Austrian Bundesheer KAZ 03 Backpack, Surplus

3.2(5)
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$59.99
Product description

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.

  1. Combat belt
  2. Combat belt and combat vest
  3. Combat belt and backpack
  4. Combat belt and rucksack
  5. 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.

Reviews
3.2(5)

Robert S. en

15.09.2022Verified purchase
Great day pack for travel and the field. Mine had the part that allows it to be overstuffed torn out but it is still an awesome piece of gear. Probably best day pack I've had. I think by the time I post.this they will be all out, but if they restock get you one while they last. Well worth the price.

JHIH W. en

11.07.2023Verified purchase
日常用大小剛好 但是不要裝很重的東西 因為他沒有腰靠 這不是登山用的

Franz V. en

06.10.2022Verified purchase
I really want to like this pack, but i'm quite disappointed with it. The top flap, which in theory allows a good overpacking capability, generally sits clumsily when the backpack is not full at the right point, causing also a not so good protection of the content from rain or snow. And when the pack is really full and heavier it doesn't seem to me really confortable to carry, because of the not exceptional ergonomics; it can be worse for sure, but i can't say this is top notch. Old school military grade. Material is ok, clearly used but in still usable conditions, lots of attachments, well padded straps, rubber interior, but this top flap seems to me really too ambitious; in my opinion a simpler normal top flap is a far better choice for a day backpack, expecially when intended as a part of a bigger loadout system like this austrian one is.