Alaskan Survivalist
05-08-2010, 01:38 PM
Growing up just about everything we had was military surplus from WW II. Even spent several years living in a Quonset hut. I quickly figured out the only things practical for backpacking from that era was using the pack board and the machete (still the best I’ve ever used). The rest was just too heavy. Civilian stuff was usually cheap crap that would not hold up but got better about the same time ALICE stuff started to show up. ALICE was a big improvement in weight over WW II surplus and just as durable but could not compete with lighter civilian gear I would strap to my WW II pack board. Then Civilian gear got even better and I never considered military surplus again until MOLLE. It strikes a good balance between weight and durability. I still camp with civilian gear but for long term use it would never hold up like the MOLLE gear and MOLLE has the advantage of being the most versatile system you can imagine.
Packs come in various sizes with cinch straps, hip belts and adjustments like civilian gear but add straps all over to attach MOLLE pouches.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/IMG_1086.jpg
I have 4 different pouches like this containing different kits that can attack to pack, belt or carried over shoulder.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/IMG_1089.jpg
I have a scabbard I think is designed for shot guns but it fits my pump 22, lever action 44 and I also use it as a quiver for my arrows. I works very well to keep my rifle from frosting up in the winter and I can attach it on pack or pack board for easy rifle carry but it also attaches easily to my ATV.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/IMG_0930.jpg
I have pouches for my handheld radios that attach anywhere including my belt and on the side of other pouches. This one contains other electronics that I don’t use in the winter so it makes it convenient to leave behind or just grab and go. I have half a dozen of the larger pouch in this photo is use for ammo because the are about the right size to contain all the ammo I want to carry.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/IMG_1053.jpg
They weigh about 8 pounds depending on ammo and will hold 1000-22 LR, 450-22 magnum or 150-44 magnum. Mine are color coded to distinguish between them in a hurry.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/IMG_1091.jpg
When you get to the point of final organizing of your gear you will appreciate the versatility of MOLLE. I love it!
Packs come in various sizes with cinch straps, hip belts and adjustments like civilian gear but add straps all over to attach MOLLE pouches.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/IMG_1086.jpg
I have 4 different pouches like this containing different kits that can attack to pack, belt or carried over shoulder.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/IMG_1089.jpg
I have a scabbard I think is designed for shot guns but it fits my pump 22, lever action 44 and I also use it as a quiver for my arrows. I works very well to keep my rifle from frosting up in the winter and I can attach it on pack or pack board for easy rifle carry but it also attaches easily to my ATV.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/IMG_0930.jpg
I have pouches for my handheld radios that attach anywhere including my belt and on the side of other pouches. This one contains other electronics that I don’t use in the winter so it makes it convenient to leave behind or just grab and go. I have half a dozen of the larger pouch in this photo is use for ammo because the are about the right size to contain all the ammo I want to carry.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/IMG_1053.jpg
They weigh about 8 pounds depending on ammo and will hold 1000-22 LR, 450-22 magnum or 150-44 magnum. Mine are color coded to distinguish between them in a hurry.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/IMG_1091.jpg
When you get to the point of final organizing of your gear you will appreciate the versatility of MOLLE. I love it!