MOLLE help

[lihpster]

So, I decided to put together a "Run to the hills!" bag. Decided to look at the "tactical" backpacks. Liked the idea of the MOLLE attachments for side pouches and the like. Never used MOLLE gear before. Ordered a pack and some pouches. The small pouch went on the front easily. Then I went to put the side pouch on. Now every piece of MOLLE I see attaches with straps that run vertically. The loops on the side of my pack are in a horizontal arrangement. Is there MOLLE gear that attaches horizontally? I could put the pouch on sideways, but then the gear would fall out. To be clear, they make them all this way, this wasn't a mixup at the sewing station. Not sure I want to go to the hassle of returning, but I might have to. Any ideas?

 

[waffles]

So, I decided to put together a "Run to the hills!" bag. Decided to look at the "tactical" backpacks. Liked the idea of the MOLLE attachments for side pouches and the like. Never used MOLLE gear before. Ordered a pack and some pouches. The small pouch went on the front easily. Then I went to put the side pouch on. Now every piece of MOLLE I see attaches with straps that run vertically. The loops on the side of my pack are in a horizontal arrangement. Is there MOLLE gear that attaches horizontally? I could put the pouch on sideways, but then the gear would fall out. To be clear, they make them all this way, this wasn't a mixup at the sewing station. Not sure I want to go to the hassle of returning, but I might have to. Any ideas?

There are adapters like this (no idea if the store is good or not, but eagle is) Set of 2 Used Resource Center Horizontal Khaki Molle Pouch Adapters

I'd be curious to see the pack, I'm not sure if I'm following exactly whats going on. The MOLLE loops on your pack should be running horizontally as you said, which would allow the pouches to thread in vertically. Are the loops on the side of the pack (bolding mine) actually laid out horizontally, or are they vertical, leaving the pouches at a horizontal angle when attached?

 

[lihpster]

There are adapters like this (no idea if the store is good or not, but eagle is) Set of 2 Used Resource Center Horizontal Khaki Molle Pouch Adapters

I'd be curious to see the pack, I'm not sure if I'm following exactly whats going on. The MOLLE loops on your pack should be running horizontally as you said, which would allow the pouches to thread in vertically. Are the loops on the side of the pack (bolding mine) actually laid out horizontally, or are they vertical, leaving the pouches at a horizontal angle when attached?

The webbing that forms the loops runs vertically down the pack. So, the pouch would be horizontally oriented instead of vertically. Every other pack I have seen is different.

 

[lihpster]

Here is the pack. They don't show a good pic of the side with the loops. They are running opposite the loops on the front.
Amazon.com

 

[waffles]

The webbing that forms the loops runs vertically down the pack. So, the pouch would be horizontally oriented instead of vertically. Every other pack I have seen is different.

Yeah that's frustrating. I'm sure there's arguments about that orientation facilitating easier access but I'm not a fan. The linked adapters will work.

 

[lihpster]

Yeah that's frustrating. I'm sure there's arguments about that orientation facilitating easier access but I'm not a fan. The linked adapters will work.

I'm not much of a fan either.

 

[waffles]

I'm not much of a fan either.

I've had pretty great luck with returns through Amazon, if you don't like it I'd not want to be stuck with it. We have restrictions on linking to auctions but you can buy the MOLLE II "3 Day" or "assault packs" for around the same price surplus if you can stomach the ACU pattern, or various other colors for a little more on ebay (I'm sure various surplus stores also). They're also not going to be the best packs in the world, but they're laid out a bit more sensibly and will be way, way more durable.

 

[lihpster]

Well, I'm pretty sure it's going back. One of the main reasons for buying this type of pack, was the expandability. But if that's not possible, I want a different pack. They already left one side without MOLLE to put a fairly cheap and useless water bottle holder. Nope, ain't what I want, it's going back. Should have done more research before pulling the trigger. Oh well. Live and learn.

 

[Rustyt1953]

As a long time Prime member I can echo waffles on Amazon being good with returns.

BTW I am a MOLLE fan.

 

[lihpster]

As a long time Prime member I can echo waffles on Amazon being good with returns.

BTW I am a MOLLE fan.

Should have gone for the "French cut" tactical diapers. More freedom of movement.

 

[2wheels]

The pack you got has “accessory straps”, not true MOLLE. Check out Elite Survival Systems. I got an Elite Pulse 24 Hr pack, very well constructed, aluminum back stay, comfortable. Made in USA. Has MOLLE back panel and side accessory straps. Purchased through tactical gear.com (no affiliation whatsoever).

 

[Faulkner]

I keep two backpack/go bags that are alike and similar outfitted, one in my pickup and one in my wife's car. They both utilize the MOLLE system.

My premise is not so much preparing to go someplace as it is for me to get home. If I'm home I'm where I want to be, but if I'm out on the road and the EMP hits or whatever other calamity causes me to have to hike back home, I'm geared up for at least 3 or 4 days. I never leave the county without one of them with me.

There is a lot of reference material available with regards to go bags. I came across "The Escape Bag Blueprint" that's not a bad reference to start with.

 

[ameridaddy]

As a long time Prime member I can echo waffles on Amazon being good with returns.

BTW I am a MOLLE fan.

ROTF! Tactical diapers!