MOLLE is an acronym for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment, otherwise
called MOLLE gear. It consists of a bag with special webbing on the exterior that is often
called a ladder. You can anchor multiple pouches or PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder
System) onto the bag. These pouches are attached to the exterior webbing system,
otherwise known as a ladder. The terms MOLLE and PALS are interchangeable. The
MOLLE system is best known throughout the world for its use in the military and law
enforcement and the R72 Grab&Go Vest + Modular Bags provides the opportunity for anyone to use it to prepare for both adventures and emergencies, like natural disasters.
How do MOLLE bags work?
The MOLLE system utilizes several rows of heavy-duty nylon fabric otherwise known as
PALS (acronym for pouch attachment ladder system) stitched onto vests, backpacks,
and other gear. You can attach MOLLE pouches and accessories securely to the ladder
for a grab-and-go bag for emergencies or other activities.
What is the MOLLE used for?
The MOLLE modular bag is useful for:
Emergency preparedness
Outdoor sports
Medical trauma
First aid
Baby bag
Car survival kit
Car Utility gadgets
Toolbag
Backpack
Duffle bag
Hydration carrier
Camera bag
Weapons and magazines
Musical instruments
Communications (Walkie Talkie)
Adventures
These are just some of the uses of the MOLLE Modular Bag. The possibilities are
endless.
What are the advantages of using a MOLLE?
The MOLLE load-bearing system has one massive advantage in that you can attach
numerous pouches to carry all of your necessary gear. Some of the bags have large
interior spaces with plenty of space for everything you need. The system provides a
framework for affixing pouches that allow for individual customization. If you can think it
up, it is most likely available, or you can create your variation by using various pouches
attached to the ladder webbing. You can even connect two or three bags for multi-
purpose uses.
What is the difference between the MOLLE and older systems?
The main difference between the MOLLE and older systems is that there are two straps
on each pouch to make a tighter connection.
The MOLLE is very successful in the military and is now available to the civilian world.
The attraction is the customization. Everyone now has access to this convenient and
practical system.
What types of MOLLE are available?
The MOLLE modular bag is very durable, lightweight, waterproof, and customizable. It
comes in many different shapes and sizes. Here are some variations of the MOLLE:
Vest
Shoulder sling bag
Shoulder strap bag
Case
Satchel, which is often called a Bug Out Bag or mini-go bag
Fanny hip holster
Leg strap
Crossbody shoulder bag
Belt system
Roll-up pouch
Magazine dump
How do you attach MOLLE pouches to the bag?
There is a specific way to attach the MOLLE pouches to the bag that makes them very secure. Each pouch has a certain number of vertical webbing (depending on the size of the pouch). The pouch itself may have velcro or a snap at the bottom. When securing the pouches, you weave the vertical straps onto the bag's ladder system before fastening the snaps or velcro closure. When the pouches are correctly attached to the bag, they cannot fall off or be removed without effort. It may take a bit of practice to learn how to fasten the pouches to the main bag, but once mastered, the bag and pouches are
virtually one.
What are the goals of the MOLLE?
The main goals of the MOLLE Modular Bags are to:
Allow the user to securely carry everything without the bag shifting or becoming burdensome.
Make it manageable to carry the bag on their backs without hampering their ability to move swiftly and quietly.
How do you attach other items to the MOLLE?
There is an accessory attachment system that hangs on the webbing exterior of the
MOLLE bag. They consist of strong, sturdy, thick plastic that does not easily rust or
break. These tools secure needed equipment to the MOLLE bag. These attachments
are made by different manufactures and often come in kits. They include:
Tactical 360 Rotation D Ring Clips
Tactical Gear Military Tube Clips
Key Ring
Tactical D-Ring Locking Hanging Hook
Elastic Strings (hydration tube, knives)
Tool Buckle
The MOLLE is highly adjustable to meet your specific requirements. You can attach
various tools to the webbing, including keys, flashlights, knives, GoPro, or other items
related to your activity.
Other items you can attach to your MOLLE include:
Canteen or flask
First-aid kit
Food
Slings
Holsters
Flotation device
Tent
What is the history of the MOLLE?
Before 1776, military bags were fitted with brass buckles and leather straps. They
changed to canvas straps during World War I and II. The military upgraded them to the
M-1956 LCE (Load-Carrying Equipment) used in the Korean War and the M-1965
MLCE (Modernized Load-Carrying Equipment) during the Vietnam War. The fasteners
have revolved over time, and entire systems were developed and eventually became
obsolete. In the 1970s, ALICE (All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment)
was used before being phased out. MOLLE was invented in 1997 by the Natick Labs
R&D division of the US Army and adopted by every military branch of the United States.