Why didn't they wear classic backpack instead of this

Classic backpack can stop a bullet on the back
Russian zergrusher must wear backpack on front because:

-He only go foward so nullet can only come from front
-If bullet comes front back, it means it was fired by comissar (because zergrusher was too slow) and thus must not be stopped

>>3238608
Cheaper just to have them sling it round them, rather than produce millions of rucksacks.

>>3238608
I gess this was done for better weight distribution.

proper field kit cost money. so why bother when you can just have your conscripted lower class enlisted men bundle their gear together. the officers from the higher classes have their stuff on their horses or in trunks carried by wagons.

>>3238608
Those men seem to be in a parade or a review.

As such their packs would be with the logistics.

Also that weird thing is not a bag of any sort: it's fucking blanket.

>>3238761
It's a bed roll. Many bivouac items are rolled up in the blanket.

File: 3ae6258ca1ffc572f6778f06816397f8.jpg (122KB, 736x971px) Image search: [Google]

122KB, 736x971px

I'm pretty sure that thing rolled up was a great coat called "shinel" (if im not mistaken). It was worn in poor weather or winter on campaign. In more favorable conditions it was rolled up and slung across the chest where it was know to be able to stop some bayonet and sword attacks.

In the picture the soldier in the center has the shinel off and slung across his chest while the soldier in the top right is wearing it and noticeably has the roll absent.

>>3238608
its de boolitproof