Perhaps the single most prolific kind of combat webbing for the last 100 years has been a belt and suspenders. All load bearing equipment has it's roots in that simple idea in one way or another — a way to distribute the load to all the right spots on the user's body without inducing fatigue.
ALICE was born after the M1956 gear was long overdue for improvement, and central to the system was the Individual equipment belt. The major differences between ALICE belts are in their buckles. Those issued from 1972 to 1981 have a very simple hook design similar to its predecessor. In 1981, the system received an improved buckle that secures much better than the first gen's simple design, but was eventually outclassed by the more durable & rust-proof ITX buckles in 1990.
Bomb proof, widely adjustable, and configurable for all types of missions, ALICE has a reputation for maintaining a diehard user-base among former military members who used it, and of course surplus gear enjoyers.
It's a blank slate, the first step you'll take into the deep rabbit hole of retro belt kit, and is quite possibly one of the most iconic pieces of US kit ever made.
Sizing
The system is so simple even Bill Murray in Stripes would probably be able to navigate it.
Medium: Suited for users with a 30" or less waist
Large: Suited for users with a 30" or greater waist
Specs
- Made in the USA
- Compatible with all ALICE gear 1972-1990s
- Heavy duty buckle gives durability & less chance of coming undone under heavy loads
- Stiff & durable webbing construction bears heavy weight comfortably around the waist
- Optional Y-yoke suspenders help distribute heavier loads
- Easily adjusts with keepers on both buckle ends
- Boomers love it, bushcrafters swear by it
- Can be used in conjunction with ALICE field pack suspenders & LBV/ELBV systems
Condition
Belts have only seen light use, and are in excellent condition. Suspenders exhibit either minor or no cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use.
