M.O.L.L.E, or Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment is the term used to describe the current issue load-bearing equipment and backpack. This system is extremely versatile because of P.A.L.S. (Pouch Attachment Ladder System), rugged nylon attached in rows by heavy stitching at regularly spaced intervals. Although the term M.O.L.L.E. is technically owned by a particular manufacturer, any compatible system is referred to as M.O.L.L.E. Since the original contract was awarded in October 2001, there are several contractors making these for the government. In fact, there are already a few alternative attachment systems used to help soldiers change the pack’s gear configuration: the standard Natick snap, a webbing and polyethylene sandwich which is interwoven through the P.A.L.S. straps and secured by a snap, is extremely secure but slow to change. Faster alternatives are now offered by several after-market manufacturers.

The number of manufacturers producing military or made-to-mil-spec M.O.L.L.E. compatible gear is a testament to the system’s widespread use and acceptance among U.S. soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the globe. The original Generation I backpack system had a ball and socket design which would, at times, fail and cause injury. It also did poorly in drop tests that simulate use by Airborne soldiers. The improved Generation II version is much stronger and even lighter than the Gen I and far stronger than the old aluminum frame A.L.I.C.E.(All-purpose, Lightweight, Individual Carry Equipment) packs. The pack holds a larger volume load and carries it higher and closer to the soldier’s center of gravity, giving the wearer greater comfort and stability. The only drawback to the M.O.L.L.E. pack is its size for normal operations. Because of this, the 3 Day Assault Pack, M.O.L.L.E. and Hydration system compatible, is extremely useful and popular. It provides a comfortable, easy-to-maneuver pack that certainly can carry enough to sustain a modern soldier for 3 days plus! The addition of P.A.L.S. webbing makes it highly adaptable. This, along with the huge expense of the full-size M.O.L.L.E. pack is why we have chosen to build our M.O.L.L.E. gear line around the Assault Pack.

The standard M.O.L.L.E. vest, (F.L.C. or Fighting Load Carrier) provides a broader, more comfortable area of support on the body than the old A.L.I.C.E. suspenders and a pistol belt, is far more adaptable and capable of carrying extra water, ammo, or whatever extra gear is required. By design it is adaptable for the different responsibilities of squad members and their specific missions. This is another key component of the new Rothco M.O.L.L.E. line.

Our G.I. Plus M.O.L.L.E Gear is made of tough-as-Cordura 1000 denier nylon, highly abrasion resistant, and faithfully reproduced from the originals. The use of 1000 denier urethane-coated nylon ensures superior product service, especially when compared to polyester or similar fibers used in cheaper, flimsier copies. The attention to detail, such as bar–tacking, the use of Nexus-type buckles, and quality push-the-dot fasteners, ensures a lasting product. Rothco now carries the most popular pouches and accessories, all in Army Digital Camouflage. We are absolutely confident that your customer can truly expect the same quality, ruggedness and service as the original, but at a much more attractive price.