Haversack

HAVERSACK, is used for carrying a small load by a person, mainly items of personal use: clothing (underwear), foodstuffs, and other small items; as one of the main components, it is part of the equipment of a Red Army soldier (replacing a knapsack). In the sanitary evaluation of types of haversacks, it is necessary first of all to take into account the method of carrying them: the ratio of the weight of the load to the center of gravity of the body, the effect on respiration, blood circulation, and the freedom of movement of the arms. The two best-known types of haversacks are the Turkestan and the alpine. The Turkestan haversack (or the 1869 bag, when it was first introduced in units of the Russian army operating in Turkestan) consists of the bag itself, a strap, and a chest bridge. The standard sample of the bag adopted for supply in the Red Army is made of waterproof canvas and has the most typical dimensions: length 65 cm, width 46 cm, capacity (volume) about 0.25 cubic meters; weight about 520 g. Among the civilian population, this bag became widespread in 1919-20 ("hunger years"). Due to the simplicity of construction, ease of manufacture, comparative cheapness, and convenience in use, the Turkestan haversack deserves attention and can be recommended, mainly, for the civilian population (seasonal workers, etc.).-A l p i n e (mountain) haversack is more complex in construction, more expensive, but therefore more convenient to carry. It is usually made of waterproof canvas and consists of an widened bag, with a flap covering the top of the bag and two outer pockets, and two carrying shoulder straps with small straps for fastening to the belt; it is closed by means of a cord tightening the top of the bag; it has an internal partition made of the same fabric. The most convenient dimensions: length 53 cm, width 66 cm, weight of the bag about 1,210 g. Used, mainly, by hunters and athletes. The alpine bag more fully meets the requirements of correct carrying. The attachment of the carrying shoulder straps in front to the belt contributes to a more correct distribution of weight in relation to the center of gravity of the body; the bag does not constrict the chest and does not hinder breathing.-The Turkestan haversack, according to the method of carrying, is considered from a sanitary point of view to be less satisfactory. It requires greater muscular effort (to create a counterbalance in front) and, with the chest bridge of the strap, somewhat restricts the free excursion of the chest when the load weight is greater. A haversack of a somewhat different construction, built along the lines of a box, belongs to soft knapsacks.