So you're shopping for some new pouches (from me) and you're trying to figure out what attachment style you're going to use? No problem, here's your short little guide. Making this one quick and painless for those who hate reading!
There's essentially four different ways to attach your pouches to your belt or kit.
- One-Wrap Velcro: The most self-explanatory way to attach a pouch, and in my humble opinion, the BEST way to attach a pouch. Your velcro weaves into the backing of the pouch, and velcro's to itself around your outer belt. It never moves. It's cheap, effective, and (cheat mode), you can even buy your own velcro one-wrap rolls and cut it to length yourself. This is the gold standard of pouch attachments.
- Fight Light Malice Clips: These clips are injection molded, heavy duty, reusable connecting clips. They are designed to attach pouches to MOLLE, obviously - they are weather resistant, won't corrode, and the clip won't open until disengaged with a knife, screwdriver, etc. - I find these to be one of the worst options for pouches, but it really boils down to personal preference. The rigid plastic is annoying to work with, in my opinion.
- WTF Straps: These straps are laser cut and soft feeling like rubber, not hard plastic like malice clips. They are made to be weaved in and out of pals webbing, and cut to milspec standard sizes (but can work on belts with webbing, though this isn't recommended). There's a "tab" at the end of the straps that locks itself in place. These are incredibly annoying to install, but if you take your time it will be fine. A set of needle nose pliers may be beneficial here. They secure your pouch, but are very annoying.
- Belt Loops (1.75" or 2"): The most expensive, and worst way to attach your pouches. The belt loops are about $5 a piece (compared to $1.50 - $2 each for the others) - the fit is fine, but as with any belt loops you'll get some horizontal sliding unless you also get belt keepers. Really a hassle and cumbersome, on-top of being annoying to install. Would not recommend unless it's an agency/unit SOP, or you have a very specific need for these.
Pictured above, in their order, are the four attachment styles discussed. Top left is one-wrap velcro, top right is a MALICE clip, bottom left is a WTF strap, and bottom right is a belt loop. If you're interested in purchasing any of these attachment points individually, I do (reluctantly) sell them here.
Thanks so much for the read, shoot me an e-mail if you have any topic suggestions! (admin@intelgoons.com)