The cheap backpack rabbit hole: My Molle journey
I recently picked up a budget tactical backpack from "the big A store" because I’ve always loved that rugged look and the modularity of Molle webbing. Little did I know, this 50 Euro purchase was just the entry fee to a very deep rabbit hole.
The pack arrived pretty naked on the inside, just a couple of basic mesh pockets and one zipped pocket. So, naturally, I turned to YT for some inspiration on how to make it actually useful. Here is how my week has gone:
I started simple with a pack of assorted Molle clips to attach.. well, anything. Realizing I had too much "loose stuff," I grabbed an admin pouch.
But then I realized I needed more pouches for different-sized gear, so a 2-pouch set followed. I also decided my phone shouldn't be dangling behind me, so I added a strap-mounted phone pouch for "safety" and speed.
While researching, I saw high-end packs with Velcro-lined interiors for modular inserts. Since my budget pick didn't have that, I went looking for a workaround. I discovered rigid Molle inserts, which look like the perfect solution, but they are surprisingly hard to find here in the Netherlands.
It has been one week. I have already bought half a dozen extra items, and I don't feel like I am at the finish line. It turns out that buying a "cheap" backpack is just a slow-motion way of paying for an expensive one, one pouch at a time!
Any fellow gear nerds in NL know where to find rigid inserts? Or should I just accept my fate and keep adding pouches until the original bag is invisible?