The Enduring Value and Practicality of the M44 Field Pack

Designed as an early system for carrying field gear, personal items and other essentials, the M44 field pack actually had a fairly long service history and despite the fact that it was developed and introduced as a WW2 backpack, saw service long after that, through the beginning of the Vietnam War.

Admittedly, the design is simple. Original M44 field packs (like the ones we sell here) were made of canvas - all canvas - with no padding or support system. There was a waist belt, but that was only there to hang more stuff on the pack system, not to add support to help distribute the weight.

Granted, by modern standards of advanced, lightweight water resistant materials, and weight distribution systems, M45 field packs seem antiquated, and in a certain measure, they are. But that doesn’t mean they don’t offer value. Here’s what to know.

They Still Got It

While the M44 field pack system is heavy, not water resistant, doesn’t offer that much room, and doesn’t carry as comfortably as modern systems, there’s still some value wrapped up in the system.

For one, the all-canvas construction is extremely durable. It might be heavy, and it might not be water-repellent, but it sure is tough as nails. You could put one of these through it and it’ll come out the other side.

There isn’t that much room in the interior, but there’s more than enough room for a 3-liter water bladder/reservoir, and about 3 or 4 liters (approximately) of room to spare. There’s also a tab for carrying a bayonet - maybe not that valuable by modern standards, but specialized nonetheless.

So, in terms of room and durability, they offer a good deal of value - but what about the shortcomings?

Well, there’s no padding or support, and the canvas is highly absorbent. If it gets wet, it’s not just going to stay wet, it’s going to take on additional weight. Also, some of the buckles and hardware are somewhat suspect.

Other than that, they’re pretty solid WW2 backpacks.

Why Invest in This Antiquated System?

When you can get a modern backpack at an arguably lower price, and one that might even perform better, why would you buy a piece of history like this?

Well, because they still perform. There’s that. If you appreciate the aesthetic and performance of old WW2 field gear, that alone is its own value proposition.

Then there is the immersiveness of it all. Some might say that the old field gear was no good, but that builds character, and if you want an impression of what the old GIs went through, you have to carry what they carried and use what they used.

For reenactors, the choice is obvious. You can only use period appropriate gear and while reproductions might be acceptable, you cannot beat the authenticity of the real thing.

And of course, for collectors, the real thing always offers more value than a reproduction and a higher degree of authenticity. For collectors that resell or invest, the value of an original like this cannot be matched.

Lastly, there’s the price. For an original piece of WW2 field gear, the value of the M44 field packs we carry here cannot be rivalled. Some might even argue at this price point these offer greater value than new production field packs.

Alternatives to the M44 Field Pack

While the M44 field pack is a great example of the value that an authentic WW2 backpack can still offer, we carry a lot of other options, as well as accessories.

We also carry a number of French F-1 field packs, which though a bit newer than the WW2 backpacks we carry, offer considerable value. These French F-1 packs offer rugged construction and feature tough waterproof panels with three internal compartments. These were widely used in the 80s and 90s and most on the market are in used surplus condition - but some of ours are in new condition.

We also have a number of M45 cargo packs, which like our M44 field packs are in excellent condition and which have been stored for 70 years or so in Europe. Like our M44 field packs, these boast very rugged canvas construction.

 

One other option that is more of an accessory than an alternative are the original M45 field pack suspenders that we sell here, which are in good to excellent condition, with no fraying or dry rot - perfect for field use.

Explore These and Other WW2 Backpacks and Carry Systems at SARCO

Both reproduction and original WW2 backpacks like the M44 field packs we sell here still deliver incredible value, whether you’re a collector, reenactor, or you get them for field use. Either way, we carry a wide variety of unique offerings. Check out our full collection of military collectibles and get in touch with us if you have questions about model, variant or condition.