Load-bearing body armor

• Steps involved in fighting are registering an attack, self=protection from incoming fire, preparing and positioning weapons, returning fire, and finally chasing the enemy when they start feeling the return firepower.

• Under these conditions, a soldier might want to unload unnecessary gear such as sleeping gear and food, but will want to keep ammunition clipped on for returning fire, and may need other supplies such as water, and first aid.

• This implies two layers, a "permanent" layer with the ammo that might also include body armor, and the less critical layer with supplies.

• The load-bearing component of a military pack system has to be body armor. Weapons, water, ammo, and short rations need to clip to that, and the load bearing body armor components need to conform closely to the body, like an exoskeleton, to properly distribute the weight. It also needs to extend the original ALICE system so that the loads can be carried w/o the body armor.

• The pack itself with long-term supplies has to clip to the body armor with quick release clips at the shoulders and the small of the back where weight is transferred to the body armor.

Pack designs

Frame pack

• Hip belt transfers the weight to the front
• Frame transfers the weight downwards to the hip belt
• Straps hold the frame to the back

Advantages

• Weight is transferred to where it is best supported
• Frame acts as a column to support weight
• Pack load can extend upwards where carrying is most efficient
• Straps or mesh allows air circulation
• Sacks can be lashed or strapped to the frame

Rucksack

• Weight pulls downwards from the straps

Advantages

• Low center of gravity
• Easy to organize

Tube pack

• Bag is tube-shaped, or "D-shaped"
• Structure is from a foam sleeping pad the circumference of the bag
• Weight is divided between straps and belt
• With a small load, the pack resembles a rucksack where the top is folded inwards.
• The sack can be increased in height above where the straps meet and connect to the bag

Layers

Short (inner layer)

• Weapon
• Ammunition
• Water
• Short rations
• First aid
• Radio communication

Long (outer layer)

Supplies

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• long rations
• medical supplies