History M-1944 two-part field pack
The M-1944 two-part field pack has a long, utilitarian history in the U.S. military across its branches. It was used as a holdall for the essentials a person would need in the field, and with waterproof lining and a web-carrying handle on top, it was often used on its own as a furlough bag.
History M-1944 two-part field pack
Inspired by the USMC M1941 pack system, the M-1944 cargo field pack has a long, utilitarian history in the U.S. military across its branches. It was used as a holdall for the essentials one would need in the field.
The M1944 consisted of an upper, square-shaped backpack with a detachable lower ‘cargo’ knapsack. The upper part was dedicated to lighter necessities – like underwear, a mess kit and toilet items – while the cargo pack was somewhat larger than an overnight bag, and packed with spare clothing and other ‘non-essential’ items. It attached to the bottom of the backpack using quick-release straps.
With water-proof lining and a web-carrying handle on top, it was often used on its own as a furlough bag. The mouth of the pack had a rubberized fabric ‘collar’ that prevented its contents from getting wet in the rain, and it could be rolled to further improve its waterproofing.