WH (Heer/Waffen-SS) Tropical Combat Y-straps (Tropen Koppeltraggestell für Infanterie). The combat Y-straps were developed in April 1939 along with the M39 backpack to replace the earlier M34 backpack with integral shoulder straps. The combat Y-straps were also utilized with other backpacks including the A-Frame Assault pack and were designed to assist in distributing the weight of the equipment carried on the load bearing waist belt to the shoulders. With the impending German entrance into the North African campaign, tropical uniforms and equipment were quickly developed and issued in time for 'Deutsches Afrika Korps', this include the canvas web construction tropical Y-straps. The Y-straps are not visible maker marked or dated. The Y-straps are in clearly used and worn condition showing normal age and usage toning and some rust to the steel fittings. The small short end-strap is a post-war replacement/reproduction, see photos. Otherwise nice orignal Tropical Y-straps in clearly used and worn condition!