MOLLE Backpacks vs. ALICE Packs: On the Advantages of MOLLE Systems

ALICE packs, which have been around for over 50 years now, are a classic. That said, for the enterprising, modern outdoorsman (or LEO or other official operator), MOLLE systems may offer greater flexibility and value.

This short post will break down the origins and value of both ALICE packs and MOLLE backpacks (and other systems).

ALICE Packs

ALICE is an acronym for All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment, designed as a modular solution for carrying a variety of field gear, and ALICE packs were officially adopted in 1973.

The ALICE pack itself consists of a frame with a pack and compartments that can be customized as desired; additionally packs and pouches can be added to the system in order to expand the platform.

There’s one main large compartment that has a flap closure, and several other compartments/packs that can be added onto the system. All in all, it offers a relatively modular solution for carrying gear in the field.

While the system is often referred to simply as an ALICE pack, it can be expanded with a belt that contains a canteen cover as well as a carrier for an entrenching tool, along with other pouches.

For some, the ALICE pack and its associated system are tied to Vietnam era equipment in the popular conception, and the system has served reliably for many years in the hands of military operators and outdoorsmen around the country and the world.

With that said, there are modern alternatives, specifically in the form of MOLLE systems, that offer a more versatile and flexible footprint.

MOLLE Backpacks

MOLLE systems, which stands for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment, are much newer than ALICE packs, and were adopted officially in 1997.

MOLLE backpacks vary in size, shape and footprint, but despite their variability, are immediately recognizable and distinguishable from ALICE packs, as a result of the straps and webbing that exist on the outside (and sometimes the inside) of the pack.

MOLLE systems consist of a series of webbed straps that are appended to the outside of the back, and to which compatible MOLLE accessories, like MOLLE pouches, can easily be attached via snap closures or velcro straps. While not specifically designed for MOLLE systems, carabiners, split rings, D-rings, and other accessories are easily and readily compatible with MOLLE backpacks.

The webbing actually has a name, and though it’s commonly referred to as “MOLLE webbing” the correct name is PALS webbing, which stands for Pouch Attachment Ladder System. It’s commonly from repeated rows of ballistic nylon straps with reinforced stitching to which it’s easy to attach MOLLE accessories in the manner already described.

Advantages of MOLLE Systems

Because of how MOLLE backpacks enable easy expandability, they offer numerous potential advantages over ALICE packs.

The versatility of a MOLLE system, which should be apparent at the outset, is likely the biggest advantage. Even a very small MOLLE pack can be considerably expanded, and made several times larger and more voluminous, by attaching other MOLLE pouches and accessories to it. In such a manner, MOLLE systems are truly the most modular systems available at the current time.

MOLLE accessories, which can be easily attached to the PALS webbing of MOLLE backpacks, are also widely accessible and easy to attach to the main pack. These accessories include but are not limited to MOLLE pouches, mag pouches, dump pouches, canteen covers, tool covers and holsters, first aid kits, and much more.

Many examples of field gear and other items can also be rendered compatible with MOLLE backpacks with little to no modification. For example, anything with a pocket clip, such as a pen, a flashlight, or a pocket knife, can easily be added to one of the MOLLE slots on a backpack. Likewise, anything that can be attached with a split ring, a D-ring or a carabiner can also be added effortlessly to a MOLLE pack.

Because the nature of MOLLE backpacks necessitates that the system be expanded externally, this also streamlines access. Rather than necessarily storing magazines, flashlights and other accessories internally, they can be more easily organized, identified and retrieved when they are clipped or strapped to the PALS webbing of a MOLLE system.

Additionally, many knife and tool sheaths, especially Kydex sheaths which are perforated around their margins, can also be rigged for MOLLE compatibility with a little bit of paracord, or simply by adding a carabiner to them.

Because there is ultimately no limit to how you can configure and expand a MOLLE system, like a backpack or a duffle, they’re far more customizable than ALICE packs. And, on top of that, they still offer you the flexibility to carry gear in the internal compartments, where you desire to do so. Some MOLLE backpacks also offer plenty of internal storage that’s well divided for easy organization and access, not entirely dissimilar to an ALICE pack, too.

So, to recap that, some of the high-level advantages of MOLLE packs are that:

• They are endlessly expandable and configurable.
• There are many MOLLE pouches and accessories compatible with them.
• Anything that can be attached via a D-ring, split ring or carabiner, or a pocket clip, can be attached to a MOLLE system.
• Accessories that are not expressly MOLLE compatible can be rendered MOLLE compatible with a little bit of cordage, such as paracord.
• Many knife and tool sheaths are MOLLE compatible.
• Organizing and storing gear on the outside of the pack, as opposed to the inside, improves identification and access.
• Excess MOLLE pouches and accessories can be removed as needed.
• You still have the flexibility to store field gear inside the pack.
• Because you can choose what to add and where to add it, MOLLE systems are superior with respect to weight distribution.

Of course, while there are many advantages of MOLLE backpacks, there is still a place for ALICE packs, and it ultimately all comes down to what works for you, and what you prefer, anyway.

That being said, we carry both ALICE packs and MOLLE systems here. Whichever you’re looking for, we have you covered.

Explore MOLLE Packs, MOLLE Accessories, and More Here

Whether you’re here for a new ALICE pack, a new MOLLE backpack, or are just looking for MOLLE accessories, we carry a ton. Take a look through our collection and get in touch with us if you have any questions.