LBV88E Setups and Tips

The LBV88E is very popular on the civilian market, even though it hasn't been used in the military for 20 years. Perhaps it is because it is easy to setup and is actually still quite modular.
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[@retro9590]

I just ran across these on a surplus site for the first time. Kicking myself for not knowing these existed. Best believe mine is on the way. Stoked

[@larslevinberget9558]

As the Yugoslavian wars and the 2.Gulf war happened, I just registered that the US had got some new kit, evolving from the Alice and Bianchi gear; woodland pattern ammo vests, but couldn't distinguish the LBV88 from this 94 version, MOLLE, SPEAR or the SOF tactical vests - that was 2005! :) Now, I have like one of each!

[@vermontvermont9292]

I'm one of the few that run the lbv-88e and Alice still these days. For my lbv I use the correct iifs buttpack. Right side grenade pouch I have my compass attacked with para cord to that little holder inside the pouch. I run 2 canteens, a um84 holster, 1 pistol mag pouch. Left side grenade pouch I either run smoke, or as of right now a field bandage, camo face paint, and a lighter. My ifak is typically on the side of the buttpack . I also believe it or not carry a bayonet on the left side of the belt. I grab these lbv-88s every time I find them. Most of the time they're either unissued, or virtually new. Same with the buttpacks. I currently have 3 spares set up, including belt extensions if needed. I run the medium Alice pack as well and zero body armor. I don't see the point I guess for the body armor in my AO. Especially if you're roughing it in the deep woods and mountains here. With the exception of chittenden county most of VT is still extremely rural. Lots of deep forest, and many mountains running the center of the state top to bottom. Our Winters are typically brutal, and our summers feel like the middle of a jungle out in the woods. The humidity is unreal during summer. Anyway, glad to see people still talking about the lbv-88 these days. It's great gear really, and cheap. If you're just starting off and need something it's a very good way to go.

[@larslevinberget9558]

That sounds very reasonable, much like the IIFS gear were intended, to supplement the existing LCE. Though it was designed to go better with the body armor of that time, it does make sense to wear the LBV with the ECWCS. Here in Norway, we have always lived in an ongoing climate crisis, ever changing weather - one month to another. It's impossible to stop all the time, reaching into a backpack, especially in the winter time. If we invented skiing, then also the buttpack and the ALICE frame ;D

[@Jim-qj1uf]

Good job, thank you. I removed the grenade pouches and added two M16 ammo pouches. If I need or have grenades I have the pouches on the side. Advantage of being a big feller, gives me more room on my pistol belt. Again, thank you for the new ideas. Remember, once you get passed 8 mags, you outfit get pretty heavy. I have 6 on the vest and 6 in my two ammo pouches.

[@larslevinberget9558]

That's much like the SPEAR ELCS

[@anthonydowns9632]

Still have mine from 2007 or 2008 chilling in my garage lol. My unit never made me turn in ANY TA-50 when they switched over to the newer gear in 2008ish. They wanted allll the new goodies back when I got out in 2016. I have a couple things but maaan I wanted to keep it all and I could have for about 2800 bucks lol. Good video man! Just seeing how others have theirs setup.

[@64ig6kg0]

It's pretty good with a plate carrier.

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

You can use MOLLE with this easier than LC 2. Those web keepers stop the slide pretty well. And 550 cord to hold them down. Also, the rear straps can be run through the mounting bars on the buttpack, or use clips, etc. More versatility than a FLC or old school LBE. Right now mine is set up with the rear panel only and LBE straps up front. I use an old Field Line hydro pack. I wish that Field Line would reenter the market. Good stuff for the money.

[@LWRoad]

Interesting, good to see you back! Hope things are well

[@doitriteak]

They are good. Just not as camera focused as I was in Alaska

[@zszs123]

Excellent video thanks

[@juliereyes5704]

Grenade pouches hold 20rd mags nicely.

[@larslevinberget9558]

I've never thought about that! Maybe M1 Carabine mags also?

[@landrecce]

You definitely know what you're talking about. Great presentation. Subscribed.

[@or6060]

check out the medic LBV, it's just molle instead of 4 mag pouches. pretty cheap and obviously gives you a lot of options. also check out the russian NERPA chest rig, it's their version of the LBV with 4 double mag pouches, 4 small pouches for things like a bayonet or a multitool, and molle sides. also it has internal zip pockets with map cases, and you can get a version that's all molle.

[@larslevinberget9558]

I never se those medic vests around? I want one! :) Also the SPIES vest with ALICE loops instead of PALS is kinda cool...

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

GOOD STUFF. i was not a fan of the LBV88 but am coming around. i do think i will remove my grenade pouches.

[@slothking42069]

You can always run a pistol mag on one of the chest straps.

[@bigoz7]

Great video very informative and thanks for sharing!

[@swiftey3973]

Hey great video. I have a quick question what kind of mags fit in the pouches, of course we know AR, AK, do FAL, M1A, mags, etc do they fit. Thanks

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

M1A or FAL mags = 1 in each upper pouch. So 4 mags. No AK.

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

I would move the grenade pouches out of the way and sew them in that open area under the magazine pouches.

[@Odysseusnobody]

Just ran a Blackhawk version at 1shepherd

[@doitriteak]

How is it compared to the issued version?

[@Odysseusnobody]

@@doitriteak shoulder pads are not as good betterthan the 1st gen where mags are vertical holds 8mags has map pockets inside has ability to add pouches on the side behind mags thinking about tying to make my own and add Molle panels on rear and side for small pouches also negative note they sew mag pouches on to mesh with no real backing like on usgi

[@larslevinberget9558]

The Blackhawk is sweet, as is the Eagle vests - 2 mags in all 4 pouches, just like the DCU AFSOC vest :)

[@Odysseusnobody]

@@larslevinberget9558 made cheaper than usgi no backing where mag pouches are sewn on just straight to the mesh 8 mags a plus innermap pouch and Blackhawks own mounting system on the sides to add another pouch

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I like the alice system I just wished I could add mag pouches for the ak, it would be cool to run east German AK pouches on Alice gear, so you can have 10 AK mags total

[@wingedhussar1683]

I run this exact system, I zip tied a Chinese 5 cell ammo pouch on the left side and 2 Russian SKS pouches on the front. I also run two canteens and am planning on adding a 3 cell polish AK pouch or another Chinese 5 cell pouch, but the East German pouches would work well also. It's a great setup.

[@mrguiltyfool]

From Canada, milsurp is no longer cheap in here. It is better just get modern stuff in Canada price wise

[@ellerybice3787]

Can I not just bring my load carrying mule with me? He has his own body armor. 🤔

[@larslevinberget9558]

Camelbak Mule from around 2010 is my favorite :)