British Army Load Carrying Equipment

Having a chat about the different types of British Army Load Carrying Equipment, (Webbing), ranging from 38 Pattern, 58 Pattern, PLCE 90, PLCE 95 and PLCE in MTP.

[@mkdy218]

'58 Webbing was an instrument of torture! Then "just add water" ..... and was even worse!! Great vid Sir ! Thank you .

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cheers for your support

[@Bob-dh7bv]

Watch The Hill with Sir Sean Connery 🥊🥊🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@davidleonard1813]

I bought 58 pattern 2 rear pouches added on webbing for 4 alice clips and 2 tabs with loops to attach to a Al8ce harness. Cost $10 so couldn't pass it up new. As a moddded bit of kit not on a 58 platform it's pretty good. I just took 2 pretty thin canvas pouches off an issue ( Aussie ) useless backpack in place of ice cream tubs. But nit having worn 58 I can see it'd be crap and painfull added weight wet. Mine I pumped a can of scotchgaurd onto it don't absorb water now

[@kensaunders6080]

I joined in 74 & was issued with 38 pattern webbing. Oh the joy. Using brasso to do the buckles & blanco on the webbing. Look out anyone that got brasso onto the webbing or blanco on the buckles. They would be beasted around the square for ages. 38 webbing was a thing of torture. Was glad to get out of training & posted to Germany & 58 pattern. Although, we swapped & changed how we wore it so often the clips hold the pouches onto the belt got weaker & would sometimes open a bit so the pouch would become loose. I bet there's a few waterbottle pouches lying on senelager where they've fell off during a cft or a nice jolly jaunt. I learnt to bungee my webbing together after losing one of my ammo pouches running in camp. I forgot how much I hated webbing untill now. Cheers for giving us pensioners nightmares.

[@garth8979]

I was issued the 58 pat. Bouncing bomb sleeping bag etc.. Then early 90s got issued the 90 PLCE. The difference was revolutionary at the time. Then a few years later the Soldier 95 kit. But I've always had a fondness for the 90 PLCE. I just preferred the plain olive drab. So much so that over 30 years later I'm still using a surplus olive long back Bergen for my tabbing and wild camping trips. I've bought some expensive gear over the years, but I always, inevitably end up falling back on my old 90 PLCE Bergen. Truly awesome kit.

[@Buckrogers8746]

Bouncing Bomb 😂😂

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cracking job, thanks mate 👍

[@stuartb4525]

Oh remember the bouncing bomb 😂. Can't remember what year, most of us in the Infantry, splashed out on the Softie sleeping bag and Jacket. Had to be early 90s I'm sure. They were the dogs bollocks.

[@davehopkin9502]

Left before PLCE came in, so only had 58 pattern, never understood why the respirator sack was in a nylon type material when everything else was webbing. Energa pouch on the left ammo pack for the racing spoon and a Mars bar (or BFA if forced to!) Dumbest thing about the large pack was the lack of proper shoulder straps

[@bugler75]

I can answer this albeit partially. The first Resi Haversack for ‘58 was in cotton and a different shape. The army had first looked at all nylon webbing in the late 60’s and there was a trial set of this called ‘72 pattern of which the nylon haversack was part of. The ‘72 pattern ultimately wasn’t used but kept the resi bag. Yes, I am a train spotter 😂😂😂

[@gunner678]

@@bugler75 I've learned something there, thanks.👍

[@bugler75]

@@gunner678 I’ve learned and relearned loads here too😊

[@jimmyjohnson7027]

The idea of the nylon type material was for NBC decontamination.

[@davehopkin9502]

@@jimmyjohnson7027I believe it was part of a 58 Pattern replacement that never saw the light of day apart from the respirator carrier

[@SimonFlax]

We had many patterns of webbing starting with 1907 pattern 1937 pattern then 1944 pattern then 1958 pattern, then plce pattern. Osprey webbing, and newer stuff after me good video I always found 58 nasty when wet lol 🎉🎉

[@vonsprague7913]

1985 it was '58 pattern with two poncho rolls and an Airborne Bergen, later the OG plce which was great. Later still it was equipment vests and webbing in Dpm. I still have a couple of '58 belts which are excellent kit for hanging a water bottle, etc off on a TAB and I sat and watched this video sat opposite my original shortback plce og Bergan that I'm repacking after a light TAB this morning in glorious sunshine in Gods Outer Hebrides. Happy days mate. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Actually now you mention it, I remember there were two sizes of PLCE Bergan and the short back one was more desirable , Im 6'2" but always tried to get a short back. Glad the sun is up there with you my friend, take care and all the best!

[@danielmalthouse4429]

Another Brilliant video. I was in the Army cadets in 1987(Queens Regiment) We had 58 pattern Webbing.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

🍻👍

[@kevinadamson5768]

When I joined in 1986 we got issued the 58 pattern webbing with bum roll and large pack, absolute nightmare when wet and the large pack when you were in a firing position used to push the old tin bin over your eyes so you couldn't see anything. Later in battalion we had the new kevlar helmets which weren't as bad for blocking your view and we customised our webbing to suit while out in the field. In NI you had to buy your own bergen, kevlar liners for your boots and wax jackets because the issued ones used to get soaking wet and shred when going through thick blackthorn hedges. I could never understand why they issued you with such rubbish kit not fit for purpose after spending all that money on training you. I've heard the kit is much better now and been upgraded since the army saw service in Iraq and Afghanistan, about time too I say. 😊

[@johnregan326]

Let's TAB keep the videos coming mate .

[@laurenced2916]

In the artillery when I was in we always had to buy our own extra webbing pouches

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Yes I remember well just how many of us purchased kit to try and improve our lot.

[@72Bigray]

another great chat pal! keep going. fond memories of the 37 and 58.. albeit not overly functional.

[@timhumphries6207]

I remember the 1958 well. I still have my set complete. The old maggot used to go in the two straps at the pack top and flop around all over the place. We also carried our s6 in a web bag on the waist as well as a bayonet for the SLR or the club. (smg) also being an engineer we had a large machete. And down the back of the yoke was your infantry spade or a pick axe. Add water and you doubled the weight. Keep up the good work.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Great stuff Tim, my sleeping bag always ended up hanging to one side and getting hooked up on cam nets and branches etc. Thanks for you support mate.

[@ronhall9039]

Being Territorial - and also being Arty, we had the luxury of testing '58 to it's absolute limits. It was scientifically proven that you could get six tins of ales in the respirator pouch, four tins in each of the kidney pouches and two tins in each of the ammo pouches. Water bottle pouches were never touched as you would require h2o as an agent for soluble paracetamol. For the purposes of the exercise 440ml was the base measurement for the tinnies. Ubique.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

@@ronhall9039 awesome 👌

[@chrisgreenwood271]

The TA had better equipment than the regulars, it was a real eye opener when a lad from the TA joined us in the late 80's. I left in 91 still using 58 pat webbing.

[@vmax42dave]

Still got the scars from running wearing 58 webbing ! Also FFd (First Field Dressings) dated 1944 !

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

They must have used up all the WW2 surplus kit on us 😫

[@jimmyjohnson7027]

We had '37 pattern webbing when i was a cadet but we didnt use it much. '58 pattern when i first joined, and when i joined Battalion in Cyprus, two water bottles were issued as it was classed as tropical. From then, I always had two bottles on my webbing. Eventually, I replaced the kidney pouches with w/bottle pouches, as did a lot of blokes. My old lot was quite bullshitty but was surprisingly relaxed about custom webbing. When we went to NI in 1988, we were issued early PLCE type Bergens in green, which were really good and we retained them after the tour. We also had some custom chest rigs that we had made for the Company. I used a roll pin belt on my '58 and had one on my PLCE also. My MTP webbing was a padded, adjustable belt with an under body armour 'X' yoke. Quick access ammo pouches and a Sharpshooter pouch for a flask, and my standard two w/bottles. The '58 large pack (ha, ha!) was designed around mechanized warfare, it was only meant to carry a minimum of kit, that worked didn't it? The poncho was also designed to be used for NBC, that's why the poncho roll was part of the webbing.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Great stuff Jim thanks mate 👍

[@jimmyjohnson7027]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fd We were issued PLCE before going down to the Falklands in 1990, no clue as to how to assemble it. We were the only troops on the islands who had it, it created a lot of interest.

[@nickmander6088]

Serge hope your well, and keeping up the cardio regime. I used 58 pattern webbing, it wasn’t too bad apart from trying to put your whole life into it so nothing rattled and squeaked. The ball ache occurred when it got wet and the canvas straps on the belt pouches swelled with the wet and you could get out kit quickly enough. The introduction of the PLC was a saving grace, for a couple of reasons, as you have already mentioned, but the first ones had a A frame incorporated into the back so it didn’t mould to your back if you were of athletic build like myself so it was quite uncomfortable.if you you had a broad physique like yourself then you were sorted. The 58 webbing, top tip stick sanitary towels on your shoulders and across your lumbar areas, stops you getting major sores and blisters. Another top tip carry a small sealy bag with compede, great for if you have road rash on the soles of your feet after an 8 mile march and shoot competition and then back to Blighty ✌🏻🇬🇧

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

🫡👍🪖

[@donvance5081]

I was very comfortable with pattern 58 webbing

[@edjones7709]

My TA RMP(V) unit did not get L85s until 1995 (iron sights only), giving up our SMGs (L2A3). I (ex-inf) was looked at strangely when I got Marksman on my first shoot - and we still had 58 Pattern kit when I left in 1999.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

I did like the old sterling sub machine gun, could be a bit dodgy if handled wrong though.

[@plumduff3303]

As an old git with failing health I'm loving your films thanks pal.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Sorry to hear you are not too good, thank you for commenting 👍 I'll keep them coming for a while longer.

[@matjordan4848]

On a cadet course in the mid 80s we were issued with 44 pattern webbing. Similar but a bit more sophisticated than 37/38 it had a US style water bottle and carrier. Nice alu bottle and mug - the mug fitted on the bottom of the bottle not the top like 58. Cos it was alu you could put the mug on a hexi stove and brew up quickly. The large pack was a right pain though. It hooked onto D rings on the front shoulder straps and cos we weren't carrying anything in the front pouches the weight of the pack pulled them up round your ears. 58 pattern and a Berghaus Munro was much better.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cheers Mate 🍻

[@mikeharris7885]

Have you ever wondered why a 'Bergan' rucksack got its name? I had a rucksack in the Boy Scouts mid 1950's that had a Norwegian flag sewn inside it and it may have had Bergan - the town of manufacture written on it. Forward on to mid 70's I joined a couple of TA units (not at the same time) and was issued a 'Bergan', a larger version of my Scout rucksack but without the Flag. These metal 'A frame' rucksacks had a frame of 1/4 inch steel rods that met up at the hip area where the waist strap passed across your lower back. More of that later. Perhaps pre second world war? these Norwegian rucksacks turned up in the stores, the A frame may have been a novel way of spreading the load, and some one thought of calling them 'Bergan' rucksacks from where they came from. Now all military rucksacks are called Bergan's. Lets get back to the cluster of welded rods digging into your hips and the webbing straps cutting into your shoulders. The more weight you carried the more painful it became and humping it over the Welsh hills increased the challenge. On an exercise in a mountainous area of France I had to lift it up on a wall (usual kit + three days rations a spare battery for the old radio sets we had, and spare ropes) to get my arms into it and then it on my back then climb 9,000 feet with it. Much later I bought a Berghaus Vulcan Cyclops 100Ltr rucksack (Just pulled it out from under the stairs to check the spelling) it had a thick padded belt with quick release buckle, padded shoulder straps and side pockets you could zip into a small pack. You could really load that one up and not feel a thing. Ease off the shoulder straps and carry some of the weight on your hips, bliss.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Yes I believe that to be true regarding the town of Bergan in Norway 🇳🇴

[@JayMac-gh1kx]

Lol'lmao the gd old days 😂😂 i had 58'Belt'kit!! An 58'Belt'kit tropical!! Then P.L.C.E.! Belt'kit! Then its chestRigs! To then end of me service!! Still got me old PARA/S.A.S! Bergen!! 😊😊❤ still got me long back!! Plce.

[@user-bd6nm7du2j]

I remember being on exercise with the yanks.......a bit of bartering went on and, i managed to swap a brand new NBC (noddy suit) for a full ALICE pack (bergen), frame, pack ....the lot. It even had a quick release system to drop the pack but still keep the belt kit on. I know who got the better deal! At the time , when we had '58 , the ALICE system was in a different league / world. I wonder if the septic tank is looking back thinking 'i got well mugged off ' by the Brit bastard 🤷🏻‍♂😂

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

I bet he is thinking that, you had a cracking deal. Chuffed to NAAFI Breaks mate, well done.

[@AbsoluteMadBan]

My webbing is olive green lol i have the left front pocket for ammunition mags the right back for water bottle, back left for mess tin, right front for my cereal bars for when im on patrol. Went for a week long camp with it and had to carry a burgan on top of wearing. Someone on that camp woke himself up when he rolled out the basher while sleeping in the hammering down rain. lol

[@davidleonard1813]

Australia its just or was called webbing. Alice US style. SLR pouches near enough same same to your 58. Open bottle bouch like your old ones. No rear 2 as per 58 ir 3 plce pouches. A bum pack, a bit larger than a US butt pack. So it was mag pouch left and tigh water bottle pouch left and right. Bum pack centered at rear. H harness open no rear mesh like yours. All in Khaki 5.56 comes in. Khaki becomes Auscam. Pouches become 5.56 30rd mad size. Then a minimi belted 5.56 pouch arrives. Basically make mix and match to needs. A very comm9n mix 2 mag pouch, 4 water bottles, 1 bum pack. In SLR kahki era tail end, it was the bomb ( very ally ) if you got a shortback bergan ( our packs were shite ) and a bivi bag unheard of here. The roll pack was a bit ally to. Keep a few sandbags in them or a hootchie ( tarp ). Depending on units you were allowed to customise as long as you carried an awl and could repair non issue kit in the field. The really keen types paid a fortune and got khaki nylon webbing tailor made very new and posh velcro closures wider harnes straps . Additionally we bought or had boot makers sew up from trouser legs or canvas duffle bags, a inernal press stud attached belt padding, much like a hippo pad. Later this was a issue item in 90s Those extras youd trade from guys who seconded to Britain for a yearà. Or telephone a couple of places there get a price, an international money order in £ mail it off. To be honest, in the 1980s that was delivered faster on standard postage than it is now on postage or DHL 😅.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

😆👍

[@richardprescott8628]

1984, I was approaching 16 years old. I’d arrived at CWRT-Y-GOLLEN Near Crickhowell Brecon. It was the Prince of Wales Division. You had all the county regiments 1Royal Hampshire, Derr’s, RWF, RRW, Staff’s, Glosters, DAD’s, etc. I remember after my first run through sugarloaf mountain, table top mountain, etc my 58 webbing caused severe burns, and bruising especially on my hips. But, as infantry soldiers we got used to it. My favourite weapon was the SLR, followed by the GPMG. I revisited the parade square which is visible from outside the camp. Showed my wife the drill shed, and pointed out the guard room, sport field, and the accommodation blocks that were still there. Cwrt-y-gollen is now a t a camp I think. But…happy memories live forever. Just subscribed today sir, love your videos. Keep doing what you’re doing. Thank you sir.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thank you for your support and for subscribing its very much appreciated 👍

[@zaynevanday142]

Nice to see you are warning civilians that a “Veteran” is about the community 😂😂😂

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

🤣🤣 they all know me round here 😆

[@zaynevanday142]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fd for strangers then

[@garethburningham9467]

During basic and phase two in the Engineers we got issued the bowling bag type burgen. When I got to my unit 33 EOD in Wimbish, Essex there was four squadrons. Three field sqns and a HQ sqn. Our sqn (49) was the only one to be issued the infantry type burgen... Made us feel kind of special 😂

[@stockyport]

Ah Blanco, that takes me back (I joined in 72). Evil stuff and it gummed up the holes in the brass buckles as well and had to be dug out, pain the backside. Ex crab here so ours were RAF blue. (At the time we used to call ladies stockings and suspenders "webbing" !!)

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

😆 webbing yeah we used that to describe it too thanks for commenting 👍

[@javidjames3319]

Now , I never served , but was in the Army Cadets for 3 yrs . It was 38 pattern webbing that we had and you could get 6 ammo pouches on the belt , the water bottle, and a smaller sack at the back . There was also the bigger pack that would go at the top , but at that point You were running of room for anything else 😀 48 years ago . Happy days .

[@natcain]

Great overview.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

🙏👍

[@zaynevanday142]

Our packs were the American Alice Packs a great system and they were DPM I modded mine with two large side pouches the length of the pack I sewed on and a claymore pouch sewn on the top flap of the pack 🔥

[@zaynevanday142]

In our infantry everything had to go inside your pack Christmas tree 🌲 packs were verboten 😂😂😂

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Yeah same here, couldn't hang stuff outside, you'd look like a mobile Egyptian market 😂😂😂😂

[@zaynevanday142]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fd 😂

[@user-km1sd7ou3c]

Brilliant video. I remember the 58 pattern.

[@SkorpionFlux]

I was happy to carry as little as possible :)

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Well said, same here! Cheers mate.

[@zaynevanday142]

😂😂😂 “Light Infantry “ 😂😂😂

[@colinjones7741]

Can't forget the large pack as well.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Lol 😆 🤣 how useful was that thing. Cheers for commenting 👍

[@MarkARhodie]

I was issued the PLCE webbing, then I bought an early chestrig, because I was doing alot of driving, my Officer got it for me, plus tropical trousers (he some how got a discount).

[@MONTY-YTNOM]

We had black 39 pat with some 44 Pat parts 1979

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

What a mixture

[@davidfromborneo259]

With 58 do not forget we had too spray the buckles with green car spray paint every now and again to keep the bs boys happy!

[@stuartb4525]

We never done that, and we were a bs Regiment.

[@HerculesCDN]

Enjoying your videos. Keep them coming.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thanks, will do!

[@seangrimes2770]

Love the videos mate; ex guardsman so used to marching lol!

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thank you Sean all the best mate.

[@GrayJohns-er5qm]

I photograph deer and still use my 58 pattern webbing belt kit for carrying my equipment. Also never without it when going for a tab across the moors. Kind of attached to it. Great videos Keith .Watching religiously !! All the best to you from Cornwall.

[@zaynevanday142]

It stands the test of time

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thanks Gary 👍

[@davidkelly8299]

Ps Sir and Tracer Round, I was at 17 Training Regiment RA Woolwich Liepzig Troop (1984). The officer's Mess, had the most silverware in the british army. The Russian Canon made of bronze captured at the siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean war (17th October 1854 to 11th September 1855 lasting for 10 months, 3wk and 4days) and is used to make all the Veronica Crosses, and stands opposite the officer's mess on the far side of the parade square.

[@JayMac-gh1kx]

Stull has got it m8ty depo not changed a bit lol'lmao winks lol still got hat's in the lines lol

[@JayMac-gh1kx]

The dell is still delv.. most of the old part is all sold off now brother!!

[@PokeEyeSlapSlap]

58 Pattern….. CEFO & CEMO… Trying to put the old webbing together was a mare, trying to to get that metal clip into the holes etc was a feat in itself. When I joined in 1987 as a Junior Soldier ( Infantry ) we still had the old tin lid helmets which were years old, then came the first Kevlar Helmets which were a lot better. Puttees had just been knocked on the head too as were DMS Boots and the Combat High Boots and Twisters for Denims & Combats were introduced. Great Memories.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Its such a laugh with all you crazy veterans on here, pull up a sandbag and swing a lantern lol. Cheers mate all the best!

[@steviep7706]

Joined the REME Apprentice College Arborfield in 75 and we were issued 38 pattern webbing. We had to blanco it, not boot polish, along with blanco on our SLR sling for parade purpose. Joining a real unit after finishing Apprenticeship and being issued 58 pattern webbing was a luxury. I soon learnt to go to my local Army surplus store and bought my own full set of 58 webbing and enough spare kit, combats, socks, etc., to keep a permanent set of packed and wrapped 'crash out' gear, often called for in BAOR, also bought my own combat parka before they eventually became general issue.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cheers Steve 🍻

[@robslade2571]

I had a PLCE Infantry pack I brought myself when I was in the army cadets then got the all arms pack when I joined the RLC (V). The infantry version was so much better if was unreal.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Yeah Im not sure why they did that, surely the cost was the same?

[@Wardog-rf1tx]

In 1983 with the Calgary Highlanders Canada, you had to sign (Wednesday evening) for your webbing (held together with Velcro) when the Velcro got wet it fell apart lol. After the weekend exercise you cleaned your webbing and had to turn it in the following Wednesday. My first exercise with them I got issued what they called 64 Airborne Rucksack (brand new). I went down to my local Surplus store and found a used one for about $15-20, which I turned in to stores the following Wednesday no problem, kept the new one for my one tabbing out in the woods. 💂‍♂️🪖⛑️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cracking move you made there with the kit swap, a classic, thanks for commenting buddy 🇨🇦

[@3628ranger]

Do you want a shovel or pick ? To add to the 58 pat. If you could lay your hands on the other pouches like the water bottle type then we used them instead of having the kidney pouches, they were more comfortable when tabbing etc. I joined in 71 and we had gaiters for the ankles,polished black and brass buckles, uniform was all olive drab, no dpm at that stage. Gaiters changed to puttees when we got to the battalion. Large pack was a joke, the bergen was well welcomed, but as usual the squaddie gets more kit to take cause you have more room now lads lol. Support company all the usual kit then Milan,radio spare batteries, ammo or if in the mortars you got bombs, base plate or tube or bipod, happy days.

[@zaynevanday142]

Also called Belt Order 🔥

[@Martinthehun59]

It was the same with my basic, the old 38 pattern webbing then the 58 pattern at Regiment. Instead of using a large pack I used a yank kit bag (aquired in Nijmegen) which was much like our kit bag but had two shoulder straps instead so you could use it like a bergen. Great vids as ever Keith I have to say, you manage to dig up so many old memories for me and the many other 'haz beenz' out there. Keep on tabbing Sir !! 👍

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cheers Martin for your support, hopefully plenty more to come 👍

[@davidkelly8299]

Evening Sir and Tracer Round I had the 58 pat, loved it. Hammered the metal clips tightly closed, and then gaffa taped it to the belt together. And secured it with bungees, to stop it rattling. Never did get, webbing burns, on the Combat Fitness Test (CFT). A 10 mile run, with your gat (rifle) and back pack. We were always expected to do that in 1hr 30min or less in my unit, but 2hrs is the CFT time 😮😢😅😂😊. And fire 5 rounds at a target, we used balloons tied to a trestle table.

[@oldbutty]

Spot on Keith! RMP white belts for dfuty or parades.

[@magirusdeutzjupiter2234]

Another brilliant video Keith, thanks mate! I think your videos are very clear, and very accurate, I think I have learned more from you than what my training staff taught me ha ha. Keep up the FANTASTIC work, its brought back the best memories of my younger days, cheers!!

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

That's very kind of you to say, thank you for your support and comments

[@Gieza-Brake-Pahl]

What you never had to blanko your gaiters? You young guys had it easy.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

🤣😆🍻

[@jerrybootneck1736]

I had the 58 pattern, still couldn't get a huge amount in it, we used to jam small things in with our gas mask pouch, or in our mess tins, if we knew we weren't going to be gassed, we'd leave back in camp and fill the pouch with extra goodies from the NAAFI.🤣

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Good drills, thanks for commenting mate all the best.

[@user-fl3ei6dw8w]

I remember kiwi-ing my 38 belts (worn with No. 2 (Service Dress) in 72-75) and anklets. But you didn't mention respirator bags- canvas webbing when we went to Creggan in 76, but replaced by nylon webbing ones thereafter. These were made with a long strap so could be worn as a satchel but were really meant to be worn on the chest when in NBC mode (like late WWI |WW2 respirators). In Ireland lots of blokes slashed through the bag so it could be carried on their belt with minimal kit- a gaffa taped on Field Dressing and one or two ammo pouches when patrolling. This bag was good and I went diffy with mine on leaving and still use it (patched up) 50 years later to carry my bike repair kit in when I go out daily! You also didn't mention the Manpack Carriers (used for carrying boxes of compo, 81 mm. mortar, etc. which I think were developed form kit made for Himalayan mountain expedition porters. And when in the TA (5Queens) in 71-72 I think we carried the platoon A41 radio on a framed pack that was meant to clip onto the d loops on the front of the 58 patern yoke (for the "Big Pack". One night near Lydd on a Saturday night patrol I was given this to carry (in the dark) and didn't get it properly sorted out before we started to move. A car was coming down the road so we were told to get over a gate into a field so as not to be illuminated by its headlights. With more enthusiasm than experience I tried to do this with what approached a gate vault (cf. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZDGYWBqpahobac). The A41 frame slipped and the set smashed me in the back of the head, I dropped my SLR and ended up in a mess in the field. I never learnt how you were meant to carry this monster practically. The Bn. had had A41s when originally deployed in Belfast when the Troubles kicked off, and the sweats were very anxious we looked after our lightweight radios, We had posters enjoining this to :"Keep the A41 off the streets!" - That's perhaps not really about personal Load Carrying Equipment, but it was a load that I remember carrying! It's interesting that different times and deployments give diff. experiences. With 38 kit and 48 the big pack was really only for "Marching order"- Battle order left it off and put the 38 small pack on your back, clipping over onto the top of the ammo pouches. This is what you see in black and white WW2 films. As my time was either in barracks on endless 432 maintenance, or in the urban setting in NI or mechanised in Germany in Bn. HQ I don't really recall ever using my big pack for anything other than as a suitcase when going on exercise- certainly never being required to wear it when shooting!

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cracking comment 👌 many thanks

[@eng9040]

The 58 webbing was OK if you swore at it.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

🤣🤣😂

[@roberthewer2268]

I am glad m8 I am not the only one who's swears at objects that obviously have no feelings I called the hoover a wee b---tard this morning and a spider a sponging git coz it was in my house I need therapy me thinks😢😢😢

[@matthewbishop9342]

When I joined in '89, I was issued 58 pattern webbing for about 6 weeks I think, then I was issued the plce stuff

[@12dougreed]

All I can remember were the weapon drills like changing mags etc Once on active service in south east Asia we customised our webbing as the standard stuff was a nightmare in the jungle. Travel light do away with anything you can do without. No lightweight blanket no mosquito net etc etc two bottles one of water one mixed issue Rum and water. One millbank bag for filtering water.250 rounds of .223 possibly 200 rounds of 7.62 for the gpmg a spare battery for the radio. 10 days rations ( Australian type) a few m2 grenades , and possibly getting chosen to carry a claymore. In all the weight was around 45 pounds We never needed to change the radio battery as all our signals were done in morse . I have seen all these videos from so called special forces most of it is bullshit

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Many thanks for commenting it's appreciated 👍

[@kevinadamson5768]

Love your crack Keith, webbing has evolved a lot since I served in the 80,s mate, the issue stuff was crap so we had to adapt it to suit our needs when out on the ground. I think it was the 58 which shrunk when wet and weighed a ton. The back pack was a nightmare when you took up a firing position with the old metal helmet cos it pushed it forward over your eyes. I've heard the new stuff is a lot better material and quick release straps on them and additional chest pouches and even a water bag for hot climates. Keep on tabbing. 😊

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Kev thank you mate I appreciate your support. You're bang on about the large pack in the prone position pushing your skid lid over your eyes lol. I'll keep Tabbing as long as I get the support like Im getting from you guys now, Lets Tab!

[@homeiswhereyoupitchit.]

I started off with 58 pattern as I joined end of 1979. Not a patch on what the current issue is. I can't help but notice how you're wearing your beret and how it's worn now. Possible future video maybe? All the best and take care, David.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thank you David, much appreciate your comment. I always try and wear my Beret while Im making my videos, its kind of a prop really and has become my sort of trade mark. I could do a video about how to shape a beret but I think most of us veterans probably know how its done, but its a good idea for a future video. Thank you so much for your support its really valued.

[@roberthewer2268]

badge over the left eye for me I have seen some weird and combinations flaps sticking out sticking up helicopter pads .RRF NO CRAP HAT best beret and work beret best hackle work hackle best one always in its little paper packet keep its shape lovely❤❤.❤ my UDR BERET AMD BADGE then we amalgamated with ROYAL IRISH RANGERS IN 92 they gave us corbeens for best wear .all respect guys I hated it Hoover bag😂😂😂😂

[@roberthewer2268]

​@@LetsTab59-bd4fd2 sinks keith hot water cold water about 5 times then put on your napper shape and wear for 2 hours remove big ring around your forehead 😂😂😂.I think I have spoiled your father video 😂😂😂 arsehole must have been my nickname😂😂

[@colinjones7741]

I left the army infantry in 1988 and we were still using the 58 pattern webbing then, heavy when wet all that weighed 41 pounds in weight can you imagine that around your waist.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Crazy old stuff the Army was getting their monies worth out of that bit of kit 😆

[@neilmckie2768]

Apart from basic, where like you, we had 37 pattern, I had 58 right the way through until 1993 - including the Gulf War. Always remember having the bum roll above my kidney pouches so it didn't bounce around. If you were carrying a rucksack, just bungee'd the bum roll to the pack. I was gobsmacked when I handed my TA kit in - 58 pattern and DPM combats expecting to get at least the same if not better when I went into the Regs - not only was the webbing ancient (still had the sand from the beaches of Dunkirk in the pouches, lol), we were issued with OGs! Spent a whole afternoon during basic being filmed doing bloody section attacks, only to find out later that it had been dropped because we weren't wearing DPM! Cheers

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Typical that.

[@marksadventures3889]

I have a few of those - plce 90 in dpm long back, short and NIPP- a personal favourite- with rocket pockets. Oh and an engineer's pack which I seem to use most. I use it because I trust it and know it's idiot proof since I was a sprog.

[@roberthewer2268]

PLCE 90 noticed one of our guys had put padding around the shoulder straps belt etc to make it more comfortable for lomg patrols and ICFTs etc asked him to do mine he.did it brilliant job adjusted every thing for me ot was great wouldnt even know you had it on

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Worth a yellow handbag

[@Bob-dh7bv]

NI patrol pack was the dogs bollocks👍🇬🇧

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Like rocking horse sh@t to get hold of.

[@jimmyjohnson7027]

Still got mine. Still use it.

[@malsmith9635]

58 pattern was terrible. Like you, we went for the extra water bottle pouches. Perfect fit for a camping Gaz cooker. The only time we were issued with bergans was in Northern Ireland strangely enough. Must admit that we generally bought our own anyway. (As with a lot of equipment.)

[@siroyal2040]

Great videos as always the British army had 44 pattern webbing after 37 pattern webbing just a thought, good show 🎉🎉🎉

[@Wardog-rf1tx]

I was told that the 44 pattern was for jungle warfare issue only?. We got it in Belize in 1975. I was a big fan of the water bottles and carriers, the rest I could have lived without lol. I go online every now and again to see if I can find some but sadly all I have found is 1 44 water bottle carrier. The French have a good sized water bottle with the old American war 2 style carrier. More into camelbak style hydration systems now. Found an Israeli product that turns your camelbak hose into a quick connect fitting.. you remove the mouth piece when you want to refill your camelbak while still wearing it. You attach a 1 litre plastic bottle to the quick connect and lift it above your head, the water drains into your camelbak, reattach your mouth piece and your done. Move on!💂‍♂️🪖⛑️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦

[@siroyal2040]

@@Wardog-rf1tx yes I believe your right 44 pattern was for jungle use, it wasn't standard issue to others, good to know the tip filling up your camel back, all good information thanks for replying to post 👍

[@timec2002]

PLCE was such a step huge forward from ‘58. A few companies like Mag Mor and the better known Arktis made some good pouches you could supplement your belt kit with. Later on I used a DPM belt kit from Jayjays of Brecon, it’s still got plenty of life left in it, although it’s a bit battered and faded. That with a Munro daysack saw me through a lot of time in the field and was my go to kit for patrolling and dismounted ops. There are some good set ups from the likes of Jayjays, Dixie’s and Dragon and plenty of blokes will still buy their own belt kit rather than use the issue Virtus sets. I’ve never used Virtus as I dismiss well before that came in, but I’ve not heard very many people say they like it.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

I've also never used the new kit, it was being issued just as I was leaving. Loved my old belt kit and wish I had held on to it

[@gunner678]

The memories, 58 webbing 😊. At Woolwich didn't we have black 37 webbing for stagging on? It's so long ago now. Yes the all arms pack, wasn't as good as the bergen.

[@bugler75]

I used most of those (37 pattern briefly in Cadets). I had a COP vest (self purchased) and an Assault Vest (issued) too. I had a ‘44 Pattern Waterbottle, metal mug and pouch with a hexi and brew kit too. Quick access but I always hid it for NBC stuff as you’d take a slabbering for it being difficult to decontaminate. I have to say that I bought very little big gucci kit over the years. Little things like socks, insoles but these were inexpensive (but important!!) investments. I found the issue kit to be alright for me. What other private purchase gucci kit did folk buy I wonder? Have a great weekend all. I plan to do a wee tab on Sunday 😊 Ian

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cheers Ian, have a good Tab on Sunday mate 👍

[@bugler75]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Thanks Boss🫡

[@trooperwolfie]

As TA, my unit (207 field hospital) didn't get combat 95/plce95 until early 2001, up till then we were still wearing lightweights, shirts and woolly pulleys lol.

[@mrb9536]

When I joined was still c95 . With combat assault boots /pro boots . Ripstop combat jacket / plce shortback infantry bergan/ with rocket pouches / ni patrol that was honking to tab with . Body armour that had small plate carrier on the front and back . Mk 6 helmet . When I left mtp came in

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Some of the kit the guys have now is pretty impressive.

[@Gunner4746]

Another excellent and informative video Keith. Remember arriving at Woolwich (Alemein Troop) and being issued with the old WW11 kit. Remember the old gaiters 😅 What is the pack you are carrying on your Tabs Keith?

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thank you Dave. I never had gaiters, we were in puttees, (1976). I was in Colenso Troop just across from your block I believe. I'm carrying an MTP Patrol pack, I had it issued about 2 years before I left and managed to 'acquire' a second one which the Tracer Round uses.

[@JayMac-gh1kx]

RA' Woolwich just up the rd 4Rom me! N has the 2PWRR! in atm! Plus the KINGS"TROOP"HA up the top! N the monkeys! !! 😂😂😂 plus KINGS"TROOP"HA was my daughter's reg! 4 10yrs! ❤❤ was also my grandfather's reg! In ww1! 14-18'. Coool coool m8 remember that well. Coool Keith lad 😊

[@farizdbro9903]

I was under the impression that “44” and not “37/38” pattern webbing was still issued up to the late 1970’s in training depots. Anyway I’m glad I discovered your channel! Couple of questions; by time you joined the RA was the Model 56 still operated and any plans to do a video on your time in the RA? Greetings from Malaysia.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Hi there, I can definitely remember our webbing in training being referred to as 37 pattern. Yes once I had arrived at my Regiment in Germany we were issued with 58 webbing

[@oldbutty]

Definitely '38 Pattern' Wore it in the cadets then in basic training 1971. The nice thing about it (gaiters included) was that it had to be blancoed or whitened. A tasty bitt of bullshit which of course baffles brains. White belt for RSM's parade. Quite a knack tyo getting the brass slides back on without scraping the white belt. After training, 58 pattern.

[@hughsmith9401]

Nice one do remember that noddy suit and bum role nightmare got PLCE gulf war we were in Edinburgh painting 4 toners desert yellow in the snow on the drill square before deployment 😅keep the good work up nice memories apart from wet 58 pattern webbing when wet 😂

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Many thanks mate 👍

[@3628ranger]

Fond memories of the best map reader in Sennelager: Wolfgang, yellow suitcase of beer and curry wurst, beat compo every time lol

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Good old Wolfgang 🍻

[@paulbrown4235]

Had 58 pattern webbing when I was in the air cadets in the 80s/early 90s but the 90 pattern olive drab PLCE kit was superb! I do remember seeing some rubberised pouches with God awful closures from that turned out to be 1972 pattern (or so I’m told). All that said, a friend of mine who was in the RAF Regt. in the 1st gulf war had 58 pattern webbing even then. Being olive drab, he used car spray paint to give it a slightly more camouflaged appearance. A seemingly intelligent thing to do, until I tell you that this guy really was a total ape!

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cheers Paul 🍻

[@Soggz7785]

Great vid. The All Arms Bergen is a fantastic back pack. I use one for wildcamping in the winter. I have the side pouches on it and can easily carry more insulation from the ground with it. I have a new Virtus MKIII Bergen which I bought last year, but find it too tall, as I am a squirt at at 5’8”. It was designed to be used with the new DWD hydraulic spine lifting system, which I don’t have, as it is quite an expensive bit of kit, it it enables a soldier to carry way more weight. I don’t know if you know it? As for the PLCE bergens I am literally waiting for a unused 2017 short back issue one to turn up. They are great bits of kit, and enables a person to carry more. ‘Travel Light, freeze at night’, as a ex marine told me once. All the best😉🇬🇧

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Hi, no not heard about this hydraulic system, I'll have to have a look. Many thanks

[@colinblick8946]

Ye we had 38 webbing and boot polished it….. and brasso the buckles…don’t forget ya button stick🤣…….but only through our training period. Thank god🙏🏼 nice to see the karabiner clipped on…… I still carry mine when I carry a pack on me mountain bike🫡

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cheers Colin 🍻

[@essexplodder9796]

I joined the reserves in 1986 we got the 58 patt, it was heavy even before you started adding the kit into it, back then our SOP's was webbing was supposed to be 35lb without extra ammo/food etc, after a few years the new style plce started getting issued to the regular troops, i spent some of me own money obtaining some plce style pouches from SASS in lancaster 3 of them to replace the useless kidney pouches, also i added a 44 patt waterbottle pouch & not sure if the story is true or not but the scuttlebut is that the 58 was designed by a women atb Barry

[@robslade2571]

Were in 6 Royal Anglians? I was was in 202 Sqn RLC (V). That was R Ang's before they were reroled.

[@johnnycooper7019]

I had to laugh, we use to call them Biff-Chits (Sick Note)! Christ, I'd forgotten about 37' pattern, had that in basic at Swinderby. I still have my large 58' pack, belt & holster. Thank you for the memory jog. Best Wishes Johnny

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thanks for your support Johnny, don't forget to fablon your biff chit lol 😆

[@johnnycooper7019]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fd 😆😆😆😆😆

[@user-fl3ei6dw8w]

Oh and you forgot the snobbery of the old sweats with their jungle webbing (belt like a 58 but with holes along the bottom for the waterbottle (metal) carrier et al to swing from. With Jungle Boots they marked out the men who had been out east (like Wally Gittens, my training Cpl. at Bassingbourne)..

[@Wardog-rf1tx]

58 webbing sleeping bag had a waterproof hood that you rolled the sleeping bag into to keep it dry. The large pack had two straps on the top that secured your sleeping bag to it. I can’t remember, if?, but believe that the 58 sleeping bag did not come with a liner?. CF sleeping system included an outer and inner bag, a liner that was tied inside the inner bag, and a waterproof valise (bag) to keep it all in. Nice system but heavy.💂‍♂️🪖⛑️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

I'll be doing a video on sleeping bags very soon my friend, thank you all the best

[@Wardog-rf1tx]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fd my current sleeping bag was one I came across on you tuber “Armoured cockroach” site, super nice guy, sort of disappeared during Covid to bad. Sleeping bags in Canada are in my opinion very expensive. The one I got 2019 maybe is a UK Highlander 4 season just love it. 💂‍♂️🪖⛑️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦. Anyone out there know of Armoured cockroach or his status? Did he move to another platform from you tube? Thanks. David

[@roberthewer2268]

Remember day 2 of basic cpl laid all this 58 stuff on the grass in front of JS accommodation at Bassingham mind boggleing for a while very patient man 😂😂😂

[@MarkARhodie]

I've got a DPM short back bergan, I use for camping, about a mile or so up the road. I must look like a real dork wearing DPM trousers, smock and bergan, but my neighbours talk to me and if anything gets ripped, climbing over a barbed wired fence, it won't bother me too much.

[@javidjames3319]

Oh , I forgot to say , My Dad was in the RAF , He got me some dms boots and at that time , I would have killed for 58 pattern webbing and DPMS CLOTHING .

[@ozzyfarrow9872]

I was issued 58 webbing in 1996 to do my TA RECRUIT COURSE

[@davidthefirst6195]

58 pattern heavy and smelly when wet We got the 90 pattern in 91 an improvement but wasn't very durable, definitely not squaddie proof Chest rigs and Gortex jackets started to appear when i left in 93

[@peterwait641]

The 58 pattern large pack was rubbish , try running and the pack used to jump about like mad and the central spigot in the tin lid used to dig into your head with every bounce .Clansman 351 backpack had a heavy metal frame and was uncomfortable as well .

[@ArenBerberian]

Not a soldier, but used all of these from 37 pattern to PLCE for reenactment, and it's interesting really how while the materials have changed, the core concept of webbing has not, since right back to WW1. Id bet that a soldier from the Great War would be familiar witth a set of PLCE, if they were given it.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

That's a good point, I think a soldier from WW1 would adapt quickly.

[@michaelamos4651]

What a great video. Thanks 👍

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thank you Michael for your support

[@MikeJ-c72]

I joined in 91 and we got issued 58 pattern webbing there was no way you could open and close your ammo pouch when it's -15c in Sunnybrigde and you can't feel your fingers😂

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

I defy anyone to operate those 58 pattern pouches with frozen fingers in wet green wooly gloves lol. Cheers mate.

[@aebirkbeck2693]

My first issue was 44 pattern webbing and I bought my first 58 webbing and thought it was great never mind all its faults.

[@ianmurray4081]

Just discovered your channel. Awesome content, looking forward to exploring your content.🍺🫵🤟🇨🇦🫡🇬🇧🤟🫵🍺

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thank you that's very kind

[@skylongskylong1982]

Does anyone remember the military survival aids catalogue in the mid eighties, where could get well made , very comfortable rucksacks,bergans , and pouches. but very expensive.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Yeah I do all the Gucci kit in that

[@gavin2651]

Let’s not go to Plc webbing, lol I had 58 in 88 lol with the over the shoulder hooked on back pack, just loved trying to get my whole army locker in to those usless back pack, thankfully o glad to get to Bn and use a Bergen, ah the memories, love the sweat shirt🇬🇧💂🏽‍♂️ and in my Bn if you got detention that pattern webbing back pack, had to be used, Nightmare!!!! Nice Job Sir! “Out” 🇬🇧💂🏽‍♂️

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cheers Gavin 🍻

[@janerush920]

Don’t forget to bumper the floors at woolwich after bulling your boots band cleaning your brasses all before going down the dell lol😊

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

I'd almost forgotten about the Dell I've never seen water that colour before 😆

[@janerush920]

My husband told me to write that he passed out from Arnhem troop march 73 then joined 47 field regt at Colchester

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

@@janerush920 Pass on my regards and thank him for reminding me about the old Dell.

[@nickwilkinson5849]

Let's see you doing an episode whilst on a BFT. 😆😆😆

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

I'd be on all fours 😆 🤣

[@nickwilkinson5849]

Wouldn't we all. At least it's flat round you.

[@roberthewer2268]

❤ my PLCE 90 2 day ops out of Warrenpoint RUC tabbing around could put all my kit in plenty of nosebag stop and sneak into a house that was being built out in the cuds check it out 1st 😂😂😂 dip.into my pouches for my wee gas burner no hexi blocks for me anymore 😂😂😂 mess tins amd boil in the bag sausage and beans lovely our csgt PC was the best nipped onto abandoned buses out I the sticks for shelter very different approach to things I envied him always bought his own kit 😂😂😂