military

MOLLE vs ALICE; making the right decision

MOLLE is an acronym for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. It is the current generation of load-bearing equipment and backpacks used by the armed forces, especially the British Army and the United States Army.

The use of Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) webbing equipment as rows of heavy-duty nylon makes up the system’s modularity. The heavy-duty nylon is stitched to the vest to allow for attachment of other compatible pouches and accessories.

Advantages.

•          The MOLLE system has locking pouches for holding items.

•          Its hydration pack means you don’t have to carry a canteen. 

•          The strap system is easy to use and is customized for your gear.

•          One of its best benefit is that it is easy to reach everything.

Disadvantages

•          The Velcro attachments can be noisy when walking.

•          The external pockets can be troublesome when walking through thick brush.

•          The MOLLE is not as waterproof as the ALICE.

ALICE

The All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE) was adopted as United States Army Standard A on 17 January 1973 to replace the M-1956 Individual Load-Carrying Equipment (ILCE) and M-1967 Modernized Load-Carrying Equipment (MLCE).

  ALICE packs were designed as a two-component system. Firstly, the belt system, with entrenching carrier, two small cases, suspenders, and canteen cover. Secondly, the elements comprising the bag itself which include the cover, bag, and frame.

Advantages of the ALICE system.

•          The ALICE system was constructed to withstand all weather conditions, hot weather, cold- wet and cold-dry arctic conditions

•          One of the advantages of the ALICE system is its ruggedness

•          This pack can carry large loads and have the added benefit of being moisture resistant not waterproof.

•          There are no zippers that can break, making it possible for lots of gear to be stuffed in one bag.

 Disadvantages

•          It’s not comfortable when loaded down.

•          The strap can get in the way and closing the compartments is time-consuming. 

•          Small items like water bottles may be hard to access although it is easy to rig up something on the frame to make it accessible.

   When it comes to the MOLLE pack vs. ALICE pack, the MOLLE has definite advantages that make it more suitable for camping and hiking. However, the ALICE is best obtainable for jungle or conditions of high humidity that might affect the content of your pack.

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