The Austrian KAZ 03 backpack is a modular carrying system with some features more commonly seen on rucksacks. As far as we know, this is a single batch.
The Austrian grunt has five levels of combat gear and packing. Pieces are switched or repurposed in various configurations. The backpack is used at levels 3–5 and issued to mechanized infantry grenadiers.
- Combat belt
- Combat belt and combat vest
- Combat belt and backpack
- Combat belt and rucksack
- Deployment, like levels 3 or 4 but with a duffel bag.
The webbing on the Bundesheer KAZ 03 gear is interesting: soft and matte like a cotton strap, but actually made of proper durable polymer, most likely polyester. The looks and comfort of these are far better than the shiny and coarse webbing typically used on military and outdoor gear. Other manufacturers should take a look at these.
Carrying system
Day packs are not primarily intended for heavy loads, but the shoulder straps on this one have generous padding and there's a simple hip belt for sharing some of the load. At the bottom, the straps clip on D-rings instead of the more usual SR buckles.
The shoulder straps and hip belt can be tucked into hiding when integrated with a combat vest or belt.
Pockets and extensions
The removable flap is the kind you see on rucks rather than backpacks. The flap itself is a pocket and accessible from the outside. On the inside, there's a large pouch for things you want to keep securely inside the pack but also easily accessible.
The main compartment is mostly just a big space. It has an unusually large collar with drawcord closure, and the top can be tightened with another cord. This and the flap straps allows for a stupid amount of overpacking in case the need arises. A sitting pad stows into a dedicated sleeve and doubles as a soft frame. Note that not all of these have the pad, so take it as a nice bonus.
At the bottom, there's yet another pocket with zipper closure and accessory straps e.g., for a sleeping pad.
Each side and the back has attachment points for Austrian pouches but the system is fairly simple and attaching other stuff shouldn't be a problem at all. The compression straps allow attaching other things than the pouch to the side. They are not only for tightening the pack.
Measurements and weight
Volume approx. 25 liters as-is, can be expanded with side pouches to 40–50 liters.
Width 34 cm; height 37 cm; thickness 22 cm. Weight: 1430 g.
Austrian surplus
Pretty modern stuff, you can actually use this even today and it won't be an exercise of The Suck where you remember the hard old days. All materials, stitching, zippers, and buckles are durable. These have been used, but are perfectly serviceable.