RDV-12

RDV-12 (romanized from РДВ-12) is a Soviet water carrier.

The RDV-12 was, according to photographic evidence, first produced and used during the Soviet war in Afghanistan, where drinking water was an important and scarce resource. Like modern Camelbak-carriers the RDV is a bag-like rucksack, but it can hold up to 12 liters of water. The RDV-12 is meant to provide a small unit with reserve water, not a single fighter. It has a nozzle for refilling of canteens or drinking and is equipped with backpack-like straps for carrying. The RDV-12 is, along with other special equipment, mentioned in the book "Specnaz GRU in Afghanistan".

The RDV-12 is constructed from thick and tough rubber, with ab outer and an inner layer. The main compartment is divided in two by a wall running vertically along the middle. Water is poured in through a simple, bag like neckpiece, which is secured by two lengths of rubber cord. A simple nozzle, made from a piece of rubber tube, is located on the outside, near the bottom. This nozzle is equipped with an elastic ring that keeps it upright and a rubber plug, to keep the water from escaping. On the inside, against the carriers back, the RDV-12 has a removable piece of padding, held in place by three metal clasps. The shoulders straps are crude belt-like pieces of rubber, accompanied by tough and simple metal buckles.