Field Pack, Large, 1994 (FPL-94)
General Information
Name: Field Pack, Large, 1994 (FPL-94).
Country of Origin: Australia.
Manufacturer: Robco Products.
Date of manufacture: 1996.
NATO Stock Number (NSN): 8465-66-139-4067 (Complete).
Camouflage Pattern: Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DPCU), Auscam.
Equipment Family: Field Pack, Large, 1994 (FPL-94) System.
Number Of compartments: Six.
Volume Capacity: 80L.
Weight: 4.50kg.
Waterproof: Yes, but depends on the condition of the fabric.
Similar Objects
History
The Field Pack, Large 1994 (FPL-94) was introduced in 1995, representing a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Field Pack, Large 1988 (FPL-88). The FPL-88, which had limited carrying capacity and necessitated frequent resupplies, prompted Australian soldiers to often purchase larger field packs privately.
In 1993, the Australian army began efforts to replace the FPL-88, which was essentially a modernized version of the Field Pack, Combat, Canvas from the M-1956 system. After undergoing design iterations and testing, the army adopted a new design concept, signaling a departure from previous field pack designs. The FPL-94 incorporated several innovative features, including an internal sleeping bag stuff sack, a detachable day pack, adjustable padded shoulder straps, reversed closure on side pouches, and a rotatable radio pouch.
In 1995, the FPL-94 began distribution to soldiers. Feedback varied, with some users finding it too small or noting that the sleeping bag stuff sack couldn’t accommodate all winter sleeping gear.
Description
The Field Pack, is fabricated with durable cotton canvas and was designed with user convenience in mind. Featuring sturdy plastic buckles that could be easily replaced by the user in case of breakage, it offered both reliability and practicality in the field. This user-friendly design ensured that soldiers could quickly address any equipment issues, minimizing downtime during missions.
The lid features a large external pouch that closes with a heavy-duty zip, protected by a simple rain cover. Access to this pouch is at the back. The ends of the lid extend down the sides of the main compartment to fully enclose its contents. Closure is achieved with two webbing straps and side-release buckles, originating from the base of the front pouch.
The main compartment features a large mouth with a draw-cord and a short snow collar. Regrettably, the draw-cord only extends 3/4 of the way around, leaving the back open. However, the back of the collar is higher, allowing it to fold over the mouth when the lid is closed.
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.
Externally, the back of the lid features a horizontal section of nylon web belt strap with two channels for side-keepers, used to attach the day pack from the FPL-94 system. Canvas tabs on the sides of the lid, secured with hook and loop fastening tape, help manage loose radio and handset cables when a field radio is carried.
Further sections of nylon webbing on the lid allow for attachment of additional pouches from the M-1988 ICLCE system. Two nylon tri-glide buckles on the front of the lid serve as attachment points for the bottom of the day pack.
Internally, the lid is lined with double-ply polyurethane (PU) laminated khaki tan nylon fabric and features a zip for accessing a flat ‘map’ style pocket between the layers.
The main compartment of the Field Pack can be sealed with a black polyester draw-cord and plastic barrel lock. A nylon webbing loop at the front secures a helmet under the lid, via its chin strap when not in use.
The interior of the Field Pack is fully lined with polyurethane (PU) laminated khaki tan nylon fabric. The main compartment features a flat full-length sleeve that houses the pack’s internal frame—a steel mesh grid base heat-sealed between layers of dark grey closed-cell foam rubber. This sleeve is notably thicker than the one issued previously with the Field Pack, Large M-1988. Access to this sleeve is provided by a zip.
Beneath this zip, an open-top radio pouch, also constructed from polyurethane (PU) laminated khaki tan nylon fabric, is present. It is equipped with a draw-cord closure and adjustable webbing straps for added security and versatility.
The main compartment is divided into top and bottom sections by a removable nylon fabric divider. The lower portion contains an open-top canvas pouch for holding the base of a training radio.
The Field Pack includes nylon webbing sections for attaching additional pouches, as well as loops for securing an entrenching tool handle on the front. Vertical webbing straps on the sides allow for external item attachment, while adjustable compression straps help secure the load.
Two side pouches feature mouths that can be closed with a black polyester draw-cord, while their lids are secured shut with webbing straps and quick-release buckles. These buckles are reversed to allow for easy access when standing over the Field Pack. Brass grommets at the base allow for drainage, ensuring water doesn’t accumulate inside.
The bottom section of the Field Pack, akin to a large hanging pouch, is covered by a front lid secured with nylon webbing straps and buckles. The external side of this compartment is reinforced with 1000 denier nylon cordura.
The left side of the pack includes a large, fold-able nylon cordura opening secured with a webbing strap and buckle, revealing access to the internal sleeping bag stuff sack, which features a draw-cord closure.
At the top of the back face are two 25-mm Supalock buckles for load lifting, with a carry handle loop between them. Below are attachments for an ALICE pack frame if fitted.
Height adjustment is facilitated by a 50mm webbing strap and horizontally set webbing loops at the bottom. Shoulder straps, adjustable with steel tri-glide buckles, are further secured by horizontal webbing loops. A foam pad can be attached over the tri-glide for comfort.
The back face features a semi-circular open-top pocket for a foam rubber pad, with additional steel tri-glide buckles for attaching a two-part waistband.
The base of the Field Pack includes nylon webbing straps for attaching the ends of the shoulder straps.
The Y-shaped shoulder straps are removable and fully adjustable, padded with closed-cell foam rubber and featuring a steel tri-glide buckle at the back. Load lifter straps and a nylon webbing chest strap with a quick-release buckle complete the design.
The pad cushioning the steel tri-glide on the shoulder straps consists of a small fabric pad filled with closed-cell foam and soft foam rubber. It is tethered to the Field Pack with a short dummy cord.
Additionally, the nylon adjustment buckles and quick-release buckles are designed for easy replacement by the wearer in the event of breakage.
Examples
Example One
Volume Capacity: 80L.
Lid pocket: 5L.
Top compartment- 35lts.
Radio pouch- 7lts.
Bottom compartment- 30lts.
Sleeping bag stuff sack- 20lts.
Side pockets: 5L.
Object Number: 3124-360-37148.
