SADF Pattern 83 Field Pack, "Grootsak"
SADF Pattern 83 Field Pack, "Grootsak"
SADF Pattern 83 Field Pack, "Grootsak"
SADF Pattern 83 Field Pack, "Grootsak"
SADF Pattern 83 Field Pack, "Grootsak"
SADF Pattern 83 Field Pack, "Grootsak"
SADF Pattern 83 Field Pack, "Grootsak"
SADF Pattern 83 Field Pack, "Grootsak"
SADF Pattern 83 Field Pack, "Grootsak"
SADF Pattern 83 Field Pack, "Grootsak"
SADF Pattern 83 Field Pack, "Grootsak"

SADF Pattern 83 Field Pack, "Grootsak"

Regular price$349.99 USD
/
Rated 4.8 out of 5
Based on 18 reviews

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  • Backordered, shipping soon
Condition


The P83 Rucksack, colloquially known as the
grootsak (“big bag” in Afrikaans), certainly lives up to its name. It is technically a Bergen Rucksack, an alpine-style bag popularized by the British SAS. If a mountain bag seems far from home in desert warfare, well you'd be right. During the Border Wars the SADF had a habit of judging equipment by usefulness. Not by how pretty it looked, not where it came from, or who used it. If it was effective the SADF would take it---from Chicom rigs, which inspired the P83 chest rig, to all kinds of Mad Max style technicals and mine resistant vehicles.

The
Grootsak fits neatly into this practical mindset, a large comfortable bag suitable for long range patrols---but equally fast into action. Notably, it is the first bag of it's kind designed specifically to be worn with a chest rig. 

While the Pattern 83 Battlejacket was intended for those brief, high-speed, hide and seek operations, the Pattern 83 Rucksack/Chest Rig combo specializes in long-term patrols, sometimes lasting multiple weeks. The spacious bag allows the soldier to carry 8 Liters of water along with a full complement of food, ammunition and equipment. In practical use, the SADF often hiked in their own mortars... 

Despite its large size the Grootsak was highly innovative. Equally at home with foot soldiers and motorized troops, the bag features a unique quick detach buckle far ahead of it's time. In the close contact, ambush warfare so characteristic of the Border War---this allowed the SADF soldier to transition from ruck march to firefight far faster than a similarly equipped opponent. This was the genius of the Pattern 83 Field Pack/Chest Rig system. Every soldier was always ready for rapid movement and counterattack.

An emphasis on storage and durability makes the P83 rucksack a strong contender for long outdoor hikes, rough-and-tumble camping trips, and even just daily use as a high-quality travel bag.
Its 77-liter capacity allowed SADF forces to deploy with authority---literally carrying everything into battle. 

While all grootsaks were originally issued with a metal frame designed to aid paratroopers, many soldiers removed it to lighten the pack and improve comfort. This field modification became so popular that most packs were stripped in the field, and eventually bags were issued without the frame to all but airborne soldiers.

 

Specs

  • Durable Nutria Brown Cordura nylon
  • Top compartment, bottom compartment, and four side compartments 
  • 70L main compartment, 77-liter overall capacity
  • 3.14lb unloaded with a maximum recommended weight of 77 pounds (Note that this is for your comfort, the bag can take quite a bit more in a pinch.)
  • Top compartment for lightweight items such as extra clothing, wet weather gear, etc.
  • Bottom compartment for heavy weight items such as rations, ammo, boots, etc.
  • 4 side compartments designed for SADF 2 litre canteens but can be used for other items
  • Rain flap with document pouch
  • “Caterpillar type” padded back designed to conform to your body and provide even airflow across the entire back.
  • Adjustable quick-release waist buckle and chest strap
  • Designed for simultaneous wear with the P83 Chest Rig and (occasionally) P83 Battle Jacket 

     

    Condition Guide

    Like-New+

    • The item has been used, but remains in like-new condition. Suitable for discerning collectors and reference use.

    Excellent+

    • The item has barely any cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use.
    • The item may exhibit internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.

    Great+

    • The item has only minor cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use.
    • The item may exhibit noticeable internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.
    • The item may have minor field repairs, or field modifications.

    Good+

    • The item has clear cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use that have not compromised a significant majority of its functionality.
    • The item may exhibit clear internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.
    • The item may have minor or major field repairs, or field modifications.

    Serviceable+

    • The item has significant cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use that have not compromised a significant majority of its functionality.
    • The item may exhibit clear internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.
    • The item may require minor repairs to either a seam, or to the fabric to restore 100% functionality

      Note: A “+” following any of these conditions indicates the product has also been freshly laundered.

      Instructions

      Featured here we have the original SADF field manual containing adjustment, handling and maintenance information on all P83 equipment. This can be viewed here. Field Pack usage information can be found on pages A5, A18-A22, and A47-A52.

      average rating 4.8 out of 5
      Based on 18 reviews
      • 5 Stars
        16 Reviews
      • 4 Stars
        1 Review
      • 3 Stars
        1 Review
      • 2 Stars
        0 Reviews
      • 1 Star
        0 Reviews
      100% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
      Size
      Rated 4 out of 5
      Condition
      Rated 3 out of 5
      Utility
      Rated 4 out of 5
      Performance
      Rated 4 out of 5
      Ergonomics
      Rated 4 out of 5
      Customer photos and videos
      18 Reviews
      Reviewed by John R., from United States
      Verified Buyer
      I recommend this product
      Condition
      Better Than Described
      Rated 5 out of 5
      Review posted

      A

      Great Condition, very comfy

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      Size
      Rated 3 out of 5
      Condition
      Rated 4 out of 5
      Utility
      Rated 5 out of 5
      Performance
      Rated 5 out of 5
      Ergonomics
      Rated 5 out of 5
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      Reviewed by Adam L., from United States
      Verified Buyer
      I recommend this product
      Condition
      Better Than Described
      Rated 5 out of 5
      Review posted

      Perfect size

      The quality is great and it's perfect for taking alot of cloths when I go camping

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      Size
      Rated 4 out of 5
      Condition
      Rated 4 out of 5
      Utility
      Rated 5 out of 5
      Performance
      Rated 5 out of 5
      Ergonomics
      Rated 5 out of 5
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      Reviewed by S, from United States
      Verified Reviewer
      I recommend this product
      Condition
      As Described
      Rated 5 out of 5
      Review posted

      Solid

      Lived out of it for a week, solid in some bush. Made modifications for a carry handle and new bedroll straps. Throw on and ALICE frame for comfort and you have a solid pack. Has some scribbles from the last guy but it adds character, did some reading and he was probably an engineer in SADF.

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      Size
      Rated 4 out of 5
      Condition
      Rated 3 out of 5
      Utility
      Rated 5 out of 5
      Performance
      Rated 5 out of 5
      Ergonomics
      Rated 4 out of 5
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      Reviewed by Arden H., from United States
      Verified Buyer
      I recommend this product
      Condition
      As Described
      Rated 5 out of 5
      Review posted

      👍

      Everything I hoped it would be and more.

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      Size
      Rated 5 out of 5
      Condition
      Rated 4 out of 5
      Utility
      Rated 5 out of 5
      Performance
      Rated 5 out of 5
      Ergonomics
      Rated 5 out of 5
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      Reviewed by Jason C., from United States
      Verified Buyer
      I recommend this product
      Condition
      Worse Than Described
      Rated 3 out of 5
      Review posted

      Good enough

      Generally intact, with the exception that the drawstring to the top compartment had it was torn out of its anchor points and fixed improperly in the field, so that now some of the fabric is torn too. Will need a little bit of fixing, but that's the nature of surplus.

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      Size
      Rated 4 out of 5
      Condition
      Rated 4 out of 5
      Utility
      Rated 4 out of 5
      Performance
      Rated 4 out of 5
      Ergonomics
      Rated 5 out of 5
      Was this helpful?

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