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The haversack was first developed in WWI and the WWII version is very similar to the earlier model. The haversack was used to carry the shelter half, blanket, rations, long bayonet, raincoat, and personnel items. The addition of the carrier at the bottom of the haversack extended the capacity. Haversacks were carried by armored infantrymen and were usually attached to the sides of the halftrack. Good quality haversacks run from $25 to $75, with another $20 required for the carrier.
The T-handle shovel was developed in WWI and can be used in all early-late war impressions. It attaches to the haversack under the meatcan pouch with a canvas carrier. T-handles were not a robust design and took a considerable beating with hard use. These shovels are quite expensive costing in the area of $90-$100 for a decent example with another $20 required for the carrier.
This shovel, developed in mid-war, shows an improved design and ruggedness. It can be used as a shovel or folded and locked to become a mattock or pick. It can be carried on the belt or on the haversack under the meatcan pouch. Folding shovels are fairly easy to find as they were used into the '60's. Shovel and WWII dated cover should run in the area of $25-$35.
This is the standard eating equipment for the infantryman. The meatcan consists of two sections, the top section fitting on top of the long handled pan when food is being served. The knife, fork and spoon could also be hung from the handle for sterilization of the whole set in hot boiling water. The utensils fit inside the meatcan, and the handle locks down on the top section. The meatcan is carried in a pouch on the haversack. The frontline GI never went anywhere without the meatcan, as it was never known when hot chow would be available. Mess kits run in the $25 range.
The canteen set consists of the carrier, the bottle, and the cup. Carriers can be khaki or OD in color (khaki is preferred). The bottle screw caps can be plastic (late)or aluminum (early). The cups are either rolled edge (early) or flared edge (late). Canteens are carried on the cartridge belt. Canteens with reinforced belt hangers are recommended as wear and tear on the hangers is considerable. Flared rim cups do not transfer heat to the lips as does the rolled rim type. Canteen sets run in the $25 range.
The 10 pocket cartridge belt carried the infantryman's ammunition (80 rounds for the M1) as well as the canteen, short bayonet, first aid kit, and possibly, sidearm. It was supported by the M1936 field suspenders. Both model belts are acceptable. The WWI belt features bronze fittings for attaching the belt at the waist, while the WWII version uses cast fittings. Cartridge belts can run $35 to $100. Repros are available.
This small web pouch carried the Carlisle bandage. As this item is not used in re-enacting, the pouch can be used to carry personal items. Pouches cost around $5.
Leggings (not "spats") are used for early and late war impressions. They are worn with either the roughout or russet service shoes, and can be worn over double buckle boots for early war impressions. Leggings blouse the wool pants and protect the service shoes from accumulating dirt and stones. Avoid Marine or Navy leggings. They do not have the proper number of hooks and eyelets. Proper leggings are marked "M1938" with sizes from 1R to 3R customarily available. Color ranges from khaki (preferred) to dark OD. Leggings are reasonable, running in the $15-$20 range.
These are the standard suspenders for the WWII impression. M36 suspenders are khaki in color. Later models are OD. In late '44-'45 the shoulder straps were widened and padded for more comfort, however, these are not normally used in the CHG. Suspenders are quite pricey and run in the $50-$60 range. Repros may be available.