Everything You Want To Know About MOLLE & PALS — GMP # 156

Published on October 28, 2022
Duration: 29:36

This episode of the Guns Magazine Podcast features John Boyette, a product manager and former Army Infantryman, explaining the intricacies of MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) and PALS (Pack Attachment Ladder System). Boyette clarifies the distinction between MOLLE (the male component on pouches) and PALS (the female webbing on gear), emphasizing their standardized compatibility. He details common attachment mistakes, particularly incorrect weaving of MOLLE straps, and provides a step-by-step guide for proper, secure attachment. The discussion also touches on the history of load-bearing equipment, from ALICE to MOLLE, and offers advice on selecting quality gear, advocating for American-made products for reliability and support.

Quick Summary

MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) refers to the male straps on pouches, while PALS (Pack Attachment Ladder System) is the female webbing on gear like plate carriers and backpacks where MOLLE straps attach. They are designed to be compatible and standardized for modularity, allowing for extensive customization of gear setups.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Guns Magazine Podcast
  2. 00:32Sponsor: Kimber R7 Mako
  3. 01:12Sponsor: Craft Holsters
  4. 01:34Topic: MOLLE & PALS Explained
  5. 02:19Guest Introduction: John Boyette
  6. 03:37John Boyette's Background
  7. 04:50MOLLE vs. PALS: Definitions
  8. 06:16How MOLLE and PALS Connect
  9. 07:41Standardization of MOLLE Gear
  10. 08:38History of Load-Carrying Equipment
  11. 09:47ALICE System Overview
  12. 11:33Evolution from ALICE to MOLLE
  13. 13:55The Transition to MOLLE
  14. 14:03LBV (Load Bearing Vest)
  15. 15:05Common MOLLE Usage Mistakes
  16. 15:26Incorrect Strap Weaving
  17. 16:48Correct MOLLE Attachment Technique
  18. 17:31Difficulty of Final Weave is Normal
  19. 18:26MOLLE Strap Material Variations
  20. 19:11MOLLE Sticks and Clips
  21. 19:24Choosing MOLLE Attachment Methods
  22. 19:57Weight Considerations for Expeditions
  23. 20:17Recommended Lightweight Brands
  24. 21:37Shortcomings of MOLLE Systems
  25. 21:43MOLLE Column Dimensions
  26. 22:33Limitations of Vertical Attachment
  27. 23:23Buying MOLLE Gear: What to Look For
  28. 23:54Prioritizing American-Made Gear
  29. 25:35Value of Quality Gear
  30. 26:13Cost Difference: Import vs. American-Made
  31. 27:10Closing Thoughts on MOLLE
  32. 27:22Resources for Learning More
  33. 28:29Recap and Host's Learnings
  34. 28:45Podcast Outro and Sponsors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between MOLLE and PALS in tactical gear?

MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) refers to the male straps on pouches, while PALS (Pack Attachment Ladder System) is the female webbing on gear like plate carriers and backpacks where MOLLE straps attach. They are designed to be compatible and standardized for modularity.

What is the most common mistake when attaching MOLLE pouches?

The most frequent error is not properly weaving the MOLLE strap back through the pouch itself after routing it through the PALS webbing. This results in a loose connection that can detach easily, whereas a correct weave creates a solid, secure attachment.

How do you ensure a MOLLE pouch is securely attached?

A secure MOLLE attachment involves weaving the strap in and out through both the PALS webbing and the pouch. The final weave should be tight and difficult to complete, indicating no vertical lift and a solid connection. Using needle-nose pliers can help finish the last weave.

Are all MOLLE compatible gear items interchangeable?

Yes, the MOLLE system is standardized, meaning pouches and accessories designed to be MOLLE compatible from different brands will work with PALS webbing from other manufacturers. This allows for extensive customization of gear setups.

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