What is the MOLLE modular attachment system?
What’s the deal with all those webbing grids and slits on our packs and organizers? They're probably one of the most significant advancements in backpack technology since the zipper! This system is called MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment), a military standard for securely attaching pouches to MOLLE-compatible backpacks and gear.
MOLLE is the current generation of modular attachment solutions used by armed forces worldwide, and it allows you to attach different accessories to the outside (or inside) of your packs. MOLLE uses webbing sewn onto the packs, known as PALS (pouch attachment ladder system), allowing smaller accessories to be securely mounted on a larger surface.
Today, let's delve into the durable and reliable MOLLE attachment system, explore its diverse applications, and discover some MOLLE-ready add-ons!
Then and now. The evolution of the military MOLLE system.
Traditional MOLLE systems consist of 1-inch-wide webbing spaced an inch apart, allowing rows of webbing to interlock when attached. We use traditional MOLLE on the back side of our organizer pouches, such as the FATPack 7x10 medical pouch for universal attachment.
However, the traditional MOLLE webbing can appear too “tactical” for everyday use when placed on the outside of a casual pack. Over time, companies began using non-webbing materials to adapt MOLLE systems for a more “everyday-friendly” look.
At Vanquest, we use Hypalon and laminated loop/Cordura fabrics to create a low-profile, clean MOLLE system. We call our version the “MOLLE-Air” system due to its sleek and low-profile design. We die-cut and laser-cut our MOLLE-Air panels for a refined finish. We aim to offer a low-profile MOLLE system that complements the rest of your bag for everyday use.
Hypalon is durable and resistant to chemicals, while laminated loop/Cordura fabrics offer you both MOLLE and hook-and-loop in one package! For example, the TRIDENT-32 backpack has a loop MOLLE-Air panel for you to attach an organizer pouch for expansion or some ID patches for customization.
Modular and robust MOLLE attachments for your gear expansion needs.
Although MOLLE is a universal attachment system, there are various options for attaching a MOLLE pouch to a MOLLE surface for expansion. These options include hardware like sticks or clips, or built-in webbing straps on the back of a pouch.
Since many of us don't attach organizer pouches to the outside of our everyday backpacks, many MOLLE-compatible pouches do not come with built-in attachment devices, keeping the overall design clean and lightweight. For these accessory pouches, MOLLE Sticks can be used to weave between the webbing on the pouch and the backpack webbing, creating a solid connection and expanding the capacity of your setup.
Some accessory pouches are designed to be attached to the outside of a larger pack and therefore come with built-in attachment devices for the best fit.
For example, the HYDRA Bottle Holder is intended for external attachment (or belt-worn) only. When full, its sewn-in straps and snaps keep the bottle securely in place on your bag or body. TQ-1 Tourniquet Holder also has built-in straps & snaps because it’s intended to carry vital, life-saving gear (tourniquets, shears, gloves), attached to the outside wherever MOLLE is available.
Tips and more practical applications of the MOLLE system.
We have a few quick tips for configuring your MOLLE system: (1) Use all the rows available. This makes the attachment more secure and keeps your gear in place. (2) Plan where you want to attach your gear before mounting your MOLLE pouches. This way, you can maximize space and make your setup more user-friendly.
Beyond attaching smaller pouches to the outside of a larger pack, there are additional applications and tips for the MOLLE system:
Our most popular everyday-carry TRIDENT-21 & TRIDENT-32 backpacks feature loop-faced MOLLE-Air panels at the front, allowing both MOLLE and hook-and-loop attachments. The most common use for the loop is to personalize your bag with morale patches and ID markers.
The Hypalon MOLLE-Air panels on the side of the MARKHOR-45 or the IBEX-26 & IBEX-35 backpacks are non-slip and durable for attaching small accessories such as carabiners and ropes. The laminated Cordura MOLLE-Air panels on the front of the KATARA-16 and JAVELIN-18 sling backpacks are perfect for attaching reflectors and lights, keeping you safe and visible in the dark.
For medical professionals and people who are into overlanding or off-roading, attaching organizer pouches (such as FATPack or FTIM organizers) to the back of their FATPack-Pro backpacks enhances organization and preparedness.
Other accessories, such as the ELASTO Gear Lock, are designed to fit 1-inch MOLLE webbing to secure items horizontally and are excellent for managing tripod legs and axe handles, with an easy one-hand release.
Convert MOLLE into hook-and-loop for more organization!
Although MOLLE is a universal attachment system, its attachment is considered semi-permanent and ideal for external expansion. MOLLE lacks the flexibility for easy repositioning, making it less suitable for internal organization. In contrast, hook-and-loop systems allow for small positional adjustments anywhere. While hook-and-loop alone is not secure enough to hold a heavy pouch on the outside, it is highly effective for internal organization.
Converting MOLLE into hook-and-loop is exactly what we did for our users. The MOHL-Air panel converts MOLLE accessories to hook-and-loop attachments, so you can stick your favorite pouches inside of your loop-lined bags or backpacks. (MOHL stands for “MOLLE onto Hook-and-Loop”). We have further developed the MOHL-Air into the MOHL-Web panel, which simplifies a pouch into a “web” for securing odd-shaped objects inside your backpack.
Final thoughts…
The MOLLE attachment system improved how we customize and expand our gear. Originally designed for military use, its modular nature now benefits everyday users through innovations like our low-profile MOLLE-Air system, which integrates sleekly into modern packs.
By utilizing durable materials like Hypalon, loop, and Cordura, along with smart adaptations like the MOHL-Air panel, we enhance both functionality and style.
Whether you're organizing daily essentials or outfitting a tactical backpack, MOLLE's adaptability ensures that your gear is not only secure but tailored to your needs. Let’s embrace MOLLE's modularity for a more efficient and personalized gear setup.
