After assembling pouches now is the time to strap
the yokes. Start with the back straps checking their
length so that the main part of the shoulder straps
ends right underneath your neck. Then mount the
front straps. People usually strap them to the first
pair of A-rings (counting from the front), but try
to attach them to the second (rear) A-rings at an
angle of 45 °. When the same thing is done with the
middle straps, you get two side points of support,
and your PLCE will not be pulling you back (as in
the case of ALICE webbing). The rear pair of straps
as well as the middle ones should be rolled up and
secured using insulating tape. Let the front straps
hang loose - you need to maintain at least a minimal
possibility of adjusting your webbing.
When configuring webbing, consider using some
accessories, which will make your PLCE more
comfortable and functional. The most important of
them is the hippo pad (also called comfort pad, or
simply a hip pad) - the human equivalent of a horse
blanket, protecting the lower part of the soldier's
back against chafing from his webbing.
Once, it was home-made from pieces of foam roll
mats sewn into old military trouser legs and later
substituted with "issue" hippo pad introduced along
with Pattern 95. This invention spared many users
from having their fingers needle-punctured or from
seeking services of a local tailor. The difference
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