US MOLLE II Assault Pack, Surplus

The MOLLE II Assault Pack is a very versatile modular backpack and carries everything you need for 3-Day operations. Rated for a 27 kg load with 38.5 l of total volume, this is sort of in-between a backpack and a proper rucksack. Used US Army surplus.

Compartments and pockets

The pack consists of a zippered main compartment and a large front pocket. The main compartment is secured with compression straps to ease the stress on the zipper and flatten the pack when not used to the full capacity. Both compartments have drainage grommets in the bottom.

The front pocket is is sized to easily carry bulky stuff you might need fast, such as a 6-mag bandolier, gas mask, or a couple of claymores. It also has two flat pockets for smaller items but other than these the pack is very simple.

Any additional pouches (such as for an E-Tool or extra water canteen) can be bought separately and attached to the PALS webbing on the sides of the pack.

The top has fixed straps for e.g. a sleeping pad or other things you can pack into a fairly small roll. The bottom has webbing loops for utility straps (sold separately).

Carrying System

The wide shoulder straps are anatomically shaped and feature a quick-release system and an adjustable sternum strap and waist belt. The straps have three generous webbing loops for easy management of a hydration tube and comms cables.

At the bottom, the shoulder strap attaches to a steel D-ring with a cris-crossing webbing reinforcement to spread the load. This construction is tough as nails and can be repaired in the field if the unthinkable happens.

The shoulder straps and waist belt can be stowed to streamline the pack in the cargo compartment and the top has a sturdy carry handle for ease of heaving.

Specific features

In addition to the obvious standalone use, the Assault Pack can be attached to the top of the MOLLE II Rucksack Frame above the MOLLE II Main pack for increased capacity. The bottom has two female SR buckles for this use.

The top has passages for a drinking tube, antennae, and comms cables. They are also used for the two 30" type 8 webbing inside the back. These white straps are used for airborne operations and allow direct attachment to the parachutist's snap-hook. In the same compartment, there's a lowering line attachment loop.

Against the back on the inside, there are 1" oval steel rings for a radio pouch.

Materials and measurements

Made of Mil-Spec standard, water repellent Cordura with the required NIR properties. All straps are of heavy-duty nylon construction. Durable ITW Nexus buckles.

US Army surplus

High-quality piece of kit, made in the USA. In used but perfectly serviceable condition, consider washing the pack - maybe. The padding of the back stiffener and the plastic stiffener itself may be missing but is easy to replace through DIY if necessary.