Load Bearing Equipment: History, Personal Use, and Pro-Tips

[Talyn]

We’re continuing our look at ways to carry your gear and the considerations that come along with it. In particular, we’re digging into the H-Harness style load bearing equipment (LBE). This is the true evolution of classic military load carriage systems like ALICE gear and the webbing that came before it.

History, Personal Use, and Pro-Tips

 

[Talyn]

Finding a balance between the capabilities of a human to carry weight, the distinct advantages of modern equipment, and the desire to protect the individual soldier is difficult.

Load Carriage

 

[Talyn]

The intent of this post is to tie in the related concepts of tactical gear, fitness, teamwork, logistics and tactical loading, in order to present a realistic and logical way to approach the subject.

There are a number of related factors at play here;

The Practical Application of Tactical Gear, Load & Weight Considerations

 

[Talyn]

Let’s talk about the chest rig. There are a lot of ways we could take this, from classic nylons carrier to loaded down plate carriers and MOLLE vests. The focus is on the stand-alone version, but the information applies just as readily to plate carriers and the other methods. It remains true any time you’re raising the load higher on your torso.

What You Need, and What You Don’t

You should approach the chest rig about the same way you would think of a battle belt: make holes and plug holes. Your primary goal is carrying what you need while minimizing bulk.

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

Finding a balance between the capabilities of a human to carry weight, the distinct advantages of modern equipment, and the desire to protect the individual soldier is difficult.

Load Carriage

A lot to consider and I usually ask myself the same question? I have 4 different rigs, none with body armor for me and my oldest 3 kids. 1 for shotgun + pistol for all 4. 1 long range setup and 2 for short to medium range. All load out will be for shooting ability and mobility. Communication, lights, med and h2o/food. We practice as a group(no hot weapons). Paintball guns can be substituted for hot. 2 carry medium+ and 2 lite+ based on body weight, strength and stamina.

On another note there is a local guy that was in desert storm. I talked to him about load out and his ttl was 1.5x his weight. He was artillery (105 howitzer). He's about 5'3" and 150-160. He could manage, but crazy on what the army had him pack for non-mechanized unit.

 

[J.Russell.P.B.]

Let’s talk about the chest rig. There are a lot of ways we could take this, from classic nylons carrier to loaded down plate carriers and MOLLE vests. The focus is on the stand-alone version, but the information applies just as readily to plate carriers and the other methods. It remains true any time you’re raising the load higher on your torso.

What You Need, and What You Don’t

You should approach the chest rig about the same way you would think of a battle belt: make holes and plug holes. Your primary goal is carrying what you need while minimizing bulk.

View attachment 14394

I would put the knife on the belt on the chest. The hand gun on your waste.

 

[ARCTICoperator]

We’re continuing our look at ways to carry your gear and the considerations that come along with it. In particular, we’re digging into the H-Harness style load bearing equipment (LBE). This is the true evolution of classic military load carriage systems like ALICE gear and the webbing that came before it.

History, Personal Use, and Pro-Tips

View attachment 14392

I have been working Contract the last few years and have noticed a drastic shift in guys moving away from plate carriers with everything mounted on it like we all used in GWOT to slick plate carriers with chest rigs like the ones used in early days of GWOT and 60s to 90s for both work and personal. Honestly, I myself prefer the chest rig or set up like the one above now, ease of movement and the placement of everything makes it easier to move and I do not feel like all my weight is on my front, so I am not leaning forward all the time. Also, it makes going prone comfortable again. Also, what is the harness set up above I'd like to give that a try if possible, Im still shopping for something permanent to go with my plates.

 

[The Night Rider]

The hand gun on your waste.

That could get nasty

 

[The Night Rider]

This is what I carried the entire time I was in the Army. The last year I was in the National Guard, they issued a load-bearing vest but I don't remember anybody ever actually wearing it.

I think if I was going to set up an lbe today I would use the basic Alice belt picture to above but I would probably use the magazine pouches I found in the video above. I personally have a Mini-14 instead of a AR pattern rifle and those magazine pouches you can put three mini 14 magazines in each pouch.