Most people critique ALICE LBE gear for being old, outdated, and primative compared to more modern load bearing options. I would agree that we have systems out there that will carry more and will weigh less. However, the ALICE LBE system was not just some impulsive design, but was the culmination of years or research, testing, and investment. Even after the ALICE system was put into service, there were constant changes to improve this belt and suspenders method of carrying all your fighting gear. In the end, it was replaced by MOLLE, and now the surplus market is being flooded with it's successor. So what use could ALICE gear have for us?
BELT & SUSPENDERS CONCEPT
The idea of using a belt to mount and carry your fighting load is not a completely dead system by any means. Up until a few years ago, people were in love with mounting EVERYTHING on their plate carriers or on their chest rigs. This extreme increase in weight to your torso only has been found to be detrimental to your back and core in general due to the fact that there is such a lack of symmetry of weight . Recently the concept of the "battle belt" has brought that weight back down onto the hips and effectively allowed the weight to be more logically and effectively distributed to the load bearing center of the body. This recent change reminds me of the IIFS/LBV88E system where the military was toying with moving some of the load such as ammo onto the chest while keeping the sustainment load on the hips for the most part.
The British Army still uses their own version of the ALICE LBE called the PLCE Belt Kit. They are often seen using a slick plate carrier and a fully loaded belt and suspenders system. They seem to prefer this method over going with all the gear on the torso like the US military. This does not mean that they fully reject carrying ANY gear on their plate carriers, but it is usually limited. I really admire the way the British PLCE system works, but I am aware that most veterans of the system will quickly recommend a few modifications that sound alot like the LBV88E along with padding for the belt to prevent chafing. So yeah, the ALICE LBE system is old, but the concept of it is still used today by the British and Australian armies.
A LOOK AT COMPONENTS
If we are going to look at the ALICE LBE system, we are going to have to look at some of the components designed to be strapped onto the belt. Each component has a set of uses that seem to have gone unnoticed, so I am hoping to bring some of these qualities to light. First piece of gear I want to present is the canteen, canteen cover and cup.
The idea of still using a canteen for hydrating yourself seems antiquated and a bit foreign for some people out there. Often the idea of taking a sip and having a bunch of water sloshing around is not very appealing compared to a camelback which you can drink on the go with comparative ease. However, canteens are still a solid option for carrying water since they are durable, lightweight & compact, and allow you to collect water with relative ease. The canteen cup is merely a way in which you can boil water for field sanitation or for meal preparation. I do not currently have the little sheet metal stove that fits around the canteen cup, however. The canteen cover is lined with a fleece material that helps insulate the canteen in the cold, and in the heat. If you are working in the heat, it is often recommended to soak the inside of the cover/carrier with water in order to keep your canteen cool. The cover comes with a small side pocket designed to carry a bottle of Iodine pills for sanitizing potable water and making it more drinkable, but not quite palatable. I find this canteen system to be quite convenient. The cup provides a rigid frame for the cover and helps with getting the canteen in and out smoothly.
The 2 quart bladder is something that is rarely considered as more than a method of refilling canteens. However, with the addition of an inexpensive item called a canteen straw, you can help modernize your canteens and use them on the go. The cover is easily mounted to your belt and will work better than two canteens while reducing weight and space on the belt. However, you won't have the canteen cup, if that is even important to you and your mission.
The ammunition pouches are one of the most controversial components. They easily carry 3 STANAG mags or 2 .308 rifle mags with plenty of room in between. The best way to lift 20 round .308 rifle mags is to put a thin bandage like a triangle bandage at the bottom of the pouch. The grenade flaps can be used as an anchor for dummy cord or to hang a dump pouch. The latch that keeps the pouch closed is a bittle brittle, but it is terrific for the winter weather when you are wearing thick gloves. You merely find the big wad of plastic, run your fingers down until you feel the thin little arms protruding, and simply pinched them together while pushing them up. There is no tiny flap to find and no velcro or buttons. I still like this system for carrying mags that I am going to reload my pouches from. It does alot of different things for you but it isn't going to win any points for speed.
The SAW pouch is arguably the best pouch to be converted into a utility pouch or a huge ammo pouch. The pouch was designed to hold a 200 round drum for the M249, which means it can carry a good amount of stuff, if packed properly. It can also easily store 5 .308 mags or 6 STANAG mags. It is secured via a long strap of Velcro across the front opening and a single button in the middle. This might work well as a low profile alternative to the buttpack.
There are other items that I could cover, but they don't warrant much mention due to their relative antiquated status or just simple unnecessary nature such as the med kit or compass pouch. The med kit is a step down and the compass pouch is a hard piece to find a purpose for when we have pockets on our body and elsewhere to place small items.
After carrying mostly MOLLE vests and chest rigs where all the weight is on your torso, it takes a little adjustment when changing to having the weight more around the hips. You look down and think that you are either missing something or that you have room for more crap. It can be a little odd at first, but it works well for range of motion and pocket utilization Once you get used to the new way of carrying your fighting load, I think you will end up appreciating the system.
The ALICE LBE system is old, but it still has some useful qualities. I would recommend upgrading to the LBV88 Enhanced while either utilizing a buttpack or using a SAW pouch in order to store extra food, a light poncho/tarp, and small articles like 550 cord, chemlights, etc. Regardless, you can easily store all your needs on a belt system while still having some room left for more ammo or a pistol. The choice is yours but I encourage you to try it out because you might just be surprised.
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