East and West Germany came together just in time for the Balkans to fall apart. This Bundeswehr Fliers Bag, first introduced in 1990, accompanied the Luftwaffe into Kosovo just as they were reintegrating their East German brothers from the Luftstreitkräfte der Nationalen Volksarmee (LSK). 

 

Built with those German airmen in mind—who needed to grab all their gear at a moment's notice without scrambling for separate luggage, backpacks, and other assorted bags—this fliers bag was designed to be spacious enough to hold their helmets, parachutes, medkits, and other gear in the roomy main compartment. It also sports a smaller pouch in the interior for quick, easy access to the essentials you don't want buried deep. 

 

Both the water-resistant nylon construction and a velcro-sealed zipper cover will shield your cargo from a stormy day, and the hard plastic backing comes with six legs to keep it off the ground—this bag can take whatever you throw at it. (Or throw into it, as the case may be.)

 

Its non-descript look and simple olive drab color scheme keeps it from screaming military surplus, making it a perfect choice for travel and casual use. Webbing wrapped around the bag helps to maintain its shape, and connects to the carry handles for stability. If you've really filled it full to bursting, it does feature a shoulder strap as well for added support.

 

You might not be jumping out of a plane anytime soon, but if you've got loads of gear you want kept all in one place, this is the best bag for it, hands down.

 

 

Specs

• Water-resistant nylon construction
• Large main compartment (120L capacity)
• Interior pocket for important items
• Handles and a shoulder strap for easy carry
• Velcro-sealed zipper cover
• Cotton web straps to maintain shape
• Plastic backing and feet for elevation 
• Maximum size of 24"x18"x16"
• Empty bag weighs 3.2lbs

 

Condition Guide

 

Great

• Lightly used and well cared for.
• Perfectly functional with either minor or no cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use.

Good

• Gear that's seen normal use, but retains uncompromised utility.
• Evident cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use.
• May exhibit writing and/or markings, including rank, serial numbers, etc.
• Zippers are fully functional, but may have field-modified zipper pulls.

 Serviceable

• Gear that remains field ready, but sports a rougher, worn aesthetic. 
• Possibly significant cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use.
• May exhibit writing and/or markings, including rank, serial numbers, etc.
• Zippers are fully functional, but may be missing zipper pulls.