Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1086092
Top (external) pockets of VTLB held two 30 round M16 magazines. Lower (internal) pockets held single 30 round M16 magazines. inserted into webbing "tunnels" in the back part. The suspension system consisted of wide and padded waist belt with separate lumbar pad and 5-point attached padded shoulder straps with Torso Ladder adjustment system. Shoulder straps were connected with adjustable chest strap. On top of shoulder straps there were lifter straps attached to the top of main compartment for best weight distribution toward the waist belt. The weight was distributed far better than in ALICE packs and the whole suspension system could be better adjusted to the user. The main pack was top-loader with cord-locked main chamber with additional zippered bottom access (sleeping bag compartment). On the sides there were four small pockets with Velcro closure and buckles on the straps. The main compartment was closed with flap which could be detached and used as patrol pack. The patrol pack featured main compartment and small outside pocket. It lacked its own shoulder straps and only way to carry it was to use the attachment webbing straps or to attach it to the est. The one of the most distinctive part of first protype packs were the horizontal 2-1/4" MIL-W-4088 T/8C webbing straps with M1910 eyelets in top row, brown bottom compartment and belt (the Cordura fabric in those parts was more rugged) and the shiny nylon on shoulder straps. Lowe Alpine delivered first batch of packs to Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia where they were tested by Marine Corps Research Center. Both Army and USMC would have the equipment but there was not a joint R&D team yet. New packs were tested with IFLS vest in Minnesota Army National Guard Base in Camp Riley and by Marines during NATO "Teamwork'84" exercises in Norway in March and April 1984. The overall feedback was positive, and the idea of detachable patrol pack was highly appreciated, but there were some problems with the compatibility with IFLS vest. NLABS sent IFLS vest to Lowe Alpine in late 1984 to design patrol pack attachment system. Lowe Alpine completely re-designed the vest. It was split in two front parts, back panel and shoulder harness. The SAW pockets were removed and only 4 magazine pockets and 2 grenade pockets were left. The nylon fabric was www.fragoutmag.com