three webbing straps and quick-release buckles.

The back of the FPL-88 boasted load lifter buckles, ample padding with closed-cell foam, and a large lumbar pad for added comfort during extended wear. Fully adjustable shoulder straps, also padded with closed-cell foam, featured load lifter straps at the top and quick-release buckles for easy adjustment. Additionally, a nylon webbing chest strap, adjustable to three positions on the front of the shoulder straps via sewn-on D-rings, enhanced stability and weight distribution.