WW2 US Army Pack board

During World War II the U.S. Army developed the packboard in response to the need for a general purpose loading system for carrying bulky loads in terrain where wheeled transport could not reach. Packboards had been in use in northern parts of North American for many years and there were many types to examine. A number of designs were tested with emphasis on something that would work for Alpine troops on skis. The "Yukon" design was chosen and refined for Army use