In preparing to steamroll all of Europe, the Soviets amassed a considerable quantity of gear in East Germany. To this day there are warehouses still full of the stuff. The rain pattern pack is just one of those things that never seems to run out.
In line with Soviet doctrine, the pack was designed for speed and simplicity. About the size of a bookbag, it contains the essentials for a day or two in the field along with lashing down points for a shelter half or bedroll. In addition to the rain pattern pack, the East German soldier would carry a magazine pouch, knife, canteen, and an e-tool attached to his belt.
This no-frills approach allowed your average East German solider to sprint while hip firing — in line with a Soviet fighting philosophy that called for launching waves of dismounted, mechanized, and motorized units running alongside armor and their personnel carriers.
These particular packs are part of the "Gen 2 Fighting Complex." Because of this they incorporate a full rubber liner, similar to a dry bag. This "sock" allows the bag to remain fully weatherproof despite its outer-facing cotton/poly construction. It's not rated for submersion, but for everything else the thick rubber liner does the job. Note: This Rubber Liner is only available on the Weatherproof Variant of the Combat Pack.
Specs
- Pack measures approximately 12" x 12" x 5"
- Strichmuster camo cotton-blend shell
- Clamp buckle secured lid with an unassuming carrying handle
- Waterproof PVC sock and rubberized lid keeps contents dry and weatherproofed
- Ideally sized for storing and carrying ammunition — will hold roughly ~3,000 loose rounds of 5.56 or the contents of two regular 50 cal cans
- NVA 2nd Gen Y-strap webbing allows the pack to be worn like a backpack
- Webbing has additional interfacing for anchoring to any combat belt
- Four D-rings and three adjustable bedroll-style belt loops for external lashing
- Name tag slot, always overlooked and unused
Condition
Unissued packs are like new. Some may have light storage damage, but only minor stains are present.
Issued packs have seen varying degrees of use, such as staining or broken in material. Name tag or writing are present on some, and there may be items left behind from the original user.
In preparing to steamroll all of Europe, the Soviets amassed a considerable quantity of gear in East Germany. To this day there are warehouses still full of the stuff. The rain pattern pack is just one of those things that never seems to run out.
In line with Soviet doctrine, the pack was designed for speed and simplicity. About the size of a bookbag, it contains the essentials for a day or two in the field along with lashing down points for a shelter half or bedroll. In addition to the rain pattern pack, the East German soldier would carry a magazine pouch, knife, canteen, and an e-tool attached to his belt.
This no-frills approach allowed your average East German solider to sprint while hip firing — in line with a Soviet fighting philosophy that called for launching waves of dismounted, mechanized, and motorized units running alongside armor and their personnel carriers.
These particular packs are part of the "Gen 2 Fighting Complex." Because of this they incorporate a full rubber liner, similar to a dry bag. This "sock" allows the bag to remain fully weatherproof despite its outer-facing cotton/poly construction. It's not rated for submersion, but for everything else the thick rubber liner does the job. Note: This Rubber Liner is only available on the Weatherproof Variant of the Combat Pack.
Specs
- Pack measures approximately 12" x 12" x 5"
- Strichmuster camo cotton-blend shell
- Clamp buckle secured lid with an unassuming carrying handle
- Waterproof PVC sock and rubberized lid keeps contents dry and weatherproofed
- Ideally sized for storing and carrying ammunition — will hold roughly ~3,000 loose rounds of 5.56 or the contents of two regular 50 cal cans
- NVA 2nd Gen Y-strap webbing allows the pack to be worn like a backpack
- Webbing has additional interfacing for anchoring to any combat belt
- Four D-rings and three adjustable bedroll-style belt loops for external lashing
- Name tag slot, always overlooked and unused
Condition
Unissued packs are like new. Some may have light storage damage, but only minor stains are present.
Issued packs have seen varying degrees of use, such as staining or broken in material. Name tag or writing are present on some, and there may be items left behind from the original user.
| Utility |
Rated 4 out of 5
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| Performance |
Rated 4 out of 5
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| Ergonomics |
Rated 4 out of 5
|
It was everything I wanted
I wanted a backpack. This was cool and looked hip and was cheap.
| Utility |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
|---|---|
| Performance |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
| Ergonomics |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
Great condition
Arrived in great condition with the straps
| Utility |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
|---|---|
| Performance |
Rated 5 out of 5
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| Ergonomics |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
Best Everyday Bag
I replaced my shitty Nike drawstring bag with this glorious ComBloc pack as an everyday bag. I have probably ordered 5 of these things from Kommandostore and every single one has came in great condition. I use it on my hikes, riding my bike, hanging out at a friends house, carrying ammo for the range - I use this pack for everything and I absolutely love it. It has strong and durable fabric, it has a surprising amount of space, the camo is pretty low-key, and most importantly, it has that great ComBloc surplus smell. Bag so good and affordable I literally bought one for a friend. 10/10.
| Utility |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
|---|---|
| Performance |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
| Ergonomics |
Rated 4 out of 5
|
Good for bikes. Crappy, alone.
It’s a terrible standalone backpack. The bottom hooks are not designed to “snap” on with the harness so it easily comes loose. The pack also drops pretty low on your back and I’m more used to having my packs sit higher. I do understand it’s supposed to be combined with other pieces as a belt system but nonetheless it’s a terrible backpack when used alone.
However, I have a bike. I have a rear cargo rack. Attach the top hooks onto the rack and use the leftover rubbery silicone leather straps to secure the pack onto the rack. And boom I have what I think is a fashionable bombproof and waterproof pannier for under $20. I did have to bend the hooks to make it wide enough to fit onto the cargo frame though, however it can very between different frames. Mines was too thick so some pliers were needed to bend the top pack hooks wider.
So as long as you’re using this as a pannier on your bike or you’re using it with the belt system as it was intended or as some kind of bag that isn’t a dedicated day backpack, I think this is a good pack. Cheap, durable, waterproof (depends on which one you order).
| Utility |
Rated 4 out of 5
|
|---|---|
| Performance |
Rated 4 out of 5
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| Ergonomics |
Rated 3 out of 5
|
East German Stronk
I ordered two packs from the current batch and both arrived in fantastic condition. The fabrics look almost new and there was no corrosion on the metal pieces. The packs had a mild order to them like all good surplus but a few days in the Arizona sun took care of that.
| Utility |
Rated 4 out of 5
|
|---|---|
| Performance |
Rated 4 out of 5
|
| Ergonomics |
Rated 4 out of 5
|