WH/Heer M44 Artillerie Rücksack (WH/Heer Artillery M44 model back-pack)

During the war the early M34 and M39 Affe backpacks were found to be too expensive and time consuming to produce which resulted in the production of a wide variety of less expensive canvas construction combat rucksacks and backpacks. This is a late war back-pack, intended and developed to replace the 'Sturmgepäck'. It is executed in green coloured, 'heavy-duty' canvas and has a rounded fold-over closing flap. The back shows the four specific hooks (identical as those found on the 'Sturmgepäck') which could be hooked-in on the standard Y-straps, making them handy back-packs. The piece has two (50 cms. long) leather roller-buckle straps attached, intended to affix the shelter-quarter (or 'Zeltbahn') and poles/herrings. There is also an affixed inner-pouch (closed by means of a leather strap), intended to hold some private items, like towels etc. The back-pack is not visible  marked.