This is a used item. Some buckles may be missing but can be replaced, and the backpack may show minor signs of wear and abrasion. More info
This backpack clearly shows its origins in the British Bergen rucksack. It retains all the advantages of the original design but has been modified to meet military requirements for paratroopers. It is manufactured by S.P.M., a company based in Liberec, Czech Republic, which also developed the Modular Load-Carrying System.
Unlike the original Bergen, this backpack also features bottom access. The second opening is located at the base of the pack. To open it, three securing buckles must be released, a heavy-duty zipper unfastened, and the drawcord of the internal closure loosened. The shoulder straps are considerably more comfortable than those of the original model. However, the straps are still permanently sewn into place, meaning the backpack does not offer adjustable back length. The back panel is shaped with several horizontal sections of soft padding. Like its predecessor, the backpack features numerous attachment points for additional equipment, allowing users to arrange their gear according to their preferences.
Interestingly, all the straps are longer than would normally be necessary. According to the manufacturer, the philosophy is that shortening a strap is easy, but lengthening it is not. This design ensures that a soldier wearing winter clothing, body armour, and load-bearing equipment can still comfortably handle and adjust all the straps as needed. Cutting the straps to a preferred length is not recommended, as you never know when the extra length might come in handy. Instead, excess strap material can simply be folded or rolled up and secured with an elastic keeper or adhesive tape.
Another modification compared to the original design is a dedicated rope pocket for use between the parachute and the backpack. The rope is equipped with two carabiners. One attaches to the parachute harness, while the other connects to the carrying handle of the backpack. The permitted load for parachute jumps is 30–40 kg. The backpack has successfully passed airborne deployment tests. It is made from material featuring the Czech military camouflage pattern 95, which also provides camouflage in the infrared spectrum. One noticeable drawback is the backpack's relatively high weight compared to the Model 98 backpack. According to the manufacturer, this additional weight ensures greater reliability. The plastic components are the same as those used on the newer equipment of the German Bundeswehr. Compared to standard buckles, adjusting the straps is somewhat more complicated. The strap must first be loosened, the buckle repositioned, and the strap tightened again. This design prevents the straps from slipping or becoming completely loose if a buckle catches on an obstacle or is subjected to heavy loads.
The backpack is part of the military MNS-2000 Modular Load-Carrying System. The side pouches can be fitted with shoulder straps (the large backpack comes with four multipurpose straps that can be adapted for use with the pouches), but they are primarily designed to be attached to the back of load-bearing webbing or a tactical vest. This is the preferred configuration. To prevent the webbing from being pulled backwards, the weight of the attached pouch should be balanced by positioning heavier equipment at the front of the webbing. The advantage of this arrangement is that no additional straps interfere around the neck. When passing through a narrow opening, the upper buckles can simply be released, allowing the pouch to swing down between the legs. This eliminates the need to worry about pulling the pouch through the opening separately.
Large paratrooper rucksack in Czech military camouflage pattern 95, manufactured by S.P.M. Liberec. Used military surplus from the Czech Armed Forces. Some buckles may be missing but can be replaced, and the backpack may show minor signs of wear and abrasion.
Dimensions:
Capacity: 100 to 120 litres
