Guide to pack the meshok
The meshok is a fairly old, economically efficient, yet reliable pack for soldiers. Typically, it’s only been mass produced during wartime, to replace more complicated and expensive packs, like the obr.10, obr.36 and obr.39.
The meshok consists of a large bag (size varies in originals) with a strap, each side secured on the two bottom corners. Older variations are secured with twine loops and toggles. In 1941, a variant with shoulder padding and buckles on the strap was introduced.
The obr.38 plash-palatka is folded into a 30cm by 30cm square. It is folded in half twice, then folded in 3rds twice. Generally, all the soft items should be placed along the side of the meshok that lays against your back. Underwear and towels are bundled into a 30cm by 30cm square and wrapped with footwraps.
All hygienic items and kits are suggested by official military documents to be arranged in this way. In reality, it is a suggestion, and soldiers would often be the deciding factor when it comes to how organized they want their pack to be.
How to tie the “cow knot” to close the pack:
Lay the middle of the strap on the back of your dominant wrist.
Grab the length of the strap just below your hand and create a loop.
Pull that length of the strap through the loop you created.
Cinch the top closed and tighten the knot around the top. If you do not have enough space in your meshok, you can hang the kotelok off the top of the bag before you secure it with the knot.
Because the meshok does not have any place to secure your coat, soldiers have to use skatki. In order to roll the skatka to wear around the body, you extend the sleeves. Fold inward the extra length of fabric and fold the bottom of the coat upwards, this will create a professional look for the completed skatka.
Here are examples of skatki from two different eras. Per regulations of the RIA, items could be secured to skatki, leaving more room in the meshok or rucksack. These items can include, kotelok, 1909 tent with corresponding poles, and pegs secured with rope, and baslyk (not pictured).
You wear the skatka over all your gear (unless 1916 – 1931, when the gas mask was worn on top due to the mask either not having a hose, or having a hose too short). It should lay on your left shoulder, leaving your firing shoulder free.
