Simple, inexpensive, highly customizable and effective...
These are descriptions that seem to be largely forgotten in the era of high dollar "tactical gear". This is the old school - a complete 1980's - 2000's ALICE LBE set. Go back to the days when a grunt's basic load didn't weigh almost as much as his own body!
If you went to basic training between 1975 and the early 2000's, this is what you would have been issued. This is the bare bones of an ALICE kit.
Most of the components are in excellent condition. The suspenders show signs of extensive use and there is a small frayed spot on the left shoulder strap (pictured). There is verdigris on the drain vent of the compass/1st aid pouch. This is the result of age and storage and will wear off with use.
It includes:
- Y-Harness- Pistol Belt (Size Large)- 2 x M-16/M-4 Magazine Pouch- 2 x 1 Qt. Canteens w/ Pouch- 1 x 1 Qt. Canteen Cup- 1 x 1st Aid/Compass Pouch
All components are in used, excellent to NOS/unissued condition.
Why dig through bins to find serviceable, individual components when you can buy a full rig?
A basic rig to carry mission essentials made by a quality tactical gear company can run hundreds of dollars. Modern aftermarket gear companies, such as Blue Force Gear, Velocity Systems and SOTECH are re-introducing old school light fighting rigs at eye watering prices. Yet, for the everyday shooter and tactician, such equipment is over priced and really only serves for bragging rights on how much money you spent. On the flip side, you could get cheap Condor, Rothco or Fox gear that will turn pink in the sun and unravel when you use it. The old fashioned G.I. LBE is the perfect alternative. Simple, inexpensive, highly customizable and effective...
It's also rather comfortable. It should be no surprise that for decades the U.S. military rejected chest rigs and vests and remained with its tried and true combat belt and suspenders combination. The LC-2 LBE remained the preferred combat gear into the early 2000's when the mandatory use of body armor and the widespread adoption of MOLLE made it less practical. Even now, there are ways to customize an old LBE to make it functional with body armor.
Yet it seems with the end of the GWOT era, the focus on the Pacific AOR and the resurgence of "battle belts" and rack systems, the old school LBE is making a comeback. While these will not entirely replace body armor in combat operations, the pendulum is swinging back the way of old school light fighting. After decades of wrapping torsos and limbs in Kevlar and ceramic tiles, soldiers and Marines are realizing that speed and comfort is a virtue (especially in hot weather), and it's no fun to have a bad back caused by your gear.
The old LBE is also a great alternative to high priced civilian gear rigs for hiking, outdoor photography, fishing and hunting.
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