I like the idea - the combination of a heavy belt and a chest rig-type carrier is nothing new, and this is a reasonable iteration. My only concern is that you have a lot of stuff on your front, so it looks like bending yourself over or going prone might be a challenge. To get some of that off your front, I might suggest dropping two/three mags from each SAW pouch and splitting the survival pouch's contents between them (making each SAW pouch half mags and half survival) which would still leave you with 12-14 mags. This might even leave enough room in the SAW pouches for a 4th/5th mag, or the divided contents of your admin pouch (so you could drop that for a standard triple-mag like on the other side). The lack of a divider in the SAW pouch (which we saw later in the MOLLE versions) does make this a little less ideal, though. Regarding water, I've always been camelbak-plus-2x-1qts, but that varies between user. I jever had an issue wth the canteens, just kake sure you clean the hell out of them or buy them new. Also, you're a grown-ass dude, you can do what you want and you're on the right track.
I think the FLC is one of the most slept on pieces of modern surplus kit. It's super versatile and easy to modify without needing to buy additional equipment to make it functional, unlike the TAP. Another great option for an ALICE/FLC hybrid is the medic version of Enhanced LBV88 it has the Alice belt system with the molle vest panels like the FLC for full modularity. Or if you just want the full modularity of molle but the load-bearing capability of ALICE, the Safariland SPEAR ELCS kit is pretty awesome if you can find it.
Yes - the MOLLE ARMY MEDIC VEST is a great but very rare LBV. It has the best of both generations - ALICE belt capability (for adding gear) and thick padded shoulder straps with MOLLE versatility for pouches. As the original LBV-88E has sewn on pouches that only hold GI AR mags I set up the MOLLE medic vest for my AK and the mag pouches it requires.
@paul7754 I really think that vest is truly a hidden gem because it literally highlights the best parts of each system. I got in sewing upholstery during covid, and I really want to try making an identical style vest because there's really not a whole lot of material needed for it and the high quality and durable American made materials are not very expensive at all.
I highly suggest the Nalgene canteen that fit a usgi canteen pouch. They are plastic but you can leave water in them for extended periods and it doesn't taste disgusting. Supposedly they are bpa-free and the plastic won't leach into the water. Supposedly.
Been using an old LBV with pistol belt for 15 years now. I keep the fatty straps handy to convert to using over winter gear. It really needs a bucket of hot soapy water. Thought about FLCing it up, but I am used to where my gear is placed. It is front heavy, but has canteens and a radio pouch on the back of the rig, which helps with balance. It is set up for a quick change from AR to 870, or 10/22. 6 mags plus 1. Depending on my LARP mission, I can add an USGI UCP 6 mag bandolier or two. In my admin pouch, I have several common hand tools for performing maintenance at the bungalow on land. I mow under LARP, too, to help with balance and muscle memory.
Something else that works pretty well is the Molle I Medic Vest. Outright replacing the alice harness but keeping the belt and you have large surface area for molle pouches much like the flc. The shoulder pads for the medic vest are the same for the lbv88e so it's cozy too
I prefer the FLC to the TAP myself and for the same reason. Also, I drank from those plastic canteens for 21 years. Does the water taste funky? Sure, if you leave water in them for several days and never clean them. Leave the cap off so they can air dry between uses. Metal canteens clank, not good when you’re trying to play secret squirrel!
I've had two Rothco metal canteens, both leaked. I've got about 4 plastic ones now. If the day comes, I won't give a crap about the plastic taste. RockOn.StayFree.
Ebay, armyandoutdoors.com , armynavyoutdoors.com , odggllc.com , armynavysales.com - and a local milsurp shop I found is good too, I have a video on that store coming out tomorrow.
Just saying from my experience in the service everything ok if it works for yiu but you need to put you ifak in a better position to get to your self if you get hit an go down and it's in the small of your back. Mmm not good just my 2 cents sir thanks
I like the idea - the combination of a heavy belt and a chest rig-type carrier is nothing new, and this is a reasonable iteration.
My only concern is that you have a lot of stuff on your front, so it looks like bending yourself over or going prone might be a challenge. To get some of that off your front, I might suggest dropping two/three mags from each SAW pouch and splitting the survival pouch's contents between them (making each SAW pouch half mags and half survival) which would still leave you with 12-14 mags. This might even leave enough room in the SAW pouches for a 4th/5th mag, or the divided contents of your admin pouch (so you could drop that for a standard triple-mag like on the other side). The lack of a divider in the SAW pouch (which we saw later in the MOLLE versions) does make this a little less ideal, though.
Regarding water, I've always been camelbak-plus-2x-1qts, but that varies between user. I jever had an issue wth the canteens, just kake sure you clean the hell out of them or buy them new.
Also, you're a grown-ass dude, you can do what you want and you're on the right track.
I think the FLC is one of the most slept on pieces of modern surplus kit. It's super versatile and easy to modify without needing to buy additional equipment to make it functional, unlike the TAP. Another great option for an ALICE/FLC hybrid is the medic version of Enhanced LBV88 it has the Alice belt system with the molle vest panels like the FLC for full modularity. Or if you just want the full modularity of molle but the load-bearing capability of ALICE, the Safariland SPEAR ELCS kit is pretty awesome if you can find it.
Yes - the MOLLE ARMY MEDIC VEST is a great but very rare LBV. It has the best of both generations - ALICE belt capability (for adding gear) and thick padded shoulder straps with MOLLE versatility for pouches. As the original LBV-88E has sewn on pouches that only hold GI AR mags I set up the MOLLE medic vest for my AK and the mag pouches it requires.
@paul7754 I really think that vest is truly a hidden gem because it literally highlights the best parts of each system. I got in sewing upholstery during covid, and I really want to try making an identical style vest because there's really not a whole lot of material needed for it and the high quality and durable American made materials are not very expensive at all.
I highly suggest the Nalgene canteen that fit a usgi canteen pouch. They are plastic but you can leave water in them for extended periods and it doesn't taste disgusting. Supposedly they are bpa-free and the plastic won't leach into the water. Supposedly.
I keep trying to find one or two but I never see them anywhere. Thanks man.
Been using an old LBV with pistol belt for 15 years now. I keep the fatty straps handy to convert to using over winter gear. It really needs a bucket of hot soapy water. Thought about FLCing it up, but I am used to where my gear is placed. It is front heavy, but has canteens and a radio pouch on the back of the rig, which helps with balance.
It is set up for a quick change from AR to 870, or 10/22.
6 mags plus 1. Depending on my LARP mission, I can add an USGI UCP 6 mag bandolier or two.
In my admin pouch, I have several common hand tools for performing maintenance at the bungalow on land. I mow under LARP, too, to help with balance and muscle memory.
Kudos @seventhstone for the previous comment highlighted in this video at 4:30
Something else that works pretty well is the Molle I Medic Vest. Outright replacing the alice harness but keeping the belt and you have large surface area for molle pouches much like the flc. The shoulder pads for the medic vest are the same for the lbv88e so it's cozy too
Man, I saw a video about the Medic rig a few days ago. Let me know if you see anyone selling them.
I prefer the FLC to the TAP myself and for the same reason.
Also, I drank from those plastic canteens for 21 years. Does the water taste funky? Sure, if you leave water in them for several days and never clean them. Leave the cap off so they can air dry between uses. Metal canteens clank, not good when you’re trying to play secret squirrel!
I've had two Rothco metal canteens, both leaked. I've got about 4 plastic ones now. If the day comes, I won't give a crap about the plastic taste.
RockOn.StayFree.
I like your Post, yet , lots of gear drops your endurance/ stamina. Plan ahead know where and what your objective is. GOTWA helps
Where do you get these surplus items?
Ebay, armyandoutdoors.com , armynavyoutdoors.com , odggllc.com , armynavysales.com - and a local milsurp shop I found is good too, I have a video on that store coming out tomorrow.
Just saying from my experience in the service everything ok if it works for yiu but you need to put you ifak in a better position to get to your self if you get hit an go down and it's in the small of your back. Mmm not good just my 2 cents sir thanks
Good thoughts thank you very much sir