SAS Mk IX pack : Corporal M McAvoy, 2 Squadron SASR

Plat A Tac SAS Mk IX pack in Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU) fabric. The pack's harness is adjustable to fit the wearer and there are 8 horizontally set rungs which can be used to set the harness. The harness straps are further attached to the pack by 25 mm nylon webbing straps which are threaded through adjustable buckles both top and bottom. Located on the lower left harness strap is the platypus logo embroidered in olive green cotton. The padding for the wearer's back is ergonomically shaped and is covered in olive green nylon mesh. The mesh in combination with the padding is designed to dissipate sweat. The padded waist belt is also set up in a similar fashion.

The outside of the padded belt is designed to centre the pack's load on the hips and has adjustable nylon webbing straps at either side to assist. The waist strap is secured by 50 mm nylon webbing tape and a 50 mm adjustable 'Fastex' clip at the front. Located on both sides of the pack above the padded belt are nylon webbing drag handles. Located at the base of the packs main flap is a carry handle. The pack's top flap has two nylon tapes attached horizontally. Attached to the tapes by three webbing straps and press studs is a zippered pocket designed to accommodate items required to be quickly accessed or deployed should the soldier require them. Embroidered on the top of the flap in brown cotton is 'PLAT A TAC' with the platypus logo embroidered in olive green cotton surrounding the 'A'. On the inside of the main flap is a zippered pocket designed to fit lightweight items.

The pack has two externally hung pockets on the back of the pack which both are secured with drawstring and barrel lock throats and pocket flaps secured with adjustable 'Fastex' clips. Beneath the two pockets are three nylon tape straps with adjustable buckles designed to attach extra equipment. On both sides of the pack nylon tape straps have been sewn on for the purpose of attaching extra pouches and equipment. Located on the lower left side of the pack is the sleeping back access flap. The flap itself is secured to the pack by an adjustable 'Fastex' clip. Underneath the flap is a water repellent throat secured by a drawstring and barrel lock. This set up allows sleeping equipment to be accessed and stored quickly.

The internal capacity of the pack is 90 litres and has a zippered floor which forms a compartment to house a sleeping bag when closed. The throat of the pack is secured with a drawstring and barrel lock. The compartment area has been lined with nylon fabric to strengthen the lower part of the pack. Running internally behind the pack's harness are two vertical 50 mm nylon tape sleeves, each sealed with a nylon tape flap and a press stud. Inside each sleeve is a 25 mm wide aluminium supports which can be removed and bent to fit the shape of the wearer's back, adding a measure of comfort and stability to the wearer. This also has the added benefit of distributing the pack's load more evenly across the wearer's back and hips.

Corporal Michael McAvoy was born in Victoria in 1973. He briefly served with the Victorian Police, based at the Ballarat station before enlisting in the Australian Army on 15 December 1992. After training at Puckapunyal, he was posted to 1 Armoured Regiment. In 2001, McAvoy completed the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) selection course in 2001. McAvoy went on to be deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan with the SASR.

This pack was used by McAvoy while he was serving with 2 Squadron, SASR in Afghanistan. McAvoy later served as a counter terror instructor.

In March 2007 McAvoy participated in a month long course at the Swan Island Army Detachment on Swan Island near Queenscliff, Victoria. While at Swan Island, McAvoy was killed in a car accident with two fellow SASR soldiers when their vehicle plunged into Port Phillip Bay on 9 April 2007.