DEWBACK SADDLE BAGS
as seen in Star Wars: A New Hope publicity stills

GERMAN M34 TORNISTER
from Brak's Personal Collection

The dewback seen in publicity stills from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope appears to carry four German M34 tornisters, similar to the one pictured above. One pack is mounted on the first strap encircling the dewback's belly, directly beneath the large, furry saddle horn. The second is placed behind the rider, on third (last) strap that encircles the dewback's belly. The third and fourth pack are placed similarly on the opposite side of the dewback. It is unconfirmed, but reference pictures indicate that the packs used on the dewback were early model tornisters which include leather shoulder straps. Later models simply had D-Hooks.

CLICK HERE FOR A CLOSE-UP SHOT OF THE PACK PICTURED ABOVE COMPARED TO THE PACK USED IN ANH.

from 11X14 Star Wars: ANH Lobby Card

from Star Wars Chronicles by Deborah Fine

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TORNISTER
"Tornister" is German for "knapsack" or "satchel" and refers to the backpack carried by German troops. It is distinct from the combat pack (Gefechtsgepack) or rucksack (Rucksack) carried by mountain troops. The M34 Tornister, introduced in November 1934, was based on an earlier Prussian backpack. It was manufactured from 1934 through the end of WW II with minor variations. Early models came with leather shoulder straps and metal clips to attach to a waist belt, while most later models are equipped with D-Hooks to attach to the Y-Straps. Some tornisters have a canvas flap instead of the cowhide flap.