Proceed to cart
Recommended also
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
South Africa

SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus

Price 149.99 USD excluding sales tax

The legendary, simple, and tough military bergen developed for the harsh environment of Southern Africa. This time without the steel frame, which is more of a feature than a problem. The backpack was designed to be used and was actively used without it on many battlefields. If you want a light but very sturdy backpack in nice earthly colors, this is it. Comfortable to carry, fits a lot of stuff, and can withstand a war - some might even have done so. When you're carrying 20 liters of water, ammunition, rations, explosives, a sleeping kit, and all that, you need one hell of a backpack, and this is it.

  • This product is unlikely to be restocked and will be hidden from our website once it's out of stock.
  • We don't know when this product will be restocked. With surplus the restock date is unknown due to sometimes poor availability. Request restock notification and we will email you as soon as this product is available.
Add to cart Add to cart Choose variation First select a product Loading Just a moment, thank you!
Add to wish list Add to wish list
Trouble with the metric system? Try our converter:
cm = 0' 0" or 0" and
feet  inches = 0 cm
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.
SADF Pattern 83 Rucksack, w/o Frame, Surplus.

The legendary, simple, and tough military bergen developed for the harsh environment of Southern Africa. This time without the steel frame, which is more of a feature than a problem. The backpack was designed to be used and was actively used without it on many battlefields. If you want a light but very sturdy backpack in nice earthly colors, this is it. Comfortable to carry, fits a lot of stuff, and can withstand a war - some might even have done so. When you're carrying 20 liters of water, ammunition, rations, explosives, a sleeping kit, and all that, you need one hell of a backpack, and this is it.

  • Well padded, wide shoulder straps and a waist belt; NO steel frame
  • Two main compartments on top of each other, the upper closes with a drawstring, the lower with a zipper, both are covered by the long flap
  • A big zippered pouch on the flap
  • Four zippered pouches on the sides for 2-liter water bottles
  • Total carrying capacity c. 75 liters, not counting overstuffing and the possibility to attach a sleeping bag or such under the flap

History

The first modern South African military bergens saw the light of day in the late ‘70s. The fact that these were developed from scratch by the manufacturers and the military together ensured that they met the needs of the fighting man. The first ones were issued solely to Special Forces and were tested not only in training but also on many secret operations conducted outside South Africa.

As the Border War escalated, the strain on the infantryman also grew. From the Special Forces Pattern 80 rucksack was developed the successor of the standard-issue Pattern 70 "Grootsak". The smallish combat pack was replaced by a big bergen with a detachable steel frame. Some folks like mothers, some rubber chicken. Similarly, these were also used both with and without the frame. Although almost 30 years old by now, the Pattern 83 "rugsak" is still going strong.

Condition

Used South African military surplus. Like other African gear, these might have seen some war. Taking that into consideration, these are in very good condition. All essential parts are intact and these are all perfectly serviceable. There might be some small stains, frayed seams, warehouse dust, and initials of the previous owner on these but they merely add some character.

Kierto Circular Economy

Return this product used but clean and unbroken, and you'll receive half of the product's original price as Varusteleka credits. Service is available only in Finland. Only Registered users can make Kierto returns. See more information about Kierto.

All products: South Africa

Recommendations

Loading products... Loading products...

Reviews

You have already submitted a review. You can edit your text by clicking on it. You can filter the reviews by clicking on the elements of the summary.

Log in and write a review. You can filter the reviews by clicking on the elements of the summary.

Remove filter
Five stars
Four stars
Three stars
Two stars
One star
4
1
80 %
recommends
20 %
does not recommend
4.4 / 5
5 ratings
Five stars
I would recommend for a friend

02.03.2021 Verified purchase
Much to my surprise and satisfaction my rucksack came in an unissued/unused condition. A condition I hope to change soon. Always a huge plus when obtaining military surplus gear. The waist buckle is a unique design but very functional and quick, but might be a bit awkward for those who are left handed. Tall guys might the waist belt riding higher on them than what they are used to. The photos do show the rucksack off very well. I would consider the solid color a plus for those who prefer not to have an item in a camo pattern. I bought this rucksack, not because I needed another one, but it was too cool to pass up.
12 Like 1 Dislike Report abuse
Two and a half stars
I would not recommend to a friend

24.07.2021 Verified purchase
For the price beware. Mine was missing a buckle, and one of the zippers on the side pouches was completely corroded over and is no longer operable at all
5 Like 3 Dislike Report abuse
Varusteleka Varusteleka 27.07.2021
Hi Robert! Apologies for the faulty product! Please contact our customer service by email at [email protected] and we'll handle the case!
20 Like 0 Dislike
Five stars
I would recommend for a friend

17.01.2022 Verified purchase
Great pack. Good condition.
0 Like 0 Dislike Report abuse
Four and a half stars
I would recommend for a friend

19.02.2022 Verified purchase
This piece of kit will last a long time, even with its age and mileage showing. I'm sure it will serve me nicely going backpacking or camping, and it has character. It is a bit pricey, but it's worth it for the cool-factor and utility. Thanks, Varusteleka.
1 Like 0 Dislike Report abuse
Five stars
I would recommend for a friend

04.09.2022 Verified purchase
10/10. This is a fantastic backpack. Lightweight, Hard wearing, and holds everything you need. Buy one now, you wont regret it.
1 Like 0 Dislike Report abuse

Comments

Comment this or discuss with other Varusteleka regular users. If you wish to ask us anything, please click on the message button on the right side of the page. You can also send us email or call us! Log in and join the conversation.

Colin J. 25.02.2021
Nutria Brown! Oh my friend you look so good in the bushveld. Brings back some proud white guy memories from home, nonetheless khaki still works great for anything adventurous. Shorts no longer necessary, although it is strongly recommended with a hot dry climate, without much shade. Ok bye
6 Like 6 Dislike Report abuse
Jeff D. 05.03.2021
Much to my surprise and satisfaction my rucksack came in a near unused condition, looking like it had never been issued. A condition I hope to change soon. Always a huge plus when obtaining military surplus gear. The waist buckle is a unique design but very functional and quick, but might be a bit awkward for those who are left handed. The photos do show the rucksack off very well. I would consider the solid color a plus for those who prefer not to have an item in a camo pattern. I bought this rucksack, not because I needed another one, but it was too cool to pass up. I found this ruck sack for sale at another online military surplus site, but at higher price. So thank-you Varusteleka
3 Like 0 Dislike Report abuse

Please report this text if for example:

  • Text is wildly obscene or completely irrelevant.
  • The reviewer has not actually used the product he is reviewing.

If you strongly disagree with this text, please press thumb down button.

Thank you!

Cancel
Loading...