SADF Patt. '70 webbing

The South African pattern '70 webbing was designed at a time, when the South African Defence Force used the R1 rifle (and the R2 + the numerous different "custom" rifles). This rifle was a "clone" of the FN FAL rifle, made famous in the Bush War, the Falklands War and many other conflicts during the Cold War.

A full march / battle order consisted of the following:
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Belt with kidney pouches
Bayonet frog (Bayonet for the R1 rifle)
Yoke
2 (or 3) ammunition carriers / pouches
Day sack / Patrol pack
Rucksack
Ground sail and carrier
Water bottle carrier
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I've seen the name grootsak been used to describe either the patrol pack or the rucksack... But I am not certain which one of them is the "grootsak" since I don't speak Dutch / Afrikaans.  

The webbing set is made out of a heavy duty "canvas", but I am not entirely sure it is 100% cotton. The ends can be "melted" and therefore I am reluctant to believe it is some sort of cotton / polyester blend.

It is a very versatile LBE, and you can attach numerous water bottle carriers. The Patrol pack and rucksack have additional ammunitions pouches attached, and you can carry as many as 18 mags total. (if you are using 3 ammunitions pouches)
The left kidney pouch has a bayonet frog permanently attached on the left hand side of the pouch.
All metal parts appears to be plastic "coated" or painted. All metal parts are aluminium.

The set has a real quality feel about it, and the only downside, seen from a modern perspective, is the lack of padding on the yoke, and the rather fragile (when you compare it to the toughness of the webbing) press stud buttons.

The rucksack works like a charm without the webbing. That is a huge improvement if you compare it to the British Patt. '44, the '58 webbing or the Danish M/59 webbing. The rucksack has a chest strap with quick release buckle and the left shoulder strap has a quick release buckle as well. This enables the wearer to quickly discard the rucksack if need be. An enormous advantage over for instance the many webbing sets of the era.

Here is a video on how to put it all together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze7-mWGkNRU&feature=channel 

 Kidney pouches, yoke, bayonet frog and ammunitions pouches. The ammunition pouches are of a different pattern than the first pattern. They can be used for the R4 magazine and UZI magazines as well as the intended R1 magazines. (both the 20 rd  R1 magazine and the 30 rd R1 magazine). However they are not often seen used during the period. 

A view on the rear of the basic set-up. The belt is actually two pieces, that attach to the kidney pouches. 

 Bayonet frog for the R1 bayonet.

 

 Rear view of the bayonet frog and how the belt / yoke works.

The mag pouches can be worn high and low on the belt... Whatever you prefer. A nice little detail.

A close look on the attached bayonet frog on the left hand side kidney pouch. 

A close look on the mag pouch. 

Basic set-up with the patrol-pack. Notice the extra mag pouches on the patrol pack. (and the two extra mag pouches on each kidney pouch) Each pouch can carry two magazines. 

Rear view on the patrol pack. The pack can be carried on a belt as well as on the yoke. 

Shoulder strap for the patrol pack. 

Side view of the patrol pack. Right hand side mag pouch. 

The patrol pack, rucksack and kidney pouches both have this kind of "extra" lid / flaps on the inside. 

How the shoulder strap is attached . 

The rucksack.