Lightweight Rucksack
Encyclopedia
The Lightweight Rucksack was the primary rucksack utilized by United States
troops during the Vietnam War
.
Its assembly consisted of a nylon pack with cinch cord, top flap and three exterior pockets and a tubular aluminum frame with padded shoulder straps and waist belt. The Lightweight Rucksack was developed in 1962 as a part of the United States Army
's effort to develop suitable equipment for use by what were then advisors in South Vietnam, through testing by the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at the Panama Canal Zone
. Four different patterns of the LW Rucksack exist, with the latter two models featuring attachment points which allow the pack itself to be mounted in two and three different locations on the frame, respectively. A prototype version was produced in 1962, featuring a welded frame. The 1964 model was virtually the same, but with the contract information stamped in the pack rather than sewn in on a label. The next improvement came along in 1965, when the frame was changed to a riveted version rather than a welded one. The last modification was made in 1968, with the addition of a middle horizontal back strap. The LW Rucksack augmented M1956 and M1961 Field Packs and was later partially replaced by the Tropical Rucksack of the M1967 MLCE. The Pack was typically mounted low on the frame allowing bulky equipment to be strapped above. Stocks of LW Rucksacks were replaced in United States military service beginning in 1974 with the adoption of the ALICE equipment. LW Rucksacks are currently quite desirable amongst collectors and period reenactors alike, and often retail for anywhere between $250 and $350 USD at dedicated militaria dealers and online auctions.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
troops during the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
.
Its assembly consisted of a nylon pack with cinch cord, top flap and three exterior pockets and a tubular aluminum frame with padded shoulder straps and waist belt. The Lightweight Rucksack was developed in 1962 as a part of the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
's effort to develop suitable equipment for use by what were then advisors in South Vietnam, through testing by the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at the Panama Canal Zone
Panama Canal Zone
The Panama Canal Zone was a unorganized U.S. territory located within the Republic of Panama, consisting of the Panama Canal and an area generally extending 5 miles on each side of the centerline, but excluding Panama City and Colón, which otherwise would have been partly within the limits of...
. Four different patterns of the LW Rucksack exist, with the latter two models featuring attachment points which allow the pack itself to be mounted in two and three different locations on the frame, respectively. A prototype version was produced in 1962, featuring a welded frame. The 1964 model was virtually the same, but with the contract information stamped in the pack rather than sewn in on a label. The next improvement came along in 1965, when the frame was changed to a riveted version rather than a welded one. The last modification was made in 1968, with the addition of a middle horizontal back strap. The LW Rucksack augmented M1956 and M1961 Field Packs and was later partially replaced by the Tropical Rucksack of the M1967 MLCE. The Pack was typically mounted low on the frame allowing bulky equipment to be strapped above. Stocks of LW Rucksacks were replaced in United States military service beginning in 1974 with the adoption of the ALICE equipment. LW Rucksacks are currently quite desirable amongst collectors and period reenactors alike, and often retail for anywhere between $250 and $350 USD at dedicated militaria dealers and online auctions.