Reliable and versatile load-bearing equipment is essential for military and law enforcement professionals to organise their gear and perform their duties successfully. Designed by military experts, tactical MOLLE harnesses and patrol order belt rigs offer unprecedented versatility and customisation in tactical gear organisation.
How Does MOLLE Work?
The foundation of the MOLLE system consists of a series of heavy-duty nylon webbing sewn onto the carrying platform, which can be a vest, a backpack, or a belt. The rows of webbing serve as attachment points for modular pouches and kits. Positional stabilisation is provided via the lateral webbing of the belt or vest, which is knitted using the PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) technology, common in back-strap attachment mechanisms for compatible bags.
Military Harnesses
One of the most versatile uses for the MOLLE system can be found in military shoulder harnesses. These harnesses feature multiple rows of MOLLE webbing across the chest, back, and sides, allowing users to customise their load-bearing setup according to mission requirements. A well-designed and resilient tactical harness comes equipped with quick-release systems for emergencies, padded shoulder straps for longer-wearing comfort, and adjustable side straps that fit different body types and carry loads. Most harnesses are also designed for hydration system compatibility and communication equipment routing channels.
SORD’s Innovative Harnesses
Special Operations Research and Development (SORD) has established itself as the leader in manufacturing tactical load-bearing equipment. Their MVP series presents some very innovative solutions. H-pattern MOLLE harnesses are one specific design that has gained popularity among military and law enforcement personnel.
This design consists of two vertical straps running over the shoulders attached to a horizontal strap across the chest, forming an “H”, offering great stability while maintaining a low profile. H-patterns are particularly useful since they reduce the bulk around the shoulders and allow for better movement in confined space conditions.
MVP Harness: Core Platform
The MVP harness is SORD’s fundamental approach for modular load carriage. This lightweight tac harness is designed to disperse weight over the user’s torso while retaining freedom of motion. The harness features a minimalist design with strategic MOLLE/PALS webbing allowing its operators to set their gear up as needed in any mission environment. The MVP harness includes:
• Anatomically curved shoulder straps with padding for supreme comfort
• Quick-release buckles for fast donning and doffing purposes
• Adjustable side straps for a snug fit across all body types
• Hydration bladder compatibility
• Integration points for extra pouches and accessories
The standard MVP harness offers agility and speed, making it particularly suited for direct action missions and close-quarters operations in which low bulk is required.
MVP Long: Extended Coverage
The MVP Long is an upgrade of the standard MVP and offers increased coverage and load-bearing capabilities. This extended version provides additional room for equipment mounting while keeping the core ergonomic benefits of the system. The notable developments in MVP Long include:
• Larger back panel for better load distribution
• Additional MOLLE/PALS attachment points
• Better stability when carrying heavy loads
• Enhanced protection against equipment chafing
• Compatibility with different plate carrier systems.
The MVP Long has gained immense recognition by personnel that require extended missions or carrying specialty equipment beyond the standard loadouts.
Belt Pad Patrol Order: Ground-Level Support
Belt rigs are another important component of the MOLLE system providing an additional equipment platform mounted at waist level. These are heavy-duty belts with MOLLE webbing and padding for comfort over extended wear. Belt rigs excel in carrying heavy items such as pistol holsters, dump pouches for empty magazines, and utility pouches for tools or medical supplies. They help carry loads better and distribute weight across the body. When used in conjunction with a harness system, the belt rigs reduce fatigue from wearing body armour for long missions.
SORD’s Belt Pad patrol order provides a steady base for duty belt setups, supplementing the MVP series very nicely. The base system reduces instability and significantly improves comfort over prolonged periods of operational activity. It includes:
• Higher density foam padding to distribute weight
• Ventilated mesh backing that reduces heat buildup
• Secure attachment points for duty belts
• Compatible with both versions of MVP
• Quick detach for tactical flexibility
Integration and Modularity
The MVP tactical harnesses, MVP Long and Belt Pad can all be used independently or as a complete system, offering versatility and control of operational load during missions. The modular design allows operators to perform the following functions:
• Customize load-bearing ability depending on conditions and mission demands
• Transition between more mission profile
• Consistent equipment placements across configurations
Considerations for Users
When making choices, users must consider the length of their mission and equipment requirements, the environment conditions and terrain, physical fitness and conditioning level, and any specific tactical requirements. Users should integrate the harness with other gear. Whether operating in urban settings, rural terrain, or specialist-gear scenarios, SORD’s tactical harness options are customizable platforms that can be configured according to different needs, all while remaining consistent with the comfort and accessibility of equipment.
Takeaway
For military personnel, MOLLE harness systems provide distinct advantages, a tried-and-tested solution for both equipment carriage and organization. The modular nature of the system allows soldiers to rapidly change their equipment loadout based on mission requirements without the need for other carrying systems. This flexibility has proven invaluable in modern warfare, where missions cover a spectrum from urban operations to rural patrols. The standardized attachment system assures compatibility with different manufacturers and equipment varieties, simplifying logistics and equipment maintenance.
