The Enhanced LBV88 from Linchpin Supply

Fom Linchpin Supplys website:
"Genuine government issued chest rig in m81. It's official name is "Vest, Tactical Load Bearing (enhanced)" which while that is a mouthful, it leaves no question as to what this thing is. Its a no frills, government issued rig with not very many bells and whistles but it does hold ammo and allows your shoulder to carry it rather than your back or your waist. Works best if you run an AR-15 or 20 round mags in an AK."
www.linchpin.supply/product-p...
The LBV88 Enhanced rig makes for a perfect Minuteman rig for hard field use. Use it for a fighting rig, survival rig, or even set it up for a little bit of both. This surplus rig has stood the test of time and should serve you well.
‪@Linchpin.supply‬

[@user-sb9fw6ui2i]

That’s what I was issued when I was in the 75th Ranger Regiment. I currently have one for my current load-out. The only problem with the slanted pouches, is you can’t carry enough mags for your rifle. The solution I came up with, is to use SAW mag pouches to hold my rifle mags. I can carry 7 standard M-4 mags in each pouch (8 might fit, but it’s a stretch). Aftermarket mags will fit, but you’ll have to choose the mags carefully, because some of them, you’ll only be able to fit 6 of them in the pouches. I currently have 2 SAW pouches on my vest (with 7 mags in each pouch), and 2 SAW pouches on my ruck (with 7 mags in each of them) for extra ammo when I’m on the move. I also have the old style (3 mag) pouches on my vest for storage, which you can use for various items (IFAK, admin, compass and face paint, survival gear, extra mags, etc.). As far as the grenade pouches go on this vest, they will hold a lensatic compass without a problem. The gear you carry will change as missions dictate. So keep an open mind about what you carry.

[@cap6888]

Got mine issued at the same time I became a SAW gunner. At least the mag pouches were good for Red Man pouches and pogey bait.

[@dus777]

My primary has a drop leg for smoke, 2nd TQ, pistol mag. I stick Chem lights behind mag pouches (hidden pockets) The belt ends up quite congested because you need the back clear to ruck, and the front doesn't have much use. Can only use one shoulder for gear because a sling snags terribly. Otherwise, it has a hydration pack on the back. I've even moved the multi tool to the side cordage to make room. It is terrible for vehicle/ mounted. Great for forest and going prone. I have added various pouches and packs, as needed, but it really makes more sense for short patrols and assault, rather than any multi day mission. The grenade pouches can hold compass (dummy cord), radio batt, camo, cravat, headlamp, scrim, as needed. They don't work for smoke, TQ, radio, or anything you'd really want there.

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

I'd move the butt pack to the belt, the sustainment pouch to lower back and find a water bladder to fit above. I'd add Saw pouches of magazines idk side arm and more to the belt. I'm a big guy with a lot of strength and endurance so I wouldn't be overloaded. Great review. Thanks.

[@cripplers8]

That was my first kit when I got into the movement. Got the LBV & Butt pack off of eBay years ago. Still got it in my surplus footlocker. Great kit especially in the summer.

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

Love old school mil surplus. It still works!

[@corporaterobotslave400]

I converted mine into a battle belt. Removed the ammo pouches / grenade pouches, and just kept the shoulder straps and H harness; I attached that to a Brit war belt, then loaded up the belt with Ukrainian AK pouches, grenade pouches, canteen pouch, camelback pouch, and dual large sustainment pouches on back of belt. It's basically an enhanced SMERSH built with non-Russian gear.

[@themodernminuteman2557]

Right on! Great way to make it work for you! Love the outside the box thinking!

[@vermontvermont9292]

I still use the lbv88e , and my alice gear. I switch back and forth. Im a collector as well. I have 3 of these in NOS along with the correct buttpacks for them. I will say if I had to grab between my alice or lbv id take the alice. Fyi for anyone reading this, the 3 day field buttpack aka " the camo one" is technically only meant to be used on the lbv88 or lbv88e. If you run the camo buttpack on the traditional alice set up it will sag.

[@Odysseusnobody]

I like the lbv88 replaceside strings with shock cord to give it flex

[@Renigade16]

I've got the same rig myself. I threw the butt pack on and managed to attach the Patrol Pack from the CFP90 Love the set up. Working on getting some Israeli mags

[@MunitionsDudTester]

Looks good to be used in conjunction with an ALICE pack or something, but I feel that more modern options or true LBE kit does a better job of utilizing the real-estate on your front and around the hips more. No bad though if you're ballin' on a budget, but at that point I'd rather have a TAP or something for more carrying capacity.

[@NorthwestScout]

Great video! I’ve got a CADPAT former Canadian Forces fighting vest. Vest is a great alternative for hot weather like an LBE. Take care!

[@jameshayden5053]

I have one and it was my go to for over a Decade until I got a SMERSH Rig from RCC several years ago. Great video Buddy.

[@bizzlesnach]

I was issued some of these when theu were new. For whatever reason I stuck with the old alice rig as long as I could- I think it may have been because the ones we got weren't mesh, theu were solid m81 fabric and they were hot compared to the straps of the old stuff.

[@Santiago308]

Thoughtful mods! Good shit bro. Keep gettin after it 🤘🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Regularguy509]

I have one of these made by Blackhawk. Hooked it to a war belt. Added two quad mag pouches, two saw pouches, two canteen pouches, and a modular assault pack. Totally sick. Some guys don’t know an m4 mag pouch is a suitable holster so you can have a sidearm on an lbe easy.

[@acrprotect4476]

Good afternoon Sir! Great video, you always have good content! Cool rig, gotta love the woodland camo! Take care my friend!

[@jmmartin7766]

The LBVE-88 is my "minute man" set up - I've thought it was cool ever since it was used by US Army SF in "Clear and Present Danger" Fwiw, I removed the grenade pouches and carry M81, MOLLE mag pouches (on my duty belt) in their place. Incidentally, "ranger mag pulls" work wonders for making accessing mags a lot easier with this setup

[@Minuteman4Jesus]

God's Plaid is no throwback. It's timeless! 😁

[@themodernminuteman2557]

Amen

[@pflugervillebushcraft8149]

These are also great for bushcraft/hiking/camping, if you use the sustainment pouch, butt pack, two canteens with cook cups, and use the ammo pouches for gear, you can skip a rucksack and have everything you need for a one or two day overnighter that stows in a truck or trunk of a car super easy.

[@Valorius]

I have been using the same rig for quite a while now, excellent minimalist setup

[@protectpersevere2030]

Cool kit

[@Catspurrlounge]

You can beat old school gear.

[@taylorbennion3706]

I have one of these and think it's cool but it leaves so much to be desired the woodland pattern is sick and it does have the nostalgic factor, it's an acceptable piece of "handout" kit although I don't philosophically believe in equipping people.

[@johndecker9983]

My pronouns are minute/man. Wife confirms this 👍 😂

[@rubberduckindustries6665]

It's a piece of junk. The only thing they had going for them was the larger shoulder pads. I never used it, even when I was issued it.

[@andy_in_nh9243]

Agreed, word for word.

[@jamesbridges7750]

I even hated those. They were sewn so damn weird there was never more than half the pad touching your traps. It was like wearing a jacket with shoulder pads.