MOLLE is an acronym for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. It is a modular loop-to-loop interface that allows you to customize your loadout by adding and removing pouches and gear as needed. MOLLE has been used since 1997 and is the exclusive mounting method for Plate Carriers, Ruck Packs, and all pouches associated with them.
What is MOLLE used for?
Its purpose is to attach pouches and equipment to a pack or plate carrier so the operator can decide on what gear is best for their mission. Almost no two plate carriers or packs set up are the same so this system allows each user to configure the items they need where they need it.
MOLLE is ideal when:
- You need more space than your pack allows
- You need specific items in specific locations
- You need to detach a smaller pouch to manage weight or MOLLE real estate
- You have certain items you want quickly accessible or accessible by teammates.
MOLLE’s widespread acceptance and use is a testimony to its superiority over other load-bearing systems of the past.
How does MOLLE work?
MOLLE gear works by providing a customizable structure to attach the items you need, where you need them. If used correctly, MOLLE webbing functions as a base mounting platform and is used with/in conjunction with a PALS strap, MALICE Clip, or something that gets woven between the alternating loops of MOLLE (it can even be mounted with paracord or zip ties).
The MOLLE mounting concept can be visualized by imagining a ladder that opens up. If you were to take a rope and tie it around the top, then alternate the rope over and under each rung all the way down tying the rope off at the bottom - the ladder would not be able to open as the rope has woven the ladder closed. In this analogy, the ladder is the MOLLE webbing and the rope is a PALS strap or MALICE Clip.
What is PALS Webbing?
PALS stands for Pouch Attachment Ladder System. Some pouches have a vertical strap that is affixed to the top of the pouch with an attachment method at the bottom such as a button snap or velcro. The PALS strap is woven through the MOLLE sections on the pouch and platform and secured at the end of travel at the bottom of the pouch. Although this was the original method for attaching pouches to MOLLE platforms, its cons have devised a new method of attaching pouches via MOLLE webbing, the MALICE Clip.
What are MALICE Clips?
As the usage of the MOLLE system became widespread, problems developed and were reported over time. There were 2 primary issues that were coming up for soldiers in the field. Those issues were:
- The straps would tear, essentially removing vital support structure for a pouch making it useless. Worse, due to the integral nature of the PALS straps, there wasn't a method for repair and the entire pouch had to be replaced if this happened.
- The snap button. Sweat would corrode the steel in the snaps or snaps made of softer brass would become lodged and would tear out from the PALS straps they were stitched to.
The solution: adding a separate mounting interface to weave between the MOLLE webbing. Enter the MALICE Clip.
MALICE Clips were designed to be a separate element to the mounting solution to address the PALS strap durability issue. This clip removes the permanently stitched PALS strap in favor of a streamlined tactical “zip tie” to act in its place. Now when soldiers snagged their gear and tore a MALICE Clip, it could simply be replaced by a spare MALICE Clip, paracord, or zip tie being effectively repaired in the field.
MALICE Clips were also designed to be woven using a thin plastic strap and can typically mount much faster than trying to fight the button-clad PALs straps through pre tensioned MOLLE loops.
What are MOLLE attachments?
There are many types of MOLLE attachments available. You can attach any of the following:
- Pistol holsters
- Flashlight holsters
- Breaching gear
- General Purpose pouches
- Radio equipment
- Magazine pouches (such as rifle or pistol)
- IFAKs
- Holders for knives, multi-tools, or GPS
- Hydration packs
- Dump pouch
How Do MOLLE and MALICE Clips / PALS Straps Interface?
As with the rest of your gear, there's a right way and a wrong way to use your MOLLE system. It may seem simple, but it's essential to learn how to use MALICE Clips or PALS webbing correctly. We're about to show you how to properly attach accessories, why to do it that way, and how to avoid common mistakes.
You want to weave the PALS strap or MALICE Clips correctly through the corresponding MOLLE webbing on the carrier and back of the pouch.
SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1. Determine where you want your pouch to go on your load-bearing equipment (carrier or pack)
Step 2. For PALS attached pouches: separate the straps on the back of your chosen attachment. Once the PALS strap snaps have been opened, you can now begin to weave the straps first through the top horizontal row of MOLLE webbing, wherever you want your item to sit height-wise.
For a MALICE Clip: you will need to first run the unlocked portion of the clip through the bottom of the pouch in an upward direction. The clip will slip between ALL the MOLLE loops on the pouch, and when done correctly, the locking bracket of the MALICE Clip should be shored up with the bottom MOLLE loop on the pouch, and the unlocked portion of the clip should be jutting out of the top of the pouch, arching downward.
Take note that the natural bend in the MALICE Clip is articulating towards the MOLLE in a downward angle. When done correctly, this will mimic a PALS pouch that has its straps opened.
Step 3. After you’ve fed the PALS straps or MALICE Clips through the top row of the MOLLE loops on next, feed them back through the next row down of MOLLE webbing on the pouch itself.
Step 4. Continue to alternate the weaving of the attachment point (MALICE Clip or PALS strap) downward. Repeat until the length of the PALS strap has shored up to its corresponding button snap on the pouch.
Likewise, for a MALICE Clip, continue to weave the feed portion of the clip all the way down the length of the pouch until the woven portion of the MALICE Clip can lock into the bracket at the base of the clip.
Step 5. Fasten the snaps to completely secure the attachment PALS strap. For a MALICE Clip, simply lock the woven “cam” portion into the “bracket” portion of the MALICE Clip in a fashion similar to a zip tie.
This might seem like a lot of work at first. But trust us it’s a simple concept that can be learned quickly. Knowing how to use MOLLE straps correctly is how you get the most efficiency out of the system and is a baseline for knowledge in body armor and kit building.
If you are having difficulty, we cover how to mount a MALICE Clip correctly in this educational video. Please feel free to watch it at your leisure and leave us a comment if it was helpful or if you have questions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzGijfP-NfQ
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake we see when attaching MOLLE gear is not taking the time to do it right. Many users will complete step 1, feeding the PALS straps straight down through the remaining MOLLE rows on the carrier or pack. Then they complete step 5 and go about their business.
The problem with this is you’re only using half of the attachment structure which can cause the pouch to shift and move around.
Unsecured pouches can also cause unnecessary swinging and slapping of your equipment while moving leads to unwanted noise, snagging, lost items, and overall lack of efficiency on missions.
Conclusion
MOLLE gear is the standard in load-bearing systems. It’s your best friend in customizing your kit and the most efficient way to carry all your indispensable tools. You can get the most out of your gear by taking the time to set up your MOLLE attachments correctly. Wondering which MOLLE attachment to start with first? Magazines are usually the first go-to, but we think you should strongly consider an IFAK. If you're interested, make sure to check this next article out: What Does IFAK Mean and What Should Be in It?