RD-54 Soviet Para's fighting load

[uscob]

Got some of the RD-54 Para Packs with Main Pack, Magazine-, Grenade- and E-tool Pouches. All are in new from 1991.

[uscob]

Reverse Main Pack with side Pouches.

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Reverse extra Pouches

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Stamp

[Kozlov]

The e-tool cover is quite unusual.

I've never quite worked out if it was a later addition to the RD-54 (mine is dated from the mid 80's and the item itself as introduced in the late 60's) or if it was something the desantniki simply didn't use - you see pics of them with the shovel tucked into the backpack with the handle sticking out the top.

If any of you have ever worn a Soviet style e-tool on your belt, you'd have a pretty good idea why you'd choose not to if you could!

I'd still like the RD-54 e-tool carrier though for my collection

[uscob]

The e-tool cover is quite unusual.

I've never quite worked out if it was a later addition to the RD-54 (mine is dated from the mid 80's and the item itself as introduced in the late 60's) or if it was something the desantniki simply didn't use - you see pics of them with the shovel tucked into the backpack with the handle sticking out the top.

If any of you have ever worn a Soviet style e-tool on your belt, you'd have a pretty good idea why you'd choose not to if you could!

I'd still like the RD-54 e-tool carrier though for my collection

I'll try to get a single one for you. He's coming to my shop tomorrow.
Nico

[Kozlov]

Cheers Nico! I'll take a few if you've got them...

BTW, the other explanation for the usual lack of them could be that the shovel carrier is of course seperate from the rest of the gear, so maybe lost along the way...