M31 Rucksack

German M31 Rucksack – individual field equipment pack

The M31 rucksack was a practical item of German individual field equipment used during the Second World War. Made from heavy grey-green, olive or khaki canvas, with leather fittings, metal hardware and fastening straps, it offered a softer and more adaptable alternative to the traditional rigid Tornister pack. Specialist descriptions note that the M31 became more common during the war as a larger and more practical replacement for earlier fur-flap pack designs.  

Its layout included a large main compartment for spare clothing, personal belongings, rations, field items and small service equipment. Inside, an additional pocket could be used to separate smaller objects from the main load. The front of the pack carried two external pockets, allowing frequently used items to be stored separately and reached more easily. This arrangement of main compartment, internal pocket and two front pockets is consistently listed in descriptions of M31 rucksack patterns.  

From a technical point of view, the M31 rucksack was built for durability and field practicality. Heavy canvas gave the pack strength while allowing it to conform more naturally to its contents than a rigid Tornister. Leather reinforced the areas most exposed to wear, including straps, closures and attachment points. Some versions were fitted with removable leather carrying straps, while others could be attached directly to the German Y-strap system, integrating the pack with the soldier’s standard load-bearing equipment.  

The M31 rucksack is often associated with Gebirgsjäger mountain troops, tropical formations and later wider Wehrmacht use. Its capacity, flexible construction and front pockets made it suitable for marching, field movement and the carriage of varied personal equipment. Several modern specialist descriptions connect the pattern with mountain troops and describe its broader use as a practical wartime carrying solution.  

Collector’s note: the M31 differed from the Tornister not only in appearance, but in the way it was used. Its soft canvas body allowed a more flexible load, while the external pockets made small items easier to organize. This practical layout explains why the model is strongly associated with mobile units and troops operating with variable field equipment.