The MOLLE Military Backpack System, or Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment is a military backpack system that was designed by the United States to replace the ALICE pack which was standard issue for United States military in the 1980s and 1970s. The MOLLE backpack is made of lightweight nylon which and allows a variety of pouches and accessories. The term MOLLE is used in the U.S. military when refering to any equipment that uses the PALS or, Pouch Attachment Ladder System.
The MOLLE backpacking system is made of lightweight nylon, like the older ALICE backpack, but has a greater carrying capacity and multiple pouches for a soldier to modulate at his will. The size of the backpack and its pouches allow a soldier to carry a greater amount of supplies for missions than the earlier packs. Components for the MOLLE system include the Fighting Load Carrier or FLC. The FLC is a load bearing vest with a modular belt which is permanently incorporated into the vest of the pack. This system allow a soldier to have a greater amount of weight from his equipment and still have a level of comfort that suits his need in the battle field. The system also allow soldiers to be more portable and quicker in regards to the battle field.
The MOLLE backpack system also comes with a Hydration bladder, which most civilians call a “camel pack”. The hydration bladder is plastic and can hold 72 ounces of water. This system replaced the 1 and 2 quart canteens that were standard issue for the army. This system allows a soldier to carry ample amounts of water without having to worry about another piece of equipment to lug around. The last component of the military backpack is the Modular Pouches. The pouches allow any equipment which uses the PALS system to be interchanged at the soldiers will. A soldier can use these pouches on various equipment provided by the United States Military. In regards top the MOLLE system a soldier can add a the pouches to his pack to fit his needs.
The MOLLE system is produced for the United States Military under contracts by various companies such as Special Defense and Armor Holdings.
