Rucksack Used by 2nd Lt. Leonard B. Sutton at Camp Hale, Colorado
Very large rucksack worn on the back. Olive drab canvas on a tubular metal A-shaped frame. Large center pocket with flap that has two cotton webbed tiedown straps. The large pocket has three smaller pockets on it--one on each side and one in the center--each with a flap and blonde leather strap and buckle closure. The top of the rucksack slips onto the top of the frame and is reinforced with a heavy, thick piece of leather. The shoulder straps are wide and thick cotton webbing. There are several cotton web straps on the rucksack for adjusting the fit and securing to the frame. The lower sides of the frame curved forward to hug the hips of the wearer.
This large capacity rucksack was used by the donor, Leonard V. B. Sutton, of the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment while at Camp Hale, Colorado in 1942. He did not specify if he used it past that time, or if he was deployed overseas to Italy. These rucksacks were developed for the mountain soldiers and absolutely necessary to carry the huge loads needed to survive the cold, this unique pack put the load on a man's hips instead of his shoulders. The Quartermaster Catalog advised that the pack's tubular frame could be removed and made into an emergency sled.
"HINSON MFG.CO. / 1942" (stenciled inside main back flap) "U.S." (stenciled on main back flap)