Pioneer bags & pack

[2ND. PIONEER]

Hello
I posted in the equipment forum but people on this forum might know more
were can i buy a good repro of the pioneer pouches and pack?

thank you
bob

[SOT(D)]

Repro bags

Insofar as repro pioneer bags go, I have a set ( left, rigt, backpack, and demo satchel ), and if not for everything in life, I'd considered making the repros myself, as I have the hardware and a post war BW "duffel bag of fantastic fabric that is identical to the pioneer set, and some model 44 breadbags. However, I found a set (pouches and backpack ) for $69.00 plus 15 shipping, on the Militarytour.com website. For bashing around in the field, or even at dog and pony shows, one cannot beat the price.
The only thing is the webbing tab securing straps ( same system carried on by the NVA for their AK pouches, and a funky little version of the WWII pioneer pack, sans a longitudinal storage pocket and mess tin pouch at top ), which could be replaced in their entirety, with straps from those post war Czech(?) rucksacks, so similar to the WWII German, or just replace the square metal tips with more appropriate looking pointed tips from NVA AK pouches. Not hard to do, if you carefully pry up the edges (sides and tip) then prime and paint, and affix them to the new strap. Tap down the edges, touch up with paint again, and you are set. I am going to get a set from Militarytour, since the price is right. Do not be in a hurry to get them, as they are in Canada, and only ship on Fridays...or only ship to the States then...not sure which is which.
I have rebuilt Czech rucks for reenacting, both in leather and web versions, as well as straps for some one liter canteens, with parts from Czech and NVA gear, and they are great.

I would like to see what those Czech fellows, alluded to in a thread by the same title, are making, should the website ever be found and posted here.

Hope I could help you out in your search

[PBT39]

Hello,
Althought I made pioneer side bags myself as it was impossible to buy a good repro in my country then, I have bought the backpack and the canvas side bag for 3 kg and 1 kg satchel charges from www.edelweissmilitaria.com . Search in "new products" section. Although they are not cheap, the quality is great. According the pieces I bought (bacpack only and canvas side bag carried on strap) I can say the canvas, the details etc. are very good IMO. I haven't seen a better repro till today.

Sorry, but backpack and bags from militarytour are not proper. Just take a look at the bag with gasmask pouch. It should have separate flaps for gasmask and the main compartment while it has just one flap. Not a good repro at all.

SOT(D) - NVA straps (and the mettal fittings at the end of them) are not exactly proper - they are wider than original were. Same situation with most of the Czech rucksack straps and fittings - only one production version had narrower metal fittings that had the same width as original. I think it was later production because the canvas was very tight and smooth, not like normal Czech rucksacks.