Is M81 Cool yet? Oh yeah.
Worn in conjunction with the ALICE Standard Equipment belt, this was about as high speed as you could get from the US back in the 80s and 90s., This is the Enhanced Load Bearing Vest or just LBV for short. It was our first attempt at making proper chest-mounted equipment, taking a few notes from South Africa's successes with pattern 83: Velcro pouches for easy access to magazines, ITW fastex buckles, and light weight. We just made it a little more complicated because we're America.
What you might notice immediately is the angle of the mag pouches — It was believed that this was ergonomically better than vertical pouches for reloads, and even made an appearance on the early MOLLE platform known as the SPEAR ELCS made by Safariland. Whether or not it actually matters that they're angled is up to you, but it definitely gives off a retro aesthetic. Green berets and plenty of other spooks had angled mags on their kits well into Operation Enduring Freedom.
The vest is constructed with a breathable mesh, ITW Nexus Fastex buckles on the front, and a corset-style field repairable back (it literally uses paracord, which you could easily replace yourself). The shoulder harness is a padded slightly-angled H harness with loops for routing radio cords/antennas, but also comes in handy for routing hydration if you're using a more modern pack/carrier. Lastly, with an ALICE belt, you can loop it through the snapped loops on the bottom of the vest and even attach a M81 buttpack.
Antiquated? Yeah, a little bit. But that's the fun of M81 gear — It's in its golden years now which means its cheap, plentiful, and aesthetic as hell.
Specs
Condition
Serviceable: Vest retains a significant amount of its original function, but may have broken (but fixable) hardware such as a button, etc. May have minor pinprick holes.
Good: Load Bearing Vests are fully functional with only minor blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use. May have field repairs. M81 Woodland pattern may be faded.
Excellent: Load Bearing Vests have seen next to no use, with no fading or wear present.
USGI M81 Woodland Enhanced Load Bearing Vest
| Utility |
Rated 4 out of 5
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| Performance |
Rated 4 out of 5
|
| Ergonomics |
Rated 4 out of 5
|
A solid retro kit and drippy surp in God's flannel. It's a decent carrying system and fits its purpose well. The addition of an Alice or PLCE belt will do wonders for additional storage.
| Utility |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
|---|---|
| Performance |
Rated 4 out of 5
|
| Ergonomics |
Rated 4 out of 5
|
The LBV 88 came in great condition, it looks like it was never even used. I ended up combining it with the PLCE from Kommando Store to create a western based SMERSH kit for under $100. Now I can LARP doing infantry tactics in the prone like God intended.
| Utility |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
|---|---|
| Performance |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
| Ergonomics |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
Good quality, however, as expected, I recommend applying deodorizing spray to the rig. Fits AK mags, (With some mods), and of course Ar mags. Overall, it’s a good option for larpers or if you just want a surplus rig in woodland.
| Utility |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
|---|---|
| Performance |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
| Ergonomics |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
Fits well and good condition. The corset like strings at the back are a little long and stretched from use and there was duct tape on one of the straps holding something in place but good quality overall. Haven’t had a chance to use it properly yet or test fit over my M65 field jacket but it seems very adjustable. While it was adjusted to basically max size when I got it, fiddling with the straps made it fit. I want to try it with an Alice belt, because I think it would benefit from one.
| Utility |
Rated 4 out of 5
|
|---|---|
| Performance |
Rated 4 out of 5
|
| Ergonomics |
Rated 3 out of 5
|
Solid lbv perfect for your very day contra needs
| Utility |
Rated 4 out of 5
|
|---|---|
| Performance |
Rated 4 out of 5
|
| Ergonomics |
Rated 4 out of 5
|
