Like most military surplus products offered by Keepshooting.com, the German pilot bag is a piece of previously issued surplus and was originally designed for and used by members of the Luftwaffe, the aerial branch of the Bundeswehr, or unified armed forces of Germany. Regardless of their prior use, the bags remain in great condition and stand ready to continue their service for years to come. Aside from its generous storage compartment, the bag offers several features that make it worthy of your serious consideration. Additionally, many bags retain the original tag that includes its NATO Stock Number, but more on that in a bit.
The German pilot bag is constructed from an olive drab, water-resistant polyester/nylon blend and, as noted, offers a spacious main storage compartment. The bag boasts dimensions that measure approximately 24 inches by 20 inches by 13.5 inches, which serves up a wealth of storage space. This compartment is secured via a full-length zipper and a Velcro® flap that conceals the zipper when fully closed. The flap also provides access to an identification card holder. In addition to the cavernous main compartment, the bag also includes a smaller interior pocket that offers quick access to important items you may store in the bag. A piece of hard plastic is bolted to the bottom of the bag to provide a solid surface on which the bag may stand, while also protecting your contents from ground elements. For your convenience, the bag is equipped with two canvas carry handles. Some bags include an adjustable shoulder strap, but this feature is not a selectable option.
As noted, many of the bags retain their original identification tags, which include the NATO Stock Number (NSN). An NSN is a 13-digit numerical code that identifies all standardized materials of supply that are recognized by NATO countries. The NSN for the German pilot bag is 8465-12-322-6741. These numbers identify the bag as a bekleidung tasche or "clothing bag." Specifically, the "8465" identifies each bag as a piece of individual equipment, while the "12" signifies Germany as the codification country. The remaining numbers represent the item number.
You want to be a pilot? Great. Grand. Wonderful. The job is not for me. Just make sure you are ready to log in a ridiculous amount of hours and be prepared to spend many a night laid up in a hotel away from home. For those nights away, you will surely want to pick up the German pilot bag. Consider purchasing one today for just $21.95.
