A-frame and assault backpack

A device for carrying loads on the back in combat, part of the assault equipment of a German soldier. Replica, made of cotton sling, leather straps, steel fittings.

The color of the bag may differ from the color of the strap and from the bag shown in the photo. Depending on the production batch, it may be olive or khaki. Original sets could also differ in color. If you need to know the color for certain, contact the store before placing an order: we will check the item in stock and provide additional photos.

The A frame is a semi-rigid trapezoidal load carrier attached to the rear of the Y-straps. Its upper rings connect to the rings on the shoulder straps, while the lower rings attach to the auxiliary straps. These four attachment points keep the load close to the back and reduce movement while walking or running.

A rolled Zeltbahn shelter quarter and a mess tin were secured to the frame with Mantelriemen equipment straps. Loops and metal rings allowed the load arrangement to be adapted to the task. A separate Beutel zum Gefechtsgepäck bag attaches to the frame for carrying small equipment; this product includes both the A frame and the bag.

Historical reference.

The lightweight Gefechtsgepäck für Infanterie Schützenkompanien combat equipment system was introduced in April 1939 together with the combat Y-straps. Its basis was the Gurtbandtragegerüst, a semi-rigid trapezoidal frame made from olive webbing and commonly called the A frame by collectors.

The system was intended primarily for personnel of infantry rifle companies and remained in short supply early in the war. Under the load-reduction arrangements for rifle companies, the soldier carried the combat pack while the full Tornister pack was normally transported on the company combat wagon. The A frame was therefore worn with Y-straps in combat and on missions requiring a light load of essential equipment.

The standard load included a mess tin and a rolled Zeltbahn shelter quarter. A separate assault-pack bag held a weapon cleaning kit, rations and other small items. A blanket or rolled greatcoat could also be strapped to the frame, although this was less common because the system was designed as compact combat equipment.

An A frame connected to the Y-straps. Photo from MP44.nl

Two principal patterns are encountered: the standard webbing frame with leather components and an all-webbing version often called the tropical A frame. Wartime examples vary in the shade of webbing, strap construction and metal fittings according to maker, production date and material shortages.

A fully packed combat load on the A frame with mess tin and rolled Zeltbahn. Photo from MP44.nl