This Austrian military rucksack is a Cold War-era design based heavily on the WWII German M31 mountain rucksack. Featuring a flap made from the iconic Erbsentarn (Pea Dot 44) camouflage — a postwar Austrian production version of the original Waffen-SS pattern — this bag blends classic German military style with Cold War-era Austrian construction.
Built from rugged olive canvas with a drawstring closure, the pack includes leather reinforcement straps and green cotton webbing shoulder straps with distinctive Austrian stitching. Inside is the "Ges. Gesch." (Gesetzlich Geschützt) stamp, denoting the protected design — a mark found on Austrian and German gear.
These rucksacks were widely used by the Austrian Bundesheer during the 1950s–1970s, particularly among alpine troops, and are prized today for their durability and historical connection to both WWII and Cold War European militaries.
Austrian Bundesheer Pea Dot Rucksack – M31 Style Pack with Leather Straps
Specifications
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Origin: Austria
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Era: 1950s–1970s
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Material: Olive canvas body, Pea Dot camo flap, leather & webbing straps
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Markings: “Ges. Gesch.” stamp inside
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Style: Based on WWII German M31 rucksack
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Camouflage: Austrian-made Erbsentarn (Pea Dot 44)
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Condition: Good used condition; field wear/repairs present
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