help needed on M1945 equipment

[knightoftheroc]

I'm looking for info on the M1944/45 field packs used by the US in WWII and Korea. I used to have the combat pack, as a kid, and was small enough to use it as a backpack on it's own, so I'm familiar with that one portion of the arrangement. The cargo pack strapped onto the bottom of the combat pack, and both items went onto a load bearing suspender system.
What I'm trying to find out, is; Does the M1944/45 setup strap onto the H or Y suspender system used in Viet Nam? And where can I find a good condition cargo pack and combat pack? And the suspenders, if the H?Y setup won't work? Also, if you have the VN era butt pack on the H/Y suspenders, can the '45 cargo pack fit above it, or do you need to choose between one or the other?
I have managed to collect quite a bit of LB equipment over the years from various sources, and now need to set up a "combat pack" for a project- it does NOT have to be historically accurate, tho. So, in order to keep costs down, I'm looking at filling in empty spots to round out what I have already available.

Any pointers to sales would be appreciated, as well as info- THANKS!

 

[gunnerk19]

Here's a pic of the '45 pack setup with the issue "X" suspenders...

By the looks, I would say best best would be go with H suspenders for the width between the straps...

Far as suppliers, only places I can think of off hand are

www.sportsmansguide.com
www.cheaperthandirt.com

 

[knightoftheroc]

Here's a pic of the '45 pack setup with the issue "X" suspenders...

By the looks, I would say best best would be go with H suspenders for the width between the straps...

Far as suppliers, only places I can think of off hand are

www.sportsmansguide.com
www.cheaperthandirt.com

I had tried sportsmansguide, but forgot all about cheaperthandirt- thanks!
I have seen the X suspenders, maybe even that same pic, illustrated, and if memory serves, the inside flap showed them in the directions for use/care tag. Granted that the design is REALLY dated now, the layout is actually quite good, and makes everything carried accessible and well distributed. The only reason I no longer have the combat pack, is that it died in service after i got out of the army, running with it filled with bricks and a sheet of plywood (to protect my back), when it's age and years of use finally caught up to it, and it dumped the entire load out the bottom, nearly breaking my ankle.

The top straps that connect the combat pack to the suspenders were able to reach the lower front buckles, and using them, I had improvised shoulder straps, but it was a REAL tight fit across the shoulders. To the point that, had it not self destructed, I was going to retire it anyway- I got tired of my arms going to sleep while running, from lack of circulation, lol.

 

[Bossk]

I'm looking for info on the M1944/45 field packs used by the US in WWII and Korea. I used to have the combat pack, as a kid, and was small enough to use it as a backpack on it's own, so I'm familiar with that one portion of the arrangement. The cargo pack strapped onto the bottom of the combat pack, and both items went onto a load bearing suspender system.
What I'm trying to find out, is; Does the M1944/45 setup strap onto the H or Y suspender system used in Viet Nam? And where can I find a good condition cargo pack and combat pack? And the suspenders, if the H?Y setup won't work? Also, if you have the VN era butt pack on the H/Y suspenders, can the '45 cargo pack fit above it, or do you need to choose between one or the other?
I have managed to collect quite a bit of LB equipment over the years from various sources, and now need to set up a "combat pack" for a project- it does NOT have to be historically accurate, tho. So, in order to keep costs down, I'm looking at filling in empty spots to round out what I have already available.

Any pointers to sales would be appreciated, as well as info- THANKS!

It would be noproblem rigging the back to H-suspender. In fact, the original nylon H suspenders had built in hooks to attach a "sleeping roll" that consisted of the poncho and liner. The square metal 'rings' on the canvas H suspenders were designed for sleeping bag carrying straps, that were secured by 'liftthe dot' tabs. If you found, or made some of these t attach to the pack, it would all look very regulation.

 

[knightoftheroc]

I have both the H and Y suspenders from the VN era, so I'm familiar with the hooks you mention. Sounds like you're familiar with the '45 setup as well- it's good to know I wont have to track down the suspenders, too, tho I wouldn't mind getting them all as a set, if I could.

Looking 'regulation' isn't really an issue here, as it needn't pass any inspections, and won't be put up as historically accurate. I'm trying to assemble a hodge-podge of equipment for a zombie scenario with some friends, and mis-matched Army surplus would be perfect, in it's IMperfection.

I suppose I should mention at this point, I'm not a film maker myself, but some of my friends like to work on home film projects, and I often help them out with stuff.

 

[das 1]

no it doesnt