DEALS and FINDS: Load Bearing Vest (LBV88)

DEALS and FINDS: Load Bearing Vest (LBV88)

[@895austin]

I was issued the LBV-88 when I was in the Marines from 1997-01. I had no issues with this set up. the laced up sides you would get adjusted where you wanted it and tied a knot in the end of the laces. Then it didn't matter if the cord lock worked on not. I had zero issues with the laces catching on anything. We would wear the LBV over our flak vest. We would use a belt extender and remove it when we were not wearing the flak vest. Had no problem wearing this setup in the prone. In my opinion there is no problem with this setup and it's still viable to this day.

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

to each they own, as the bible say.

[@LandseerNorth]

"I have a problem..." LOL. Me too Marine. I have a chest rig for every long gun I own. Sheesh. Thanks, as always. S/F.

[@sicottish]

Keep it. I was in from 97-2020, and IMO it is the most underated piece of gear I was issued. Still have mine taped up with 25 year old 100mph tape. More comfortable, keeps weight distruputed extremely well, and keeps you much cooler than all the newer molle I was issued, not to mention lighter than adding all thoes molle pockets. I have a marine "stubby" 3L hydration carrier (the one with 2 pockets) woven through the alice webbing on the yoke. 4L of water, eliminates the need for the stupid chest strap, and carries nicely above the buttpack. When integrated with bigger packs that can be weaved throught he alice webbing with modification like the goruck bullet/rucker and kifaru e&e, it carries very well. If you want to get stupid, a hill people gear stubby chest rig fits perfectly between the suspenders.

[@billclay3643]

Replacing the paracord and lock with shock cord of the same diameter and the barrel locks you mentioned is a great upgrade to those old vests.

[@Odysseusnobody]

I've done that I like it

[@billclay3643]

@@Odysseusnobody I very well might’ve gotten that idea from you. I read a comment mentioning it under some video about these vests a year or so ago, I don’t recall who posted it though.

[@Odysseusnobody]

Yea I'm purty smart like that. I didn't like how it looked at ends so I used shrink wrap doesn't seem to melt down like paracord. Do you watch Brent or security guy 42 may of said it some where else too

[@billclay3643]

@@Odysseusnobody That’s it, yeah, SecurityGuy42 is where I saw the (your) comment.

[@voraciousblackstn]

As someone who used them while in the Army, I liked the LBV. Was it as customizable as MOLLE? No. Was it as adjustable as straight ALICE? No. What it did was either move your 6 mags up into your chest and make them easier to grab, or added 6 magazines to your loadout. It also distributed the weight WAAAY better than ALICE. No worry about the belt getting twisted up either. I used the LBV while stationed at Ft. Bliss, in Korea, and at Ft. Dix before we got IBAs. Never got the buttpack with the vest, but I was issued the buttpack before deployment to Iraq in 08. I used a different buttpack while deployed though. I like the LBV more than LCE, but MOLLE is so much better. One thing I like about the LBV that I rarely see is the slanted mag pouches. I love those. The grenade pouches, i treat them like 1st aid /compass pouches. I think of the system as less of a stand alone item and more of a replacement for the Y suspenders. As this, the LBV88 hit it out of the park. The LBV is still better than the MOLLE FLC in a lot of ways if you ask me.

[@cap6888]

When I deployed to Iraq in 2003, we got issued a whole lot of new gear. It was like Christmas. We got all our DCU gear, got MSS bags, a whole bunch of other stuff, and then we had to trade in our LBE for this piece of crap. Never mind the fact that I was a SAW gunner and it was about useless for me. The 203 gunners thought the same thing. But I digress. Keep up the great videos brother!

[@josephdixon1827]

The LBV came out after I got out, but I own one now, yes I long ago rteplaced those flat string locks with Barrel locks, They will get in way. I use mine when going hunting, I had the cartridge belt hooked up to it, with the butt pack with two canteens with cups, holster for my side arm and some extra pouches attached to the belt. Once I got mine fitted to me, ( You have to wear it ) it just becomes another set of web gear, and I grew to appreciate the added pouches. The grenade pouch I use for a compass and the other a minor first aid kit.

[@thefucrew9865]

That LBV-88 vest was pre-MOLLE era. We were transitioning from the ALICE suspenders-style format. We assigned them, when we first started getting them (in small amounts) to our "Grenadiers" within our Team and Squad elements, so they could carry their mags up high, since they would be carrying their 40mm grenades for the M-203 either in pouches or belt looped rounds on a bandoleer..(I hated it, the belt bandoleer thing, when I was at that position). Shortly afterwards, we went to a dedicated 40mm vest, and carried our mags in the old A.L.I.C.E. 3 x mag pouches that went on the pistol belt. Keep up the great work, Brother !!!

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

i never carried the 203, i was a M60 man in my youth. but i remember our grenadiers wore a 40mm overvest.

[@thefucrew9865]

@@renaissancemarinetv3536, I did the M60 too !!! Then it got replaced by the M240B. I was the knucklehead that had to take off all of the packing grease...ugh !!!

[@jmmartin7766]

I was a US Army soldier & ground crewman in the late 80s. After having been issued (and had to work with) the old LBE gear, I like this for noise discipline. When we would "go to the field" in Germany, the metal on metal noise of our gear use to drive me insane... That said, once I made "flight status" as a UH-60 crewchief, we were issued flight vests (much less noisy) that resembled this gear... A pain in the butt to set up, but once you were there, you were good. Think I saw one of these vests (in your vid) yesterday, at my local surplus store, used for $25 bucks. I'll probably go pick one up in the next week or so... Thanks for the vid- subbed

[@Nowhere888]

I have had a LBV since the early 2000s and they are great. You can take most of the dirt cheap Alice gear and add it to the LBV without any problem. You get all your pouches for cheap with a rig just as comfortable as any more current load bearing system. I have a plate carrier also and the LBV is MUCH better for allowing airflow and cooling in the summer. You can even use the LBV with a chest rig like a chi-com M65 or the Tactical Intruder chest rig for home defense load out.

[@jmmartin7766]

Thank you, I was wondering if Alice gear would work with this gear

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

​@@jmmartin7766It works, BUT those web snaps are the reason people went to zip ties to mount pouches. Because the snap is too thick, if you try to mount an Alice pouch over it, the Alice clips won't work. The zip tie will because it's longer and flexible. Of course, zips work with regular LBE. Win Win!

[@jmmartin7766]

@@nomadmarauder-dw9re 💯 - I agree with you. I've always seriously disliked metal ALICE clips-- for several reasons including noise discipline. I solved that problem with a combination of 550 cord, zip ties and soft velcro strips I bought at Lowe's. (Zip ties can get brittle and break in the cold, so I like redundancy)

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

@@jmmartin7766 Well, I ain't invading Alaska. 550 is O.K., but depends on having at least one grommet free to pass through. Which the web snaps may be covering. I've been messing with gear for a long time, but from the perspective of a broke ass civilian or grunt stuck with whatever I've got. The concept of different rigs for different applications is fine, unless you're a PF Snuffy in a line unit. So my focus is having one basic system that can get you through no matter what the order of the day says. Real world gear. So for me it's pretty simple.

[@iridiumscribe4915]

I obtained the buttpack yesterday at a army surplus warehouse while on vacation for $9 and I was wondering a few things about it such as the buckle and D ring combination. It's nice to know now what system this went with. I had an idea it probably went with the IIFS system they were working with. The system between the ALICE and MOLLE. It reminded me a lot of my CFP90 Ruck. Mine had the internal bag cut out like my Vietnam era buttpack. It's a great pack for my EDC. As for the vest, I vaguely remember seeing these when I was a teen in the 2000s. I saw them a lot later on in surplus shops when MOLLE was first introduced. I don't care much for it as well. I can see what they were going for, but being able to remove and add pouches for certain mission sets makes a difference, not to mention there is a level of comfort. It's a cool looking piece of kit, but definitely not the best either.

[@barrycartner3855]

I have set my H harness to carry two buttpacks, a 56 and a 61, at times. I purchased a SAW mag pouch and forced myself downsize by replacing the bottom of the two buttpacks with it. Just an exercise to think about my gear differently.

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

I LIKE IT. we all tend to carry too much.

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

​@@renaissancemarinetv3536I know where there are 2 or 3 of these. And 2 with belts. Just in case you don't have enough...

[@ydconker]

you could make it into sort of a pilot survival vest. I'm sure you could fit quite a bit of items in it.

[@gunsofmasseffect4321]

As a civilian, I like the woodland pattern, it works great for my location, but i dont have a need for grenades, but will utilize the pouches, compass, and or a small 1st aid or fire starter kit.

[@HobbiesHobo]

Hahaha, this was fun, I guess I need to upgrade my kit. Shamefully I'm still holding onto a rig made of a mixture of 60's pattern U.S & CDN gear. LOL , I still find myself rooting through the gear bins and I haven't "Really" worn it for many, many years now. Mike.

[@justmike4096]

Thanks for explaining how the “training” butt pack attaches. I have a few of those and always wondered why they were different from regular butt packs. 2 questions: 1. Why did they call it a “training” butt pack? Is it inferior in some way(s) to a “regular” one? 2. Why does some woodland web gear have a red-colored thread running through it? Thanks

[@torsten4757]

I`m also interestet to know why they called TRAINING Buttpack and if there is a Difference to other´s. Thanks

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

my understanding....and this may be wrong...is that because in training they only issue old gear, such as the alice medium pack and no assault packs...they issue this buttpack. buttpacks were very seldom issue gear in the FMF in my personal experience.

[@MetalMilitiaMan87]

I just picked up one of these for cheap from a guy who had a bunch of these brand new, sealed vests dated 1997. I hadn't really taken much interest in them before, as I prefer my LC-2 gear, but I couldn't pass up the deal for a new piece of gear. Doing some research, these seem to be the era where they tried to reinvent the Alice system but still before the period where the Molle system was created. I believe there are two versions of this. The one in the video with the angled mag pouches is the second version, while the first version has the mag pouches positioned vertically. After getting it set up, I do feel that it has some benefits over the LC-2 system. The shoulder straps are much more comfortable. The positioning of the mag pouches, while a little awkward at first, frees up space on your cartridge belt for other items. Or you can keep extra mag pouches on the belt, and effectively double your ammo carrying capacity. Some drawbacks with the LBV-88 are that it can be a pain to adjust to your body at first. I'm also not a huge fan of the 550 cord weaved in between the mesh panels. I believe the reason for the cord though is to allow the vest to be widened for larger people, or widened to be worn over a frag vest or plate carrier.

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

you hit the high points in my opinion. there are definite pluses. i just dont like the open back and all the cords.

[@markottinger]

I've got one in my 5/10 program, it's gear and guns for others ready to fight but have no gear. I'd just save it for that purpose.

[@juliereyes5704]

I have one and it feels more comfortable than the newer systems. It is just my observation while wearing them.

[@tony7106]

I got the same problem lol LBV is still on my wish list. Just cause Im old school woodland bdu.

[@Gridzheh9]

Birdie is my favorite part of your vids.

[@FlyingAxblade_D20]

Perhaps the extra D-ring for those in the dark to not put the strap into the fastener on the wrong side, especially in gloves or cold?

[@Odysseusnobody]

Lbv88 2nd version first pockets are vertical in front also cloth not mesh sides

[@Odysseusnobody]

I have used this vest a one shepherd it holds up

[@aronorth1439]

thank you I have had a woodland camo molle ii pack and was trying to understand the attachment on the sleeping bag carrier and the bottom of the pack being not molly.

[@IntoTheWildernessBushcraft]

Good stuff as always! 👊🏼

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

As per my comment from your video regarding the Ruger 10-22 and this LBE, YES my grandson would love this! I was an Army Ranger back in the 1970s and we sure didn't have anything like that, I "assume" it came out in 1988?

[@tomm2812]

First to view 1st to comment. One of your Faithful RM. I have a Franken 'H' Harness w same Butt Pack along with miscellaneous pouches. Along with wide shoulder straps. Ya know RM I Have the same problem. Good thinking 2 Butt packs. Best

[@dickhurtz1862]

We never used alice clips we used 550 cord, the LBV-88 is well hot af. The little pass threw that you pointed out on the shoulder straps is for the cfp90 assault pack. The lbv-88 was ok it was comfortable to a point. One thing it did rather well was blend in to the m-81 cammie's. It was to be a replacement for the lc2 but....... the Harris assault vest sucked also. Guys just had to have either one, once blackhawk and lbt and eagle came out with the long range assault kit in woodland camo that's what we switched to. More like the lc2 but you couldn't remove pouches they were sewn on, but the thing was really cool hauled a ton of stuff I still have my issues lbv-88 and my lrak(1195j floating harness) in my stuff. Thanks for the video and good score.

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

is the CFP90 assault pack that square one? if so i think i have one...

[@dickhurtz1862]

@@renaissancemarinetv3536 yes it is attached to the main pack (cfp90) it's a neat little pack zipper on top ok shoulder straps and in m-81 woodland. When you combine the two(cfp90 assault pack and LBV-88 it's a cool little set up with the buttpack.

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

@@dickhurtz1862 i will have to hunt that little pack up and try that out! thanks for the tip!

[@dickhurtz1862]

@@renaissancemarinetv3536 your welcome btw if you do not have the plastic stiffen than a neat option is to get from the dollar store the foam knee board gardeners use and cut to fit. It will actually float about 40lbs.

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

@@dickhurtz1862 ok, i found it and i cant see how they go together at all. can you explain or send photos or do a video on it? i see no way it works really.

[@notsoviet_sticks5657]

I have one and it has room for two alice mag pouches and 2 canteens, and 2 smaller pouches with an alice pack

[@ryanwolfe8578]

I run my LBV 88 through my OTV/IBA using the belt attachment on the bottom molle. Put a Hydration panel on. War belt weight is off shoulders w, more real-estate.

[@juggernaut7625]

I've got a MOLLE medic vest, the back and shoulder straps look just like that and still has the belt loops. I guess this came just after the LBV-88.

[@bodie463]

I butchered an lbv & use the H harness on my ALICE, much better than the Y harness.

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

i can see that.

[@TheJames762]

You can use the buttpack with standard Alice gear suspenders. That's what I believe the D rings are for on the buttpack.

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

THAT MAKES SENSE. thank!

[@CounseledRope97]

Alot of these were given to other countries under the lend lease act.

[@vermontvermont9292]

I'd take it 😆. Add it to my other 4 all in NOS. Im one of those guys who likes the IIFS system.

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

its growing on me

[@vermontvermont9292]

@@renaissancemarinetv3536 I constantly switch back and forth between the lbv-88e and regular lbe. I need to get my hands on the first gen molle vest. Problem is everyone I find is super beat, faded, or missing things. Same with the mag pouches, grenade pouches, etc. For whatever reason the m81 MOLLE vests are super used and abused. I've just wanted to try it, and see how I like it. Ultimately though, I'll probably always go back to the Alice lbe.

[@leatherneckprepper4477]

I always like the H harness better. I have a delicious barbecue sauce recipe if you’d like it just email me. Works great with beef and chicken.

[@tomquirin4231]

great find my brotha , 93' to 97' active here , you ?, not sure if we've ever talked before ?, old usmc finds are great indeed 1000% , would you know of any free type promotions/contests/giveaways out there via sites or other , let me know , talk soon > tom !

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

82-94. we overlap a bit.

[@tomquirin4231]

@@renaissancemarinetv3536 lol yes we do, , email me soon brotha , thanks > tom !