Web-Tex Assault vests, Rucksacks, pouches & PLCE Army Bergen system

Soldiers need to carry ammunition, water, food and protective equipment.  They use Personal Load Carrying Equipment (PLCE), a tough, modular system of camouflaged belt, yoke and pouches.  To this can be added two small rucksacks and a large rucksack for additional carrying capacity, when required. Every soldier has a Mark 6 combat helmet that provides outstanding ballistic protection while allowing the soldier to still wear a respirator, ear defenders, goggles and a radio set, as necessary. The British soldier and the Infantryman in particular, can expect to conduct training and operations in extreme climatic conditions, from the jungles of Belize or Sierra Leone, to the hot, dry desert conditions of Iraq, to the bitter cold of the Arctic wastes of Norway. The Combat 95 clothing system has to satisfy military requirements covering infra-red reflection, thermal signature and flame resistance.  It is based on the principle of layers and so provides the soldier with exactly the right degree of protection for any operational environment. Combat 95 selects the best from developments in extreme sports and expeditionary clothing and foot wear. Replacement items of personal clothing will be provided by the Personal Equipment and common Operational Clothing (PECOC) programme.

The Multi-Purpose Rucksack set consists of the rucksack (long or short) with detachable side pockets, and adjustable waist belt, separate yoke with extension straps and two utility straps.
The main body is available in two sizes, short and long. Both have the same capacity, the choice offering optimum fit for long or short backs. Both models include a light aluminium alloy frame built into internal pockets of the rucksack. The frame moulds to the individual's body shape for increased comfort.
An integral harness gives support over the shoulders, and is adjusted by buckles and straps attached to the rucksack base. The buckles are of quick-release type, allowing the rucksack to be discarded quickly in emergency. For extra security, an adjustable padded belt is provided.
The main rucksack body carries a separate pocket at the front, and external pocket on the main lid as well as a map and document pocket built into the inside of the lid. There are straps on the side to hold skis, a carrying handle at the top and various load-carrying attachment points on the lid, sides and base as an aid when parachuting, and to secure such items as a sleeping bag by means of the utility straps.
The lid is elasticated, and has a shroud, to prevent ingress of water.
The two side pouches are attached to the main body by heavy-duty zips, supplemented for emergency by plastic clips. The lid of each pouch has a heavy-duty zip opening.