31/05/2020
This item I have not used. It is still in the same condition as it was when got it.
A piece of art on its own right, the Romanian pack is well made and seems bombproof. Let's see what kind of secrets it holds.
INSIDE
From the inside this is a simple thing: it has one large main space closed with a piece of string. Dimensions from seam to seam about 30-35 x 40 x 26 cm. The pack is wider from the bottom than on the top.
The main space is covered by a large lid closed with a traditional one-prong buckle system. You can punch in more holes to the strap if needed.
EXTERNAL FEATURES
The lid has leather attachment points probably for a mess kit and that large, interesting looking piece is for a spade (our best guess). On the sides you'll find attachment points for a blanket/tarp roll and on the other side there's a handy little pouch for a bottle of booze, or a canteen.
All the corners are reinforced with leather. Certainly this is a thing born out of love.
THE STRAPS
Anyone familiar with WW2 German gear will instantly recognize the carrying system, and those who aren't might have to stop for a while and think. We'll make it easy: the slim straps with the loops are supposed to be attached to the hooks on the bottom of the pack. The wide straps with the hooks are meant to be anchored on the combat belt kit.
Yes, the straps will easily slide out of the hooks. This feature is good for military use when you have to discard the pack fast, but no so convenient on civilian life. The simplest hack is to slam the hooks "shut" so the loops won't slide out. Another trick is to cut off the slim straps at their base and just attach the hooked straps together any way you wish - this makes a neater appearance, but we will leave the historical integrity aspects to the reader.
