Well I have never messed with either of these packs. My experience is with external frame alice packs and some other pack we used at MWTC in winter. My viewpoint on military gear has changed somewhat when I was looking for a good quality winter sleeping bag. I went with what I knew and ordered a USGI MSS. I'm guessing most people that look at and buy military gear are like me and don't have all kinds of money so the extra durability makes a lot more sense now.
@johnboyrebel27 i took a cracked Gen 1 frame i had and glued it with a adhesive from a company called devcon and wrapped a strip of duck-tape around the repair. Put the frame back on my pack and went for a few hour hike with a decent load in my pack to test it out. Still holding together so hypothetically if you wanted to toss a small tube of adhesive + sandpaper and some duck-tape(i usually camp with some tape anyways) you could do a field repair on your molle frame if it should crack.
That makes sense now that you mention it. I'm going to be getting one of the 4 piece modular sleeping systems for winter camping primarily because of its versatility and I know it works. It is heavy but it will be in a sled so that doesn't matter as much.
Have a Molle 2 w sleep sys and 2 sustain pouches set up on a mystery ranch frame. Works like a champ and way more comfort than the plastic fantastic frame
Morning buddy from England. Thanks for sharing mate sir. That is a good pack an excellent setup an camouflage. Thanks for sharing an ya time. ATVB to you an yours.
People going on expeditions can afford to buy more gear if theirs tears or breaks. The Molle gear is versatile in ways that I don't see most civilian gear being.
Dude. "Explorers on Serious Expedition" Aren't funded by the Government, if they were then it'd be government issued shit all the way. But Companies like Osprey and Marmot like to put their name on the expeditions to the top 5 peaks. (Personally) I Consider myself kind of a nomad and survivalist. The Dependability and Customizing along with ease to replace parts (On the pack and the Mods) make it far superior.
ILBE = an Arc'Teryx Bora at 1/4 the price. Love mine. Objectively speaking it's the best pack available from surplus (until the FILBE hits the market!). Good vid B.
Was it a MOLLE II Frame? They are much thicker than the 1st Gen. This pack is actually my MOLLE1 that I picked up on accident. I have both. The MOLLE II pack will read MOLLE II on the center of the frame just above the shoulder straps. Replacement MOLLE II frames go for about $5 on eBay.
Hi - would you happen to have a video showing two things: how to properly adjust this pack on a person and also how to switch/remove the shoulder straps? I downloaded your scans of the front and back sheets, but they were not high resolution. Would you happen to have the manual? Great vids!
I am 6' am it fits me fine. I would say it could ride a little higher may 6' 2" but also everyone is made different and have different torso lengths. I wear a long in other backpacks.
They go for $250-600.00 on ebay depending on the condition and generation. I just got the ILBE 3 Day Assault Packs in and they will go for $90-120.00 based on condition.
MOLLE II: You can attach the Butt Pack to the bottom of the main pack or the bottom of the sleep system bag. You can also can also tuck away the straps and attach the Assault Pack to Main Pack.
@GuitarKid905 Buy it! That is a fair price and the ILBE carries a lot better. The only challenge for some people is if they have a huge sleeping bag it is easier to use the MOLLE with the sleep system and the ILBE is harder to get it in and out (if it fits). I use a Eureka Silver City and it compresses small so it fits in my ILBE just fine.
@BeeHiking Hi, thanks for the reply. I saw the 2 page pdf links, but it was not clear that these comprised the entire manual. I thought it was the two page "care manual". Also, the pages were not very clear. Do you have a cleaner higher resolution scan? (I'm not bashful in asking for much, am I?)
Super video, man! I bought a set ofMOLLE 2 straps, both shoulder and waist. They came with a MOLLE 1 frame. I have no idea how to put it together. I think that I have the belt right. I think that I have the shoulder straps on correctly at the top. But I don't know how to attach the bottom of straps to the lower end of the frame. Can someone please help?
Isn't that woodland camo MOLLE and original MOLLE and not a MOLLE II? Believe the MOLLE II has the built in sleep system carrier/large zippered compartment at the bottom
BTW...New ILBE is a combination of the MOLLE II, the ILBE set-up AND believe it or not, good old ALICE. They took the best of the 3 and integrated them. It's designed by Mystery Ranch so you know it's done right.
Just found a gen 2 for 25 bucks with the two add on pouches. Why is the bottom bag upside down. Think its for sleeping gear but not sure why its upside diwn
But just for constructive criticism the majority of govt types, outside of the military, use civilian gear. The govt actually does fund a bunch of different types of expeditions where only civilian gear gear is used. Also the hush-hush types use civilian gear that the govt pays for. That includes Special Operators.
Sir, I am very interested in acquiring a pack like this or the cfp 90. I have tried your site and your ebay store, but neither of these sites seem to be working. Would really like to speak to you regarding purchase of pack. Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you
@snaponjohn100 Please watch my video "How to Assemble MOLLE PACK". Unclip the quick release from the shoulder strap. Take the lower bottom strap, run the loop end through a notched set of holes a couple up from the bottom of the frame, and run the clip through the loop that you have pulled through the notches in the frame, then clip back the quick release.
I had this pack and overall its a great pack but the plastic frame (which I see you did not show) is VERY prone to breaking as mine did. and you cant fix it in the feild
i just purchased my pack and received it from sportsman's guide and the frame was broke on top stress point. does anyone know if the molle 2will fit a molle 1 pack?
No Offense but if I am out in the bush that MOLLE II frame on eBay might be too far away. Like I said I liked the pack, it just has its cons that people should know before they run out and buy it.
The ILB packs are not easy to find and they are not cheap when you find them. I paid $200 for mine with the top cap/cover which is often sold seperately.
I found a woodland one online just like the ACU and Multicam improved molle rucksacks. I was like yes! Finally! I like how the sleep system is in the main pack instead of being separate. Just hated that stupid UCP pattern they chose for the ACUs. Multicam one would be nice to pick up but fuck that. Just get the same one but in woodland for a lot less. I am however thinking of doing the Hellcat ALICE ruck though. I have the ILBE just to try it out. The molle is just too big for a BOB, but the ALICE Hellcat would be perfect. The ILBE is a great pack for BOB or hiking and camping though. I don't miss roadmarching with the molle and don't feel like doing that again. That thing is so bulky uncomfortable. But it does have a lot of space for camping.
For those looking for this great pack: Since the USMC is going to phase this pack out after they choose a new one (the ILBE is apparently extremely uncomfortable with body armor), I would recommend waiting a little until after the Marines start getting issued the new pack. There should be a FLOOD of ILBE's in much better condition than the eBay ones at that time. Alternately, you could just snoop on eBay until you find a good offer. I got a main + assault pack set for $188 shipped.
I honestly don't understand why any civilian would want a military pack when you can get civilian backpacks that are far more superior. Military packs are heavy and overrated in my book. Look at what explorers use(high end civilian gear) on serious expeditions and what they don't use(military gear). I'm basing all this on my time serving in Marine Corps Infantry. I would never use a military pack these days but this is just my personal opinion. Get what works for your needs.
Used the molle1 and the molle2. Both SUCK ! No mater how you load them and wear them they kill your shoulders and back. We bitched more about these packs than almost any other piece of gear. No one liked them, and both frames were well known for breaking after a year or 2 of heavy use. The Marine pack is far far better, we loved it. when I left the Corps I bought one and took it home with me. Hasn't failed me yet !
There's actually a difference, although they are extremely similar. The patrol pack doesn't have the 2 compression straps on each side that the assault pack has.
I picked one up today at my local swap meet for $40! Awesome deal as far as I'm concerned.
Well I have never messed with either of these packs. My experience is with external frame alice packs and some other pack we used at MWTC in winter. My viewpoint on military gear has changed somewhat when I was looking for a good quality winter sleeping bag. I went with what I knew and ordered a USGI MSS. I'm guessing most people that look at and buy military gear are like me and don't have all kinds of money so the extra durability makes a lot more sense now.
@johnboyrebel27 i took a cracked Gen 1 frame i had and glued it with a adhesive from a company called devcon and wrapped a strip of duck-tape around the repair. Put the frame back on my pack and went for a few hour hike with a decent load in my pack to test it out. Still holding together so hypothetically if you wanted to toss a small tube of adhesive + sandpaper and some duck-tape(i usually camp with some tape anyways) you could do a field repair on your molle frame if it should crack.
That makes sense now that you mention it. I'm going to be getting one of the 4 piece modular sleeping systems for winter camping primarily because of its versatility and I know it works. It is heavy but it will be in a sled so that doesn't matter as much.
Have a Molle 2 w sleep sys and 2 sustain pouches set up on a mystery ranch frame. Works like a champ and way more comfort than the plastic fantastic frame
Morning buddy from England. Thanks for sharing mate sir. That is a good pack an excellent setup an camouflage. Thanks for sharing an ya time. ATVB to you an yours.
People going on expeditions can afford to buy more gear if theirs tears or breaks. The Molle gear is versatile in ways that I don't see most civilian gear being.
Dude. "Explorers on Serious Expedition" Aren't funded by the Government, if they were then it'd be government issued shit all the way. But Companies like Osprey and Marmot like to put their name on the expeditions to the top 5 peaks. (Personally) I Consider myself kind of a nomad and survivalist. The Dependability and Customizing along with ease to replace parts (On the pack and the Mods) make it far superior.
ILBE = an Arc'Teryx Bora at 1/4 the price. Love mine. Objectively speaking it's the best pack available from surplus (until the FILBE hits the market!). Good vid B.
Was it a MOLLE II Frame? They are much thicker than the 1st Gen. This pack is actually my MOLLE1 that I picked up on accident. I have both. The MOLLE II pack will read MOLLE II on the center of the frame just above the shoulder straps. Replacement MOLLE II frames go for about $5 on eBay.
@TAPCOmini14
It will fit and is the same size. The frame is just thicker around the edges.
Thanks, I'll take a look - I wished I could find the ILBE tech manual too - they seem to be behind military firewalls, though.
Hi - would you happen to have a video showing two things: how to properly adjust this pack on a person and also how to switch/remove the shoulder straps? I downloaded your scans of the front and back sheets, but they were not high resolution. Would you happen to have the manual? Great vids!
I am 6' am it fits me fine. I would say it could ride a little higher may 6' 2" but also everyone is made different and have different torso lengths. I wear a long in other backpacks.
@smasci You can find the lower sleep system on eBay from $5- 20. Just search Molle Sleep and several will show up on eBay.
They go for $250-600.00 on ebay depending on the condition and generation. I just got the ILBE 3 Day Assault Packs in and they will go for $90-120.00 based on condition.
MOLLE II: You can attach the Butt Pack to the bottom of the main pack or the bottom of the sleep system bag. You can also can also tuck away the straps and attach the Assault Pack to Main Pack.
@GuitarKid905 Buy it! That is a fair price and the ILBE carries a lot better. The only challenge for some people is if they have a huge sleeping bag it is easier to use the MOLLE with the sleep system and the ILBE is harder to get it in and out (if it fits). I use a Eureka Silver City and it compresses small so it fits in my ILBE just fine.
PALS webbing!!! Molle is the system!
Have you posted videos of correct assembly of the molle II. I'm having a little trouble putting mine together.
where does the 3rd sustainment or butt pack attach too on the molly 2?
@BeeHiking Hi, thanks for the reply. I saw the 2 page pdf links, but it was not clear that these comprised the entire manual. I thought it was the two page "care manual". Also, the pages were not very clear. Do you have a cleaner higher resolution scan? (I'm not bashful in asking for much, am I?)
Super video, man! I bought a set ofMOLLE 2 straps, both shoulder and waist. They came with a MOLLE 1 frame. I have no idea how to put it together. I think that I have the belt right. I think that I have the shoulder straps on correctly at the top. But I don't know how to attach the bottom of straps to the lower end of the frame. Can someone please help?
Isn't that woodland camo MOLLE and original MOLLE and not a MOLLE II? Believe the MOLLE II has the built in sleep system carrier/large zippered compartment at the bottom
How do you attach the patrol pack to the main pack?
i have a molle 2 pack and i like it very much, do you think its worth buying the bigger ilbe if i can get it at my local surplus for $150?
Was thinking of gettin a mollie 2 what do u think.is it worth buying
Can someone explain to me how the radio pouch inside the rucksack works?
Theres attachment points on the rucksack. The pouch holds a AN/PRC-117/150 radio (roughly the size of an Xbox, mabey a little larger)
BTW...New ILBE is a combination of the MOLLE II, the ILBE set-up AND believe it or not, good old ALICE. They took the best of the 3 and integrated them. It's designed by Mystery Ranch so you know it's done right.
Just found a gen 2 for 25 bucks with the two add on pouches. Why is the bottom bag upside down. Think its for sleeping gear but not sure why its upside diwn
Witch do u prefer.wanting to get a molie 2
But just for constructive criticism the majority of govt types, outside of the military, use civilian gear. The govt actually does fund a bunch of different types of expeditions where only civilian gear gear is used. Also the hush-hush types use civilian gear that the govt pays for. That includes Special Operators.
Didn't know that 👍
I just added a New MOLLE II pack to my eBay store. Visit my website and click on the eBay tab at the top.
Sir,
I am very interested in acquiring a pack like this or the cfp 90.
I have tried your site and your ebay store, but neither of these sites seem to be working.
Would really like to speak to you regarding purchase of pack.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you
Hey, where do you live in Florida? I'm in Florida 2, would like to go on a hike and meet you and share some knowledge. Thanks.
@snaponjohn100 Please watch my video "How to Assemble MOLLE PACK". Unclip the quick release from the shoulder strap. Take the lower bottom strap, run the loop end through a notched set of holes a couple up from the bottom of the frame, and run the clip through the loop that you have pulled through the notches in the frame, then clip back the quick release.
Yip. Love my ILbE. Good job on video
I had this pack and overall its a great pack but the plastic frame (which I see you did not show) is VERY prone to breaking as mine did. and you cant fix it in the feild
Great comparison. Thanks.
So which do you prefer and why?
where can you purchase the molle II pack?
Thanks, man! I Don't really know shit about military packs and the websites give unfinished information. You Really went into it. *Daps*
The all tan kit sure do. There's not enough good I can say about the new ruck
how much was the marpat pack?
@gonnabeufc Do you have any more info on this?
i just purchased my pack and received it from sportsman's guide and the frame was broke on top stress point. does anyone know if the molle 2will fit a molle 1 pack?
Where did you pick up your ILBE?
would the ilbe pack work for tall person
No Offense but if I am out in the bush that MOLLE II frame on eBay might be too far away. Like I said I liked the pack, it just has its cons that people should know before they run out and buy it.
Have you ever tried actually using them? Those hardcore packs look like they're deprived of some hardcore use.
@chadwick404 I have the ILBE manual on my website ilbepack.com
The ILB packs are not easy to find and they are not cheap when you find them. I paid $200 for mine with the top cap/cover which is often sold seperately.
I'm sold for the ILBE.
Hands down the ILBE. MOLLE frame can break and the ILBE is more comfortable with more webbing to add different pouches.
@ZEBCLEM11 no doubt, why even mess around with plastic.
Interesting mine is different, but still at $25 a great bargain plus its rugged as hell
Great video by the way. I subcribed to you. 5/5 *****
Thanks for the review. One word though: Tripod!
@chadwick404 do a web search for technical manual operators manual TM10-8465-236-10 that is the US Army training manual for the MOLLE 2 system
The gen IV frame for the MOLLE is way better than the older ones, they can take a lot more abuse and carry 80 pounds moe than the old ones
Daniel Terry Hated the old molle with that damn MSS sleep carrier bouncing with each step.
phillyphilhouse79 yeah I agree the mss carrier integration really was an improvement
I found a woodland one online just like the ACU and Multicam improved molle rucksacks. I was like yes! Finally! I like how the sleep system is in the main pack instead of being separate. Just hated that stupid UCP pattern they chose for the ACUs. Multicam one would be nice to pick up but fuck that. Just get the same one but in woodland for a lot less. I am however thinking of doing the Hellcat ALICE ruck though. I have the ILBE just to try it out. The molle is just too big for a BOB, but the ALICE Hellcat would be perfect. The ILBE is a great pack for BOB or hiking and camping though. I don't miss roadmarching with the molle and don't feel like doing that again. That thing is so bulky uncomfortable. But it does have a lot of space for camping.
Carry eighty pounds more than the old one? That's nice, if you have a very large mule to strap it to.
For those looking for this great pack:
Since the USMC is going to phase this pack out after they choose a new one (the ILBE is apparently extremely uncomfortable with body armor), I would recommend waiting a little until after the Marines start getting issued the new pack. There should be a FLOOD of ILBE's in much better condition than the eBay ones at that time.
Alternately, you could just snoop on eBay until you find a good offer. I got a main + assault pack set for $188 shipped.
I honestly don't understand why any civilian would want a military pack when you can get civilian backpacks that are far more superior. Military packs are heavy and overrated in my book. Look at what explorers use(high end civilian gear) on serious expeditions and what they don't use(military gear). I'm basing all this on my time serving in Marine Corps Infantry. I would never use a military pack these days but this is just my personal opinion. Get what works for your needs.
Do one on the New USMC pack
You carried 40lbs for 3 days ??!!
5 stars!
Used the molle1 and the molle2. Both SUCK ! No mater how you load them and wear them they kill your shoulders and back. We bitched more about these packs than almost any other piece of gear. No one liked them, and both frames were well known for breaking after a year or 2 of heavy use. The Marine pack is far far better, we loved it. when I left the Corps I bought one and took it home with me. Hasn't failed me yet !
The newer gen IV frames are much better, I agree that the older ones suck.
Correction: MOLE II Patrol Pack = Assault Pack.
There's actually a difference, although they are extremely similar. The patrol pack doesn't have the 2 compression straps on each side that the assault pack has.
It’s the i . L. B. E. Pack not i l B
PALS webbing!