It also appears, from a separate slide briefing that it is being considered not only for Airborne units but also as a possible Service-wide replacement for the Molle Large. Price Paid: $50, Blackbeard Ben Cool to see the Army is going in the direction that some of us were making ourselves since 2014 lol! February 16, 2004. Copyright Soldier Systems Daily 2008-2021. He likes it and woodland camouflage works well here so it's a fine pack for him. I had the heaviest pack (~45 lb) out of everyone, and it showed when we were summited several 5000-6200 foot peaks. MAKE SURE YOUR RUCK SACK IS PUT TOGETHER CORRECTLY. Revolutionized modern military and other tactical gear. I bought two for my two sons and they have not failed yet. I don't think I would take it on any more mountainous trips though. Both bad ideas in a fight. With all four of these components, you get about 92 liters of space without overfilling the pack on the top. The frame is made to be lightweight, flexible, durable and adjustable that has proven to take real abuse by soldiers in the field. I could never really get it to fit properly in the bottom sleeping bag pocket and used to just place it in the main pack. Design: Rucksack Price Paid: ISSUE, anonymous That reason is to take 80% of the pack's weight off your shoulders (according to Outdoor Gear Lab) and transfer it to you hips, so your big leg muscles can do the work, not your small shoulder muscles. These are items I want to access without the need to stop and take off my pack. Lastly, nothing says "newbie" more than 8 straps dangling off your ruck. There's also one zippered top pocket for all the small stuff. Large Rucks are left in the PB or ORP. I prefer to keep some items within easy reach. The US Army MOLLE II Rucksack was the new generation from the ALICE system designed to be a lighter more comfortable pack for longer missions. Ive used a modified, large ALICE ruck with this frame and molle waist belt for a few years now and absolutely love it over the current issued ruck. And everything they had to carry didnt fit inside of it. All true . Its to narrow and to thin, but far closer to the right idea then the undulating foam in the MOLLE II or FILBE belt, a simple cordura and foam rectangle makes a far better belt. The lash points create a very tight meld of the pack to the additions so things dont flop around as you walk. August 7, 2005. I particularly liked the ability to increase days in the backcountry between resupplies. I will cover some tips for how to pack an Army rucksack, proper wear of the rucksack, a few comfort items you can purchase to make your ruck more comfortable, a common sense packing list, and the most current air assault school packing list.

If you buy a MOLLE don't buy it without the new Eagle Industries fourth generation frame. The particular components that for the basis of the above review are listed below. I place mine on the left bottom side, as on the right side of my FLC is a canteen and first aid pouch. All in-stock items are on hand and ready to ship out. You can see the newer modification of the pack at the link below (though the prices quoted at this site are way higher than you can find elsewhere for the earlier version reviewed in the attachment), http://www.armyproperty.com/Resources/NSN-Listings/MOLLE-Rucksack.htm, http://loadbearingequipment.info/MOLLE2.html, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pouch_Attachment_Ladder_System. Keeping it outside the ruck will help keep other gear clean. Design: External frame military ruck Find the best backpack for your next outdoor adventure using our independent reviews and ratings. Everyone says it's not durable enough for military use, but for civvies it's plenty as far as I can tell. Normally a crew has three men to carry the ammunition, tripod, and spare barrel needed for efficient operation of the machine gun, so already my gunner and I were at a disadvantage. I inadvertently put is down once on some volcanic rock that would have torn any normal fabric, and I couldnt even see any abrasion. While this factor applies most strongly in the winter, it is nice even in shoulder season backpacking to include pretty bulky fleece wear. See picture to right. pics would be very helpful as it would show exact locations not just the generic term frame. While you have your rucksack on, bounce and jiggle with it listening for any noise. For stuff you will need during the day (e.g., lunch) there is a compartment on the back of the main pack that holds items you need to access easily. It has an approximately 4000 cubic inch capacity and made of 1000 Denier nylon coated fabric, has an external frame, adjustable shoulder straps and an adjustable waist belt. This is definitely bomber level for durability. If you have some tips or disagree with anything I have come up with let me know in the comments below. Thanks for sharing your experience with this pack, Bill. I was looking for a high capacity, heavy duty pack for elk hunting. Rucking is a small part of ROTC fitness. No pack maker other then uncle sam uses such an undesirable corrugated surface for the inside of their belts, no idea why they tried it in the first place and even more dumbfounding that it has persisted so long. This helps eliminate heavier items from shifting during the packing process. In my experience, the buckle on the hipbelt is often a weak point on transferring weight to the hips. 11. As an Australian Artillery Forwarded Observer Signaller I had extra F89 (S.A.W in U.S. speak) on the sides of my pack for extra ammo, glow sticks, Smoke grenades, marker panel set either side mid way down. i took my old large ALICE and put molle ribbing all over it. Maybe an entire metric shit-ton. Balance: I have always preferred external frame packs, but I always acknowledged the truth of one of the standard criticisms of external frame packs that the load tended to shift around too easily. Are you able to engage the hip belt enough to transfer the load to your hips? It seems from the pictures that the final version of the rucksack is even more of a large ALICE-clone than the prototypes suggested. Height of Owner: 6 ' 0 " You have rucked , I started laughing reading your notes . In filling the sleep system compartment, you just lie the empty pack on the ground with the frame downward and first load the heavy things you need at night shelter, sleeping pad, ground cloth, maybe some dense food items that you wont need that day. +14 Source: bought it used It took a bit of accustoming my hips to the added pressure of the belt, but once I did, I estimate that with a 45 lb load inside (55 lbs total) my back and torso is actually carrying less weight than with my old pack, though of course my legs are carrying 5 lbs more. Number of Pockets: 3 Your E-Tool will also get muddy when you get to your final destination and have to dig fighting positions. debatable. I have broke the frame on one once, when I dropped it out of a 7 ton truck. I might just add the tip or change my view on any of the above. 5. Overall, it's probably not horrible for a weekend warrior to camp or bushcraft with, but the generic old Alice was hands down more durable and in my opinion superior to these for overall use. Interesting stuff. I think as the current rucks wear out they can be replaced with this one. The Marines have been up dating their rucks that have been designed over the last 15 or more years for desert areas, which have not help up under cold climates well in their deployments to Norway and other cold weather countries. Some items may have stains, writing, color fading, small repairs, and or surface rust on them, but no holes or tears. I have discussed at length with some of my peers and subordinates for the best tips on how to pack a rucksack and the following is what we have come up with: This lists out everything you need to pack for the exercise or trip. I typically roll poncho, sleeping bag, uniform, t-shirts, socks, and underwear. unisex External Frame Backpacks. It has a very sturdy plastic external frame which conforms well to the shape of the back, a generous set of harness (slash) shoulder straps, a well-padded waist belt and a 3000 cu inch capacity main pack including a front pocket. It worked relatively well and I used the sleep carrier for extra clothes, boots etc. Camelbacks are convenient but always break, leak, and are fiddly. Sign Up for Exclusive offers and Deals from Army Navy Outdoors. If you're looking for the real deal, don't look any further than the MOLLE II Large Rucksack. Take 30 minutes, and read TM 10-8465-236-10 (MOLLE II) and learn the tools of your trade. The load sits nicely on your waist with proper adjustment, and the waist belt & shoulder straps are very comfortable. Our staff has inspected all items and has made professional repairs on the items when needed. Pack your Ranger rolls (underwear, socks, and t-shirts) in Ziploc bags, then sit on them to help squeeze the air out and zip up while sitting on them. USGI US Army MOLLE II Large Ruck Sack - Multicam (SURPLUS), Sustainment Pouch: 8465-01-580-1563 (2 each), Enhanced Frame Shoulder Straps: 8465-001-580-1664 (2 each). I managed to hold on to mine and I still use it all the time in the civilian world. Check them out on Amazon by clicking this link. It would be nice if we could all, at least somewhat around the coming wear out date, get the appropriate patterned kit. Price Paid: $75, Trr15 Design: Top-loading, external frame It is fair to say that some of the weight of the pack is devoted to more durability than we are likely to need, its nice to know that a pack failure is VERY unlikely to spoil your trip. BEAR IN MIND TO PACK ITEMS YOU WILL SOON NEED TOWARD THE TOP. If I'm fortunate enough to harvest an elk this fall, I'll use this as my daypack and switch to my freighter frame to quarter it out. This system consists of a single 3,840cu inch Main Rucksack that can be divided internally into two compartments to better organize the user's load, MOLLE Frame, Enhanced Shoulder Strap Assembly, Waist Belt andtwo (2x) 408 cu inch Sustainment Pouches. With that said, I have reservations recommending this for serious long-term outdoor use. The exterior of the rucksack has multiple storage pockets and pouches of varying dimensions. My oldest son has the older M81 woodland camo one on a gen IV frame. August 27, 2009. April 13, 2013.

Marine mortarman such as myself would testify that this pack cannot handle the weight of a crew served weapon. More comfortable than the old ALICE pack and the system for attaching accessories to the pack is great. For me I normally put my foot powder, blister kit, 550 cord, and weapons cleaning kit in the top flap. Load Carried: 80 lbs. Price Paid: $546. It was ok and I put it through a lot. Also, bear in mind your sleep system is usually the first thing to go when other mission essential gear is required, or if you have a long distance to march. I use it often with two 500 cubic inch side sustainment pouches mounted at shoulder level. Spare batteries should also be placed in the same area as the ammo. It does not absorb water like Nylon (which is what kills plastic parts in below freezing environments). How do I pack a ruck sack in the Army?

Dan Does NOT include load lifter straps or other accessories. I'm going to purchase another one in digital camo. Marine Infantry The MOLLE pack is a worthless piece of crap. ALWAYS double waterproof your sleeping bag and clothing inside a Glad tough 50 gallon trash bag, then use the Army issue waterproof bag as a durable protection to help keep everything toasty and dry. The frame is the weakest link in this system. I like my hipbelt quite tight, and always previously have slowly had buckles that seem to allow just enough movement that the belt gradually loosens perceptibly, allowing the weight to gradually shift away from the hips and back onto the shoulders. On a longer rest stop, the shoulder straps have a quick release buckle which can be popped open with a pull on a lanyard and easily re-attached afterward. I also found that once I had a higher volume pack, I was less likely to leave home things I like: a piece of pumice, foot powder and other things that werent heavy but were bulky.

The interior of the main compartment of the rucksack has a pouch for carrying a radio / hydration bladder or other similarly sized equipment. Weight distribution is key. Relatively comfortable and fits all body types. I have a test one of these and its nice, but you dont need the air items unless you are in an airborne unit. Gear up top, sleeping system or clothing on bottom. I find it very good for general civilian hiking and camping. If you buy it, it will generally arrive as components that you must assemble yourself. A couple dry athletic shoe inserts for the bottom of your soggy boots are golden on a late night watch after rucking all day. Contentsweight Empty pack weight Load on legs % wt transfer to hips Load on torso (slash) shoulders30 2 32 10% 28.830 5 35 20% 28.030 10 40 50% 20.0. I received this pack at the basic school circa 2003. Frames will fail under heavy load. Size: Big I started exploring higher volume packs and experimenting with what they allowed me to do. The Army probably has not tested for cold climates with these rucks yet. This is just from my experience but while molded belts are great but cannot have repeated/ extended bending to the foam without damage. It makes heavy loads follow your body's natural motion. Max. Mine is Desert tan. Pack an extra pair of laces and save the weight. The packframe also makes a quite comfortable backrest to lean against. Number of Pockets: 3 on main ruck If you make the pack top heavy you are more liable to fall over to one side or the other if you lose balance. anonymous Price Paid: issue.

Dummy Cord It: How to Tie Down Gear You Dont Want to Lose! The best gear, extra fast, at the best prices. This is a genuine U.S. Army issue rucksack, as issued to hundreds of thousands of Soldiers worldwide. The rigging geometry, likewise, would be very familiar to you or me. For better copy of this review (with pictures and better formatting) ask me via email JohnLaff (at) gmail (dot) com. I got so tired of disassembling the pack to install a new frame, that I used gorilla tape to repair the last one and that lasted to the end of training. The new MOLLE Rucksack for Airborne and General Purpose Forces [ emphasis added] is a Government-owned design. It also doesn't have any mesh side pockets for water bottles, but I carbinered a 1L Nalgene on the side to one of the many compression straps. One can move whole quarters out on the frame. Note, the standard Molle waistpad / belt used with the prototypes has been replaced by what looks like an OCP version of the pad /belt on the Marines FILBE pack. June 28, 2009. May 2, 2005, The U.S. Military Molle Pack is an okay rucksack. Have a problem? The MOLLE II is a standard issue army backpack available online (new) for about $100. I put together my own packing list and you can download a copy by clicking the picture on the right.

The ACU rucksack main bag is large enough to hold your gear with a total of 5000 Cubic inches divided into a main and lower compartment each having easy access to get what you need. Ensure your poncho is handy, so at the ORP you can pull it out and cover your rucksack if it is raining (make sure to tuck it all the way around your ruck). Specifically I wanted something to haul 4 quarter bags (heavy canvas ones), field butchering kit including hatchet, saw and knife, my heavy Woolrich hunting coat (which fits perfectly in the sleep system carrier), para cord and a few snacks, Nalgene bottles and odds and ends. Pack spare ammo / mortar rounds first, then your sleep system in the area away from your back. Trailspace's community of gear reviewers has field-tested and rated the top external frame backpacks. There is a very large clear map case under the top flap of the main compartment. It is common sense based, and has all the necessary gear required for summer exercises. Our staff can be reached anytime during normal business hours at 757-95-888. Max.

In less than six months I probably went through four frames. Good system called PALS for adding pouches to make items more convenient or to increase volume. Max. Eagle Industries/Down East Inc have a new frame that is stronger, lighter, and more versatile. I am currently on OC/T duty, and you wouldn't believe the amount of rucksacks I see Soldiers wearing with incorrectly mounted shoulder straps, no kidney belt, ruck not attached to the frame right. He had run across a sources sought notice from earlier this year. Load Carried: 120 pounds Thats a great point. Number of Pockets: Alot Once the lower compartment is full with things you wont need until nighttime, set the pack upright (it will stay upright on the base created by the sleep system). Get some 100 mile an hour tape and tape those straps.

+41 Weekly reviews, exclusive deals, giveaways, and more: 4 lb 13.5 oz. I am not looking forward to what is going to happen to it in actual combat. CAMELBACK SHOULD BE PLACED AT THE TOP OF RUCK.

After you get the meal broken down, including taking the cardboard box off the main meals, pack everything tight into the original heavy plastic brown/tan vinyl bag, then use a narrow wrap of duct tape with a quick release tab to keep it all tight. The result is a weight distribution that keeps the center of gravity as close as possible to your natural center of gravity with a pack. There is webbing all over as one would expect from a mil-spec bag. Price Paid: $85, Jim Keith Don't wear a belt in civilian clothing, it will tear up your hips. I usually had a prc 119 radio, some sort of spare machine gun barrel or pioneer gear strapped to this pack at all times. My old BN (1-505) was one of the first to receive these for large scale testing. IMHO, my experience from the Bushwar, (all) ammo is carried on your skeleton kit, to be available immediately in a fire fight with the large bag being dumped for maneuverability. If we assume that the minimal pack weighs 2 lbs, the well-designed conventional pack weighs 5 lbs, and with this pack at 10 lbs, the following loads would apply if one filled the pack with 30 lbs of gear, food and water and makes the assumptions below re weight transfer. It was a lot larger than the medium-sized Alice and I thought it was pretty comfortable for me to put on and carry a load. Overall a fantastic ruck; it is very comfortable and honestly the perfect size for most airborne ops/field problems.

The various buckles and zippers are sized so that they can be opened and closed with gloved hands. The frame is so stiff and the weight transfer so solid, that the pack just sticks to your back like glue (while still allowing air circulation, keeping you back cooler). This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The previous reviewer must have worn this pack to the tent in his backyard. Especially since the baseplate of the mortar must be strapped to the back of the pack for long distance movements. Extremely efficient weight transfer to the hips. Imagine my chagrin when we are suddenly told to displace and I reach for my ammo- and tripod-laden MOLLEonly to yank on the strap and unfurl a foot of nylon before the pack even begins to lift off the ground! Design: RUCK Load Carried: 67lbs We love the modular ability that allows you to replace any of the parts as needed.