The Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection
1168.2014.1
Military Pack 1903 Pattern
04/11/2014
Hermione Cooper
04/11/2014
Khaki canvas satchel with metal clasps and a shoulder strap.
canvas
36(l) x 11(d) x 33(w) cms
1
On back of pack "RAF 353967 (?) 23"
Khaki
In a world of Gucci gear shops, sporting rows and rows of rucksacks, it's hard to imagine that just a few decades ago it was almost impossible to get one; and whatever was available came at a price way beyond the average hillgoer, camper and mountaineer.
Lots of folk went to the hill wearing all the clothes they had with any extras in their pockets. If someone had a rucksack it would probably be loaned, homemade or ex-army.
Armies of the world have been kitting out their troops with marching outfits since time began and when folk started to venture into the outdoors for fun in the 1800's, military gear was ideally suited for the purpose and the ex-army store became the outdoor gear shop of the times.
The army produced a new set of Marching Order in 1903 which, unsurprisingly, was known as Pattern 1903, and amidst all the belts, ammo pouches and water bottles there was a 'large pack' which is what we have here in the collection.
Designed for carrying a greatcoat, mess tins and a soldier's personal effects, they were ideal for the camper, walker and mountaineer; thousands of them were sold off after World War I.
We assume M.E.Co.1918 refers to the maker, though we are not sure what the initials stand for. We are also not sure where this one came from either, but we're delighted to have this little piece of mountain militaria in our collection.
04/11/2014
04/11/2014
Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007
04/11/2014