US GI OD MORTAR SHOULDER PADS USED

Genuine US GI mortar shoulder pads in olive drab — a piece of authentic American military surplus designed to take the bite out of heavy loads. Originally issued to mortar crews tasked with humping baseplates, tubes, and ammunition through the field, these padded yokes spread weight across the shoulders and dramatically reduce the pressure points caused by narrow webbing straps. They're a niche, hard-to-find surplus item with broad appeal across collectors, reenactors, and outdoorsmen who appreciate rugged, no-nonsense gear.

The pads are constructed from heavy-duty olive drab cotton webbing and canvas, internally padded for cushioning, and joined by an adjustable center strap with a buckle so the rig can be tuned to fit the wearer. Reinforced bar-tack stitching at the stress points speaks to the build quality you expect from US military issue. Each pad is shaped to contour over the shoulder and across the upper chest/back, giving a stable platform for load-bearing straps to ride on.

Who It Sells To

• Military surplus collectors looking to round out a US GI mortar crew or load-carrying set.
• Reenactors and living history enthusiasts building authentic American kit.
• Preppers and bushcrafters who want to add genuine padding to heavy field packs or improvised carry rigs.
• Airsoft and milsim players recreating US loadouts with period-correct details.
• Surplus-fashion buyers drawn to the unmistakable silhouette and faded olive drab patina of issued US gear.

Key Features

• Genuine US military issue in pre-owned, field-used condition.
• Olive drab cotton/canvas construction with internal padding for shoulder cushioning.
• Adjustable center strap with buckle to fine-tune fit between the two pads.
• Contoured yoke shape distributes load across the shoulders and reduces pressure from narrow webbing.
• Reinforced bar-tack stitching at high-stress attachment points.
• Pairs with mortar baseplate carriers, ALICE-style packs, and heavy load-bearing harnesses.

Condition

Sold as used surplus. Expect honest signs of field service — light fading, surface marks, and minor wear consistent with issued gear — but the pads remain fully functional and ready for display, kit-building, or continued use. Each piece carries its own character, which is exactly what surplus buyers are looking for.