Improved load-bearing equipment

The ILBE was designed during the Law Enforcement and Armed Forces (LEAF) program by Arc'teryx, and later manufactured by Propper.

The backpack is made from 725 Denier Cordura material (725 D), with the MARPAT camouflage pattern printed onto it.

The ILBE can hold up to 120 lb (54 kg) of weight, and has room for both 60mm and 81mm mortar rounds outside the main pack.

[3] Because the ILBE was fielded before the creation of the Modular Tactical Vest (MTV), the pack did not integrate well with the fighting system at the time (such as the Interceptor Body Armor), and excessive stress in conjunction with the wearing of body armor could cause discomfort and injury.

In the year 2011, the Corps had finished testing and evaluation, releasing a solicitation for prototypes under the designation Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment (FILBE), outlining design requirements that are similar to the improved MOLLE system.