The complete MOLLE and PALS guide

The term MOLLE stands for Modular Lightweight Load‑carrying Equipment, while PALS refers to the Pouch Attachment Ladder System. PALS is the grid of one‑inch nylon webbing stitched onto packs, vests and plate carriers at 1½‑inch intervals. MOLLE is the broader ecosystem that uses this grid to attach pouches, holsters and accessories. In other words, PALS is the fabric “ladder,” and MOLLE is the family of gear that mounts to it.

Before MOLLE there was ALICE (All‑purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment). Adopted in 1973, ALICE gear used metal “slide keepers” (often called ALICE clips) to attach pouches to a belt. While more durable than earlier canvas gear, ALICE was criticized for poor weight distribution and floppy pouches. The Army’s Individual Integrated Fighting System (IIFS) tried to improve on this in the late 1980s, but soldiers reported that its internal‑frame pack was unstable and uncomfortable. These shortcomings led to the development of MOLLE in the mid‑1990s. MOLLE entered limited use in 1997 and saw wide adoption after 9/11.

Anatomy of a MOLLE System

The PALS grid. All MOLLE panels share the same foundation: rows of heavy‑duty one‑inch nylon webbing sewn onto a backing fabric. Military‑spec PALS webbing is stitched every 1½ inches. Civilian packs often mimic these measurements, though some use laser‑cut laminates to reduce weight.

Attachment straps. MOLLE pouches typically have nylon straps on their back with snaps or “tuck tabs.” These are woven through both the pouch and the platform to create a secure connection. Some pouches use hook‑and‑loop tabs or polymer clips instead of straps.

Optional hardware.

• SlickStick® (5.11 Tactical) – a stiff strap with a snap that slides through the webbing and pulls free quicklycrateclub.com.
• MOLLE clips – rigid clips designed to weave between the webbing and lock into place for heavier gear.
• Weave‑and‑tuck – using a sewn‑in strap, you weave through both grids and tuck the end back into a slot.

Comparing Attachment Systems: ALICE, MALICE, WTFix and More

ALICE clips. In the ALICE system, pouches are attached to the belt using metal “slide keepers.” These clips slid over the belt and through grommets on the pouch. Although robust, the metal can corrode and the clips do not weave through PALS webbing, which makes them less stable on modern platforms.

Tactical Tailor MALICE® clips. Tactical Tailor introduced MALICE clips to improve on sewn‑in MOLLE straps. These clips are injection‑molded from heavy‑duty polymer and designed to withstand extreme temperatures without corroding. MALICE clips are ideal for heavy pouches or items you intend to leave in place because they provide a rigid, non‑stretch connection. However, weaving them through the webbing can be stiff and time‑consuming, and removing them requires a tool.

Whiskey Two‑Four WTFix™ straps. To offer a slimmer alternative, Whiskey Two‑Four developed the WTFix strap. These straps are laser‑cut from Hypalon, a rubber‑like synthetic material. WTFix straps are low profile, lightweight and strong. They come in short (two‑row) and long (three‑row) lengths and are installed by weaving them through the PALS webbing on both the pouch and the platform. The flexibility of Hypalon makes them easier to install and remove than rigid MALICE clips, but their grip relies on friction rather than a locking latch; very heavy pouches may sag if you choose a strap that is too short.

Modern variations. Many companies now offer their own attachment solutions—Blackhawk! speed clips, Maxpedition TacTie straps, MOLLE‑Lok rigid clips and more. All are designed to interface with PALS webbing and offer various trade‑offs between rigidity, weight and ease of use.

How to Attach MOLLE Gear (The Right Way)

A common mistake is to thread a strap down through the host webbing, snap it and call it good. Proper MOLLE installation is slower but ensures that gear doesn’t wobble.

1. Plan your layout. Assess your gear and decide where each item should go based on size, weight and frequency of use. Heavier items should sit lower and closer to your body to maintain balance.
2. Start at the bottom. Hold the strap or clip at its snap end and thread it through the bottom row of webbing on your platform. For pouches with multiple straps or clips, weave both at the same time to maintain equal tension.
3. Weave through both grids. Pass the strap back through the first row of webbing on the pouch. Continue weaving—platform, pouch, platform, pouch—until you reach the top.
4. Secure the closure. Snap the strap’s button or lock the clip. MALICE clips need to be fully engaged; a flat‑tipped tool is required to unlock them later. WTFix straps rely on friction, so make sure they’re tightened and woven properly.
5. Test and adjust. Tug on the pouch to confirm it doesn’t wobble and adjust the placement if necessary.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

• Don’t skip rows. Use every webbing slot available; skipping rows produces a loose attachment that bounces.
• Distribute weight sensibly. Keep heavy items low and centered. Uneven weight can cause strain or imbalance.
• Group similar items. Keep medical supplies together and place frequently used tools where your hands can reach quickly.
• Use quality gear. Military‑spec PALS webbing is precise and robust. Cheap webbing may not hold attachments securely.
• Inspect regularly. Check straps and pouches for wear and tear and clean them as needed.

How Not to Use MOLLE

• Avoid shortcutting the weave. Never just run the strap down through the host webbing and snap it; always weave back and forth through both grids.
• Don’t overload a single row. Spread gear across multiple rows to prevent tearing or sagging.
• Mix systems carefully. ALICE clips can attach to some MOLLE belts, but they don’t weave through PALS and may compromise stability. Use modern straps or clips when possible.

Final Thoughts

MOLLE is more than a webbing grid—it’s a philosophy of gear organization. By understanding the differences between attachment systems like ALICE, Tactical Tailor’s MALICE clips and Whiskey Two‑Four’s WTFix straps, and by properly weaving your pouches, you can build a loadout that is secure, balanced and adaptable. Whether you’re a soldier, paramedic, hunter or parent organizing a diaper bag, using MOLLE correctly will make carrying your gear safer and more comfortable.