MOLLE II Rucksack

**roar-k** · 04-02-2011, 09:22 AM

Anyone have experience with the MOLLE II Rucksack in Riflemans Configuration?

I have a chance to pick up a brand new one for a good price and just wanted to check and see if anyone had experience with them. Out it comes with 2 sustainable pouches, straps, and frame as well.

Thanks everyone.

**Ssgt_DimeBag** · 04-04-2011, 06:09 PM

I have used them many times in the "Bush".I also own them as my main pack.Ive heard many people complain about them yet I have none.They pack well and carry well.They will take large loads,but are very rugged in the woods.I have different tire covers in different patterns to change for my environment.They will carry anything I need and then some.They are a great improvement over the Alice packs although I still own and use the Alice packs also,just upgraded the straps and belt to Molle.

**Melissa Montana** · 04-04-2011, 10:21 PM

I agree with Dime.We tried all the fancy civilian models and a lot of them are just made to tall so they shift a lot for a person my size.I like the Molle cuz it is large yet fits lower on the back and better on the hips.
I also have a Alice with strap n waist upgrades from the Molle straps n waist belt.
The Molle is very large yet comfortable even for someone small like me.
The key with me was having someone help adjust the Molle while it was on me instead of taken it off an on again.

**Rick** · 04-05-2011, 08:09 AM

Melissa - That's the key to any pack. There are some excellent commercial packs out there but you need to find one that can be adjusted to your torso. Often, those are some of the more expensive packs. The second key is loading the pack correctly once you have it adjusted to your body type.

I have two of the Molle II packs for BOBs. I like them a lot. They can carry far more weight than I can. The large Alice with Molle straps is still my main long trek pack.

**roar-k** · 04-05-2011, 08:23 AM

I have always went for the internal frame packs, but I found these and wanted more info before I decided to invest some money into them. They look like they may fit my criteria, tough, cheap, and big.

I used to have a large Alice, but I was not a fan.

**rwc1969** · 04-05-2011, 10:55 AM

I think it's a great pack if you get it adjusted and packed right.

**SARKY** · 04-05-2011, 06:31 PM

I've humped some crap bags in my day but I will tell you, the Kifaru is a great bag! I've had it loaded until my leggs buckled and the bag was comfortable to carry and it is rated at "if you can carry it, the bag will hold it." I have the Navigator which is only 4,000 cuin but I also have the E&E pack docked and locked to it which give me an extra 1,000 cuin.

**roar-k** · 04-05-2011, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by SARKY

I've humped some crap bags in my day but I will tell you, the Kifaru is a great bag! I've had it loaded until my leggs buckled and the bag was comfortable to carry and it is rated at "if you can carry it, the bag will hold it." I have the Navigator which is only 4,000 cuin but I also have the E&E pack docked and locked to it which give me an extra 1,000 cuin.

I have two Mollex and two E&E from Kifaru. I will admit they are great bags, but if I want anything bigger it starts to cost $$$$. Trying to find something a bit bigger for longer trips.

**cetane** · 04-07-2011, 03:09 PM

They will definitely work for you. The sustainment pouches hold 4 MRE's each! I went from the alice to the ILBE. Hands down the best issue pack yet. The molle is a good idea to try cause you can get them complete with all components for $50 on ebay. Cant hurt to try it and see how it feels.

**roar-k** · 04-07-2011, 09:10 PM

How do you like the ILBE overall? Is it worth the extra $$$? I have thought about that one as well and have been trying to get some reviews but it seems be that people love it or hate it.

**cetane** · 04-08-2011, 11:52 PM

I think its the cats ***, lol. It will hold way more than you need for a week. Enough for me and my 9 year old son to eat for the week. Heavy yes, however I dont need and definitely dont want to hike fast and cover 10- 20 mi a day. If you want I can show you any thing you need to know about them. I have both the Recon ( larger) and the standard with the assault packs that strap on the back of the packs. It will out last any body in durability.

**roar-k** · 04-09-2011, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by cetane

I think its the cats ***, lol. It will hold way more than you need for a week. Enough for me and my 9 year old son to eat for the week. Heavy yes, however I dont need and definitely dont want to hike fast and cover 10- 20 mi a day. If you want I can show you any thing you need to know about them. I have both the Recon ( larger) and the standard with the assault packs that strap on the back of the packs. It will out last any body in durability.

Yeah I had planned to have the assault pack as well. I love having the ability to take off the smaller pack once you reach base camp and then use it if you venture out. If you have any detailed pics or advice feel free to post them or PM me with them.

Thanks again!

**Rick** · 04-09-2011, 05:34 PM

I'd suggest you try that pack loaded up before you invest in it, if you can. I have the Molle II with the assault pack and you'll never see me with it strapped to the large pack unless it's in the back of the truck and someone else plans to carry it. That's just way too much weight to carry.

**roar-k** · 04-09-2011, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

I'd suggest you try that pack loaded up before you invest in it, if you can. I have the Molle II with the assault pack and you'll never see me with it strapped to the large pack unless it's in the back of the truck and someone else plans to carry it. That's just way too much weight to carry.

The assault pack is that big? I figured it would be 1-1200 cubic inches. Currently I attach a pack to my current ruck and it is 1k + 140 cubic inches. But if it's quite a bit larger than that I will have to take a second look at it.

**Rick** · 04-09-2011, 09:20 PM

I don't know about the ILBE. I don't have one. I'm just saying that with the Molle I can put more than I can carry in the main pack. Adding the loaded assault pack to the main pack would make certain I was anchored in one spot. I just don't want you to invest a lot of money in a pack system and then find out it won't do what you want it to or you can't do what it can do.

**cetane** · 04-09-2011, 11:41 PM

Oh man I sure have the gallery for you.
http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/ad9ead06.jpg
http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/28f8010b.jpg
http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/ec1be66c.jpg
http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/a61045b9.jpg
http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/22fa4459.jpg
http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/00ffd97d.jpg
http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/f10864a2.jpg
http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/bfb8d7ef.jpg

So my take on the two different models of the ILBE, and ILBE RECON packs. The first is the RECON pack its 5500ci. The RECON assault pack is about 2000ci. I put all the normal camping/hiking supplys in the main. The assault pack can hold my FNH F2000 with the barrel sticking out the top through the hydration tube opening. the Mags, scope and high priority items go in there. It detaches and is a true assault pack. The ILBE is the same idea you can attach the assault pack on the back also. The ILBE is 4500ci+ and the assault pack is 1500ci. The assault packs are great for organizing all the small stuff. They have many built in pockets for organization. The RECON and regular are different sizes and the assault packs are different for each version. Both assault packs work on the RECON main pack, however the RECON assault pack doesnt fit right and secure on the regular ILBE main pack. I got the large waist belt and found that the regular was plenty long enough but, the large has thicker and longer hip pads. way more comfort. Ok so now the bad news. I got a crazy large pack cause I need to carry what I need for my two kids when camping. The complete dome tent sleep pads and food/treats for them. 60lbs. Yes its allot but you cant go that fast with a 9 year old boy and towing a 8 year old girl with you. But I do have every thing you or I do need out there.
This is the RECON assault pack
http://www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com...015355377.html
This is the regular ILBE main
http://www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com...ck-Gen-II.html
They are not a match but the best place to get what they have. The rest look on ebay the ILBE RECON main packs are rare and real expensive ($250-350).
The large sustainment pouches are to big for the sides of the main packs, but the 200rnd saw gunner pouches fit just right. If you find one with the 2 accessory pouches on them good for you! I did get them with my RECON.