The British P58 Web Equipment, also known as the Pattern 1958 Webbing, was the standard load-carrying equipment used by the British Army from the late 1950s through the 1980s. It replaced the earlier Pattern 1937 Web Equipment and was eventually succeeded by the Personal Load Carrying Equipment (PLCE) in the 1980s. The P58 Web Equipment was designed with heavy duty cotton canvas to provide soldiers with a versatile and durable system for carrying essential gear in the field.
The 8-piece set of the P58 Web Equipment includes the following components:
Field Pack (Large Pack): Large canvas backpack used for carrying personal items, rations, spare clothing, and other essential equipment. It often featured multiple compartments and straps for securing items.
Waist Belt: Wide canvas belt worn around the waist to support the weight of the equipment and distribute it evenly across the body. It often had metal fittings for attaching other components of the webbing set.
Yoke (Field Suspenders): Also known as field suspenders, they are worn over the shoulders and connected to the waist belt, helping distribute the weight of the equipment more evenly and providing attachment points for the ammunition pouches and other accessories.
Canteen Pouch: This pouch was designed to hold a standard water canteen, allowing soldiers easy access to water while on the move. It features a flap closure and attachment points for securing it to the waist belt or yoke.
Left Ammunition Pouch: Used to carry rifle ammunition. It usually had multiple compartments or loops for storing individual rounds and featured a flap closure to protect the ammunition from the elements.
Right Ammunition Pouch: Similar to the left ammunition pouch, the right ammunition pouch is used to carry additional rifle ammunition. It mirrored the design of the left pouch and provided balanced weight distribution when worn on the opposite side of the body.
Rear/Kidney Pouch: Large canvas pouch worn at the back of the waist belt. It provides additional storage space for bulky items or items that need to be readily accessible but not necessarily carried on the person's chest.
Cape/Bedroll/Poncho Carrier: This component serves a dual purpose. It could be used to carry a soldier's cape, bedroll, or poncho, providing protection from the elements during inclement weather.
Military Issued Vintage British Army P58 Web Equipment 8-Piece Set
Note:
This equipment has seen extensive use and is in good condition. It has been in storage for 20+ years and will probably need to be cleaned. Expect pieces to have various markings such as service members names and numbers, written or painted on. Some pieces may have minor damage such as small tears or holes and frayed edges. All of this adds to the character and history of used military surplus material.
