Specifications and Product Details:

ack Details:

made with Cordura 720 denier fabric
large 4500 cu in. main sack
designed to carry up to 120lbs
zippered access to main pack on both sides
zippered pouch in lid
shoulder straps, sternum strap, and hip belt adjust to fit you
extra comfort and padding in both the shoulder straps and hip belt
several compression straps - pulls the pack closer to your body for center gravity
a side pocket on each side
optional divider to separate the main pack into two compartments

ILBE

The ILBE (Improved Load Bearing Equipment) backpack, is the current backpack of choice for the U. S. Marine Corp. It was developed to replace the ALICE (All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) backpack, which had been in use since World War 2, and the MOLLE system backpack (MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) When these systems were used in combat situations in Iraq they were found to be insufficient for the combat needs of the USMC.

The Marines needed a backpack that had a larger load bearing capability, yet had a smaller volume, and could carry 60mm and 81mm mortar rounds external to the pack. It also needed to be more durable, more comfortable to wear and a lot less complex than the MOLLE system. While MOLLE was great for survival situations, it could prove cumbersome in combat. For example, it could not carry external mortar rounds, slowing down access to ammunition. The ILBE places its emphasis on being better suited to combat situations, integrating with the Body Armor system better, and allowing for a greater range of weaponry to be carried with it.

Designed by Arc’teryx’s LEAF (Law Enforcement and Armed Forces) program and manufactured by Propper Inc., the USMC ILBE is made from Cordura 725 denier fabric, with pixilated MARPAT (MARine PATtern) printed onto it. The pack also bears a PALS grid (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) for smaller modular attachments.

ILBE Components

The ILBE system is comprised of 3 main components:

The ILBE Main Pack
The ILBE Assault Pack
The ILBE Hydration System

Each of these can be swapped around depending on the needs of the mission and the load a soldier needs to carry.

ILBE Configurations

Because the ILBE has been designed to be configurable for the requirements of each mission, it has three main load configurations.

Where food and supplies are not an issue, the Assault Configuration allows the ILBE to carry primarily ammunition and water, and other essential fighting gear. It is the lightest configuration allowing marines the greatest amount of mobility during combat. The Assault Configuration uses the ILBE Assault Pack and the hydration system.

The Approach March Load is a heavier configuration designed to give 90% combat effectiveness to marines who will be faced with extended periods of time without re-supply. This configuration makes a 20 mile hike in 8 hours a reasonable expectation. The Approach March Load uses the ILBE Main Pack and the hydration system for a medium sized load.

Finally, the full capacity Existence Load is the heaviest load, designed for longer periods of time where re-supply is not possible. Climate, season, and terrain determine what needs to be brought along for the mission. This is the full ILBE load that uses the Assault Pack, the Main Pack and the hydration system. It allows a Marine to carry a full 120 lbs of gear and equipment for extended missions.

USMC ILBE Main Pack by Arc'Teryx / Propper
Improved Load Bearing Equipment

In 2004 mass production started on the ILBE Packs (Improved Load Bearing Equipment) to replace the heavier MOLLE Packs (Modular Light Load Carrying Equipment) and was specially designed for the US Marines to provide durable lightweight means of transporting clothing textiles and equipment. There are 2 Generations of this pack. The Gen. I pack has the black padding and features and the Gen. II pack has the coyote brown padding and features. Both were produced in the Digital Woodland MarPat (Marine Pattern).

The ILBE Pack is designed to carry a load of up to 120lbs but at the same time it distributes the weight so it is comfortable to wear. The key features to the packs comfort is in it’s internal frame with 2 metal ribs on the outer sides and 2 larger spars in the middle. These spars are already shaped to fit most peoples backs but can be custom bent if need be.

Next the pack includes soft padding on both the hip bet and shoulder straps. With the wide hip belt it displaces the weight around your body with less pressure points. Both straps can be adjusted to custom fit your body and has a breast strap that can be raised or lowered to fit both men and women.

To keep the pack snug to your body you will find several compression straps along each side. These can be adjusted for different size loads and keeps your gear in place throughout your hike. Both sides of the pack also includes pockets which makes a nice rest when carrying longer items such as trek poles or holds extra water bottles. You will also find heavy duty zippers on both sides for access to your gear in the main compartment.

The back of the pack offers the ability to customize your pack with MOLLE accessories by using the MOLLE webbing and includes a compartment to help hold a hydration system or the ILBE Assault Pack which can be buckled down and tightened to keep in place. I use the Camelbak 1.5L on my pack and it seems to be the perfect size with less weight. If you choose not to use the Hydration compartment or are strapping a larger MOLLE accessory to the back you can roll down this flap and snap it in place.

The main compartment is protected by a corded dust cover and can also be clipped closed. Opening up the main compartment you can see it provides storage to hold enough gear for a multi-day adventure. It provides the option to hold longer items or you can split it into to compartments with a center flap. With the zippers on both sides you are still able to access the bottom without pulling everything out from the top.

To include Brand New Belt, Large Size, & Lid. Main packs Have seen service & are in surplus very good condition.