What do you all think about the MOLLE 4000? Expect to see more of this pack into the future....right now I'm getting ready to hit the road! ROAD TRIP 2018 is about to begin! - Luke
TheOutdoorGearReview this pack vs Molle 2 rucksack to test out durability comfort and just how much room each one would really hold especially for someone who is hiking camping hunting trapping or just wants a good bug out bag
I was part of one of the units in 82nd that field tested this ruck. I jumped it I humped it, and it’s garbage. That Molle webbing is useless to parartroopers, we can’t mount a lot of stuff on the outside anyway, there are too many adjustment straps to get snagged during an exit, I don’t know who they contoured the frame straps for but in my platoon it fit basically nobody properly, and we were told we could only safely jump with it four times. Derigging on the ground in the dark is a nightmare because of the integrated air items, and all they do when you’re not jumping is add extra weight. It also doesn’t have any sustainment pouches. Which were the best thing about the original molle ruck. We pushed this up the chain after testing them for about 8 months and were promptly ignored when we said they sucked.
I am a former paratrooper and have been hauling gear around the world. Though I have not been near one of those, the youtuber sounds like he hasn't a real clue. Slick with three - five outside pockets should suffice. Look at Berghaus, that is what special operations units use; at least in some European countries.
@@esr243 to be fair, Luke has previously stated he has never been in the military. That being said, some of his comments actually had me asking "WTF?!". And I've been watching his channel for a little while!
Army: What do you want? Soldiers: Smaller sack with modular compartments. Army: I'm hearing big sack with more cubic space. Soldiers: No, smaller with more modular compartments! Army: Big sack with more cubic space it is. Thanks for your input. There's a reason nobody ever goes back from the medium rucksack once they make the switch.
Well you jump into a field training exercise sometimes the medium ruck just isn't big enough, plus, a HUGE plus is this has integrated air items. This was made for airborne units. If you can get away with smaller then you have the medium ruck or the 3 day assualt pack.
With all the stuff they want you to carry, a big open pack is better. What I think the real problem is, and I bet it goes all the way back to the Roman legions, is they have a senior NCO figure out the maximum amount of equipment you will be forced to carry, have the Army's best puzzle solvers figure out how to pack it in the smallest volume possible, and then have the engineers specify dimensions on the bag 10% smaller. Because if the grunts aren't bitching, something's wrong. Then you're the a-hole for sacrificing 5 virgins to the volcano gods to get the pack loaded with all the gear that someone not going on the exercise decided you had to take.
Alan de Michael that's true. Very loud on a dark night. Not as loud on a light night, and almost silent during the day. But very very loud on a dark night
Id use an ALICE. Except im 6 foot 6, its too short. Which is a pity Id like a frame at times. I use a Brit Longback. Simply because it fits my back perfectly.I put 25kg in it did a 15km hike. Way too much weight but just wanted the test of weight strap wear on my body. Bit ottp but what the hell lol. End of day, I'm stuffed but no rubbing chaffing so im happy Sure wish it had bottom access and other features would be nice.
@@ozdavemcgee2079 I've taken to using the Shortback bergen (I'm, a short F-er 5'9"). I actually like that it has no bottom access -- no zipper to blowout, and if I'm after my fartsack, I'm pretty much taking everything else out anyway. Not being in the military, it's not such a deal anymore to keep everything possible packed to leave an area quickly. It rides better than the old Lg ALICE pack, and like ALICE benefits from adding a sternum strap. I also like the PLCE belt kit. Load up on Utility pouches, and it keeps most of the torso open for those hot summer days, so I don't have to carry a pack at all. I really think the Brits made much better equipment in many cases than the U.S. did.
I got an ALICE Large in 1978 and then found one (all beat up) and turned in the found one to CIF. I kept my original ALICE from 1978 until I retired in 2014. It went to the field, on six deployments, and on many personal multi-day hikes. I did replace the frame once back around 2002, it had cracked and squeaked like crazy when I was walking. That drove me nuts. Anyway, my solid green ALICE served me well. Is it the best ruck in the world? Nah, but it never failed to perform and all the young troops knew who I was in Iraq because I was the only AWG SGM with an OD Green ALICE.
I agree, after being gifted a Shortback bergen, I acquired the PLCE belt kit, and put the pouches on an LCII belt with Blackhawk pad (I wanted to use the M12 holster which was near impossible to get on the PLCE belt). Works great, and I agree, they had better kit. I also like the no bottom access, and the only zippers being on the top and mess tin pouch, and the ones for the side pouch really just stabilize it, and you have the Fastex buckles and can run the compression straps through the loops on the back to carry the load. My two criticisms are no sternum strap (easy to fix), and no quick release (easy to fix if you can sew).
Back in the early 90's, I was stationed at Fort Drum. I was issued one of the fancy new rucks. I had a friend stationed at Fort Devens with the 10th Group. I showed him and his friends this new ruck, and the one response that said it all was, "Great, now they will want us to carry more shit!".
Was that the monstrosity that featured an internal frame and the detachable assault pack? If it is, we tested it for a couple of field problems when I was in the 101st, and those in charge said, "we like the assault pack, so we're keeping those, but take the main ruck back and give us our large Alice packs back." And for whatever reason, I was told I didn't have to turn in the assault pack when I was getting out-they didn't want it. I suppose that they lost their zeal for that little bag as well.
We tested the Molle 4000 in 1BCT 82ND Airborne Division. We had a few issues with it. Some of our equipment ripped through the material one item being a ASIP radio. The harness single point release was not constructed as well so some of the lanyards ataching the release handle were ripping off. Other than that they were not bad.
(Airborne and Ranger School in '77; some things might have changed.) You needed to explain what the straps in the bottom compartment were used for in a parachute jump. We jumped with the parachute on our back and the reserve on our chest. The rucksack was in the front against your thighs - which will hurt you when you do your Parachute Landing Fall (P.L.F.). Just before landing, you released a strap and the pack fell (6 feet...?) below you and swayed back and forth. The rifle was strapped to your leg; so that had to be released as well. I have forgotten both until almost too late! But then, I only made two regulation P.L.F.'s in my life; something always went wrong (usually the wind at the last second). My 'favorite' choice was heels, butt, back of head while trying to face into the wind while landing (forward movement canceled by wind).
That actually looks really good, in the british infantry we now use the fight light method where we use just webbbing/battlebelt and a day sack, our begens are now on vehicles etc.
This was made mainly for airborne operations because all of the components for the harness system store in the bottom of the bag. All of you guys who want one can pick them up if you live near FT Bragg. We were testing these 2 years ago and i still went to my old Alice pack.
LMAO! I did too. I modified my ALICE pack and jumped it instead of that POS MOLLE! I jumped more than 100 pounds on more occasions that I care to remember! My ALICE served me well (and I still have it). This is just another piece of military equipment that went to the lowest bidder and the good idea fairies.
gymtard, if you have a place to contact, hook a Brother up ! I am retired (11B) and in Chicago. That would make a great assault pack for me. Looks to be slightly bigger than the Blackhawk 3 Day pack.
The SGT FU Channel www.allamericansurplus.com. not sure if they delivery but i can pretty much assure you they will have some. If not check EBay and also take a look at the multicam medium ruck the army was issuing too
I love the look of that backpack and envy the guys testing it right now. The thing I like about it mostly is the ability to attach sleeping bags, liner, and other heavy items in the upper part of the bag so the user isn't weighted down by items hanging low. In my opinion it is nice and it would have been great if it had been made water resistant like some of the older bags
Terminology corrections: Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) or Scorpion W2, not Multicam. The "digital pattern" is named UCP (Universal Camouflage Pattern). ACU (Army Combat Uniform) refers to the uniform (like BDU), not the pattern.
When I was a young man I served in the 82nd Airborne and looking at this video with my Paratrooper eyes, I am intrigued. I found rigging a ruck to jump was a pain and humping a ruck in the boonies a bigger pain. On long marches with an old alice pack used to hurt my back. I think this would hurt a lot less and I am glad my old unit is getting it.
Finally and older troop like me. I've humped and jumped with all 3 Allis rucks and they were built to last but comfort wasn't on the agenda. Painful set up
I am interested in how comfortable you say it is after a bit of testing. Being a marine I know first hand most US packs are not all that comfortable!.....LOL
Very nice, it looks well thought out and I like the thicker waist belt, plus it allows for things to be attached to it, those springed leavers will make adjustment Much simpler. I hope they eventually sell these to the public. Oh yeah, would love to see you do a mil surp overnighter with it!
Toss a 100lbs+ and go 12 miles. I wanna know how your back feels 😂 seems wayyyy to bulky. Idk why the army does that we need slimmer and better frames.
Also, leadership who realizes the about 95% of missions dont require a 100 + lb load out in the ruck and half the shit they require you to carry wont be used the majority of the time and isnt necesary for mission acomplishement
"Yikes," can only speak for myself, but of my 42 months in Iraq, most if not all Commanders were very good about letting use whatever rucksack we wanted to so long as we got our mission complete. I was issued a pack like this and it stayed in the plastic until I got off of active duty.
I used and jumped this pack for about a year: good for airborne operations, not the best for really long marches. oh and those channels on the top are for airborne operations, they stow the tension straps which are part of the modiied harness single point release that comes with the pack which is attached into the frame before use, not stored in the bottom pocket.
its 4000 cubic inches of bad design. We tested these in 2015. Poor design and the reinforced frame just means it will break at mile 6 instead of mile 5 on a ruck march. Again, it is a bad design.
Robert Mackrell Can you give me the names of the Polish and Dutch rucksacks ? and do you think that those rucksack are better than Molle ii or FILEB ?? Best regards
I have had one for a couple years. I did a 12 mile with 55 POUNDS. My biggest complaint are the shoulder straps. The padding terminates too far from the frame, creating a pinch point and chews up the top of the wearers shoulders. Also I'm getting separation of the stitching. Pro is similar to size to large alive and the external pocket is great.
Something I would like to see on this pack is like on the USMC ILBE ruck sack. it has a bungee pocket on the bottom sides of the pack so you can stow a mortar tube along the side. putting a mortar tube under the lid makes an awkward weight and if not strapped properly they just fall out of the ruck
I just noticed this ruck has the same hip buckle as the MOLLE II ruck. That's a problem if it is indeed the exact same buckle, as they were notorious for loosening up over time on their own. Should have gone with a standard SRB style buckle.
Holy heck! That pack is huge! I could pack up my whole house in it. Well, not really, but my mom would would have LOVED it when she would pack for vacation. Have to be quite a hiker to carry that around fully loaded.
What I was going say. I used to jump with a large ALICE back in the early 90's. Still have that ALICE. CIF was nice enough to issue Med Rucks, but bought the large because I was told too! Lol
I could also see you being able to run the straps from your camel back or assault pack through those holes pretty easily with the quick releases on the straps they have
But I thought it was being tested with the 82nd. They are an air mobile division that fast ropes in helicopters. The 101st are the paratroopers since a good while
I used one for over 6 months and loved it. It's a great GP ruck, carries a week's worth if needed, at least spring-fall. My mission needs have changed though so I now carry an eberlestock j107m.
Great video! I was in the 2/504 PIR, and we were part of testing The first version of the MOLLE pack. Many times the frames would break on jumps, that being said, this is looking like a good piece of kit. Thanks for posting! Sincerely, Sgt. J 2/504 PIR 82nd Airborne. OEF II.
Great review! I ordered one of these molle 4000 rucks about 7 months ago on ebay for a pretty good deal. It said the words "test item" under the packs main flap. I've owned alot of packs over the years especially military packs. Its a pretty nice pack I do like the shoulder straps and waistbelt fits really snug and comfortable but overall design I wasnt that impressed. I personally think the multicam molle 2 large ruck is a little better. Theres not alot of room in the molle 4000 for a sleep system unlike the large molle 2 ruck which has a seperate compartment. I do like that they improved frame though its very tough but it does add a little weight! The size of the pack is kinda unique aswell. 4,000 cubic inches which is a 1,000 cubes less than the molle 2 large ruck. But if you put the two molle 2 sustainment pouches on it they would be the same size. The molle 4000 makes sense for paratroopers but thats who it was designed for. This is just my personal opinion and its still a great pack and very well made. Keep in mind this pack is still being tested by the military so they may add or subtract bits and pieces of this pack before its fully released. Testing is expected to be finished by 2019.
I'd like to see a MOLLE 4000 vs MOLLE II comparison, so we can see the nuts and bolts of how (assuming) the 4000 is any better than the earlier generation. I don't really see the 4000 beating the FILBE for volume or versatility. The 4000 looks like it would be a much better field pack than the MOLLE II, given the lower volume and additional webbing. Good find, Luke!
I've been using one of the test packs for a little over a year now. It's an excellent ruck! A vast improvement over the large MOLLE. It's an outstanding combination of the ALICE and MOLLE systems. I love this piece of kit!
Great video! Quick note, at about 6:45 you say in previous versions it featured the "ACU" pattern. ACU is not a camouflage pattern, it is a uniform cut. UCP is the camouflage pattern of the Army, currently (though I'm aware they are phasing that out).
While UCP is the technical name, people in the ACU days only ever called it ACU. My Drill Sergeants called the pattern ACU. I came in during these fabulous OCP days but of course Basic Training gets us all gear in the previous pattern.
just a geuss but the zipper on top can access a radio, the 2 slots can secure the antenna , not the 10 ft whip of course but the 4 ft. used to do it in the 80s
Garbage... I'm a 20 year retired combat infantryman and a licenced 4 season backcountry guide. The Army needs to get with Osprey for a slimmer and better compartmentalized and modular ruck. Stuff sacks, compression straps, body forming kidney pads, and internal suspension. The Army needs to come out of the Alice pack concept. Even the mountaineering pack built by Wild Things Gear is better. They even have an NSN.
@Steve Sherman, I'm not so sure about that. I loved rucking with the older generation Molle 2, even with a 60 lb + load plus full battle rattle. Plus, there is no comparison to the durability and longevity of military grade rucks. To each their own i guess. I am the Infantry, Follow me!
They tried that with the ILBE. Should have been perfect, but was torture when wearing the rear plate in your armor. That's why they went back to the MOLLE design with the FILBE
What do you think of the USMC rucksack? I believe their ruck was made by Arc'teryx. I have a new one, just have not used it yet. I loved my old ALICE pack for field use.
when mollie packs were first out we had a factory rep come to our unit to tell us how great it was. he told us the plastic frames were indestructible. the Co. told one of our bigger Cpl's to go break it so he grabbed the frame top and bottom and folded it in half with no problem and it snapped in two. the rep was speechless and was out of sorts for the next two days till he left with his tail between his legs.
That's a nice looking pack. I have one of the older military molly packs. Good pack but I had an issue with the frame cracking when it was heavily loaded. Hopefully this frame is stronger. That small bottom pocket is unusual. Thanks for sharing Luke!
I dont get why people want Army gear. Either way, I find it funny that civilians want Army gear, and the soldiers I work with always buy their own gear haha
I love Army gear for low performance glam-camping and tool hauling for day hikes. Its cheap and tough. I also like GI boots for construction since they are also cheap on Ebay and I have wide feet. Unlike some expensive civilian boots, GI boots are tough on all around. Combat boots not best for straight hiking but construction isn't hiking. @@operhater7386
I served in the Army for 15 years and the ONLY time I WORE a rucksack was in basic training...after that when in an active duty unit the ruck stayed in the vehicle and was never worn.
Nice looking pack. Hopefully lighter than my MOLLE II. I want to see a military surplus outing with just US military gear. Usually you mix it up with military surplus from several different countries. Then after the US surplus outing do the same with another country. All gear from one country at a time.
Live To Survive so your gonna get a pack that you can put a house in but your gonna hope its lighter than the other molle 2vpack lol you guys trip me out with worriying about the weight of these gigantic packs.
Got something similar, unissued, marked US, probably another iteration of test gear, on the eBay surplus market recently. It was described as used but clearly had never been issued. Cost, I think, was a little less than $50. Chose it to pack a full-day's mountain gear in variable late autumn weather and as much butchered elk as I can carry. The blinking thing is so voluminous you might pack in small central Americans in the off season.
My only requests would be to put some real weight in it (50# to 60#) and spend a couple of hours in each. Where is your center of gravity in each? How well do they distribute the weight? Overall stability? I'm almost betting that the first thing to go on those things are those spring loaded belt adjusters which would leave you SOL for a belt if that were the case. Thanks for all you do!
If you have to, you just tie the fabric ends of the belt together and cinch it tight. Improvised belt buckle. Wont be comfy but it will get you off the X.
I have the same pack but in the ACU pattern. Very comfortable with a lot of room. Like the pack just not don't like the ACU color. Oh well that's what RIT clothes de is for.
Put some weight in it and see but I still think smaller rucks are the way to go. I’ve got a medium molle II with sustainment pouches on it and a ranger roll underneath made up out of an acu tarp and a heavy wool blanket. I can carry all my key survival gear and four days rations, a gas mask and 300 rods of ammo as well as my British goretex parka over the top. I think it’s an ideal ruck and I do 8 miles a day on the weekends, and I’m a 57 year old man! 🧑🏻🦯🤣🤣🤣🤣
I guess some people carry crap on the outside but I never did. I harried a Large Ruck and everything went inside, that stuff on the outside gets caught on EVERYTHING when you are snooping and pooping at night. It makes you wider. ... and if they make it bigger that mean you will have to jump more crap, slowing you down.
Great video, Nice pack. I was given a pack similar to this one a few years ago (internal frame). It had been in consideration but had not been given any further consideration due pouches fixed to the sides. I’ve taken my pack out a few times and it is quite comfortable with pack weights up to 40 pounds.
Ha the army hasn't made a pack yet that when the sleep system or any of their sleeping bags would fit and still have room for all the other gear you have to carry for mission. They should still be issuing pack mules for all that
Point of correction: that's not multicam, it's OCP scorpion, although it looks similar. The Army modified multicam to get around Crye's restrictive licensing that was inflating prices. Crye sued, but lost.
Actually the army developed OCP ie scorpion pattern first and Crye took the base and made some changes and came up with multi cam. Something to,do with how the pattern runs. If I remember correctly OCP has to run vertically. Not sure about that. But Ctye wanted more than the army wanted to pay so they went with their version instead. So Crye really had not grounds to sue and hemce lost
You might as well get a MALICE pack... the Army is trying to figure out a way to make a similar ALICE pack without using an ALICE design. I personally gave up on the MOLLE rucksack and only use my medium alice. I only use MOLLE for school and even then ALICE is authorized lol I used it for Air Assault and EIB.
On the Armada store website there is a 60 liter Russian Army backpack on sale for $80 right now you can also find High volume German army backpacks pretty cheaply too
I sold my old molle packs, they weighed 10lbs, with out anything in it. They are tough, I may just be getting old. I don't want all of the weight. I served during the Alice Pack days.
Tiger stripe is the best camouflage pattern out there it's better than anything else the military has come up with work great in Vietnam can work great anywhere else
I recent replaced my ACU pattern gear with OCP. I wore my MOLLE 4000 for the first time with 35 lbs for a six mile ruck during my last guard drill. I'm 5'5" and this pack is too big for me. I'll have to adjust it to fit my torso better. My shoulders were pretty sore after the ruck. I'll have to seriously dial it in to make it comfortable. Otherwise, I'll just have to suffer with Army equipment that never fits me correctly.
So it’s a Sabre SF with an under pocket rather than rockets plus the usual forces accoutrements. I prefer the Sabre based on a cursory look at that one but it does look good and likely won’t be as expensive.
I have an Alps commander back pack has over 5000 sq inch main section with an external metal frame. It also has a holster for a rifle or anything similarly shaped the main pack also detaches from the frame so things can be strapped to your back. It's only 110$. IDK why the army would develop its own if there is already one developed and cheap.
Nice little exclusive you've got there! Some questions/thoughts: Is that still Multicam, or the new Scorpion-or-whatever-they're-calling it pattern? Looks a little greener/darker than old Multicam, but I can't tell. The bag has an odd shape to it, and seems a bit unwieldy, although I'm thinking it needs a lot of give for use with vests and other gear. The lumbar belt looks awesome, and it has that convex shape in the frame I've seen in the newer Osprey backpacks. Should provide better weight distribution to the hips, plus better ventilation for the back (although again...vest). 2:43 - Yeah, I'm curious what that's all about, too.
![Comparing Rucks [US ARMY vs USMC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/uRsJzsJWGk4/mqdefault.jpg)
What do you all think about the MOLLE 4000?
Expect to see more of this pack into the future....right now I'm getting ready to hit the road!
ROAD TRIP 2018 is about to begin!
- Luke
Very cool pack! From one Luke to another -- Thanks for all of the great content on your channel. It's given me a lot of ideas for future adventures!
That's great to hear brother.
Enjoy and stay safe. - Luke
TheOutdoorGearReview this pack vs Molle 2 rucksack to test out durability comfort and just how much room each one would really hold especially for someone who is hiking camping hunting trapping or just wants a good bug out bag
Totally have one. It's an awesome pack.
Looks awesome. I am curious as to how much the pack weighs empty, without the paradrop straps.
I was part of one of the units in 82nd that field tested this ruck. I jumped it I humped it, and it’s garbage. That Molle webbing is useless to parartroopers, we can’t mount a lot of stuff on the outside anyway, there are too many adjustment straps to get snagged during an exit, I don’t know who they contoured the frame straps for but in my platoon it fit basically nobody properly, and we were told we could only safely jump with it four times. Derigging on the ground in the dark is a nightmare because of the integrated air items, and all they do when you’re not jumping is add extra weight. It also doesn’t have any sustainment pouches. Which were the best thing about the original molle ruck. We pushed this up the chain after testing them for about 8 months and were promptly ignored when we said they sucked.
What was wrong with the large alice I jumped through the nineties? Some Senators Brother-in law is part of this company
I tested that ruck too and it really fits no one and sucks over all. I'll take and Alice or molle over it anyday
I am a former paratrooper and have been hauling gear around the world. Though I have not been near one of those, the youtuber sounds like he hasn't a real clue. Slick with three - five outside pockets should suffice. Look at Berghaus, that is what special operations units use; at least in some European countries.
This new ruck is compatible with alice frames though which is dope. I'd rather hump it on a mystery ranch frame then continue using the molle 2
@@esr243 to be fair, Luke has previously stated he has never been in the military. That being said, some of his comments actually had me asking "WTF?!". And I've been watching his channel for a little while!
Army: What do you want?
Soldiers: Smaller sack with modular compartments.
Army: I'm hearing big sack with more cubic space.
Soldiers: No, smaller with more modular compartments!
Army: Big sack with more cubic space it is. Thanks for your input.
There's a reason nobody ever goes back from the medium rucksack once they make the switch.
Well you jump into a field training exercise sometimes the medium ruck just isn't big enough, plus, a HUGE plus is this has integrated air items. This was made for airborne units. If you can get away with smaller then you have the medium ruck or the 3 day assualt pack.
With all the stuff they want you to carry, a big open pack is better. What I think the real problem is, and I bet it goes all the way back to the Roman legions, is they have a senior NCO figure out the maximum amount of equipment you will be forced to carry, have the Army's best puzzle solvers figure out how to pack it in the smallest volume possible, and then have the engineers specify dimensions on the bag 10% smaller. Because if the grunts aren't bitching, something's wrong. Then you're the a-hole for sacrificing 5 virgins to the volcano gods to get the pack loaded with all the gear that someone not going on the exercise decided you had to take.
And 82nd Airborne guys that field tested it hated it. See Jacob McInnes comments above.
Did the soviets get it right again with the Rd-54 and NVA ruck? small packs in of themselves but can be combined together to become bigger rucks.
I dunno, I am more partial to a pack with large main compartments, with the ability to ad more pockets and containers. Any thoughts?
Ex New Zealand infantry man from the early 1980's,my old Alice pack is still going strong on my weekly pack marches and trips to the bush.
the military needs to get away from using any Velcro...you do not realize how loud it is when used on a dark night...
Alan de Michael that's true. Very loud on a dark night. Not as loud on a light night, and almost silent during the day. But very very loud on a dark night
Nah, a good soldier can just mask the sound using a simple trick
th-cam.com/video/vSK3maq8Cyk/w-d-xo.html
Now that's funny.
good for fire start?ing
So glad I'm out!!!!
I still use my ALICE 😎
Id use an ALICE. Except im 6 foot 6, its too short. Which is a pity Id like a frame at times.
I use a Brit Longback. Simply because it fits my back perfectly.I put 25kg in it did a 15km hike. Way too much weight but just wanted the test of weight strap wear on my body. Bit ottp but what the hell lol. End of day, I'm stuffed but no rubbing chaffing so im happy
Sure wish it had bottom access and other features would be nice.
@@ozdavemcgee2079 I've taken to using the Shortback bergen (I'm, a short F-er 5'9"). I actually like that it has no bottom access -- no zipper to blowout, and if I'm after my fartsack, I'm pretty much taking everything else out anyway. Not being in the military, it's not such a deal anymore to keep everything possible packed to leave an area quickly. It rides better than the old Lg ALICE pack, and like ALICE benefits from adding a sternum strap.
I also like the PLCE belt kit. Load up on Utility pouches, and it keeps most of the torso open for those hot summer days, so I don't have to carry a pack at all. I really think the Brits made much better equipment in many cases than the U.S. did.
I got an ALICE Large in 1978 and then found one (all beat up) and turned in the found one to CIF. I kept my original ALICE from 1978 until I retired in 2014. It went to the field, on six deployments, and on many personal multi-day hikes. I did replace the frame once back around 2002, it had cracked and squeaked like crazy when I was walking. That drove me nuts. Anyway, my solid green ALICE served me well. Is it the best ruck in the world? Nah, but it never failed to perform and all the young troops knew who I was in Iraq because I was the only AWG SGM with an OD Green ALICE.
I agree, after being gifted a Shortback bergen, I acquired the PLCE belt kit, and put the pouches on an LCII belt with Blackhawk pad (I wanted to use the M12 holster which was near impossible to get on the PLCE belt). Works great, and I agree, they had better kit.
I also like the no bottom access, and the only zippers being on the top and mess tin pouch, and the ones for the side pouch really just stabilize it, and you have the Fastex buckles and can run the compression straps through the loops on the back to carry the load.
My two criticisms are no sternum strap (easy to fix), and no quick release (easy to fix if you can sew).
Back in the early 90's, I was stationed at Fort Drum. I was issued one of the fancy new rucks. I had a friend stationed at Fort Devens with the 10th Group. I showed him and his friends this new ruck, and the one response that said it all was, "Great, now they will want us to carry more shit!".
Was that the monstrosity that featured an internal frame and the detachable assault pack? If it is, we tested it for a couple of field problems when I was in the 101st, and those in charge said, "we like the assault pack, so we're keeping those, but take the main ruck back and give us our large Alice packs back."
And for whatever reason, I was told I didn't have to turn in the assault pack when I was getting out-they didn't want it. I suppose that they lost their zeal for that little bag as well.
We tested the Molle 4000 in 1BCT 82ND Airborne Division. We had a few issues with it. Some of our equipment ripped through the material one item being a ASIP radio. The harness single point release was not constructed as well so some of the lanyards ataching the release handle were ripping off. Other than that they were not bad.
(Airborne and Ranger School in '77; some things might have changed.) You needed to explain what the straps in the bottom compartment were used for in a parachute jump. We jumped with the parachute on our back and the reserve on our chest. The rucksack was in the front against your thighs - which will hurt you when you do your Parachute Landing Fall (P.L.F.). Just before landing, you released a strap and the pack fell (6 feet...?) below you and swayed back and forth. The rifle was strapped to your leg; so that had to be released as well. I have forgotten both until almost too late! But then, I only made two regulation P.L.F.'s in my life; something always went wrong (usually the wind at the last second). My 'favorite' choice was heels, butt, back of head while trying to face into the wind while landing (forward movement canceled by wind).
So glad I'll never wear one! DD214 for the win!
7 more years for me 😭😭😭
M3oWcaboose rip, its great though other than the fact you get fat.
My large ruck fits me well and has for the last 22 years.
Toted a ALICE Large an a MOLLE 2 for many years my back is screwed but I manage
I keep forgetting that the 82nd are used as guinea pigs.
Yes, their chutes have an incredibly high failure rate over the British chutes.
Yea if anything survives the SF Rangers or 82nd then it passes and is issued to other units.
That actually looks really good, in the british infantry we now use the fight light method where we use just webbbing/battlebelt and a day sack, our begens are now on vehicles etc.
Everything old is new again. Same method we used in the late 70's.
This was made mainly for airborne operations because all of the components for the harness system store in the bottom of the bag. All of you guys who want one can pick them up if you live near FT Bragg. We were testing these 2 years ago and i still went to my old Alice pack.
LMAO! I did too. I modified my ALICE pack and jumped it instead of that POS MOLLE! I jumped more than 100 pounds on more occasions that I care to remember! My ALICE served me well (and I still have it). This is just another piece of military equipment that went to the lowest bidder and the good idea fairies.
I last time I saw an ALICE patch was in 2008 while reclassing at Fort Eustis and the last time I used one was in 2004.
gymtard, if you have a place to contact, hook a Brother up !
I am retired (11B) and in Chicago.
That would make a great assault pack for me.
Looks to be slightly bigger than the Blackhawk 3 Day pack.
The SGT FU Channel www.allamericansurplus.com. not sure if they delivery but i can pretty much assure you they will have some. If not check EBay and also take a look at the multicam medium ruck the army was issuing too
Everyone I know in the 82 used the Alice it’s better abs lighter
I'll keep my ALICE pack. Been wearing it since I was a teenager. Still wear it when I go backpacking
with the alice pack.... were you running a medium or a large ? thanks !
I love the look of that backpack and envy the guys testing it right now. The thing I like about it mostly is the ability to attach sleeping bags, liner, and other heavy items in the upper part of the bag so the user isn't weighted down by items hanging low. In my opinion it is nice and it would have been great if it had been made water resistant like some of the older bags
I wonder what it costs. If it costs a lot, then civilian bags like mystery ranch and eberlestock would do the job better.
Terminology corrections:
Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) or Scorpion W2, not Multicam. The "digital pattern" is named UCP (Universal Camouflage Pattern).
ACU (Army Combat Uniform) refers to the uniform (like BDU), not the pattern.
When I was a young man I served in the 82nd Airborne and looking at this video with my Paratrooper eyes, I am intrigued. I found rigging a ruck to jump was a pain and humping a ruck in the boonies a bigger pain. On long marches with an old alice pack used to hurt my back. I think this would hurt a lot less and I am glad my old unit is getting it.
Finally and older troop like me. I've humped and jumped with all 3 Allis rucks and they were built to last but comfort wasn't on the agenda. Painful set up
I am interested in how comfortable you say it is after a bit of testing. Being a marine I know first hand most US packs are not all that comfortable!.....LOL
Civilians don't have a clue when you are rucking with a 65 pound field pack,weapon and carrying your gunners ammo as well.
@@TheHemiphil81 especially when your gear is contracted by a civillian company that thinks its warriors are just going on a 2 day casual hike
I wished the USMC found a way to issue me a new back to go along with their awesome packs with xxx cubic inches of space.
Captain Quantrill, along with new knees Maybe issue it as a set?
My granddad would be saying the same if he were around still. Bless his soul 🙏
Very nice, it looks well thought out and I like the thicker waist belt, plus it allows for things to be attached to it, those springed leavers will make adjustment Much simpler. I hope they eventually sell these to the public. Oh yeah, would love to see you do a mil surp overnighter with it!
Toss a 100lbs+ and go 12 miles. I wanna know how your back feels 😂 seems wayyyy to bulky. Idk why the army does that we need slimmer and better frames.
Also, leadership who realizes the about 95% of missions dont require a 100
+ lb load out in the ruck and half the shit they require you to carry wont be used the majority of the time and isnt necesary for mission acomplishement
Yes
"Yikes," can only speak for myself, but of my 42 months in Iraq, most if not all Commanders were very good about letting use whatever rucksack we wanted to so long as we got our mission complete. I was issued a pack like this and it stayed in the plastic until I got off of active duty.
Velcro is a NO-GO.
I used and jumped this pack for about a year: good for airborne operations, not the best for really long marches. oh and those channels on the top are for airborne operations, they stow the tension straps which are part of the modiied harness single point release that comes with the pack which is attached into the frame before use, not stored in the bottom pocket.
No strap height adjustment to torso, No load lifters, not personally into top loading.... mehh. But the waist belt and buckle looks very good
its 4000 cubic inches of bad design. We tested these in 2015. Poor design and the reinforced frame just means it will break at mile 6 instead of mile 5 on a ruck march. Again, it is a bad design.
Mathew Paul ...seems like the packs you guys use are made tough but lack features of modern day hiking packs that make long hikes less harsh
Robert Mackrell Can you give me the names of the Polish and Dutch rucksacks ? and do you think that those rucksack are better than Molle ii or FILEB ?? Best regards
I have had one for a couple years. I did a 12 mile with 55 POUNDS. My biggest complaint are the shoulder straps. The padding terminates too far from the frame, creating a pinch point and chews up the top of the wearers shoulders.
Also I'm getting separation of the stitching.
Pro is similar to size to large alive and the external pocket is great.
Really cool pack' would like to see a follow up with attachments and durability .
Great review Luke!
Something I would like to see on this pack is like on the USMC ILBE ruck sack. it has a bungee pocket on the bottom sides of the pack so you can stow a mortar tube along the side. putting a mortar tube under the lid makes an awkward weight and if not strapped properly they just fall out of the ruck
I just noticed this ruck has the same hip buckle as the MOLLE II ruck. That's a problem if it is indeed the exact same buckle, as they were notorious for loosening up over time on their own. Should have gone with a standard SRB style buckle.
Holy heck! That pack is huge! I could pack up my whole house in it. Well, not really, but my mom would would have LOVED it when she would pack for vacation. Have to be quite a hiker to carry that around fully loaded.
The slots at the top are for the H harness used to rig you pack to parachute rig. Good video.
What I was going say. I used to jump with a large ALICE back in the early 90's. Still have that ALICE. CIF was nice enough to issue Med Rucks, but bought the large because I was told too! Lol
I could also see you being able to run the straps from your camel back or assault pack through those holes pretty easily with the quick releases on the straps they have
You all beat me to it. I was just going to say that.
That's cool
Learn something new everyday
But I thought it was being tested with the 82nd. They are an air mobile division that fast ropes in helicopters. The 101st are the paratroopers since a good while
I used one for over 6 months and loved it. It's a great GP ruck, carries a week's worth if needed, at least spring-fall. My mission needs have changed though so I now carry an eberlestock j107m.
Great video! I was in the 2/504 PIR, and we were part of testing The first version of the MOLLE pack. Many times the frames would break on jumps, that being said, this is looking like a good piece of kit. Thanks for posting!
Sincerely, Sgt. J 2/504 PIR 82nd Airborne. OEF II.
I'm glad you mentioned 'and so on.' Otherwise I wouldn't have realized.
The open slots on top are to run the H harness though it for airborne operations
My sons in the 82nd and has the pack.very nice indeed
Great review! I ordered one of these molle 4000 rucks about 7 months ago on ebay for a pretty good deal. It said the words "test item" under the packs main flap. I've owned alot of packs over the years especially military packs. Its a pretty nice pack I do like the shoulder straps and waistbelt fits really snug and comfortable but overall design I wasnt that impressed. I personally think the multicam molle 2 large ruck is a little better. Theres not alot of room in the molle 4000 for a sleep system unlike the large molle 2 ruck which has a seperate compartment. I do like that they improved frame though its very tough but it does add a little weight! The size of the pack is kinda unique aswell. 4,000 cubic inches which is a 1,000 cubes less than the molle 2 large ruck. But if you put the two molle 2 sustainment pouches on it they would be the same size. The molle 4000 makes sense for paratroopers but thats who it was designed for. This is just my personal opinion and its still a great pack and very well made. Keep in mind this pack is still being tested by the military so they may add or subtract bits and pieces of this pack before its fully released. Testing is expected to be finished by 2019.
Those button slits at the top are for the H-harness which is how you rig your items for jumps.
I would love to see a comparison with the older pack styles and an overnight would be great also........... thank you for showing me this one.
I’d also like to see the review after a 12 mile ruck.
The straps on front go through the top button passthroughs to the shoulder straps. This allows to shift weight up or down while moving out
I'd like to see a MOLLE 4000 vs MOLLE II comparison, so we can see the nuts and bolts of how (assuming) the 4000 is any better than the earlier generation. I don't really see the 4000 beating the FILBE for volume or versatility. The 4000 looks like it would be a much better field pack than the MOLLE II, given the lower volume and additional webbing. Good find, Luke!
I've been using one of the test packs for a little over a year now. It's an excellent ruck! A vast improvement over the large MOLLE. It's an outstanding combination of the ALICE and MOLLE systems. I love this piece of kit!
Agreed... military surplus outing. It is cool you got your hands on one of these packs.
I'm SOD-K and we are using this pack in everyday use
Those slots on the lid are for the jump harness to slide into.
Great video! Quick note, at about 6:45 you say in previous versions it featured the "ACU" pattern. ACU is not a camouflage pattern, it is a uniform cut. UCP is the camouflage pattern of the Army, currently (though I'm aware they are phasing that out).
While UCP is the technical name, people in the ACU days only ever called it ACU. My Drill Sergeants called the pattern ACU. I came in during these fabulous OCP days but of course Basic Training gets us all gear in the previous pattern.
just a geuss but the zipper on top can access a radio, the 2 slots can secure the antenna , not the 10 ft whip of course but the 4 ft. used to do it in the 80s
Garbage... I'm a 20 year retired combat infantryman and a licenced 4 season backcountry guide. The Army needs to get with Osprey for a slimmer and better compartmentalized and modular ruck. Stuff sacks, compression straps, body forming kidney pads, and internal suspension. The Army needs to come out of the Alice pack concept. Even the mountaineering pack built by Wild Things Gear is better. They even have an NSN.
Why don't you make it and sell it to the army?
@Steve Sherman, I'm not so sure about that. I loved rucking with the older generation Molle 2, even with a 60 lb + load plus full battle rattle. Plus, there is no comparison to the durability and longevity of military grade rucks.
To each their own i guess.
I am the Infantry, Follow me!
They tried that with the ILBE. Should have been perfect, but was torture when wearing the rear plate in your armor. That's why they went back to the MOLLE design with the FILBE
I have a Kelty Falcon 4000 Military Pack that is a lot better than that junk!
What do you think of the USMC rucksack? I believe their ruck was made by Arc'teryx. I have a new one, just have not used it yet. I loved my old ALICE pack for field use.
when mollie packs were first out we had a factory rep come to our unit to tell us how great it was. he told us the plastic frames were indestructible. the Co. told one of our bigger Cpl's to go break it so he grabbed the frame top and bottom and folded it in half with no problem and it snapped in two. the rep was speechless and was out of sorts for the next two days till he left with his tail between his legs.
I still like my large rucksack; I've had the same one for over 22 years now.
Sh*t, I still have a Bergen from the 1970s !
That's a nice looking pack. I have one of the older military molly packs. Good pack but I had an issue with the frame cracking when it was heavily loaded. Hopefully this frame is stronger. That small bottom pocket is unusual. Thanks for sharing Luke!
I like it. You'll have to let us know when civilians can buy one.
You got it brother.
- Luke
Gary Mathis if I was 30 years younger maybe.
They are on eBay for under $200.. that's where I got mine.
I dont get why people want Army gear. Either way, I find it funny that civilians want Army gear, and the soldiers I work with always buy their own gear haha
I love Army gear for low performance glam-camping and tool hauling for day hikes. Its cheap and tough. I also like GI boots for construction since they are also cheap on Ebay and I have wide feet. Unlike some expensive civilian boots, GI boots are tough on all around. Combat boots not best for straight hiking but construction isn't hiking. @@operhater7386
Wow this pack looks a lot alike to the USMC's Marine Pack.
Reminds me of the Warrior assault systems 60 Litre day sack which I highly recommend 👍🏻
I served in the Army for 15 years and the ONLY time I WORE a rucksack was in basic training...after that when in an active duty unit the ruck stayed in the vehicle and was never worn.
Nice looking pack. Hopefully lighter than my MOLLE II. I want to see a military surplus outing with just US military gear. Usually you mix it up with military surplus from several different countries. Then after the US surplus outing do the same with another country. All gear from one country at a time.
Live To Survive so your gonna get a pack that you can put a house in but your gonna hope its lighter than the other molle 2vpack lol you guys trip me out with worriying about the weight of these gigantic packs.
Live To Survive
Yeah, it'd basically be like an MRE channel at that point.
Yes sir, I couldn't agree more for the military surplus overnighter. I really enjoy all your videos brother. Keep'em coming. Take care! 🖒🖒
I'm in a Mechanized unit and I got the MOLLE 4000
Got something similar, unissued, marked US, probably another iteration of test gear, on the eBay surplus market recently. It was described as used but clearly had never been issued. Cost, I think, was a little less than $50. Chose it to pack a full-day's mountain gear in variable late autumn weather and as much butchered elk as I can carry. The blinking thing is so voluminous you might pack in small central Americans in the off season.
Powerman 4000 loves his new rucksack.
If the 82nd AB are testing it their not done with it. Changes will be made. I know worked with the AB and SF at Fort Bragg.
Will definitely find out if the frame is stronger...we broke so many frames on the old MOLLE on jumps...
Cute
Tom ?
Tom cute what?
Barely anyone uses it
My only requests would be to put some real weight in it (50# to 60#) and spend a couple of hours in each. Where is your center of gravity in each? How well do they distribute the weight? Overall stability? I'm almost betting that the first thing to go on those things are those spring loaded belt adjusters which would leave you SOL for a belt if that were the case. Thanks for all you do!
If you have to, you just tie the fabric ends of the belt together and cinch it tight. Improvised belt buckle. Wont be comfy but it will get you off the X.
I’m guessing it didn’t pass the testing phase lol
It did. Or we got it issued to us to keep testinf
I like my packs sub 3lbs these days but I love this.
I have the same pack but in the ACU pattern. Very comfortable with a lot of room. Like the pack just not don't like the ACU color. Oh well that's what RIT clothes de is for.
The sleeves with the buttons are for seating the airborne rig
the two buttons and flaps at the top are for bladder hose access...
Put some weight in it and see but I still think smaller rucks are the way to go. I’ve got a medium molle II with sustainment pouches on it and a ranger roll underneath made up out of an acu tarp and a heavy wool blanket. I can carry all my key survival gear and four days rations, a gas mask and 300 rods of ammo as well as my British goretex parka over the top. I think it’s an ideal ruck and I do 8 miles a day on the weekends, and I’m a 57 year old man! 🧑🏻🦯🤣🤣🤣🤣
I guess some people carry crap on the outside but I never did. I harried a Large Ruck and everything went inside, that stuff on the outside gets caught on EVERYTHING when you are snooping and pooping at night. It makes you wider. ... and if they make it bigger that mean you will have to jump more crap, slowing you down.
Ig I'm going to be carrying my house while on patrol
Great video, Nice pack. I was given a pack similar to this one a few years ago (internal frame). It had been in consideration but had not been given any further consideration due pouches fixed to the sides. I’ve taken my pack out a few times and it is quite comfortable with pack weights up to 40 pounds.
I'd love to see it compared to the molle 2 and see a good winter overnight adventure and see how the military sleep system fits in it
Ha the army hasn't made a pack yet that when the sleep system or any of their sleeping bags would fit and still have room for all the other gear you have to carry for mission. They should still be issuing pack mules for all that
Yes, please do a versus with both, the FILBE and MOLLE II
Also there is a new internal dry bag/roll top dry sack,thats roaming around that is alot better for that system.
Point of correction: that's not multicam, it's OCP scorpion, although it looks similar. The Army modified multicam to get around Crye's restrictive licensing that was inflating prices. Crye sued, but lost.
Actually the army developed OCP ie scorpion pattern first and Crye took the base and made some changes and came up with multi cam. Something to,do with how the pattern runs. If I remember correctly OCP has to run vertically. Not sure about that. But Ctye wanted more than the army wanted to pay so they went with their version instead. So Crye really had not grounds to sue and hemce lost
@@harrisdail9939 that's not accurate.
@@VintageTeak yea it is
Nice Pack. Hey Luke... just wanted to say hi. lol Thumbs up as always. Peace & Be Safe !
You might as well get a MALICE pack... the Army is trying to figure out a way to make a similar ALICE pack without using an ALICE design. I personally gave up on the MOLLE rucksack and only use my medium alice. I only use MOLLE for school and even then ALICE is authorized lol I used it for Air Assault and EIB.
i'm astonished with the place than the backpack
I'm all for the military surplus overnight adventure!
On the Armada store website there is a 60 liter Russian Army backpack on sale for $80 right now you can also find High volume German army backpacks pretty cheaply too
I can’t wait to run with this on
I sold my old molle packs, they weighed 10lbs, with out anything in it. They are tough, I may just be getting old. I don't want all of the weight. I served during the Alice Pack days.
Tiger stripe is the best camouflage pattern out there it's better than anything else the military has come up with work great in Vietnam can work great anywhere else
Looks very much like an alternate woodland camo MOLLE II pack I saw picture of 10 years ago
Glad They Let The Sol Get Inv😤
I recent replaced my ACU pattern gear with OCP. I wore my MOLLE 4000 for the first time with 35 lbs for a six mile ruck during my last guard drill. I'm 5'5" and this pack is too big for me. I'll have to adjust it to fit my torso better. My shoulders were pretty sore after the ruck. I'll have to seriously dial it in to make it comfortable. Otherwise, I'll just have to suffer with Army equipment that never fits me correctly.
So it’s a Sabre SF with an under pocket rather than rockets plus the usual forces accoutrements. I prefer the Sabre based on a cursory look at that one but it does look good and likely won’t be as expensive.
It looks like they combined a medium ruck (second best piece of equipment ever issued by the Army,after the woobie) and a standard molle II ruck.
Snap sleeves for optional pass through for comms or hoses hooked on pals webbing.
Thats what im talking bout right there. Military tough but made to roll...
The MOLLE 4000 seems like a great addition to my emergency gear.
Go Army! I like the camouflage pattern. When I was in, we had the ALICE pack........I’m getting old. That’s a cool looking pack. As seen on TH-cam
I have an Alps commander back pack has over 5000 sq inch main section with an external metal frame. It also has a holster for a rifle or anything similarly shaped the main pack also detaches from the frame so things can be strapped to your back. It's only 110$. IDK why the army would develop its own if there is already one developed and cheap.
you hit the nail on the head.
I really like this PACK. seems to have it all !!! Thanks Luke !
Just got one on eBay . www.ebay.com/itm/144033168199
Nice little exclusive you've got there!
Some questions/thoughts:
Is that still Multicam, or the new Scorpion-or-whatever-they're-calling it pattern? Looks a little greener/darker than old Multicam, but I can't tell.
The bag has an odd shape to it, and seems a bit unwieldy, although I'm thinking it needs a lot of give for use with vests and other gear.
The lumbar belt looks awesome, and it has that convex shape in the frame I've seen in the newer Osprey backpacks. Should provide better weight distribution to the hips, plus better ventilation for the back (although again...vest).
2:43 - Yeah, I'm curious what that's all about, too.
Oh boy the pack is in ocp not mutlicam and the old digital is called UCP not ACU.
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, I want one, I want one, I want one. Excellent video. Hope I can hoard wond of these when they are released. thanks luke
Looks like it's ALICE frame compatible. This is an awesome inclusion. (y)
Nice pack, but the main idea is the same like filbe. It's cool that it has ventilation on back