The lightweight rucksack with aluminum frame was developed by Natick Laboratories for cold weather and mountain use as an initial effort to develop lightweight load-carrylng equipment in 1961. It weighed 3 pounds (1.4 kg) as compared to the 7.5 pound (3.4 kg) cotton rucksack with steel frame which it replaced.^[1]

lightweight rucksack with a canteen in a cover attached to the side hanger and secured by a tiedown strap.

The aluminum frame gave the load stability on the wearer's back, and the nylon pack, with a capacity of 1.15 cubic feet was almost twice as large as the M-56 pack (.67 cu ft). Furthermore, a small demountable platform was provided which could be attached at the bottom of the frame; this shelf made it possible to carry items like a five-gallon water can, and thus served as a lightweight packboard.

Specification

• MIL-R-43373
• frame and cargo support shelf: MIL-F-43356
• snow camouflage cover: MIL-C-41823
• rifle butt pocket and strap assembly: MIL-R-43323

Nomenclature

• complete set: RUCKSACK, LIGHTWEIGHT
• pack: FIELD PACK
• frame: FRAME, FIELD PACK
• waist strap: STRAP, WEBBING

Logistics

• standardized model, complete set: 8465-782-3248
  • pack: 8465-782-2113
  • riveted frame: 8465-782-3249
  • waist strap: 8465-782-3250
• shelf: 8465-782-6722
• snow camouflage cover: 8465-270-0414
• rifle butt pocket and strap assembly: 8465-782-2779
• earlier models
  • T-62-1
  • T-62-2: 8465-889-3773
  • 1964: 8465-965-4416

References

• Metzger, Eldon C. (July 1975). History of the Development of the LINCLOE Loadcarrying Equipment. Natick, MA: United States Army Natick Development Center. [pdf]
• Kennedy, Stepehen; Goldman, Ralph; Slauta, John. (May 1973). The Carrying of Loads within an Infantry Company. Natick,MA: Clothing and Personal Life Support Equipment Laboratory, US Army Natick Laboratories. [pdf]
• Rottman, Gordon L. (January 26, 2017). Vietnam War US & Allied Combat Equipments. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing.
• Monroe, C. A., Pickrall, Craig. (2012). American Web Equipment 1967-1991. Marlborough, Wiltshire, UK: The Crowood Press.

Notes

1. ↑ M-1952 rucksack, 8465-261-6931, MIL-R-1619A.