OT-Backpack Question

Triquetra

Triquetra

Joined
Mar 7, 2002
Messages
759
I asked what I thought was just a basic question over at Outdoor Survival forum and didn't get a response so I thought that I would come back home where I always get answers even to none Khuk questions. I 've been doing a lot of research on backpacks and really would like to have a variety of pockets or separate storage compartments to keep things organized. I keep coming up with references to MOLLE attachements or accesories. Can anyone tell me what this means, what they are, or what is required for attachment. Is it the straps with loops that look kind of like a shotgun shell bandelero that are attached to the packs? Would this be a good alternative to packs with separate compartments? Like I said, I know that this is not a Khuk question, but I know most of us with them do a lot outdoors.
 
Been lurking on the forum for a while, but I may as well answer this one for you. MOLLE weave is a series of loops that pouches can be attached to. It's just horizontal strips of material with a vertical stitch across it every inch or so. The pouches that get attached to it have vertical straps that get woven alternately between the MOLLE weave and a similar horizontal weave that is on the pouch itself. At the end of the vertical strap is a snap that secures it from unweaving. The whole system is very versatile and secure.
 
From the Army FAQ:
"Q: What is the Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE)?
A: The MOLLE vest is a modular system consisting of a load carrying vest, multiple packs and pouches that can be configured and tailored to suit the user's need and mission requirements. It includes a Tubular Hydration System and is compatible with Interceptor Body Armor. The front of the vest contains webbing that allows for ammunition, first aid, canteen, grenade and radio pouches to be attached to it. This same webbing is found on the front of the Interceptor Body Armor. Therefore, if the MOLLE is not needed during certain missions, Soldiers can transfer their pouches to the Interceptor Body Armor. The Main rucksack, Assault Pack, Combat Butt Pack and NBC Equipment bag have the same lacing system to allow “plug and play” attachment of any of the pockets and pouches. "

MOLLE uses soft straps with snaps through soft 1" loops.

It replaced the ALICE (metal clips through soft loops) on the old style LBE harness which dates back to Vietnam. The ALICE pouches kind of 'wobble' on the connector.

I've heard that there are issues with MOLLE pouches falling off during jumps and stuff (they came in just as I was leaving, so I didn't get any). I don't know that the ALICE clips were superior or whether they just stuck better in jumps because everyone taped them to keep them from bouncing around and making noise. But, I heard similar stories about the internal frame compartmental rucks (the frames were bending during jumps). So it may just be that new-fangled stuff is always bad thing...until the next thing replaces it, when it becomes wonderful.
 
Thanks for the replys. Pouches or accessories falling off was one of my concerns also. Of course I won't be jumping out of any planes but I would hate for something critical like my first aide kit or emergency food to fall of on the trail. The only backpacks that I've found with a lot of attached accessory pocket where some inexpensive one's that I just found at Wal-Mart on clearance. I bought a couple for emergency bags for the vehicles. They seem sturdy enough but I still think I'll keep looking for my main outdoor pack.
 
I still use an old GI Issue ALICE pack. It's held up through everything. They're cheap if you shop around, especially now. You could get one (I like the Large model) and send it off to Tactical Tailor for any additional pouchwork you want done on it. I've been using mine as is, but Tactical Tailor looks like they have some nice stuff...
http://216.105.57.73/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=14
 
MOLLE rucks are nicely modular, but evidently cannot be used in jumps. A MOLLE ruck can hold a hell of a lot, but will hold more, if packed fully, than just about anyone can carry for long. Another problem with MOLLE is sometimes getting to things quickly- there are a million different little pouches, as opposed to fewer larger pouches in the ALICE packs.

I have an ALICE, that I've had since before I entered service originally in '01. It works well, and is fairly economical. MOLLE really does shine when just using the vest or body armor, but I like the pack itself less.

John
 
I have considered getting one of the ALICE packs but I had heard that they were uncomfortable and weren't waterproof. I was also wondering, when looking at them in my Brigade Quartermaster catalog it looks like you have to buy and attach the shoulder straps separate.
 
Consider a Pack, Patrol, Combat- SP0100-96-C-4030.

Light GI patrol pack- has all kinds of fastex buckles for growth & attachments.

Got the large pack too, but never use it actually hiking.

GI stuff is well made & thought out, usually.


Ad Astra
 
"Consider a Pack, Patrol, Combat- SP0100-96-C-4030"

Ad, where did you get yours or where are they available. I did a search on Google but I am not finding this model.
 
cucharadedragon said:
I have considered getting one of the ALICE packs but I had heard that they were uncomfortable and weren't waterproof. I was also wondering, when looking at them in my Brigade Quartermaster catalog it looks like you have to buy and attach the shoulder straps separate.
Click to expand...

The straps attach to the frame as does the ruck. Depending on where you buy, you can get them all at once or buy them seperate. The external frame is the real great part of it - you can't beat it when you need to carry an bulky piece of extra equipment (bungee cords are a must). ;)

I think it kind of depends about the comfort thing. Almost any pack is uncomfortable to someone. There are third-party straps for 20-30 dollars or a lot of people just taped some extra foam to the shoulders and butt pad and/or taped in additional support in the back. Since you had everything else taped, you just got used to it... The nice thing is you don't have to worry about getting attached to a "everything has to look the same unit" and tearing it all off after you have everything perfect.

For waterproofing, three waterproof bags inside work to protect things and also compartmentalize them a bit. I pack things in individual plastic baggies for my kit, so I never really worried about the outside pockets. Unfortunately I was never one of those packing freaks that could get like 40 socks, 10 t-shirts and 10 pairs of underware in one ziplock baggie...

Tactical Tailor also has some preconfigured rucks that look pretty nice. They also upgraded the material. http://216.105.57.73/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=42
 
I was going to try the plastic bag trick as a cheap way to organize a little. I bought a bunch of gallon and quart ziplocks at Wally World this morning.
 
We can talk about the best modifications on boots next. e.g. Buy a pair of jungles, pull the steel plate out, add a sneaker insert and have someplace replace the the issue sole with a wave sole. :)
 
While I do have the ALICE, a good Camelback will probably be more useful to you, most of the time.

(You should be able to find one for at least 25% less than MSRP shown.)

John
 
Spectre, that Camelback model (H.A.W.G) is one that I was looking at on the web this morning. Looks like something that would work great. My current hiking backpack is a Camelback brand just a small lightweight version. Everyone thanks for the links. I knew I would get a lot of info here. Hope to have even more advice.

Ps. Can anyone tell me how to show quotes in my replies. I've tried before and only got the word quote. It would make it a lot better to reply and give thanks for individual posts. Also, how do I show multiple quotes for replies.
 
I've often used the MULE while hunting- it's big enough to carry a book, binocs, a few extra rounds of ammo, extra flashlight, watch cap, snack, and gloves.

I've had the HAWG since mid-03. It's big enough to carry enough books for about 3 classes, plus a snack and extra pens, or big enough to carry a change of clothes, small towel, and hygiene items (plus the reservoir, of course). The HAWG is a good carry-on bag, with room for your toiletries, extra socks and such, a book and computer, and a candy bar. It's a good daypack.

If you might want a *little* more than that, you may want the Talon. It's big enough to carry enough for 2-3 days in an emergency (depending on what you pack), while not being excessively large.

The BFM and Motherlode are starting to get into "serious" pack range...

J
 
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