FILBE vs MOLLE II comfort test

Hiking around with a water jug inside both the FILBE and MOLLE II packs to see which is more comfortable. No body armor, no tactical stuff, just a review for the hiker, backpacker or conditioning enthusiast. 30 lbs inside the pack plus the weight of the pack and pouches and other incidentals that I brought along. A 1.4 mile distance (according to gaiagps.com) traveled for each pack. Sure, not a monumental load or distance but I'm old. :)
Availability, condition and price: The Army, Reserves and National Guard are huge compared to the Marine Corps and Reserve. That goes a long way in explaining why the MOLLE packs/gear are generally less expensive and in better condition than the FILBE. Add in the phase-out of the ACU camo and you have a lot of this gear now on the market, new in the packaging.
The FILBE is available in new or near-new condition but you can pay as much as $600 for a pack. Used FILBEs are often stuff that has been disposed of by the Marines and is close to being unserviceable, or uneconomical (for them) to repair. If you look around you can find deals and being handy with a sewing kit won't hurt either. With a "budget pack", be prepared to replace or repair broken and damaged buckles, zippers, torn material, missing straps, etc.
To be honest, a FILBE has to be pretty much taken apart to really be useless.
One of the benefits of the FILBE is that it MAY appear to be less military, at least from a distance. Something to consider if you are concerned about being profiled during a SHTF situation, civil emergency, etc. The appearance may become even less military in the future if the Marines go back to traditional Green or camouflage gear.
I think it's safe to say, the MOLLE or FILBE are both more comfortable than the ALICE.

[@torsten4757]

Thank you for sharing! I`ve both packs too, in my opinion, the more "ergonomic" shape of the FILBE frame is more comfortable. Also it has more flex in it, another plus. The MOLLE II pack frame reminds me to a board strapped to my back, not comfortable.....

[@Billofthenorth1]

Yeah, on me they were really close and honestly, I may redo this test again to see how it feels a second time.

[@Billofthenorth1]

I should also add, that my FILBE has a MOLLE II waist belt on it. I recently acquired another FILBE with the correct belt so...will definitely need to test it out.

[@torsten4757]

@@Billofthenorth1 Hello, yes I understand. For me too, at first I only had a MOLLE hip belt for my FILBE. Here in Germany, things from the USMC in particular are difficult to find. But one day I got lucky and got a brand new FILBE hip belt on eBay. I think the biggest difference is the block in the middle of the back on the FILBE hip belt. My understanding is that the block provides load transfer to the frame. This limits the bending of the frame in the lower area and protects against cracks. That might be the biggest difference. At least that's what I think.

[@jeffrichards5106]

Thanks for the video, good to know. I have the MOLLE II, never owned a FILBE. Hate that Coyote brown color. Might be good for the desert, but I don't want to look like a big turd! 😆 Merry Christmas to you. 👍

[@Billofthenorth1]

Thanks, have a great Christmas yourself. I think you could make the coyote color work in many different environments if needed.

[@Only_Trees]

I've had multiple molle 2 packs and they all had cracked frames. I ordered a brand new frame and it also arrived cracked. Sold them, and just keep running my old Alice pack because it just keeps working.

[@Billofthenorth1]

Alice is rugged for sure and can be comfortable with modded suspension. I've not had any of my molle frames break yet, I don't load my packs heavily. One of my filbe frames arrived cracked but it's wired up and still works. I ordered another filbe rig and it arrived with the newer stronger frame. Haven't used it much yet but I won't be loading that up either so fingers crossed it holds up.

[@edithwallace5821]

Please check out the channel Outdoor Gear Review. Years ago he did a very interesting videos on both packs, then a head to head comparisons. I have several mountaineer packs, which I prefer. I have several of the FILBE and Mollie ii. I've modified each one for different varieties of tasked in the environment of Florida where I reside. I find that the Mollie ii is a bit more versatile for the tasks I conduct.