The backpacks of World War I soldiers varied depending on the country and time period, but they generally shared some common features. They were typically made of canvas or leather, and were designed to be carried on the back of the soldier. The packs were often divided into several compartments, with the largest compartment at the bottom, and smaller compartments on the sides and top. The packs also had a number of straps and buckles, which allowed the soldiers to adjust the fit and weight distribution.
Some common items carried in the packs included:
- Food rations
- Water bottle
- First aid kit
- Ammunition
- Extra clothing
- Entrenching tool
- Gas mask
- Mess kit
- Personal items
The weight of the packs could vary significantly, depending on the mission and the amount of supplies that the soldier was required to carry. In some cases, the packs could weigh as much as 40 or 50 pounds, which could be a significant burden for the soldiers to carry, especially over long distances or in difficult terrain.
