USMC Gen 2 ILBE Rucksack, Woodland MARPAT

Description

These are Gen 2 Improved Load Bearing Equipment (ILBE) Rucksacks that were used by the US Marine Corps. These packs were designed to take the place of the aging ALICE Rucksack that had been in use by the US military at large since the 1970’s. As the GWOT began to wind up the need for a better rucksack was explored by the USMC, this led them to Arc’teryx and the newly created (at the time) LEAF program. The bag was initially designed by Arc’teryx but fulfillment of manufacturing was mostly completed by Propper. The ILBE features a 725D Cordura material construction with a Woodland MARPAT print. Like most modern issued rucksacks, the ILBE rucksack is comprised of single large compartment with an internal divider that can be used to separate said main compartment. The Main compartment features a removable pack lid, cinch top opening, side access zippers, comm/hose ports as well as attachment points for the manpack radio pouch than can be mounted internally. Moving to the outside of the bag we have a generous amount of MOLLE webbing, tons of cinch/compression straps, stowable beavertail flap, carry handle and 2 external pockets on the bags left and right. The left and right external pockets allow for larger items to be mounted externally on the pack. Additionally, there are pass-through sleeves that can be found above each of those pockets that can assist in stabilizing whatever load is in those pockets. The ILBE also features an internal frame design that uses 2 aluminum stays for rigidity, padded adjustable shoulder straps, sternum strap and a padded adjustable waist belt. In the realm of rucksacks the ILBE was relatively short lived, in 2011 it would be formally replaced by the currently issued Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment (FILBE) rucksack which took several design inspirations from the recently updated MOLLE 2 Large Ruck that was in use with the US Army. Overall, these are some rough and ready rucks that are sure to impress on any long outing or adventure.

Dimensions/ Specs:
90L Capacity/ 5400 Cu Inches
Weight Capacity: 120 LBS/ 54 KG
External Dimensions: 32” T x 18” W x 10” D (roughly)

Features:

• Large Main Backpack Compartment – Main section of bag has a large compartment for storing bulkier and main items.
• Internal Divider – Internal divider for organizing contents and separating magazines.
• MOLLE Webbing – MOLLE webbing on exterior for attaching additional pouches and accessories.
• MOLLE Compatible – This item is compatible with MOLLE webbing.
• Backpack Compression Straps – These straps help tighten down gear and keep your load stable and secure.
• Built in Rucksack Frame – This has a heavy duty built in frame.
• Adjustable Padded Shoulder Straps – This has adjustable padded shoulder straps for extra comfort when carrying a load.
• Padded Waist Belt – Waist belt is padded for comfort during long wear and use.
• MARPAT Camouflage – After seeing the effectiveness of the new digital Canadian camo the US Marine Corps set about to create its own. In 2001 the USMC would develop and adopt the MARPAT family of camo patterns. Marine Pattern would have a woodland, desert and winter variation, with miniature USMC EGA symbols “stamped” into the pattern. While the USMC claims the pattern is based off its own research and development the pattern, minus coloration, is extremely similar to the Canadian CADPAT camo that was the inspiration for adopting a digital camo in the first place. With the adoption of MARPAT the USMC would also introduce the MCCU Uniform, replacing the BDU completely. Aside from certain pieces of individual equipment, in service MARPAT is used mainly on combat uniforms and accessories.

Manufactured by:

• Propper – Manufactured by Propper. Propper is the largest contract holder for clothing and boots for the United States Marine Corps. They previously made some of the woodland and desert BDU uniforms for the US Military. While they don’t manufacture the current US Army Uniform, they do manufacture aftermarket equivalents that are acceptable for duty use. They have a long history of quality military products.

Country of Manufacture: USA – This product is manufactured in the #1 country, the USA.

Issue Type: USMC Issue – This item is genuine US Marine Corps issue.