French F1 Combat Pack, Surplus

The predecessor of the French F2 combat pack without the side pockets. This is basically a remake of the old '40s paratrooper pack, just made from more modern materials. A good solid green rubberized pack with clever pockets and details. And really cheap too.

• Large lid, closed with two straps and buckles; the top of the lid has attachment points for tie-down straps
• Two buckles near the mouth of the pack to attach the lid when over-packing
• Main compartment divided into two, dimensions of each approx. 30 x 27 x 9 cm (12" x 10.5" x 3.5"); since this is a soft bag, the measurements can vary a bit depending on what shaped stuff you shove in here
• Back pocket, dimensions approx. 30 x 21 x 5 cm. (12" x 8" x 2")
• Flat pocket against the back, dimensions approx. 29 x 25 cm (11.4" x 10")
• Carry handle
• Straps on the bottom for attaching more stuff
• Padded shoulder straps, the left hand one has a quick-release buckle for emergencies.

Surprisingly spacious

Here’s a handy little pack with loads of practical features. Thanks to the buckles near the mouth of the pack, you can fit surprisingly large things in these. Furthermore, you can attach e.g. a blanket to the straps underneath. And if you get suitable max. 20 mm (0.79”) general-purpose straps, you can put more stuff on the top.

The flat pocket can fit maps or a small iPad. And the back pocket can carry for example a good book, some snacks, or a bottle of booze.

Materials

The pack is made of really strong rubberized canvas. There are backpacks from different batches here, so their details may vary a bit. Some of the packs are completely green on the outside, some have some gray details.

Condition

Used French military surplus. These have been used quite a lot, so there might be some stains, rust on the metal parts, chalk dust from storage, and other similar rustic charm. But they are still in perfectly serviceable condition.