SADF Bateleur 90 Para Webbing

The final form of South African bush warfare efficiency.

If you know, you know. But if you don't know: The South African Defense Force (SADF) spent decades figuring out exactly how much gear a human can carry before their knees explode, and then they built the P83 battle jacket to hold exactly that much. It was perfect. It was iconic. It was BROWN.

But evolution doesn't stop at “perfect.” It gets weird.

Enter the P90 Bateleur series. These are the late-stage, high-speed riffs on the classic P83 formula, produced right as the Border War was winding down and everyone was getting a little experimental. We've secured a stock of two distinct flavors of this rare bird: the Three Spears" and "Backpacker" variant. Both are renowned for their comfort and adjustability, but each has its unique quirks that collectors care about, so we've split them into their manufacturers respectively.

But rest assured, both are ready to turn you into a walking logistics hub for unlimited autism.

Variant 1: The "Three Spears" P90

Used by SADF Special Forces & 44 Parachute Regiment, this was the workhorse. It takes the general silhouette of the P83 and injects it with a massive dose of firepower capability. It’s built for the guy who believes reloading is a sign of weakness and that you can never have enough snacks.

The Loadout (Per Hip):

• A Big GP Pouch: For your sustainment gear, rain poncho, or an irresponsible amount of biltong.

• Two Smaller GP Pouches: Perfect for grenades, compasses, or localized snacks.

• A Magazine Pouch: Because eventually, you will have to reload.

Variant 2: The "Backpacker" P90

Manufactured by Backpacker, this variant features distinctive black trim and heavy-duty Cordura construction for "extra wear resist™" (not a real trademark). Right out of Capetown, backpacker mainly manufactured this variant in the mid to late 90s.

It drops the middle mag pouch to make room for slightly girthier GP pouches on the flanks, making it ideal for recce work where carrying strange, bulky items takes precedence over carrying 500 rounds of 5.56.

Same Loadout, with a few "Upgrades":

• Black Trim & Cordura: Tougher than your average surplus. Looks cooler, too.

• Upsized GP Pouches: The two outer pouches on the hips are slightly larger than the Three Spear version.

• Streamlined Layout: No middle mag pouch means a slightly lower profile for when you're crawling through the scrub (or under your ex’s fence). 

The "Why" In 2025

Genuine SADF gear is getting harder to find than a Rhodesian brushstroke enthusiast with a rational worldview. These Bateleur jackets represent the pinnacle of South African load-bearing design: comfortable, bombproof, and capable of carrying everything you need for a 3-day patrol, a particularly intense airsoft skirmish, or evading all your loved ones this Christmas season.

The unfortunate part is that despite their design as a spiritual successor to P83 combined with Niemoller's genius, they weren't produced in the sheer numbers that P83 was. So, finding them on the surplus market is, dare we say, a little tricky. In fact, a cursory search of the net will make you stumble upon more pattern 83 in current use on SANDF infantry than either P90 or the successor webbing in Soldier 2000 Camo. We have a feeling that South Africa might have a logistics problem...

So, grab yours before they disappear into a private collection in Pretoria.

Specs:

• Genuine SADF Issue, made by "Backpacker" and "Three Spears"
• Three Spears Variant:
  • Padded shoulder harness and more simplistic "slick" features like Pattern 83 webbings
  • Extra exterior magazine pouches on the outside of the GP/Canteen pouches
• Backpacker Variant:
  • Learning from early deployments of the P90 webbings, Nylon reinforced bases on the GP Pouches
    
  • Elimination of the auxiliary magazine pouch to cut down on maximum weight and keep the point of balance closer to the body
  • Reduced cost shoulder harness, typically black cordura instead of nutria brown
• Padded 4 point shoulder harnesses attached to D-Rings
• Fully adjustable at the shoudlers and waist
• Pouch backings are padded to reduce friction from the belt
• Auxiliary pouches on the front of the shoulder harness
• Heavily reinforced sewing patterns for longevity
• Extra large waist buckle for easy donning and doffing
• Carries 2 Standard 2L SADF-Spec canteens
• Heavily draws inspiration from niemoller webbing
• Magazine pouches designed primarily for STANAG or Galil R4 style magazines
  

"Old man said you could fit an entire UN peacekeeping force in here. Or at least enough snacks to watch one collapse. Biltong?"

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 or major field repairs, or field modifications. This includes (but is not limited) to: removing the divider between the two pouches on the back of the rig, small additions such as hardware, or removal of mortar straps.
  

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. This includes (but is not limited) to: removing the divider between the two pouches on the back of the rig, small additions such as hardware, or removal of mortar straps.

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. Battle Jacket usage information can be found on pages A4-A4, A9, and A34-A46.