MOLLE is an acronym for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. It is used to define the current generation of load-bearing equipment and backpacks used by a number of NATOarmed forces, especially the British Army and the United States Army. The system's modularity is derived from the use of Pouch Attachment Ladder Systemwebbing equipment as rows of heavy-duty nylon stitched onto the vest to allow for the attachment of various compatible pouches and accessories. This method of attachment has become a de facto standard for modular tactical gear, replacing the All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment system used in the earliest modular vest systems.
The Medium Rucksack is an external frame rucksack with 3000 cubic inches of storage space. It is designed to be worn over body armor and supports loads up to 60 lbs. It features a large main compartment with internal dividers for items like the hydration system, 60mm mortar rounds, along with a harness for ASIP radios. Two smaller compartments are located outside the main compartment. The pack is adorned in PALS webbing.
Large rucksack
The Large Rucksack is an external frame rucksack with 4000 cubic inches of storage space. It features a large main compartment with an internal divider between the upper and lower half for organizing loads. It is covered with PALS webbing, and ALICE webbing on the side to support legacy items such as the 2 quart canteen pouch. It is highly adjustable for comfort and load distribution.
Hydration bladder
Plastic hydration bladder to supplement the and canteens for on-the-go hydration.
Modular pouches
Pouches of various utility that can be attached wherever PALS webbing exists. One type is a "sustainment pouch", which holds three MREs. MOLLE pouches are commonly used to carry ammunition, gas masks, batons, flares, grenades, handcuffs and pepper spray, and custom pouches include MOLLE-compatible pistol holders, hydration pouches and utility pouches. These pouches are normally secured through the use of straps, alice clips or speedclips.
MOLLE and PALS
The term MOLLE is used not only to describe the specific system manufactured by Speciality Defense Systems, but also interchangeably to describe generically all load bearing systems and subsystems that utilize the woven PALS webbing for modular pouch attachment. Derivatives based on the MOLLE attachment method have also been developed. Any system that utilizes modular attachment methods and is usable with U.S. general issue MOLLE components is often considered "MOLLE-compatible" or is called a "MOLLE" system. Increasingly, non-military manufacturers are incorporating MOLLE technology into outdoor equipment. There are three general modes of attachment in the MOLLE arena; the "Natick Snap", which uses a polyethylene reinforced webbing strap with the 'pushthedot' snap for security; the polymer "Malice" clip, developed by Tactical Tailor as an alternative to the Natick Snap concept, which interweaves like the Natick Snap but terminates in a semi-permanent closure that requires a screwdriver or other flat-tipped object to disengage; and a variety of attachments that fall into the "Weave & Tuck" category, in which the end of an interwoven strap is tucked into an item's backing after attachment to a vest or pack. The PALS grid consists of horizontal rows of webbing, spaced 25 mm apart, and attached to the backing at intervals. Although the specification is for the stitchings to be spaced apart, stitching in the range is considered acceptable in practice.
Evolution and criticism
The MOLLE system was introduced in 1997. However, it did not see widespread issue until after the September 11, 2001, attacks and was used by U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan and, later, Iraq. Early criticisms of the MOLLE system emerged, particularly from the Army. Many of these criticisms have centered on the sustainment-load pack and frame, due to the external plastic frame being too fragile and subject to breaking in the field, that the zippers have a tendency to burst when stuffed full, and that the pack's straps lack sufficient length to be used with bulky body armor. Further, the first generation of this system utilized a ball & socket interface between the frame and rucksack belt. This interface method led to numerous lower back injuries due to the ball missing the socket interface on the waistbelt and impacting the user's body. Subsequent redesign of the SDS MOLLE led to the deletion of this feature, and thus the vest and ruck/frame were separate non-integral items.
