The ILBE Backpack System

Arc’teryx, an outdoor equipment manufacturer, designed the ILBE (Improved Load Bearing Equipment) backpack for the USMC. It was developed to replace the ALICE (All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) and MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) backpacks after they were found inadequate for combat in Iraq. The IBLE is made from waterproof and abrasion resistant Cordura 725 denier fabric. It’s main components are the Main Pack, the Assault Pack and the Hydration Pack.

The Main Pack has a capacity of 4,500 cubic inches. It has a ladder system on the exterior to hold small items such as knives and ammunition pouches. The Main Pack can also hold 60mm and 81mm mortar rounds, which was not possible with the previous ALICE and MOLLE systems. The Assault Pack has a load capacity of 25 – 40 pounds. It has two quick release shoulder straps as well as a quick release waist belt. It has two storage compartments, as well as an inner pocket that holds the Hydration Pack. The Hydration Pack is a bladder type unit used by the USMC for years and is commonly referred to as a CamelBak. It holds three liters of water, which is the recommended daily intake for Marines in desert settings.

The ILBE has three main load configurations.

The Assault configuration is used to carry mainly water and ammunition. It is the lightest configuration, using only the Assault Pack and Hydration Pack.

The Approach March Load uses the Main Pack and Hydration Pack. It is designed to provide Marine’s with everything needed for combat when re-supply will be difficult.

The Existence Load uses all three components of the ILBE, allowing Marines to carry 120 lbs of gear and equipment. It is the heaviest load and only used for long missions.

The USMC is still in the process of providing every deployed Marine with an ILBE. Therefore, the ALICE and MOLLE backpacks are still in use.