Backpack Hunting And Hiking Gamechanger | [The What, Why and How of MOLLE Webbing]

Perhaps you’ve hear the term “MOLLE webbing” and wondered, “what in the world is that?”

What does MOLLE stand for?

Before we look at what MOLLE webbing actually is, let’s first cover what the acronym itself stands for.

MOLLE stands for (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment).

Kifaru Shape Charge inner MOLLE webbing

MOLLE webbing is a widely used system that is designed for modular gear attachment. It typically consists of heavy-duty nylon or polyester straps that are stitched in a grid-like pattern onto backpacks, vests, and other tactical or outdoor gear.

The MOLLE webbing system allows users to attach compatible pouches, holsters, and other accessories in a secure and customizable way.

For the backpack hunter, MOLLE webbing offers a significant advantage over regular packs by enabling the hunter to organize and carry essential gear such as ammo, rangefinders, knives, and first-aid kits without cluttering the pack’s main compartments. The webbing enhances both accessibility and weight distribution of the pack, making long treks through rough terrain more manageable for the user.

The Origins of MOLLE Webbing

The MOLLE system was developed by the United States military in the late 1990s as an upgrade to the older ALICE (All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) and ILBE (Improved Load Bearing Equipment) systems.

Kifru Shape Charge Backpack with lock on and steps

The key feature of MOLLE is the PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System), which consists of horizontal rows of webbing stitched at regular intervals. These rows of webbing allow gear to be woven and secured using straps, creating a stable and reliable attachment system.

Designed to improve modularity and adaptability in the field, MOLLE was officially introduced in 1997 and it rapidly became the standard for military load-carrying gear.

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How MOLLE Webbing Works

MOLLE webbing functions by way of a simple, yet effective, interwoven strap system. When attaching pouches or accessories, the user threads straps through both the MOLLE webbing on the backpack and the attachment points on the accessory itself. This weaving pattern ensures that gear remains secure, preventing excessive movement or detachment during strenuous activity.

Kifaru Shape Charge MOLLE webbing on waist straps

MOLLE-compatible pouches and gear often include reinforced straps, as well as snap closures to further secure the attachments. The result is a load-bearing system that offers hunters, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts the flexibility to configure their pack to suit different hunts, missions, or hikes/treks.

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Why MOLLE Webbing Is Useful for Backpack Hunters

For backpack hunters specifically, weight distribution and gear accessibility are critical.

MOLLE webbing provides the ability for the user to carry extra gear externally, keeping essential items within reach without overloading the interior of the backpack.

Some key benefits of MOLLE webbing include:

  • Customization: Hunters can attach only the gear they need for a specific hunt, reducing unnecessary weight.
  • Efficiency: Quick access to essential items like a knife, GPS, or survival/first-aid kit without digging through the main compartment.
  • Durability: Made from heavy-duty materials, MOLLE webbing is built to withstand harsh environments and tough conditions.
  • Versatility: Can be used to carry everything from extra ammunition to survival gear, making it adaptable for various hunting scenarios.

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The MOLLE Revolution

MOLLE webbing has changed the game for how hunters, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts carry their gear.

Originally developed for the military, MOLLE webbing has reach the masses, largely by way of the outdoor industry and has since become a staple in outdoor and tactical gear, offering superior customization, organization, and durability.

For backpack hunters, integrating MOLLE-compatible equipment into their setup can mean the difference between a well-prepared, efficient hunt and a frustrating, disorganized experience in the field. MOLLE webbing provides a way to secure all types of outdoor gear such as pouches, portable stoves, first aid kits, and more.

So, whether you’re heading into the backcountry for days on a hunt or a hike, or just needing quick access to essential gear and accessories, MOLLE webbing is a game-changer for sure.

 

nukem turkey hunting blind review header image

Grab It And Go! | Nukem Hunting Blind Review

I’m Josh, and I got my hands on a hunting blind made by Nukem… it’s called the Grab & Go Hunting Blind.

This blind is supposed to be more for the run and gun type hunter, which sometimes I am, and sometimes I’m not. But, I’ve got young boys that I am trying to familiarize with the turkey woods, so I was excited to see how this worked with them.

The Nukem Blind’s Ease Of Assembly

I was able to put the Nukem Grab and Go blind together very quickly (and I didn’t even read the directions!) The poles are like tent poles. They just connect together and have a bungee inside to hold them together once you get them fastened. There’s a bushing in the center on each one. There’s one along each side, and there’s one in the middle to keep it rigid.

The Nukem blind is adjustable to the height that you need it to be, based on the position you’re sitting. You can widen it out to shoot through it from a lower position. And then, if you’ve got a chair or something, you put it up higher.

setting up the double up nukem hunting blind

This was as I was putting together the “double up” Nukem system…

connecting the nukem double up blinds middle section

There is a center piece that attaches in the middle of the two blinds to connect them… it is attached to the leafy camo cover.

Nukem double up grab and go hunting blind after connecting mesh camo

Here’s a look at what the double system looks like after connecting the two blinds. My first impressions on putting it together was that I was really impressed. I love the leafy camouflage. This is the Mossy Oak Country Roots color, but there are four or five different colors that Nukem has in this blind.

I’d say the whole setup only took about three or four minutes to set up, and that was my first time ever doing it! So, I’m sure you can do this in the woods in less than a couple of minutes.

aiming to the side of the Nukem hunting blind

I could tell that you’d want to be able to shoot to the sides of it if you can. I can see me back here with the video camera, videoing. I’d maybe have the boys a little bit closer so they can still shoot out the side, but so they’re more concealed. But, I really liked the way it was set up.

Trying Out The Double Up System In The Woods With Kids

hunting with kids in Nukem huntin blind

As you could tell, those two little boys blended in real nicely behind this blind. And I don’t believe any a wily gobbler would have been able to pick them off (as long as they sit still!)

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The Nukem Hunting Blind Is Solid

If you’re like me and you got kids that you’re going to be taking hunting this Spring, or even if you’re going to be videoing and doing a lot of moving behind the blind in the turkey woods, the Nukem Hunting Blind is a great option for turkey hunters.

Nukem hunting blind review in the woods

This Nukem Grab & Go double up system really has impressed me. I don’t know what the woods look like where you are, but here in central Georgia, the Mossy Oak country roots pattern blends in really well. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a blind blend in better than this Nukem Blind does in the Mossy Oak country roots.

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kid carrying turkey out of the woods after hunting

Hope this is what your walk out of the turkey woods looks like this Spring!

Overall, I was really impressed with Grab and Go double up system from Nukem. I definitely recommend it!

Good luck hunting in the turkey woods!

Kifaru Shape Charge Backpack Review

Is This Backpack Worth It? | Kifaru Shape Charge Review

Is the Kifaru Shape Charge backpack worth all the hype (and the price)?

It certainly carries a hefty price tag, that’s for sure. But, you know the saying, “you get what you pay for.” Well, we wanted to find out if it was indeed worth the cost of admission… so let’s dive right in to what we learned!

 Kifaru Shape Charge Backpack Up Close

kifaru shape charge unboxing

This is how the Shape Charge came right out of the package.

Many backpack hunters will ask right away, “so how much does it weigh? Well, the Shape Charge weighs right at 4 pounds. Obviously, it packs up pretty tightly, but we wanted to take a closer look and see what it looks like inside and what kind of advantages it has for the backpack hunter, saddle hunter, or anyone that needs to carry their gear into the woods or mountains with them.

The Outside Of The Pack

Kifaru Shape Charge Backpack so well made

So, the first thing we noticed about the Shape Charge is that it’s just so well-put together. It feels so high quality. Everything about it, the stitching on the MOLLE webbing to the quality of the zippers and other materials… everything was just very high quality. So, that was a huge plus right off the bat.

Kifaru Shape Charge Handle stitching

There were also many little details that were also pretty impressive. It looks like they just thought of everything. It comes with stout, high quality zippers and handle material (shown here), with every stitch being meticulously sewn. It was evident that superior quality is paramount with Kifaru’s offerings. And, we hadn’t even gotten to the inside of the pack yet!

One thing we appreciate in hunting equipment, whether it be a deer stand, or archery equipment, or a backpack, is just the attention to detail. And we could tell right off the bat that not only has Kifaru put a lot of thought and effort into creating this backpack, but they’ve used high quality components and materials. Everything from the stitching on the MOLLE webbing to the material that they make the handles out of — everything is very high quality.

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Kifaru Shape Charge Zipper holders

Kifaru thought of everything… even way to tuck under the zippers!

handles on Kifaru Shape Charge

It’s got a handle on both ends, both very well-constructed, from solid material.

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Kifaru Shape Charge MOLLE webbing on waist straps

Also, on the external part of the waist trap, you’ve also got four rows (two on each strap) of 5-section MOLLE webbing, which gives you more options to attach gear or other pouches.

Kifaru shape charge insert

The Shape Charge backpack has an internal 18-inch sheet frame, which gives you the ability to carry a good amount of gear without committing to a full framed pack.

Kifaru shape charge top pocket with key hook

The lid has some zippered pockets. This one on top has a key hook.

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Kifaru stretch tweave pockets

It’s also got a large center pocket with three slots, made of 4-way stretch tweave with elastic reinforcement.

KIfaru shape charge zippers of main pouch

The lid will continue to zip all the way around and down to make it a full top and front-loading pack with zippers at the bottom on each side.

Kifaru Shape Charge MOLLE webbing stitching

The front panel of the backpack has 8 rows by 4 channels of the MOLLE webbing.

Kifaru Shape Charge outer drink pockets

It’s also got two outer pockets for holding water bottles or spotting scopes.

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Kifaru Shape Charge padded vented back

Here’s a look at the breathable, padded back material. This pack comes in a small, medium, and large. The small is for a 28 to 33-inch waist, the medium is 34 to 38 inches, and the large is a 39 plus inches.

Inside The Pack

The Shape Charge is a 2,050 cubic inch pack.

Inside of Kifaru Shape Charge pack

It has some nice, mesh pockets on the inside.

Kifaru Shape Charge inner MOLLE webbing

You’ve also got 8 rows of 8 channels of MOLLE webbing. It has also got a bladder-hanging tab and also a chamber pocket connection point.

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Kifaru Shape Charge Size Chart

Kifaru Shape Charge backpack with or without waist belt

The Shape Charge can be purchased with or without the waist belt.

Kifarua Shape Chart Sizing Chart

Experimenting With The Shape Charge

Now, I know we’ve got a lot of you saddle hunters out there, and this pack is used by a lot of saddle hunters. However, there are those who only hunt with climbing stands or use lock-ons/hang-on stands. So, we wanted to do is I wanted to see if this pack could handle a heavier setup.

Kifru Shape Charge Backpack with lock on and steps

We took an XPO Air Raid lock-on that we had and some Hawk Helium steps and strapped them the back of the Shape Charge to see if it could handle a heavier load and to see how it felt when wearing it.

After walking out in the woods for a little while with the Shape Charge backpack on with a lock-on stand and some steps (around 30 pounds total), we learned some things. The shaped molded insert in the back of the Shape Charge really does keep the weight off of your lower back and it keeps the pack from sliding down. That is definitely a plus.

This would make the Shape Charge very beneficial, even in the pre-season, for those hanging lock-ons, as it would give them the ability to strap on the stand and the steps and have both hands free.

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Final Thoughts On Kifaru Shape Charge Backpack

We absolutely love this backpack for hunting. You could tell that the folks at Kifaru put a lot of time and effort into thinking through not only what the hunter needs in the field, but also the overall quality, from the stitching, to the components and materials. Everything is crafted in a top-notch manner.

We are confident saddle hunters will appreciate this pack, but, if you’re someone who hangs stands before the season, it’s a great way to not only strap on your lock-on and your steps, but also have your hands free. And, we know from testing it that it can handle the weight of that and still stay off of your back, due to the molded insert inside of the backpack.

Happy and safe hunting!