German WWI mountain backpack

[Dan Morton]

Hi folks!

I'm looking for reference photos, diagrams, illustrations of the German mountain backpack from the Great War like the one shown in the attached photo. This is the only one I have. If you want to e-mail photos to me vs. posting them here, drop me a PM. Maybe you know of a web site that would be helpful...whatever help you can give, greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

All the best,
Dan

 

[Dan Morton]

More photos

I thought I would share some of the photos of Schneeschuh and Gebirgstruppen haversacks found by friends. Many thanks to everyone but particularly to Ulrich Biroth. I hope these are helpful to others.

I'm not 100% positive, but I believe there were three types - several versions produced by various makers prior to 1916, an attempt in 1916 to standardize several types, and then a 1931 version. The 1931 version has five vertical leather strips. If anyone knows more about this than I do, please correct me.

All versions seem to have a gathering type string at the top under the closure flap. That's what gives the haversack the distinctive narrowing at the top of the bag. All versions seem to have one large bag with two leather strap buckled exterior pouches.

The bag measurements are 58cm by 48cm with a thickness of 10cm at the bottom. Each of the two pouches are 40cm by 35cm by 2cm.

All the best,
Dan