Lafuma produced a rucksack for the french in the 1950's used in the indochina war. It had an X frame, with two large outside pockets, it was this pack, made of canvas and leather, combined w some coveted features of the Communist rucksacks, and M1910 grommet attachment points along w new 1956 US equipment that contributed to the ARVN rucksack, which combined with the US mountain pack lead to the development of the lightweight rucksack and the Jungle rucksack which retained the X frame from its original French design made by Lafuma.
I've never understood why the liners weren't simply made of plastic, perhaps not considered durable enough but the British PLCE rucksack of 1989 could be used with purpose designed liners made of clear plactic.
As a re-enactor/living history 15 years ago, i always found the Lightweight Ruck more comfortable. That X frame never seemed to work ergonomically on ones back as opposed to the Lightweight Ruck Frame. Admitedly, as you say ref the colours, mine was only 2 tone, yours seems to 5 tone. Very unusual.
I have two of these, one unissued the other slightly used. I am proud to own them but feel like ALICE packs are far superior even though not as valuable
Lafuma produced a rucksack for the french in the 1950's used in the indochina war. It had an X frame, with two large outside pockets, it was this pack, made of canvas and leather, combined w some coveted features of the Communist rucksacks, and M1910 grommet attachment points along w new 1956 US equipment that contributed to the ARVN rucksack, which combined with the US mountain pack lead to the development of the lightweight rucksack and the Jungle rucksack which retained the X frame from its original French design made by Lafuma.
Sadly these were discarded after the Vietnam war.
Very good piece of kit ,I suppose the British equivalent would be the GS Bergen and they both have
a bad frame !
One bit of detail on the waterproof liners is that they really stink! I opted to use a little heavier grade plastic trash bags in lieu of the liners.
I've never understood why the liners weren't simply made of plastic, perhaps not considered durable enough but the British PLCE rucksack of 1989 could be used with purpose designed liners made of clear plactic.
As a re-enactor/living history 15 years ago, i always found the Lightweight Ruck more comfortable. That X frame never seemed to work ergonomically on ones back as opposed to the Lightweight Ruck Frame. Admitedly, as you say ref the colours, mine was only 2 tone, yours seems to 5 tone. Very unusual.
I have the ARVN rucksack, and I use it, mostly without the frame. Would love to come across the tropical pack, great video
Many thanks! Currently on the loookout for an ARVN Rucksack in nice condition to add the collection.
I have two of these, one unissued the other slightly used. I am proud to own them but feel like ALICE packs are far superior even though not as valuable
Were the rucks used in Platoon ARVN or Indig?
As far as i can see, ARVN. Others may know different.
ARVN