Understanding The MOLLE System

If you’ve served in the military before, you may have a solid awareness and appreciation for MOLLE and what it is. Otherwise known as Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment, this feature is often found on modern-day backpacks, vests, belts and more. 

For those unfamiliar with it, this guide explains the MOLLE system, its purpose, benefits and how you can use it to better organize your gear and equipment. 

Let’s start off with the definition of MOLLE.

What Is MOLLE?

So what is MOLLE?

It’s essentially a system of organizing equipment so that it’s not only easier and more efficient to carry gear, but you have easy access to it, which can be vital in intense situations, like a firefight, for example. 

MOLLE originated in the 1990s within the US military as innovations were sought to improve load-carrying systems for soldiers. 

The key feature of MOLLE is that it focuses on modularity, meaning you can attach and detach the likes of pouches, holsters, or accessories to customize your setup. 

About The Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) And Webbing

To help achieve this extra efficiency, the MOLLE system relies on a Pouch Attachment Ladder System, otherwise known as PALS, or PALS webbing. As the name suggests, it looks like rows of nylon webbing, stitched to tactical backpacks, tactical vests, and belts. 

The idea is to weave straps through this webbing, which offers a secure and robust method of attaching extra gear. 

You can get PALS that increase carry weight and PALS that offers different types of specialist item attachments. Let’s take a closer look at how the MOLLE system works. 

How Does A MOLLE System Work?

The MOLLE system relies on strong PALS webbing to allow for attachments. These pouches and add-ons can carry heavy loads, like ammunition, grenades and magazines. As a result, the grid of horizontal nylon strips has to be thick and hard-wearing so the material doesn’t fray.

Attachments require equally robust straps or clips, like carabiners. If using carabiners, ensure the clip has a screw lock to prevent it from coming loose.

It’s then a matter of adding your pouches and attachments to the likes of your backpack. The idea is to place more important and more frequently used items in easy-to-reach spots. 

Pro Tip: empty your equipment, like a backpack, and your attachment, like a pouch, before you try to attach it. This will make it much easier. 

Who Uses MOLLE?

While MOLLE originated as a military feature, it has quickly become embraced by a wide range of people with differing interests. This is all because of the usefulness of PALS webbing and the robustness of the design. 

Here’s a breakdown of some groups who commonly use MOLLE-compatible gear:

• Military Personnel - MOLLE was originally designed for use in the US military. The idea is to allow soldiers to organize and carry their essential gear, like ammunition, medical supplies, water canisters, grenades and so on. One of the biggest perks of this simple feature is that it allows soldiers to customize their gear based on the type of operation. For example, reconnaissance is very different from combat situations, meaning you can take exactly what you need for the task at hand. 
• Law Enforcement and Security Forces - given the increased militaristic nature of police forces, it’s not uncommon for police officers and SWAT teams to use MOLLE equipment to carry radios, handcuffs, batons, guns, flashlights and first aid kits. 
• Outdoor Enthusiasts - hikers, winter campers and climbers often use MOLLE gear for its practical features. With increased carry capacity, it can be ideal for bringing along food, water, navigation tools and emergency kits while not infringing on bag space.
• Emergency Services - MOLLE-compatible belts in particular are useful for the likes of paramedics and firefighters who can use them to carry the likes of rescue tools, medical kits and walkie-talkies 
• Paintball and Airsoft Players - given the simulated nature of paintball and airsoft games to real military situations, players of these games can find them very useful for carrying pouches of ammo, for example. 
• Photographer and Videographers - outdoor photographers and videographers may find MOLLE gear useful for attaching different types of lenses, batteries and other equipment they may need quick access to while on the job.
• Survivalists and Preppers - civilians with an interest in tactical equipment can find MOLLE-compatible gear very useful, especially for preppers and survivalists. 

Examples Of MOLLE-Compatible Equipment

Given that it’s been around for a few decades, a number of products have emerged on the wider tactical gear marketplace that are MOLLE-compatible. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common and how they’re used.

Vests

MOLLE vests are widely used by the military and law enforcement. With rows of PALS webbing across the front, back and side, there’s the potential for a lot of extra attachments. These can include ammunition, radios, first aid kits, and hydration packs. 

Vests are also commonly used in activities like hunting, airsoft and paintball. 

Backpacks and Rucksacks

Popular with fans of the outdoors and travellers, MOLLE-compatible backpacks and rucksacks usually come with rows of PALS webbing on the front and sides. On some designs, you may find them on the bottom too.

These backpacks may also have internal compartment features, and you can get specialist rucksacks that allow you to carry certain types of equipment. 

So if you’re looking for something that’s ideal for hiking, camping or military use, look out for MOLLE features so you can attach your sleeping bags, water bottles and more. 

Belts

MOLLE-compatible belts are otherwise known as utility belts. They’re designed to carry numerous smaller items that are all within easy reach. 

Common uses include pistol holsters, magazine pouches, radios, flashlights, and handcuff holders. 

They’re also useful for anyone in need of carrying a lot of things that they need close to hand, such as photographers and videographers. 

What Are The Benefits Of Using MOLLE?

Reading through this guide, you may have picked up on a few of the key benefits of using MOLLE. Here’s a useful overview of the four key perks of using this equipment:

• Customizable - the biggest benefit of MOLLE is that it allows for complete customization of your carry equipment. You can adjust for different settings, outcomes, or operations all with ease.
• Durable - the robust nature of PALS webbing means you can carry heavy equipment in the toughest of conditions due to its reinforced stitching
• Accessible - MOLLE gives you the opportunity to organize your gear so that you can quickly grab things without having to take off your rucksack, for example.
• Versatile - MOLLE has become a feature that’s used in a wide range of equipment types

How To Mount Non-MOLLE Equipment

If you’ve bought a MOLLE backpack, for example, but have some gear that doesn’t fit with the PALS webbing, then there are ways around this. Here are some top tips to help:

• Modern MOLLE-compatible pouches, for example, will have a nylon strap that you can weave into a vest, belt or rucksack. However, not all of them do. Some might come equipped with nothing but a circular clip. In these cases, you can use the likes of a carabiner or a D-ring to loop through the clip and through the webbing. 
• If you do not have a clip, you could use utility straps that come with hook & loop. Simply loop the strap through the webbing and your add-on gear to fix it in place.
• If you’re looking for a more permanent DIY solution, you could use a zip tie or paracord. All you need to do is loop the tie through the webbing and your attachment and lock it in place.
• Another DIY solution is to use an elastic band. Industrial-strength bands are recommended to ensure it doesn’t snap once you start moving.
• Another option is to adjust your non-MOLLE gear by adding straps or loops that you can use to hook them up. 

How To Choose The Right MOLLE Gear For You

Hopefully, now that you’ve read this guide you’ve got a clear understanding of what MOLLE is and what it’s used for.

If you’re considering making a purchase today, then it’s important to know the right type of gear you need. For instance, if you’re looking for something that can carry heavy items, then look for strong nylon fabric with reinforced stitching. It should also be weather-resistant.

It’s also vital to check whether any new gear you buy is compatible with your existing equipment. For example, you may have pouches with straps that do not fit your new MOLLE belt, so it’s always best to check before you buy. 

If you’re still unsure, get in touch with us. Here at LA Police Gear, we sell a wide range of MOLLE-compatible products and can help answer all of your questions, big or small. And we can also recommend ideal products for your intended use. 

You can get in touch with us today by clicking here or by calling us on the number at the top of this page.  

Key Takeaways

• MOLLE systems rely on the use of PALS webbing to allow you to attach all different types of items
• MOLLE is commonly used in the military but is also popular among law enforcement, emergency responders, and those who love the outdoors.
• Some of the most popular types of MOLLE-compatible items include vests, belts and backpacks
• MOLLE offers users a more customizable option, as well as being durable and versatile and allowing easy access to essential items.