What is MOLLE Pouch and How Does it Work?
What is a MOLLE Pouch?
A MOLLE pouch is pouched with a variety of uses that can be attached to PALS webbing. For example, a "sustainment pouch" holds three MREs. Ammunition, gas masks, batons, flares, grenades, handcuffs, and pepper spray are often carried in MOLLE pouches. In contrast, specialized pouches include PALS-compatible gun holders, hydration-compatible pouches, medical pouches, and utility pouches. Straps, Alice clips, and speed clips are commonly used to secure these pouches. Aside from the MOLLE pouch, other kinds of pouches and modules allow you to get the most out of your tactical gear, including ammo pouches, mag pouches, flashlight pouches, and dump pouches and radio pouches.
What is a MOLLE Pouch Used For?
Ammunition, gas masks, batons, flares, grenades, handcuffs, and pepper spray are all regularly carried in MOLLE pouch black, with bespoke pouches including PALS-compatible handgun holders, hydration pouches, and utility pouches also available. Normally, straps, Alice clips, or speed clips are used to keep these bags closed.
What is MOLLE System?
MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) was developed in the 1990s to update ALICE (All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment). The military has long prioritized finding ways for soldiers to transport their gear efficiently without jeopardizing the gear's integrity or the soldier's ability to participate in battle while carrying it.
This was performed during the American Civil War using a variety of molle straps and buckles that were rudimentary and didn't do the job especially well–they weren't particularly strong and prone to breakage, and the equipment being attached but not adequately secured led to three problems:
- The soldiers' different metal equipment would rattle against one another, posing a risk of fracture.
- The clanking sounds would warn the enemy that they were approaching.
- The soldier's equilibrium would be jeopardized by the swaying weight distribution, which would lead to long-term back problems.
Who Can Use The MOLLE System?
The US military adopted the MOLLE system practically as soon as it was created, but it was only after 9/11 that it became widely used. The world's greatest militaries now use MOLLE to carry gear such as:
- the US Military
- the British Military
- NATO
- the IDF
But, especially today, its applications stretch far beyond the Military. MOLLE equipment is used by civilians of all stripes, whether for military-style activities such as paintball or airsoft, or for vocations that require individuals to carry their equipment safely for long periods, such as park rangers, construction workers, and miners.
MOLLE rucks are also popular for multi-day camping expeditions, mountain climbing, and backpacking in the great outdoors. MOLLE attachments have been produced in every size and for every use in the years since its inception and subsequent explosive popularity, adapting it to whatever the scenario requires.
Why Use The MOLLE System?
The weight can be more evenly dispersed across the carrier's body using the MOLLE PALS ladder system for mounting gear (see pic below). This allows you to carry more items with less difficulty.
Not only is the PALS ladder system used to place gear to the backpack, but there are also chest rigs, vests, and belts that use the same modular component style system to attach and carry gear.
The MOLLE I system superseded the old ALICE system, which had been in use in some form since the mid-1950s. However, the MOLLE I system was quickly phased down in favor of the MOLLE II system, which is only used by the army's ACU (Army Combat Uniform).
Other military branches are still using the older ALICE system. However, they are gradually being phased out in favor of the MOLLE system. This adjustment only serves to demonstrate the superiority of the MOLLE and PALS systems over other gear-carrying methods.
What is The Difference Between MOLLE and PALS?
The name PALS is likely to come up while looking at MOLLE compatible products. This is because MOLLE was built on the foundation of PALS, which stands for Pouch Attachment Ladder System. PALS refers to the web grid that allows smaller pouches, holsters, knife sheaths, and other items to be attached to larger MOLLE forms. PALS is the technology that distinguishes MOLLE, and it is frequently used interchangeably with MOLLE as a result.
What Do You Carry in a MOLLE Tactical Pouch?
A MOLLE tactical pouch with straps and MOLLE webbing can be carried alone or attached to larger things such as a tactical backpack or vest. Ammunition, gas masks, batons, flares, grenades, handcuffs, and pepper spray are often carried in MOLLE pouches, while bespoke pouches include PALS-compatible handgun holders, hydration bags, and utility pouches. Straps, Alice clips, and speed clips are commonly used to secure these pouches.
How to Attach MOLLE Pouch to Backpack
Here how you will attach a MOLLE pouch to a tactical backpack:
1. On the backpack, select the suitable connection point.
2. Both the pouch and the bag's horizontal webbing should be aligned. Horizontal alignment should be staggered.
3. Place the pouch attachment strap behind the loophole in the bag. Alternate back and forth to weave behind the pouch's webbing.
4. Continue weaving, alternating between pouch and bag webbing, until the pouch is securely fastened all the way around.
5. When you're finished, snap the closure shut.
Thoughts
MOLLE system and MOLLE tactical pouch isn't difficult to use, but it does require some time to set up. However, you'll always be able to outfit yourself with the gear you need for your next mission – and beyond – now that you understand how MOLLE works (and how to connect your accessories correctly).