Field Uniform and Equipment of the Soviet Army in (1968–1991) – Part 2

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Soviet OKZK-D protective uniform shown in the film In the Zone of Special Attention

Soviet Army field equipment (1968–1991) – Part 2

Soviet Army field equipment (1968–1991)

Soviet Army field equipment (1968–1991) in the late Cold War era (1968–1991) included a simple but effective load-bearing system: waist belt, Y-shaped shoulder straps, pouches for AK magazines and grenades, a flask, an entrenching tool, and other essential items. Below is a detailed overview of standard Soviet field gear, airborne equipment, camouflage suits (Berezka, KZS), special forces “Mabuta,” and the OKZK-D protective uniform.

Part 1 of this series: Field Uniform and Equipment of the Soviet Army (1968–1991) – Part 1

Field equipment

Base webbing system

  • waist belt made of leather or leather substitute,
  • Y-shaped shoulder straps (like suspenders) made of faux leather.

Attached to the waist belt were:

  • a pouch for 3 AK magazines,
  • a pouch for 2 grenades,
  • a flask,
  • an entrenching tool (shovel),
  • a bayonet-knife.

A shelter half (plasch-palatka) was attached to the shoulder straps at the lower back. However, shoulder straps were not issued everywhere and not always, and very often soldiers had to make do with just the waist belt alone.

Field equipment assembled (load-bearing system)

Soviet Army field gear load-bearing system (1968–1991) with waist belt, Y-shaped straps, AK magazine pouch, grenade pouch, flask and entrenching tool
Soviet Army field gear set with waist belt, Y-shaped shoulder straps, AK magazine pouches, grenade pouches, flask and entrenching tool, used during the late Cold War period.

AK magazine pouch

Soviet Army AK magazine pouch with magazines, ammunition and cleaning tools, field gear used between 1968 and 1991
Soviet Army AK magazine pouch containing rifle magazines, ammunition and basic cleaning tools, part of standard field gear during the late Cold War period.

Grenade pouch

Soviet Army grenade pouch with hand grenades, standard field gear used between 1968 and 1991
Soviet Army grenade pouch containing hand grenades, part of standard infantry field gear during the late Cold War period.

Soviet Army flask

Soviet Army flask with fabric cover, standard field gear used between 1968 and 1991
Soviet Army flask with protective fabric cover, part of standard infantry field gear during the late Cold War period.

Looking for Soviet Flask? You can get them here → [Soviet Flask]

Entrenching tool

Soviet Army entrenching tool with fabric cover, standard field gear used between 1968 and 1991
Soviet Army entrenching tool with protective fabric cover, part of standard infantry field gear during the late Cold War period.

Duffel bag (Sidor)

To carry dry rations, a change of underwear, a mess tin, and similar items, a duffel bag was used, sometimes commonly called a “sidor.” According to regulations, a rolled greatcoat was also attached to it.

Soviet Army duffel bag sidor, flat view, standard field gear used between 1968 and 1991
Soviet Army duffel bag (“sidor”) shown flat, used for carrying personal equipment as part of standard field gear during the late Cold War period.
Soviet Army duffel bag sidor filled configuration, standard infantry field gear used between 1968 and 1991
Soviet Army duffel bag (“sidor”) in filled configuration, showing how it was carried by soldiers as part of their field equipment.
Soviet Army duffel bag sidor packed and closed, standard field gear used during the late Cold War era
Packed Soviet Army duffel bag (“sidor”), used for transporting essential personal items during field service in the late Cold War period.

Here I will make a small digression. The duffel bag became one of the symbols of backwardness and inconvenience of our equipment. But it is important to understand that it was intended to carry a very small amount of personal gear. How much do a change of underwear, soap, and a couple of cans of food really weigh? It was never designed for more than that. The fact that in Afghanistan and Chechnya it was used instead of hiking backpacks was not a good life choice. The lack of proper backpacks was the fault of supply officers, not the “sidor.” For its task, carrying the most essential items, it coped quite decently.

Soviet gas mask

Soviet Army gas mask with filter and carrying bag, standard field gear used between 1968 and 1991
Soviet Army gas mask with filter and carrying bag, worn as part of standard infantry field equipment during the late Cold War period.

Looking for Soviet Gas Mask? You can get them here:

[Soviet Gas Mask GP-5]

[Soviet Gas Mask GP-7]

A mandatory item in a soldier’s combat load was the gas mask. It was carried on the left side in a special bag, which hung on one strap over the shoulder, while another strap wrapped around the waist so it would not swing while running.

Officer field bag (map case)

Officers and sergeants carried field bags for maps and documents.
They were worn on a thin strap over the shoulder.

Soviet Army officer field bag used for maps and documents, standard equipment between 1968 and 1991
Soviet Army officer field bag worn on a shoulder strap, used for carrying maps and documents during the late Cold War period.

Soviet helmets (SSh-68, SSh-40) and comparison with the US M1

To protect the head from fragments, the SSh-68 helmet was used (steel helmet model 1968).

Soviet SSh-68 steel helmet exterior view, standard Soviet Army helmet introduced in 1968
Exterior view of the Soviet SSh-68 steel helmet, used by Soviet Army soldiers during the late Cold War period.

SSh-68 helmet interior

Interior of Soviet SSh-68 helmet showing suspension system, standard issue from 1968 onward
Interior view of the Soviet SSh-68 helmet showing its suspension system and liner.

SSh-40 helmet (WW2 model)

Soviet SSh-40 steel helmet from World War II, earlier model used before the SSh-68
Soviet SSh-40 steel helmet, a World War II–era design that preceded the SSh-68.

US M1 helmet suspension (comparison)

Interior suspension system of the US M1 helmet, shown for comparison with Soviet helmets
Interior view of the US M1 helmet suspension system, used here for comparison with Soviet helmet designs.

Compared to the wartime SSh-40 helmet, it differed slightly in having a more conical shape, while the SSh-40 was more rounded. Its suspension system was uncomfortable compared to Western helmets. Western helmets had leather suspension straps that fit around the head and could be worn on bare head or over a thin knitted cap. The Soviet helmet could only be worn over a head covering (a side cap), otherwise it was simply painful. On the other hand, it could be worn in winter over an ushanka.

VDV paratrooper equipment: kirza boots, komber mess tin, RD-54

Paratrooper VDV kirza boots with laces

Soviet VDV paratrooper kirza boots with reinforced sole, used by airborne troops during the Cold War
Soviet VDV paratrooper kirza boots designed for airborne service, featuring a durable sole suitable for parachute landings.
Soviet VDV paratroopers wearing kirza boots during field service, historical Cold War photograph
Soviet VDV paratroopers wearing kirza boots during field service, illustrating standard airborne footwear of the era.

Looking for real Soviet boots? You can get them here → [Soviet Boots]

Paratrooper equipment stood somewhat apart. They had special airborne boots with side lacing so they would not slip off during parachute jumps, a combined mess tin–canteen (“komber”), and the RD-54 airborne backpack (nicknamed “erdeshka” or “er-de”).

Soviet soldier mess tin (Komber)

Soviet Army mess tin used as standard field gear between 1968 and 1991
Soviet Army mess tin used for preparing and carrying food as part of standard infantry field equipment during the late Cold War period.

Looking for original Soviet soldier mess tin? You can get them here → [Soviet Mess Tin]

Combined mess tin, commonly called a “komber.” The flask fits into the mess tin, the mess tin goes into a pouch, and everything is placed into a cover. A real nesting doll. The flask fits tightly into the mess tin, so if sand gets between them, it can be difficult to pull the flask out.

RD-54 airborne backpack

Soviet RD-54 airborne backpack with integrated pouches, used by VDV paratroopers as field gear
Soviet RD-54 airborne backpack with integrated magazine and grenade pouches, designed for parachute operations.

The RD-54 is a small flat backpack. Pouches for two AK magazines and two grenades are sewn directly onto the shoulder straps. It was specifically designed for parachute jumps. During a jump, the backpack is lowered onto the buttocks, leaving the back free for the parachute. After landing, the soldier discards the parachute and is immediately ready to fight, without wasting time unpacking or putting on equipment. Sometimes you hear people attributing some kind of fantastic comfort to the RD-54 that modern backpacks supposedly lack, but that is nonsense. Yes, it became a legend of Afghanistan, but only because there were no other backpacks. Its only real advantage is its suitability for parachute jumps. All other mythical qualities come from people who have never tried anything better than carrots.

Soviet Army field equipment

RD-54 lowered onto the buttocks. The back is now free for the parachute.

Diagram showing Soviet RD-54 airborne backpack worn by paratrooper, front side and rear views
Illustration showing how the Soviet RD-54 airborne backpack was worn by paratroopers in different positions.

Paratrooper in a jump suit and airborne equipment (front)

Soviet paratrooper wearing RD-54 airborne backpack lowered position, preparing for parachute jump
Soviet paratrooper with RD-54 airborne backpack lowered to the back, leaving the spine free for parachute equipment.

Paratrooper in a jump suit and airborne equipment (rear)

Soviet paratrooper wearing RD-54 airborne backpack in standard field configuration, rear view
Soviet paratrooper wearing the RD-54 airborne backpack as part of standard field equipment.

Camouflage suits: Berezka and KZS

For camouflage, camouflage suits were used, either two-piece or one-piece coveralls. They were made from thin cotton fabric and worn over the standard uniform. In hot weather, soldiers often wore them directly over their underwear. This is still commonly done today.

Soviet camouflage suit Berezka (Silver Leaf)

Soviet camouflage suit Berezka Silver Leaf pattern used by Soviet Army during the Cold War
Soviet camouflage suit Berezka in the Silver Leaf pattern, worn over standard uniform for field camouflage.

This was the main camouflage pattern of the Soviet Army. Official names for camouflage patterns did not exist in the USSR, or at least were not widely known, but over time slang names became established online. This pattern is called “berezka – silver leaf.” Other color variants may have existed, usually leftovers from World War II, but “berezka” was the only one produced on a large scale.

For camouflage, the KZS – mesh protective suit – was also used.

Soviet Army KZS camouflage suit (mesh protective suit)

Soviet KZS mesh protective suit jacket and trousers, Cold War era camouflage equipment
Soviet KZS mesh protective suit set consisting of jacket and trousers.

Looking for original Soviet KZS camouflage suit? You can get them here → [Soviet KZS camouflage suit]

Soviet KZS mesh protective suit worn over uniform, used for camouflage during the Cold War
Soviet KZS mesh protective suit worn over standard uniform, commonly used for camouflage in field conditions.

Originally, it belonged to protective equipment against weapons of mass destruction and was supposed to be worn over the OZK (general-purpose chemical protection suit) to protect against thermal radiation from a nuclear explosion. In simple terms, the bomb goes off, the KZS smolders and burns, while the rubber OZK underneath remains intact. The cheap KZS was not a pity—it was a disposable item. But it was also worn for camouflage. It was made of fabric with a texture resembling burlap—just as loose, but unlike burlap, soft and pleasant to the touch. Thanks to its loose texture and well-chosen camouflage colors, it provided excellent concealment. However, the fabric was thin and fragile and did not last long.

Texture of KZS fabric

Close-up texture of Soviet KZS mesh fabric showing camouflage pattern and loose weave
Close-up view of the mesh fabric texture used in the Soviet KZS protective suit.

Mabuta (GRU / Spetsnaz jump suit)

GRU special forces had a “jump suit for special units,” known in slang as “mabuta.”

Soviet Mabuta special forces uniform consisting of jacket and trousers, Cold War era
Soviet Mabuta special forces uniform set with jacket and trousers, worn by GRU and airborne units.

This uniform deserves a separate article. I will only mention that according to one version, it was named after the African dictator Mobutu, against whom Soviet special forces allegedly fought. Whether this is true or not, I do not know. The uniform consisted of baggy trousers somewhat resembling riding breeches and considered very comfortable, a short waist-length jacket with two chest pockets, and a cap with fold-down “ears.” The trousers had two standard side pockets, two front thigh pockets (unlike Western uniforms, where thigh pockets were on the sides), and a long knife pocket on the right rear thigh. There were several versions of the mabuta, differing slightly in color and cut. There was also a winter version. It is the “mabuta” worn by Warrant Officer Dygalo in the film 9th Company.

Note. In the army, the word “mabuta” also has another meaning. Paratroopers, marines, and special forces contemptuously call all other troops by this name: “anyone who hasn’t jumped with a parachute is called a mabuta.”

Below are photos of different versions of the “mabuta.”

Soviet Mabuta field cap used by airborne and special forces units between 1968 and 1991
Field cap worn with the Mabuta uniform by Soviet airborne troops and special forces.
Different variants of Soviet Mabuta jackets used by Spetsnaz and airborne troops
Different versions of the Mabuta jacket, showing variations in color and cut.
Rear view of Soviet Mabuta trousers with characteristic pockets, used by special forces
Mabuta trousers showing the distinctive rear and thigh pocket layout.
Color variations of the Soviet Mabuta uniform used by special forces units
Several color variations of the Mabuta uniform produced in different years.
Collection of Soviet Mabuta jackets used by airborne troops and special forces
A group of Mabuta jackets showing consistency of design across different issues.
Soviet soldiers wearing Mabuta uniforms during service
Soviet servicemen wearing Mabuta uniforms during active duty.

Looking for Soviet Afghan combat boots for afghanka? You can get them here → [Soviet Afghan M88 Combat Boots]

Soviet Mabuta trousers with long knife pocket on the thigh
Characteristic knife pocket on Mabuta trousers used by special forces.
Soviet special forces wearing Mabuta uniforms during field operations
Mabuta uniforms worn by Soviet special forces in field and combat environments.

There were no camouflage versions of the mabuta, at least none known to the general public. The “mabuta” became one of the most recognizable items of Soviet and later Russian special forces (1990s to mid-2000s). Original Soviet mabutas are now rare, but the mabuta-style cut (front thigh pockets and a “bulky” jacket) is still popular among various manufacturers, producing models of varying quality, from outright junk to quite decent gear.

OKZK-D protective uniform and the “Afghan” uniform

There were many discussions online about what camouflage uniform was shown in the film In the Zone of Special Attention. But none of the people who served at that time could say they had seen such a uniform in real life.

Film still

Soviet OKZK-D protective uniform shown in the film In the Zone of Special Attention
Scene from the film “In the Zone of Special Attention” showing soldiers wearing OKZK-D protective uniforms.

Most likely, it was a hand-repainted OKZK-D – a general-purpose integrated protective suit for airborne troops. OKZK-D was made of cotton fabric with special impregnation protecting against radiation and toxic substances. Later, the cut of OKZK-D was used as the basis for the “Afghanka” uniform, but more on that below. OKZK-D and the similar general-purpose OKZK-M were apparently not widely worn, but were stored in warehouses in case of war. I have encountered mentions that they were used by liquidators during the Chernobyl disaster, but I did not study this topic. Those interested can look it up themselves.

Soviet OKZK-D protective uniform made of cotton fabric with special impregnation
Soviet Army field equipment OKZK-D protective uniform used for radiation and chemical protection

OKZK-D jacket and trousers

Soviet OKZK-D protective jacket used as part of a chemical and radiation protection suit
Protective jacket from the OKZK-D uniform set.
Soviet OKZK-D protective trousers with stirrup straps for secure fit
Protective trousers from the OKZK-D uniform with stirrup straps.

OKZK-D (left) and the “Afghan” uniform

Comparison of Soviet OKZK-D protective uniform and Afghan field uniform showing evolution of design
Side-by-side comparison of the Soviet OKZK-D protective uniform and the later Afghan field uniform.

Soviet Army field equipment

FAQ

What was the standard Soviet Army field gear set in 1968–1991?

The basic set included a waist belt, Y-shaped shoulder straps, pouches for AK magazines and grenades, a flask, an entrenching tool, and a bayonet-knife. A shelter half (plasch-palatka) could be attached to the straps.

What is the difference between Berezka and KZS camouflage?

Berezka (Silver Leaf) is a printed cotton camouflage suit worn over the uniform, while KZS is a mesh protective suit originally designed for NBC and thermal radiation protection, later widely used for camouflage.

What is the Mabuta uniform?

Mabuta is a slang name for a special forces jump suit with distinctive pockets and a comfortable cut, associated with GRU and airborne units during and after the late Soviet period.

Check more articles:

Best WW2 Uniform: Soviet, German, USA. Who Had the Best Army Gear?

Red Army Uniforms of the Russian Civil War (1918–1922)

Field Uniform and Equipment of the Soviet Army in 1968 -1991 Part 1

Looking original Soviet boots and accessories? Please visit here: Soviet Boots Store

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