A Soldier's Kit Through the Ages

Via: The Entire History of the World—Really, All of It—Distilled Into a Single Gorgeous Chart

 

Looks like the kit has enlarged over time. Is there any idea of average kit weight?

 

From the top, 35 -40 lb, 35-50 lb, 15-20 odd lbs, 45-60lbs, 20-30 lbs, 25-35 lbs, 30-45 lbs, 35-50lbs, 50-100lbs, 60-120lbs, approximately, according to my research.

 

Very interesting look! Weight estimates seem about right. For me, A normal combat load out would be about 68 pounds with primary weapon only! From there, my load out could go as high as 110 pounds with specialized gear and or weapons!

 

That's one helluva collection! Good post!

 

If barry had his way this may have been the new kit.

 

There's no shame or dishonour in a man wearing a skirt......



or women wearing pants....

 

How about high heels?

 

Old school Roman foot soldier
(The Marching Pack)


Roman Combat Engineer tool set


BTW the "boots" are authentic.

I'll stick with my ALICE gear, thanks anyway

 

IMHO I think the Vikings had the least as they only had ship food one way then they would invade and get what they needed

 

Probably impractical combat footwear for either gender, unless the Taliban are competing with the US military in "So You Think You Can Dance"

 

A roman with greaves?? Must have been one rough campaign. I'm guessing late century western or auxiliary.

And what is wrong with leather footwear? Haha.

It has really been the need for anti-chemical equipment and modern electronics that has upped the load, combined with the "you need more bullets" and "well, they are mostly riding on a truck" mentality. Judging from long term medical reports, we have probably been pushing the weight limit above peak for long term soldier effectiveness.

 

My soldiers rucksack weighs 100 lbs and they go on 20 mile marches carrying them for practice during a ruck March. That does not include their weapon and other gear weight. My soldier is my son who is currently in Iraq.

 

My Building collection of Revenue Cutter Service boatswain uniform and personal gear and arms total weight is up around 60 pounds, and this was Circa 1865 ish! The Alaskan sailors would have an additional 40 to 50 pounds of skins and furs on top of this, so yea, gear weight has been pretty steady from the earliest days to present! My time in the service had us pushing the limits, with disastrous results, so they went the other way and found ways to remove gear and crap with out taking away our body armor and other essential gear! We also did "Load Splitting" where heavy gear would be divided up to lessen the total load weight of the individual! Sure cut down on sprains and strains, as well as lessened the risks of serious injuries with out a loss in mission capabilities!

 

I hope your soldier survives intact with his ruck to be reunited with his @Mountain mama when his TOD is done.

 

Thank you @chelloveck . This is his 4the tour. He has had 3 to Afghanistan. Hope this is his last. His wife wants to have kids now and wants him home to be a part of it.

 

Thanks @Yard Dart