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The leather Y-straps of the German Heer, officially known as the Koppeltragegestell, formed a central component of the standard field equipment used by German soldiers during the Second World War.
This suspension system was designed to support the weight of the equipment carried on the service belt (Koppel). By distributing the load from the waist to the shoulders, the Y-strap system improved balance, stability and endurance during long marches and combat operations.
The construction consisted of two front leather straps running over the shoulders and connecting to a single rear strap, forming the characteristic Y-shaped configuration across the soldier’s back. Metal hooks attached the straps directly to the belt.
Through a combination of metal rings, loops and attachment points, the Y-straps allowed soldiers to carry the standard Wehrmacht field equipment, including:
ammunition pouches,
canteen,
mess kit,
combat pack or Tornister,
entrenching tool carrier,
gas mask and other field gear.
This modular arrangement allowed soldiers to adapt their equipment layout depending on operational needs.
The straps were generally made from durable cowhide leather, initially produced in natural brown, with many examples later dyed black according to uniform regulations. The hardware was typically made of steel or iron, often blued or field-grey finished for durability.
The system was primarily used by enlisted men and non-commissioned officers (EM/NCO) of the German Heer. Officers often used different equipment arrangements.
Production was carried out by numerous German leather and military equipment manufacturers, contracted by the Wehrmacht. Original wartime examples frequently bear manufacturer codes, production dates and acceptance markings stamped into the leather or hardware.
Due to their essential function within the German soldier’s load-bearing system, Heer Y-straps remain one of the most recognizable pieces of Wehrmacht field equipment from the Second World War.
