The MOLLE system offers a great deal of flexibility, allowing users to easily customise their webbing, plate carriers or shooters belts by attaching various utility, ammunition pouches and attachments exactly where they want them. It's this modularity that has made the MOLLE system the go-to load-carrier choice for military personnel around the world. But how do you choose which utility pouches best fit your needs?
Begin With Mission Requirements
Before you start shopping for pouches, take some time to think through what it is that you will really be carrying. Think through:
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What equipment am I going to have to immediately access?
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How much ammunition am I going to be carrying?
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Do I need medical supplies, tools or means of navigation?
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Am I operating for just a couple of hours or several days?
It is a fairly common mistake to overload a MOLLE system with too many pouches. A better approach would be to only carry the items that directly relate to the mission or exercise that you are engaged in.
Selecting The Right Ammunition Pouches
For most users, ammunition storage is the core component of their MOLLE system setup. Ammunition pouches are designed to safely store rifle or pistol mags in a manner that allows for quick removal during training or operation. Mag pouches are probably the most commonly purchased item in MOLLE setups and are specifically designed for quick removal and secure retention.
When shopping for ammunition pouches, think about these factors:
Magazine capacity - think about how many magazines you realistically expect to carry. There are some users who like to purchase single magazine pouches for maximum flexibility, and there are some users who like to purchase multiple (double, triple, etc.) magazine pouches for maximum carrying capacity with their MOLLE system.
Retention method - Retention methods vary depending on the style of pouch:
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Elastic Retention
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Bungee Retention
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Velcro Closure
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Open Top Designs
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Kydex Retention
Open-top design pouches tend to provide quicker access than covered pouches; however, they also leave the contents exposed to the elements and dust/debris. Covered pouches provide greater protection from dust/debris and harsh weather conditions.
Pouch placement - Place your primary ammunition pouches in locations where they can be easily accessed without restricting movement. Most users position their mag pouches on the front of their carrier/chest rig in their MOLLE system with secondary equipment located on either side.
Adding Utility Pouches
After you have taken care of your ammunition storage requirements, utility pouches become very valuable additions to a MOLLE system. Utility pouches are versatile. They can be used to store almost anything that doesn't fit neatly into specialised carriers.
The advantage of utility pouches is that they can adapt to changing requirements and mission profiles. Utility pouches are very popular for carrying general equipment, tools and medical items within a MOLLE system.
Balancing Access And Weight
A good MOLLE system setup finds a balance between accessibility and comfort. Frequently used items should be located where you can easily reach them. Less frequently used items may be stored toward the rear of your platform or in larger utility pouches.
Check MOLLE Compatibility
Just because a pouch has a "MOLLE" logo on it does not automatically mean that it will work correctly on your MOLLE system webbing. Before buying any new kit, make sure that the item you choose is fully compatible and designed to securely attach to standard PALS MOLLE system webbing.
If you have any further questions, you can always get in contact with us for assistance. Taskforce Military is run by ex-forces personnel with real experience, so you can be confident that you’re getting the best possible advice straight from the source.
