U.S. soldiers carry very heavy backpacks during marches or combat, filled with everything needed for operations. Depending on different battlefield situations, soldiers' backpacks have three different weight levels:

● Combat Load: For when soldiers are deep in the battlefield and ready to engage in combat at any time. The load is approximately 69 lbs (31.2 kg).

● Marching Load: For when soldiers are marching before engaging in battle, ensuring they have enough supplies to reach the next resupply point. The load is approximately 97 lbs (43.9 kg).

● Emergency Load: For when vehicles cannot be used due to terrain and soldiers cannot receive resupply for a period of time. The load ranges from approximately 100 lbs to 125 lbs (45.3 kg to 56.7 kg).

Main Items in a Soldier's Backpack

Army Combat Uniform (ACU)

The Army Combat Uniform was introduced in June 2004 as the successor to the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) and Desert Camouflage Uniform (DCU). The standard ACU is made of 50% nylon and 50% cotton. There is also the Flame-Resistant Army Combat Uniform (FRACU) issued to soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Army Combat Uniform mainly consists of the following items:Coat: The basic outer garment for Army soldiers. It is equipped with multiple Velcro patches for attaching name tags, rank insignia, shoulder tabs and patches, as well as identification markings such as the U.S. flag and infrared IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) patches.

Trousers:The trousers come with a 5cmwide nylon belt. They feature two thigh pockets, two lowerleg pockets, and Velcro openings for inserting knee pads. Velcro straps are located on the cuffs to adjust the opening and closing of the trouser legs.

Helmet: The soldier's helmet is called the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH), developed by the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center. It is pre-drilled for a night vision mount, and features a four-point retention system and pad suspension system. When not wearing the helmet, soldiers may wear a patrol cap, boonie hat, or knit cap.
Helmet

patrol cap

boonie hat

Woolen Hat

T-Shirt: Soldiers wear moisture-wicking T-shirts to stay cool during marches and combat. Made of pure cotton, the Tshirts are primarily foliage green and issued to soldiers deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Korea. Black Tshirts are worn by Army instructors.

Combat Boots: Soldiers' combat boots must comply with AR 6701 standards. Civilian boots are also permitted if they meet the requirements. Standard boots are approximately 20 to 25 centimeters tall, made of tan roughout leather, with a standard toe box and tan rubber outsole. They have no zippers, metal cleats, or side labels. Olive green socks are worn with the boots.

Tactical Vest: Soldiers can carry magazines, small equipment and other items in the tactical vest.

Knee Pads: They protect the knees when soldiers need to kneel for long periods.

Ammunition: The basic ammunition carried by a soldier is 7 magazines, totaling 210 rounds.

Advanced Target Pointer Illuminator Aiming Light (ATPIAL): A laser aiming device mounted on the rifle rail, whose laser beam assists soldiers in aiming.

Light Weight Thermal Sight (LWTS): A thermal imaging sight mounted on the rifle, enabling soldiers to detect targets via long-wave infrared. It is suitable for identifying and aiming at targets in rain, smoke, snow, and darkness.

Night Vision Goggles: An auxiliary device mounted on the helmet that allows soldiers to see more clearly at night and in dark environments.

Ballistic Vest: The ballistic vest is not worn at all times and is carried in the backpack when not in use.

Canteen: A water container used by soldiers for hydration.

Meals Ready to Eat (MRE): Lightweight, pre-packaged field rations designed for convenient consumption in emergency or combat environments. The 2021 version of the MRE offers a total of 24 menu options, including chili with beans, beef pasta, chicken chunks, beef tacos, beef stew, chili macaroni, macaroni and cheese, Mexican-style chicken stew, Italian sausage pizza, and more.

Compass: Maps and compasses are basic navigation equipment for soldiers.

Bayonet: It can be mounted on the rifle barrel or used separately. It is used to cut items such as MRE packages or ropes.

Improved First Aid Kit (IFAK):The three preventable causes of death on the battlefield are extremity bleeding, pneumothorax, and airway obstruction. The Improved First Aid Kit is designed to address these three critical injuries.The kit is a foldable pouch weighing 0.45 kg (about 1 lb). Its main components include a one-handed tourniquet, nasopharyngeal airway, elastic pressure bandage, hemostatic gauze, medical tape, and gloves.The IFAK allows soldiers to perform self-aid.

Combat Load

Marching Load