Learning about survival gear and skills should be accessible to every individual. The term we hear used frequently in the prepping and survival world is MOLLE. The Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment system is made for harsh conditions and rough terrain. It is more commonly referred to as ‘’basket weaving’’. Accepted by the US government for military bag’s usage, it was also adopted by popular manufacturers including Maxpedition and Blackhawk.
And you must be wondering what is it really used for?
Well, it lets you attach magazine pouches, knives, multi-tools and other equipment to load-bearing vests, rucksacks, and tactical backpacks. To connect the gear to it, the system will use modularity that has easy access points. The equipment is a favorite of fire and police departments and military units.
We reviewed some of the great backpacks that include this system, such as 5.11 RUSH72, GPS Tactical, and Direct Action Ghost. You should check them out and see what other fantastic features they offer.
In this article, we will explain to you exactly how this molle attachment system works and how it can help you improve your everyday carry. Also, we will give you a few tips to help you get the most out of it.
So if you want to learn more about this fantastic equipment, all you have to do is keep reading.
The Principle Behind The MOLLE System
MOLLE, which is pronounced like the name Molly, is a military gear’s proprietary form made by Natick Labs. It is used by NATO and U.S. military forces and produced under contract by different manufacturers. This equipment is usually based around a TAP (Tactical Assault Panel) which is a load-carrying vest or chest rig.
As we mentioned earlier in the article, M in the word MOLLE stands for modular. It is a modular gear component’s (pouches, backpacks, vests, etc.) system that connects to each other.
This MOLLE system comes with the Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) webbing. You will usually find it on bags and backpacks as it is the fabric webbing strips’ horizontal grid. These strips are sewn at 1.5 inches intervals to the backing and have a space between them which is one inch long.
To simplify that, we will explain like this – MOLLE is a type of modular gear that connects via the PALS webbing. PALS are rows of heavy-duty nylon that are stitched on load-bearing vests, rucksacks and backpacks, and other gear. Thanks to it you can quickly attach the accessories and pouches to your equipment for adaptable and secure access.
Using this system, you can add some other tools and equipment to your gear by attaching them to it. There are plenty of examples, but we will single out the most important ones, that most backpackers think is useful and that will come in handy in some dangerous situations.
- Canteen carriers
- Weapon and magazine pouches
- First-aid kits
- D-rings for slings and other equipment
- Sustainment pouches
- General-purpose gear pouches in different sizes
- Holsters
How to Use MOLLE System
Your MOLLE attachment system will probably include MOLLE-specific straps or Slick-Stick ones that are made to weave between the equipment and connection you are adding it to. To hold your gear in one place, it means that these sticks should securely snap shut.
To attach this system to a webbed platform that is compatible you should follow these helpful steps:
- When you want to connect your gear, the first thing you should do is to choose a location. You may already know how you want to arrange that and you probably have a plan – but if you’re going to do something different be free to do so. Choose the place where you will place your gear, based on what is quickest and most comfortable for you. Experiment with the placement of some equipment or place your MOLLE pouches on top of your bag to determine the best configuration. That is probably a wise idea to do before you attach anything.
- With the snap connected, hold onto the Slick Stick’s end and through the nylon webbing’s bottom row thread the stick, snap side up.
- Then, through the nylon webbing’s first row of the attachment’s backside, weave the strap or stick tightening it as you go. Continue doing this on the attachment and equipment until all that is left are buttons and snaps at the top.
- When it has multiple straps or Slick Sticks, you should repeat this action until the system is secured .
The Benefits of MOLLE System for Everyday Carry
Let’s say you just got back from work to stock up on supplies and other things you will need for your weekend road trip. However, your bag you will be carrying is full of equipment and tools you know you would only need when you are in town, such as notebooks, pens, and a laptop. So that means it is now time to pack all your gear for outdoors.
Since you will be reusing a lot of the same things, you don’t want to have to keep repacking everything in the bag. And that is where MOLLE attachment system comes to the rescue. Going from outdoor essentials to urban daypack is as easy as removing or adding pre-packed pouches. The best thing about this equipment is that you won’t have to purchase some large backpacks just to pack all of you stuff.
Every piece of equipment you buy that is MOLLE compatible will work with each other. And since you know that it will be instantly compatible, you will not have to worry about your purchase. You will be able to plan ahead when you are making your load as the system allows for a consistent layer of modularity and customization that lets you decide how you want to carry your gear. That sounds great, right?
Conclusion
The MOLLE webbing will allow you to attach heavy pouches to your equipment. Most of the things can be connected to more than one point. The straps and webbing are sturdy enough to provide safe and security for your gear. The reinforced stitching will provide spots for hanging a jacket, while also supporting a weapon and a holster. Most adventurers are satisfied with this equipment, so you will probably like it to, especially if you tend to overload your luggage.
