Discover the versatility of the PALS system for attaching gear to bags. Learn how this modular design enhances your backpack's capacity with ease. Explore its use with MOLLE-compatible products and see it in action with videos and examples.
Ever wondered, why a lot of bags feature a horizontal grid of nylon strips on the outside? Most likely, you have come across the PALS system - The "Pouch Attachment Ladder System". It is a standard, where these strips are spaced 1 inch apart, and sewn to the backing at 1.5-inch intervals. The purpose is to be able attach gear, accessories or pouches to bags or other surfaces.
Most resources on the internet talk about MOLLE instead - which stands for "Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment". MOLLE is a military standard gear. Technically, products are just MOLLE-compatible, if they feature the PALS standard.
How does the system work? Basically, you ususally "web" the vertical nylon strips of the accessory through the horizontal strips of the bag. Most accessory pouches even have PALS on their frontside, too: In this case, you can even "stack" gear.
=> "How to use PALS" video on YouTube
What is so great about it? The modularity it provides. I am using a rather small 20L backpack produced by "Highlander Forces" for my hikes. If you do not use the outer compartment, the compression strips can keep it very thin and easy to carry:
=> Backpack without attachments
For a longer hike, or if I have to carry more water / equipment, the PALS allows to attach multiple extra pouches to the exterior back and sides of the backpack:
=> Backpack with extra pouches
=> Highlander Forces Recon 20L backpack This content has been proxied by September (3851b).Proxy Information
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