This awesome thing is once again available! CFP-90 is the predecessor of the MOLLE pack, and as a matter of fact a very smart rucksack that even comes with a daypack. So, you get two carrying systems at the price of one. Used US military surplus. Awesome quality and nice price is a rare combo these days.

The CFP-90 system consists of a large rucksack and a separate patrol pack that can be clipped on the front of the ruck. The basic idea is to haul the combination to wherever you are going, then dump the large rucksack there, and use the small pack for shorter trips, combat patrols, etc.

History

Apparently this is the first rucksack in the US army to incorporate many civilian rucksack design features, the CFP-90 (Combat Field Pack 90) was destined to replace the ALICE rucksacks. However, for some reason the CFP served for a relatively short time, after which it was replaced by MOLLE rucks. All this time, ALICE remained in use too, and was even produced right up until the 2000s.

Features

Rucksack

The pack has an internal frame that consists of two aluminum bars. The height of the shoulder strap assembly is freely adjustable, so it works very well on both shorter and taller folks. The shoulder straps themselves are heavily padded, adjustable on the fly, and feature a quick-release system and a sternum strap. Furthermore, the pack has a wide padded waist belt with a large buckle. The padded lower back keeps the ruck away from your back, radically improving airflow.

The main compartment can be divided into two separate spaces, the lower one being accessible from the outside via a zipper closure. Measurements of the whole compartment are about 35 x 73 x 25 cm (14" x 29" x 10"), with some room for adjusting upwards. An inside pocket is provided for a radio, or any other stuff you might want to separate from the main space. The mouth of the main compartment has a weather sock, and the large flap hides a flat pocket inside. On top of the pack you'll find holes on both sides for a radio's antenna, or the tube of a drinking bladder.

The rucksack has three side pouches - a long pouch on one side, two smaller ones on the other. The pouches are left open at the back, in case you want to cram long objects behind them. On the outside, the rucksack has ALICE attachment points with M-1910 wire hanger grommets. This means you can slap on anything the US Army has used since the Great War.

Measurements of the whole rucksack are about 55 x 76 x 30 cm (21.7" x 21.9" x 11.8"), and the weight without the daypack is c. 3 kg (6.6 lbs). Volume? We have no hard data, but it would be safe to say you can carry as much stuff inside as a human is capable of carrying.

Patrol pack

Padded shoulder straps and an internal foam padding against the back. Two compartments: the zippered main one, and a smaller outside compartment. Inside the main space, you'll find straps for a radio and a hole for its antenna. If you don’t haul along a radio everywhere you go, you can also use the hole for a hydration bladder tube. A few ALICE attachment points outside. The measurements of the pack are about 40 x 45 x 20 cm (15.8" x 17.7" x 7.9") and the weight when empty is 900 g (2 lbs).

Condition

Used US army surplus. The quality is bloody great. The American military is big on quality control, and this is an excellent proof of that. It is made from tough Nylon and Cordura, and it has heavy-duty plastic buckles.

These are all in serviceable condition, but they might have some color-coded tape markings of the previous owners or glue left from tape, small stains, dust, scratches on buckles and such. None of these have any effect on usability. Smells of freedom, or at least US milsurp. If you don’t like it, air it out properly. If your pack must be new and shiny, buy a new one and never take it in the forest. But it will cost a helluva lot more than this.