How to Pack a Molle

M.O.L.L.E. is an acronym for the military backpack used by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps which stands for modular lightweight load-carrying equipment. This pack replaced the outdated A.L.I.C.E. pack that was used up until early 2003, when the M.O.L.L.E. pack became widespread military issue. Packing a M.O.L.L.E. pack is not unlike packing a regular hiking or camping backpack, and correspondingly there are a few rules of thumb to follow.

Instructions

    • 1

      Position your lightweight items at the bottom of the pack. Depending on what you're carrying, this could consist of a sleeping bag, extra clothing, pillow, and lighter items that you won't readily need while out hiking or at bivouac. Water-proof your clothing by rolling your pants and shirts up tight and slide them into zip-style freezer bags. Place your sleeping bag into a waterproof stuff-sac.

    • 2

      Place your medium weight items up on top of the lightweight items. Some medium weight items may include a camp-stove and fuel, water filter and extra water containers.

    • 3

      Position your heaviest items so that they'll be close to your back, centered between your shoulder blades, up on top of the medium weight items. These items may include your tent or shelter-half, food, water and unpacked ammo (if bringing ammo). For an off-trail hike or movement, position the heavier items slightly lower on your back, just below the shoulder blades. This will help to disperse the weight evenly on your hips, and control the jostling of gear around on uneven terrain.

    • 4

      Place frequently used items in the pack's outer pouches. These items may be snack-foods, first-aid kits, full ammo magazines, flashlights, rope, rappel harness, binoculars or any other items that you may need to access quickly.

    • 5

      Strap your lightweight sleeping pad to the bottom of the pack frame by rolling it up tight and tying it off with small bungee cord or 550 paracord.