Nice overview. From the wear patterns on the pouches, the squaddie probably spent a lot of time riding in a vehicle, with the pouches rubbing against seat or bench backs. Mounted ops are likely one of the reasons for chest rigs becoming popular; besides being more comfortable when seated for long periods, personal and admin gear was more readily available.
Firstly as a 23 1/2 year British veteran who used this stuff. Firstly, you start setting up the webbing belt with where you put yourammo puoches you want them on your left and right hip. You then add your various pouches. You dont use "bungees" to stop the pouches from "floppi g about" you use straps. The bungee was used on the outer side for when you where camming up during cam and conealment traing. Coukd go on but
Interesting about bungee being for camo vs. keeping the pouches from flopping around. This actually makes more sense. I never felt that these flopped around any more than ALICE and didn;t need any additional support. Thank you for the comment and if you have more to add I would be interesting in hearing!
I used PLCE for years. Very durable. The new issue belt kit in my opinion is not so good. I bought my own from JayJays. IMHO the best belt kit in the world - followed by the DZ Rig from Crossfire. The JayJays belt kit is extremely comfortable. The pouches are all stitched on…unless you buy the Chameleon. The Commanders pouch and the double ammo pouch are not included with the Chameleon. So you can customize by adding what you want via molle, JayJays webbing combined with the Patrol Yoke….is so comfortable. Any pack you then use rides on top of the pouches as well which relieves some of the weight of the pack.
Sportsman guide should still sell the Plce belt pads that are a great improvement. 3 for 15$. Canteen pouch divider Is to hold mess kit and esbit stove without rattling and It should have a sleeve for water puryfying tablets behind the tag.
Wasn't based on the ALICE system at all. I wore both '58 and P.L.C.E .58 didnt really work with anything other than the SLR and was too specialised for the 1960's battle load to be adaptable for modern weapons and loads. It was webbing and froze, increased its weight when wet. '44 pattern waterbottle pouches were Gucci additions to "58.
That black plastic clip on top of the ammo pouch and utility pouch attaches to the yoke (harness) used for carrying PLCE side pouches when they are detached from the bergen.
Your belt seem to be extended to the max?! There is two sizes of it. Looks like you´ve the smaller one. The large size is approx 4 inches longer (one size is 100 cm, the other is 110 cm). The larger sized belt helps to bring the rear attachmend for the harness and the belt buckle at the front centered. On top of that it gains more space for the pouches. Here in Germany is a actual flood of these GB webbings at the moment. You can see offers all over the place. That means, somebody opened up a big container in sime warehouse somewhere, and supplied all wholesaler here 😅😅 You can get a used, basic 5 pice set for under 20 Euro. Even new items are available for not much more money. Thanks for sharing your content.
IMO any 'belt and harness' system is the most effective load carrying method for the 'ground pounding' infantryman and especially for unsupported militia/guerilla troops. Balanced, full combat loadout capable, chest/back open for heat dissipation and rugged. Perfect.
