Randall, did your editing get the Horrible and Not Horrible swapped? I don't thinkl anybody liked the steel hook-and-loop closure but I remember when the Pull-The-Tab plstic "buckles came out - nobody could keep them fastened, they opened on their own and were quickly replaced with the top-and-bottom squeeze buckles like the one you had.
I still run the triple mag pouch and weave them onto MOLLE. I just cut off the grenade pouches. I have yet to find a decent pouch that carries as much and doesn't take up a lot of belt space.
I am a former Marine 0352 TOW Gunner. We used the LBV-88 with all the other ALICE gear, including the M9 holster. I've been telling people for years that I believe the old school system to be better than what is used today. It lends better to being in the prone. you can leave your body armor on and remove your LBV, for getting into the butt pack and vehicle. The ALICE gear last forever. You can get belt extender for the ALICE belt to use with body armor. The new issue gear seems like it only lasts for one deployment if you are infantry. They even give you a repair kit with your new issue gear. The ALICE gear I used from Bootcamp to Fleet had been used and abused for decades and was still serviceable. You can zip tied or paracord the ALICE clips. I never in my four years had an issue with any ALICE clip coming loose. I did dummy cord my canteens. When the buttons would get plugged with mud, they may not snap correctly. Standard hydration carriers will always leak eventually, ALICE canteens will not leak. If you are starting out and you want the cool guy stuff, but can't afford it yet. Get the ALICE gear in the short term so you will have something that works and combat rated.
wore mine a little different back in the 80s. sometimes we ran 4 ammo pouches, always two 1qt canteens w/purification tabs, 1 canteen cup and some of us had Esbit stoves(learned and acquired in W. Germany). MREs took the place of C Rations so there was no longer a need for the mess kit knife and spoon. still have an original P38 can opener for the C Rats. the 2qt canteen sucked so if issued I would put it one one side of my large ALICE, E-tool on the other side. compass was kept on the body. the string run through the pen hole in the breast pocket and looped back through the compass body and kept in the breast pocket. 1st aid pouch was on the shoulder strap- usually an annoyance - and often popped open losing the muslin bandage. strainer cloth(muslin bandage) was kept in one of the canteen pouches. poncho was either in a butt pack or in ALICE rucksack with a poncho liner. NEVER leave home without your poncho liner and poncho. even of you have to put them in the cargo pants pockets. the bayonet was rare but a 6in fixed blade utility knife was authorized. kept it either in ALICE or the butt pack. mission statement usually dictated what went in the rucksack/butt pack . always ammo, MREs socks, foot powder, moleskin, Neosporin, NoDoz caffeine tablets or vivarin and tape. 90mph or electrical for cuts. band aides suck in the field. and some Tylenol. everything that could make noise or shine/reflective got 90mph taped. i.e. LBE buckles and adjustment tabs. no sports bars or energy drinks back then. gator-ade still came in a glass 1qt bottle. it was pogie bait- candy bars, beanie weenies and beef jerky. and no baby wipes!!!
ALICE gear is all this antique Ranger understands. And 90MPH tape? Yeah, that's what we called it in the old days. And I still do.😏 Thanks for the trip down memory lane. 👍
@@michaelrizea3108 Ya got me there amigo. I'm not well versed in newer stuff. Last helmet I wore was a steel pot when our firebase was being rocketed by the NVA in 1970. So I'm a little out of touch with gear today.😅
@@anangryranger that reminds me of a short video I saw of a Palestinian guy being captured by a group of 10 soldiers from the country of India..... They carried Israeli galil rifles ( sort of like an AK but different) wearing steel pot M 1 helmets with netting and uniforms that was a mix of 1940s and 60s era looking uniforms it was absolutely bizarre
Like how you wear Woodland top with Desert pants. Mixing camos helps break up the human figure outline. I used to use ALICE back in the cold war era, but now graduated to British belt kit which is much more comfortable. Those old ALICE belts and metal connectors were never comfortable. Plus the H harness is superior to the Y harness. I try to keep my loads light enough to wear running shoes instead of boots if I'm just on the trails and not brush busting. Semper Fi.
Fun fact for upgrades. The British PLCE belt pad is compatible with the ALICE pistol belt and dramatically improves the long- term comfort of the gear. Also with simple paracord and Dring mods you can use the British PLCE 6point harness with is exceptionally stable, provides a drag handle, and has the classic DPM look. Staying with US equipment, canabalizing the suspension harness of the LBVE-88 vest and removing the chest mag pouches while adding standard Alice straps to the front dramatically improves the way it carry’s the load plus adds M81 woodland goodness to the aesthetic.
Started out with ALICE gear 48 years ago and still have it & use it. I like the modern MOLLE gear and have it all. I still like to use my ALICE gear and an old NATO canvas backpack that uses buckles and buttons, no frills from time to time. The only ALICE item that I thought was sketchy was the IFAK in the square plastic box. It was bulky and rigid. I have a boonie in every flavor they make. Summer time in coastal Alabama makes sure they get worn. Thanks Randall.
When I used the ALICE in the 80s Army a lot of guys myself included broke the "meathooks" off the harness and wove 550 cord thru the loops and knot it in the holes of the pistol belt in an upside down V. Much softer on the back and quieter. No metal to dig and ding. Never had any issues and hey you always had more 550 cord if you somehow managed to cut/break it. Easier to adjust ride height too.
I have 2 sets of web gear that I put together from mil surplus. I put them together 30 years ago using old movies. I am 63 years old, younger than a couple of pieces.
Retired Submariner here. I got LBE years ago for bushcrafting mostly. World has changed. An old Marine vet buddy taught me to replace the buckles with 550 cord for connecting the harness to the belt so I did do that.
Don't forget about saw pouches. I carried the saw in Desert Storm. Was only issued 1 200 round belt while in Saudi Arabia. I carried all kinds of extra and probably unnecessary gear in them up until we moved north along the Suadi-Kuwait border. As we started doing things along the border a friend in the armory gave me 14 magazines and the ammo to fill them, I was a support MOS and was told I was not getting anymore belted ammo. It made the other guys in my section a little more comfortable that now I was carrying 2 more combat loads that they could just plug and play.
Good vid brother!!! FYI, you can pad your pistol belt with an army sleeping pad: cut it to fit, heat a nail to melt clean holes thru the pad (lined up with the holes in the belt - poke the hot nail thru the belt holes first, then thru the pad), secure it to your web belt with 550 cord thru the holes in the belt. Light, relatively inexpensive, very durable, and game changer comfy. v/r Erik Hansen of FOBOS Knives
When it's really hot, roll up your sleeves and pants plus take off your t shirt. Its like having a/c. If you're roadmarching, dont carry anything in your pants or cargo pockets. It starts rubbing sores. 4/27 Wolfhounds. 88-92
ALICE 200 round saw pouches were gold. Still cheap and plentiful too. Great for a conversion into a modern medical pouch or an admin pouch for mission planning essentials. Or to simply hold one’s binos. Good stuff.
All my kit is Alice kit and it’s the best bang for buck because I’m a broke college student. Fits all my gear that I need with ifak, +6 mags, dump pouch, comms, 2 canteens, harness, and the butt pack that I haven’t given a purpose. And I got it all for under $300 and I use it all the time for training.
I like strap/tying a knife 🔪 to my shoulder harness. I’m 1970’s -80’s vintage but have setups with old school LBE and the next generation Molly gear. An IFAC works well on both. I actually found an old but new butt pack in Greece 🇬🇷 on EBay, cool stamps on the package. P38 and P51 can openers were also available and good to have.
I was only a peace time reservist back in the 80s, but I am an infantry school alum and am a little bit familiar with the Alice LBE and how to make them work. Mine also included a Bianchi UM84 holster and a Gerber BMF. I used a butt pack occasionally, but most of the time had a poncho secured to the back of the belt with blousing rubbers. Two canteens are essential if one likes to drink water. Years down the road in civilian life, I was issued various vests and carriers to which the user could attach ammo pouches, IFAKs, radios, and whatever else, but they never were as comfortable. I have a genetically screwed up back and too much weight on the chest and shoulders makes me top heavy. Add plates and I would hurt for days. The old LBE was a lot more comfortable, and with tape and dummy cord, could be tailored accordingly. The OD hot weather uniforms that were issued following the first BDUs were incredibly comfortable and useful, too.
I Spent 16yrs In The Military 11B-MOS, I Would Drop The 2 Canteen's For A Large Camelback, I Would Also Add 2 More Mag Pouch's (6 Extra Mag's) In Their Place, (U Can Never Have To Much Ammo) I Would Also Want A Sharp K-Bar Knife & A Good IFAK Kit On My Belt/LBE... Everything Els That I Would Need, I Would Put In A Backpack...
our Canadian 80, 90s pattern were similar, us light armoured recce guys we loved them... We carried a lot of gear in out butt packs as well.. except our helmet cover (they were American woodland) , our uniform was OD , great video thanks
I'm still using the one I had when I got out in '88. I turned in my guard duty LBE and kept my old dirty one with two canteens and a butt pack. I didn't care for the plastic belt buckles, as they'd break in below zero cold weather if you looked at them wrong. Never had the brass buckled one fail or come open on me when I didn't want it to. Usually patrolled with the belt undone, then buckled it for fire and maneuver. As an M60 gunner, I didn't carry mags in my ammo pouches. Instead I carried a bottle of Tabasco, a spoon, CLP, a wrench for the M60 and a cleaning rag and some other things - probably pogie bait. Pretty handy for quail hunting. I can dump a box of shells in the ammo pouches and put the birds in a plastic bag lining the butt pack.
Pro tip: Alice is venerable, but it's a very old design, and had a lot to be desired. British PLCE webbing is far superior, uses a 6 pointed yoke, and is a 90's design and 90-00's manufacture. Even shipped across the pond it's easy to find the stuff in great condition for $60.
Do you remind me of risky krisky retired infantryman myself I appreciate being kept up to date with the way new school is doing things! Rock on man rock on
ALICE LBV-88E is the meta option. you can all all the ALICE pouches you want to the belt. Plus you have 6 mags on the chest with a better suspension system.
I found a mess kit and canvas 1911 magazine pouches 1944 and after, all in excellent condition. The first aid pouches are good as designed and also for like you mentioned for a compass. The larger first aid kit pouch carries a pair of binoculars nicely.
Still have my M1967 LBE/782 (w/H-harness). It's still "jump-rigged" and serviceable. Even today...it's still a "work-in-progress". Excellent presentation.
Weight Distribution. A H Harnes is more comfortable in my experience. Tie in Alice Clips. Malice clips are excellent escpecialky on the plastic bucklr brlt as they are a bit thicker. Boonie Hat. Catch 22 Civvie types can have mesh but its less sun protection. Back in khaki days we'd sew a part of a khaki hand towel in wet it to keep cool. Cups Canteen. S Teel issue or French issue aluminium 1 of each is my choice. Hessian. Rectangles of hole hung over water bottles. Larger Rectangle over butt pack. Various scraps of old uniform scrim net tied into the hessian. Scrim is good to attach local foiliage in. Breaks the silhouette up a lot. Before ghillie suites and commercial camo nets thats how we did it. Only other thing is make a belt pad. Especially it hot climates ive seen guys get ulcers from belt kit rubbing before belt pads were issued here in Australia 🇦🇺
I’m so grateful I learned the old school methods of field work and navigation with the old gear back in 2006. There was something I loved about night navs in pitch black.
nowadays I couldn’t say because I’m not going through any current training pipeline. But learning with minimal tools like compass, protractor, and pace-count to find something the size of a deck of cards in the middle of Florida woods was very rewarding lol
There is an eyelet at the top of the magazine/grenade pouch to connect the suspenders directly to them to support the heaviest part of the load. The hip belt on the old ruck sack pushed those metal clips on the back of the suspenders into many people's backs. Sometimes long rucks would result in pressure sores from this. We would replace those clips with 550 cord to make it better.
I always put clear packing tape all over my plastic / sandwich bags which increased their strength and I spray painted them OD green. It hides the white TP and or sustainment foodstuffs or products. The packing tape also strengthens the bags enough to hold water better if the need arises. Packing tape on spam ang Tuna singles also protects the food from rough treatment. You actually need a knife to open the food.
Allen accessories at Walmart has a camouflage mesh cloth that makes a great lightweight addition. Ozark Trails at Walmart has the mosquitos netting. Cheap dollar poncho for signaling as well as multiple uses. Found great military ponchos online U.S. and Germany 🇩🇪 service in excellent condition.
Great stuff Randy. Back in the day, we were told to put an extra cravat or combat gauze under the canteen/canteen cup. Didn't take up any extra real estate and provided extra med. supplies if needed. Would still work today with quick clot or...
I LOVE this set up ...... He has some stuff slightly different like one or two pieces and some extra small knick-knacks I don't have but it is 75% the same or similar.....
Had the old LCE and was then issued the LCE 2, which i also liked. With LCE 2, you could carry 14 mags plus one in the rifle. I'm having trouble locating a butt pack. Miss these. Edit: rarely if ever wore mine with the belt fastened. 4 years arctic paratrooper. I miss the old days. M60 gunner, so a pistol holster fits nicely on this rig. Good video 👍🏻
Old Vicenza vet, late 80s early 90s. We would take off the metal clips on our H-harness and use 550 cord to attach it to our belts. Hella quiet that way.
Good stuff and love sniper veils. Another big reason I carry one in hot weather is to prevent myself from being a heat casualty. Wear it wet around your neck and if you feel yourself bordline heat exhaustion you can wear it fully over your head wetted and any breeze (even your buddy fanning you lol) feels like ac !
I still use my old LBE bit not the old M16 mag pouches. Those I've replaced with 4 Tactical Tailor mag pouches that hold 2 mags each. They are much slimmer. I'll be the dissenting voice because I prefer the old belt. The old buckle can flex which I find far more comfortable. I can also make an extention for it of any length with a simple loop of 550. Tie a loop in it at whatever length you need.
Mesh laundry bag or packable duffle to splay and keep stuff somewhat consolidated. Dont want to move long distance with it, but you can pop up, stuff and run
I remember as a kid you could spot Viet Nam vets, they wore their watches with the watch under the wrist. To prevent shine. I have and love spooky ole Alice. But being in the AZ desert I really love camelbacks and lots of GI canteens.
The Rhino Rescue IDF Israeli Army Dressing / Bandage from Amazon fits perfectly in the Alice first aid/compass pouch. Less than 10 bucks. Very nice dressing
As I posted in your video on the radio. While the encryption is good the radio is dirty. It transmits on multiple harmonics (at power high enough to be picked up) every time you key up on the freq you are using.
I came back to revisit this video. Lots of little gems of info. Questions: 1. What packs (besides Alice) work well with this rig? 2. Is there a good way to carry a TC on the suspenders? Other TC options?
The only problem is when using the lap belt on the alice pack with the alice lbe. The lap belt goes around and over the top of your pouches, this transfers the pack weight back to your shoulders and back by pulling the shoulder straps on the lbe downward instead of the hips where it's supposed to be. In hind sight this could have been eliminated by having our pistol belts higher up than where they had us put them but they made the rules, or not using the shoulder straps on the lbe on road marches esp.
This legacy gear STILL has a place in your loadout kit. Its excellent for light and fast, prone work and over heavy coats etc. The suspenders equally distribute the weight and its comfortable. Whats NOT to love?
Ft. Bragg, for the first few years, we had jungle fatigues. The most comfortable Cammies I've ever worn by far. BDL's were heavy and hot. They were terrible, in my opinion.
I'm surprised you don't have an old school green L light on one of the LBE straps and maybe an old school bayonette, knife or machete on the gear. That's all I reay noticed missing. Awesome.demo great channel, huge respect, definatly earned my sub love seeing a guy talkimg about stuff that used to be my life. 😂
Forgot your shieth knife. Recommend folding your poncho flat. Put it on the straps at the outside bottom of butt pack. Easier access. You want, down and dirty first aid. 4inch roller gause, 3-4 4x4s, tampon.some 1inch cloth band aids. Your good! With the Boonie, in hot weather, i find the Columbia brand best. Has mesh , tan works best. Blends with grass, turn your head, no pattern movement.
It's a love hate with ALICE for me, namely the clips (ours were all beat to hell) and the Y-yoke of the harness always caused a hot spot. Good stuff otherwise, solid as hell vid bro!!!
NOTES:
- I confuse Muslin and Israeli Bandage. What I mean is I need to add a pressure dressing, AKA Israeli Bandage
Randall, did your editing get the Horrible and Not Horrible swapped? I don't thinkl anybody liked the steel hook-and-loop closure but I remember when the Pull-The-Tab plstic "buckles came out - nobody could keep them fastened, they opened on their own and were quickly replaced with the top-and-bottom squeeze buckles like the one you had.
What brand and where did you get your el cheapo PEQ-15?
What NODS do you have?
Alice LBE old but gold!!
True
I still run the triple mag pouch and weave them onto MOLLE. I just cut off the grenade pouches. I have yet to find a decent pouch that carries as much and doesn't take up a lot of belt space.
I love mine
Agreed. I can still feel mine on my body.
Alice is a good girl. She's tried and true and will never let you down.
I am a former Marine 0352 TOW Gunner. We used the LBV-88 with all the other ALICE gear, including the M9 holster. I've been telling people for years that I believe the old school system to be better than what is used today. It lends better to being in the prone. you can leave your body armor on and remove your LBV, for getting into the butt pack and vehicle. The ALICE gear last forever. You can get belt extender for the ALICE belt to use with body armor. The new issue gear seems like it only lasts for one deployment if you are infantry. They even give you a repair kit with your new issue gear. The ALICE gear I used from Bootcamp to Fleet had been used and abused for decades and was still serviceable. You can zip tied or paracord the ALICE clips. I never in my four years had an issue with any ALICE clip coming loose. I did dummy cord my canteens. When the buttons would get plugged with mud, they may not snap correctly. Standard hydration carriers will always leak eventually, ALICE canteens will not leak. If you are starting out and you want the cool guy stuff, but can't afford it yet. Get the ALICE gear in the short term so you will have something that works and combat rated.
@@895austin exactly! Thank you! I've been saying for years now alice is the way to go for the American citizen militia.
I've worn a lot of combat rigs over the years and have kept my Alice rig since 67. It stays with me to this day.
wore mine a little different back in the 80s.
sometimes we ran 4 ammo pouches, always two 1qt canteens w/purification tabs, 1 canteen cup and some of us had Esbit stoves(learned and acquired in W. Germany). MREs took the place of C Rations so there was no longer a need for the mess kit knife and spoon. still have an original P38 can opener for the C Rats.
the 2qt canteen sucked so if issued I would put it one one side of my large ALICE, E-tool on the other side.
compass was kept on the body. the string run through the pen hole in the breast pocket and looped back through the compass body and kept in the breast pocket.
1st aid pouch was on the shoulder strap- usually an annoyance - and often popped open losing the muslin bandage.
strainer cloth(muslin bandage) was kept in one of the canteen pouches.
poncho was either in a butt pack or in ALICE rucksack with a poncho liner. NEVER leave home without your poncho liner and poncho.
even of you have to put them in the cargo pants pockets.
the bayonet was rare but a 6in fixed blade utility knife was authorized. kept it either in ALICE or the butt pack.
mission statement usually dictated what went in the rucksack/butt pack . always ammo, MREs socks, foot powder, moleskin, Neosporin, NoDoz caffeine tablets or vivarin and tape. 90mph or electrical for cuts. band aides suck in the field. and some Tylenol.
everything that could make noise or shine/reflective got 90mph taped. i.e. LBE buckles and adjustment tabs.
no sports bars or energy drinks back then. gator-ade still came in a glass 1qt bottle. it was pogie bait- candy bars, beanie weenies and beef jerky.
and no baby wipes!!!
ALICE gear is all this antique Ranger understands. And 90MPH tape? Yeah, that's what we called it in the old days. And I still do.😏
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. 👍
I use tiger strip camouflage fatigues
@@michaelrizea3108 Ha! Me too!👍🫡
@@anangryranger there is 1 thing I would love .... A semi modern helmet 🪖 with a tiger strip cloth helmet cover
@@michaelrizea3108 Ya got me there amigo. I'm not well versed in newer stuff. Last helmet I wore was a steel pot when our firebase was being rocketed by the NVA in 1970. So I'm a little out of touch with gear today.😅
@@anangryranger that reminds me of a short video I saw of a Palestinian guy being captured by a group of 10 soldiers from the country of India..... They carried Israeli galil rifles ( sort of like an AK but different) wearing steel pot M 1 helmets with netting and uniforms that was a mix of 1940s and 60s era looking uniforms it was absolutely bizarre
Like how you wear Woodland top with Desert pants. Mixing camos helps break up the human figure outline. I used to use ALICE back in the cold war era, but now graduated to British belt kit which is much more comfortable. Those old ALICE belts and metal connectors were never comfortable. Plus the H harness is superior to the Y harness. I try to keep my loads light enough to wear running shoes instead of boots if I'm just on the trails and not brush busting. Semper Fi.
I’m a old infantry soldier and we used this same setup in 1985
Fun fact for upgrades.
The British PLCE belt pad is compatible with the ALICE pistol belt and dramatically improves the long- term comfort of the gear. Also with simple paracord and Dring mods you can use the British PLCE 6point harness with is exceptionally stable, provides a drag handle, and has the classic DPM look.
Staying with US equipment, canabalizing the suspension harness of the LBVE-88 vest and removing the chest mag pouches while adding standard Alice straps to the front dramatically improves the way it carry’s the load plus adds M81 woodland goodness to the aesthetic.
I have done this conversion myself, but with the MOLLE-II FLC belt instead of the Alice belt. Works great so far
Started out with ALICE gear 48 years ago and still have it & use it. I like the modern MOLLE gear and have it all. I still like to use my ALICE gear and an old NATO canvas backpack that uses buckles and buttons, no frills from time to time. The only ALICE item that I thought was sketchy was the IFAK in the square plastic box. It was bulky and rigid. I have a boonie in every flavor they make. Summer time in coastal Alabama makes sure they get worn. Thanks Randall.
💯🎯
Old Marine here, 77-97. My left cargo pocket always had my map. Left pocket held a pack of tortillas. Great video. Took me back.
20 years active USMC.
I will never meet you, but please understand, THAT’S SO FUCKING BAD ASS!!!!
When I used the ALICE in the 80s Army a lot of guys myself included broke the "meathooks" off the harness and wove 550 cord thru the loops and knot it in the holes of the pistol belt in an upside down V. Much softer on the back and quieter. No metal to dig and ding. Never had any issues and hey you always had more 550 cord if you somehow managed to cut/break it. Easier to adjust ride height too.
Like these type of videos because I still have a ton of alice kit....
I prefer a basic rig. A belt and maybe suspender pouches and that's really it. Light weight and go for sustainability.
I have 2 sets of web gear that I put together from mil surplus. I put them together 30 years ago using old movies. I am 63 years old, younger than a couple of pieces.
Retired Submariner here. I got LBE years ago for bushcrafting mostly. World has changed. An old Marine vet buddy taught me to replace the buckles with 550 cord for connecting the harness to the belt so I did do that.
That was a great point about throwing the empty mag in your shirt! I never thought of that! Thanks ✌️😎
Old school 1911 holsters are also available. Thanks 🙏🏻
Don't forget about saw pouches.
I carried the saw in Desert Storm. Was only issued 1 200 round belt while in Saudi Arabia. I carried all kinds of extra and probably unnecessary gear in them up until we moved north along the Suadi-Kuwait border.
As we started doing things along the border a friend in the armory gave me 14 magazines and the ammo to fill them, I was a support MOS and was told I was not getting anymore belted ammo.
It made the other guys in my section a little more comfortable that now I was carrying 2 more combat loads that they could just plug and play.
Good vid brother!!! FYI, you can pad your pistol belt with an army sleeping pad: cut it to fit, heat a nail to melt clean holes thru the pad (lined up with the holes in the belt - poke the hot nail thru the belt holes first, then thru the pad), secure it to your web belt with 550 cord thru the holes in the belt. Light, relatively inexpensive, very durable, and game changer comfy. v/r Erik Hansen of FOBOS Knives
Good shit!
When it's really hot, roll up your sleeves and pants plus take off your t shirt. Its like having a/c. If you're roadmarching, dont carry anything in your pants or cargo pockets. It starts rubbing sores. 4/27 Wolfhounds. 88-92
ALICE 200 round saw pouches were gold. Still cheap and plentiful too. Great for a conversion into a modern medical pouch or an admin pouch for mission planning essentials. Or to simply hold one’s binos. Good stuff.
All my kit is Alice kit and it’s the best bang for buck because I’m a broke college student. Fits all my gear that I need with ifak, +6 mags, dump pouch, comms, 2 canteens, harness, and the butt pack that I haven’t given a purpose. And I got it all for under $300 and I use it all the time for training.
Agreed, add a chicom chest rig and a surplus assault pack for more ammo and sustainment
I like strap/tying a knife 🔪 to my shoulder harness. I’m 1970’s -80’s vintage but have setups with old school LBE and the next generation Molly gear. An IFAC works well on both. I actually found an old but new butt pack in Greece 🇬🇷 on EBay, cool stamps on the package. P38 and P51 can openers were also available and good to have.
love LBE. went back to a similar rig
Omaha's surplus in Fort Worth for your surplus needs
Excellent store.
Saigon Sam's in Jacksonville, NC as well.
I was only a peace time reservist back in the 80s, but I am an infantry school alum and am a little bit familiar with the Alice LBE and how to make them work. Mine also included a Bianchi UM84 holster and a Gerber BMF. I used a butt pack occasionally, but most of the time had a poncho secured to the back of the belt with blousing rubbers. Two canteens are essential if one likes to drink water. Years down the road in civilian life, I was issued various vests and carriers to which the user could attach ammo pouches, IFAKs, radios, and whatever else, but they never were as comfortable. I have a genetically screwed up back and too much weight on the chest and shoulders makes me top heavy. Add plates and I would hurt for days. The old LBE was a lot more comfortable, and with tape and dummy cord, could be tailored accordingly. The OD hot weather uniforms that were issued following the first BDUs were incredibly comfortable and useful, too.
Hell yeah! I’m pumped. Love my Alice kit and LBV88! 🎉
I Spent 16yrs In The Military 11B-MOS, I Would Drop The 2 Canteen's For A Large Camelback, I Would Also Add 2 More Mag Pouch's (6 Extra Mag's) In Their Place, (U Can Never Have To Much Ammo) I Would Also Want A Sharp K-Bar Knife & A Good IFAK Kit On My Belt/LBE... Everything Els That I Would Need, I Would Put In A Backpack...
our Canadian 80, 90s pattern were similar, us light armoured recce guys we loved them... We carried a lot of gear in out butt packs as well.. except our helmet cover (they were American woodland) , our uniform was OD , great video thanks
Used the Alice LBE extensively in the 80s and 90s. Not a bad piece of kit depending on what you were doing.
I'm still using the one I had when I got out in '88. I turned in my guard duty LBE and kept my old dirty one with two canteens and a butt pack. I didn't care for the plastic belt buckles, as they'd break in below zero cold weather if you looked at them wrong. Never had the brass buckled one fail or come open on me when I didn't want it to. Usually patrolled with the belt undone, then buckled it for fire and maneuver. As an M60 gunner, I didn't carry mags in my ammo pouches. Instead I carried a bottle of Tabasco, a spoon, CLP, a wrench for the M60 and a cleaning rag and some other things - probably pogie bait.
Pretty handy for quail hunting. I can dump a box of shells in the ammo pouches and put the birds in a plastic bag lining the butt pack.
That's the gear I understand
nice, i use the vietnam era suspenders with the rest of the gear
Army 86 - 96, spent lots of time in ALICE gear, it is solid gear especially in hot weather.
Pro tip: Alice is venerable, but it's a very old design, and had a lot to be desired. British PLCE webbing is far superior, uses a 6 pointed yoke, and is a 90's design and 90-00's manufacture. Even shipped across the pond it's easy to find the stuff in great condition for $60.
Do you remind me of risky krisky retired infantryman myself I appreciate being kept up to date with the way new school is doing things! Rock on man rock on
ALICE LBV-88E is the meta option. you can all all the ALICE pouches you want to the belt. Plus you have 6 mags on the chest with a better suspension system.
Clicked the notification button faster than a NFL fan cracking open a bud light!
@@UP7729 that metaphor made me throw up a little bit...
You don't buy beer, you only rent it for a while. After your liver coverts the EtOH, it all goes back into the recycling process .😉
Savage.
I found a mess kit and canvas 1911 magazine pouches 1944 and after, all in excellent condition. The first aid pouches are good as designed and also for like you mentioned for a compass. The larger first aid kit pouch carries a pair of binoculars nicely.
Still have my M1967 LBE/782 (w/H-harness). It's still "jump-rigged" and serviceable. Even today...it's still a "work-in-progress". Excellent presentation.
Weight Distribution. A H Harnes is more comfortable in my experience. Tie in Alice Clips. Malice clips are excellent escpecialky on the plastic bucklr brlt as they are a bit thicker. Boonie Hat. Catch 22 Civvie types can have mesh but its less sun protection. Back in khaki days we'd sew a part of a khaki hand towel in wet it to keep cool. Cups Canteen. S Teel issue or French issue aluminium 1 of each is my choice.
Hessian. Rectangles of hole hung over water bottles. Larger Rectangle over butt pack. Various scraps of old uniform scrim net tied into the hessian. Scrim is good to attach local foiliage in. Breaks the silhouette up a lot. Before ghillie suites and commercial camo nets thats how we did it.
Only other thing is make a belt pad. Especially it hot climates ive seen guys get ulcers from belt kit rubbing before belt pads were issued here in Australia 🇦🇺
29 years Wildland Firefighter and Alice rig is all I used. Works great in Hot weather
I still use ALICE gear. Even converted an LBE/belt combo into a shoulder harness for a sidearm.
I’m so grateful I learned the old school methods of field work and navigation with the old gear back in 2006. There was something I loved about night navs in pitch black.
@@gregoryvela7549 what were some of the key differences between now and then?
nowadays I couldn’t say because I’m not going through any current training pipeline. But learning with minimal tools like compass, protractor, and pace-count to find something the size of a deck of cards in the middle of Florida woods was very rewarding lol
@@gregoryvela7549 haha, I wish I knew more about that stuff
There is an eyelet at the top of the magazine/grenade pouch to connect the suspenders directly to them to support the heaviest part of the load. The hip belt on the old ruck sack pushed those metal clips on the back of the suspenders into many people's backs. Sometimes long rucks would result in pressure sores from this. We would replace those clips with 550 cord to make it better.
I always put clear packing tape all over my plastic / sandwich bags which increased their strength and I spray painted them OD green.
It hides the white TP and or sustainment foodstuffs or products.
The packing tape also strengthens the bags enough to hold water better if the need arises.
Packing tape on spam ang Tuna singles also protects the food from rough treatment.
You actually need a knife to open the food.
Im a Gruntpa, fought 2 combat tours with LBE, ALICE ruck and iron sights.
Allen accessories at Walmart has a camouflage mesh cloth that makes a great lightweight addition. Ozark Trails at Walmart has the mosquitos netting. Cheap dollar poncho for signaling as well as multiple uses. Found great military ponchos online U.S. and Germany 🇩🇪 service in excellent condition.
Green berets used to dump their empty mags in their shirt as well.
This is something I've been interested in for a while now.
Great stuff Randy. Back in the day, we were told to put an extra cravat or combat gauze under the canteen/canteen cup. Didn't take up any extra real estate and provided extra med. supplies if needed. Would still work today with quick clot or...
@@MarkMurphy-z9u a cravat folded under the mags in the mag carrier made them a bit easier to draw out as well
Loving the old school guys like us. Gen X
I still use alice gear even for hunting trips cause the gear just plain works
I LOVE this set up ...... He has some stuff slightly different like one or two pieces and some extra small knick-knacks I don't have but it is 75% the same or similar.....
Had the old LCE and was then issued the LCE 2, which i also liked. With LCE 2, you could carry 14 mags plus one in the rifle. I'm having trouble locating a butt pack. Miss these.
Edit: rarely if ever wore mine with the belt fastened. 4 years arctic paratrooper. I miss the old days. M60 gunner, so a pistol holster fits nicely on this rig. Good video 👍🏻
Old Vicenza vet, late 80s early 90s. We would take off the metal clips on our H-harness and use 550 cord to attach it to our belts. Hella quiet that way.
Alpha Charlie concepts, brent0311 and stokermatic channels been making lots of content with Alice gear
A few of those ball end black tarp bungee tie downs, are good 👍 to carry with you and to tie down pouches
Thank you, this is an excellent channel. Greetings from Finland 🇫🇮 🇺🇲👍
Good stuff and love sniper veils. Another big reason I carry one in hot weather is to prevent myself from being a heat casualty. Wear it wet around your neck and if you feel yourself bordline heat exhaustion you can wear it fully over your head wetted and any breeze (even your buddy fanning you lol) feels like ac !
I still use my old LBE bit not the old M16 mag pouches. Those I've replaced with 4 Tactical Tailor mag pouches that hold 2 mags each. They are much slimmer.
I'll be the dissenting voice because I prefer the old belt. The old buckle can flex which I find far more comfortable. I can also make an extention for it of any length with a simple loop of 550. Tie a loop in it at whatever length you need.
Loved when I was in , very versatile 🇺🇸
Love my deuce gear.
Mesh laundry bag or packable duffle to splay and keep stuff somewhat consolidated. Dont want to move long distance with it, but you can pop up, stuff and run
I went in the army in 06, in the infantry we we still using mostly Alice but right before I deployed to Iraq in 07 we got all new acu pattern TA-50
I remember as a kid you could spot Viet Nam vets, they wore their watches with the watch under the wrist. To prevent shine. I have and love spooky ole Alice. But being in the AZ desert I really love camelbacks and lots of GI canteens.
I like Guns an Gear WW2 Kahki, Vietnam era OD Alice , Desert Storm Vest, and modern padded kore essentials.
The Rhino Rescue IDF Israeli Army Dressing / Bandage from Amazon fits perfectly in the Alice first aid/compass pouch. Less than 10 bucks. Very nice dressing
Thanks
As I posted in your video on the radio. While the encryption is good the radio is dirty. It transmits on multiple harmonics (at power high enough to be picked up) every time you key up on the freq you are using.
3:46 "I do like the digital encryption...." " I think that's Key, in this world.." I see what you did there!! SPOOKY!! LOL!
Did 4 years Army back in the 80's, combat arms but definitely POG. Couldn't stand the BS but damn I miss having all those pockets! 😂.
A good alternative that's still readily available online is older British PLCE.
love my old school gear
The first aid pouch was supposed to be placed up on the shoulder of the LBE gear (where your comms mic is sitting).
I still have my infantry ALOCE gear intact from the invasion of Panama. 1989 vintage. I can send photos.
I have and prefer the old cotton LBE over the nylon as it doesn't dig into you as bad .
DD-782 was the form you signed for your gear - hence the "deuce gear"....
The intro music sounds like Lights Out by UFO. The live version on the Album Strangers in the Night is superb.
I came back to revisit this video. Lots of little gems of info. Questions: 1. What packs (besides Alice) work well with this rig? 2. Is there a good way to carry a TC on the suspenders? Other TC options?
The only problem is when using the lap belt on the alice pack with the alice lbe.
The lap belt goes around and over the top of your pouches, this transfers the pack weight back to your shoulders and back by pulling the shoulder straps on the lbe downward instead of the hips where it's supposed to be.
In hind sight this could have been eliminated by having our pistol belts higher up than where they had us put them but they made the rules, or not using the shoulder straps on the lbe on road marches esp.
I do carry two canteen cups so I can heat water while enjoying a coffee. I did ditch the butt pack I carry a small pack
Excellent presentation, thanks.
Where Is Ur Blade, For Hand To Hand Combat & For Cutting Thing's ???
This legacy gear STILL has a place in your loadout kit. Its excellent for light and fast, prone work and over heavy coats etc. The suspenders equally distribute the weight and its comfortable. Whats NOT to love?
After watching these videos, i end up buying more stuff, gonna need a great room
Great gear. Its my preference. It worked well up through Nam, so why not now
Ft. Bragg, for the first few years, we had jungle fatigues. The most comfortable Cammies I've ever worn by far. BDL's were heavy and hot. They were terrible, in my opinion.
Excellent video. Love the LBE Videos
What a flash back. No combat knife upside down on the left shoulder strap ? Lol. I have the same set up in my kit. Great video brother.
Why us brits never really went away from our webbing. Between webbing and smock contents. Happily survive for 24 hrs.
Great information.
Nice TA-50 set up
I went in in 1991 and used ALICE for my whole time
I'm surprised you don't have an old school green L light on one of the LBE straps and maybe an old school bayonette, knife or machete on the gear. That's all I reay noticed missing. Awesome.demo great channel, huge respect, definatly earned my sub love seeing a guy talkimg about stuff that used to be my life. 😂
Alright alright!
My entire set up is circa 1988ish-2003ish. Alice gear is the way!
Forgot your shieth knife. Recommend folding your poncho flat. Put it on the straps at the outside bottom of butt pack. Easier access.
You want, down and dirty first aid. 4inch roller gause, 3-4 4x4s, tampon.some 1inch cloth band aids. Your good!
With the Boonie, in hot weather, i find the Columbia brand best. Has mesh , tan works best. Blends with grass, turn your head, no pattern movement.
It was a perfectly good system, so of course they had to go to something NEW and DIFFERENT.
It's a love hate with ALICE for me, namely the clips (ours were all beat to hell) and the Y-yoke of the harness always caused a hot spot. Good stuff otherwise, solid as hell vid bro!!!