ISO MOLLE accessories that do not read as fascist.
September 15, 2023 11:26 AM Subscribe
I'm searching for the most Un-tacticool MOLLE compatible bags and pouches.
I am rebuilding a (wonderfully beat to shit, fastest hunka-junk in the galaxy, new to me) bullitt cargo bike, and while 'carrying big shit' has been well handled, 'carrying small shit' (lights, locks, toolkit, first aid kit, gleaned plums, etc) has not. I'm trying to get as much stuff 'for the bike' off my back as possible, so that I'm only carrying keys.
One idea that has merit is a rigid MOLLE panel mounted on the bike, allowing for modularity over time and to adjust to best-use. I have a panel that might work, and am testing its fit. It seems promising.
However, while it seems inherently difficult for a dutch cargo bike to read 'fascist' I'm trying very very hard not to approach the aesthetic. I'm looking for manufacturers that may be flying under my radar for bright, colorful, playful, functional MOLLE compatible bags, pouches, and the like.
Bonus points for the brightest colors, double bonus points for waterproof options.
I am rebuilding a (wonderfully beat to shit, fastest hunka-junk in the galaxy, new to me) bullitt cargo bike, and while 'carrying big shit' has been well handled, 'carrying small shit' (lights, locks, toolkit, first aid kit, gleaned plums, etc) has not. I'm trying to get as much stuff 'for the bike' off my back as possible, so that I'm only carrying keys.
One idea that has merit is a rigid MOLLE panel mounted on the bike, allowing for modularity over time and to adjust to best-use. I have a panel that might work, and am testing its fit. It seems promising.
However, while it seems inherently difficult for a dutch cargo bike to read 'fascist' I'm trying very very hard not to approach the aesthetic. I'm looking for manufacturers that may be flying under my radar for bright, colorful, playful, functional MOLLE compatible bags, pouches, and the like.
Bonus points for the brightest colors, double bonus points for waterproof options.
Response by poster: Not to threadsit, but to clarify; seeking items that are obviously not-coded as military or police items, or items that would be used in fascist fashion. An example would be like, this pouch. This does not code as 'military.' PALS compatible items often do code as 'military.'
posted by furnace.heart at 11:45 AM on September 15, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by furnace.heart at 11:45 AM on September 15, 2023 [4 favorites]
This bag is waterproof and super cute. I think it is technically a dog walking bag, but you can use it for human treats and bags and such too. :)
posted by stormygrey at 12:11 PM on September 15, 2023
posted by stormygrey at 12:11 PM on September 15, 2023
I don’t know bikes but when I hear bright colorful bags I think Cotopaxi.
posted by Mizu at 12:22 PM on September 15, 2023
posted by Mizu at 12:22 PM on September 15, 2023
MOLLE has a certain following in offroading and dirtbike/motocross accessories which don't necessarily read as tacticool, but YMMV. Alpine Offroad (as you just linked to), Mosko Moto, Moons MC, etc.
posted by zamboni at 12:25 PM on September 15, 2023
posted by zamboni at 12:25 PM on September 15, 2023
You can always try using "[color] MOLLE" as a search term -- I tried a few colors and got colorful results (like your "Teal MOLLE pouch" link). Actually searching for "colorful MOLLE" brought up this.
posted by trig at 12:27 PM on September 15, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by trig at 12:27 PM on September 15, 2023 [3 favorites]
If you can't find colorful ones of the kind you want, you could paint 'em. Stencils are relatively easy and cheap. Neon paint would look particularly cool on black. There's also glitter paint: highly untactical.
posted by Baethan at 12:43 PM on September 15, 2023
posted by Baethan at 12:43 PM on September 15, 2023
Other possible suggestions in this thread, none of which I ever undertook because I am paralyzed by sloth: https://ask.metafilter.com/321250/Make-large-Molle-II-Rucksack-look-more-friendly/
posted by wenestvedt at 2:47 PM on September 15, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by wenestvedt at 2:47 PM on September 15, 2023 [1 favorite]
Reload bags may have something or be able to make something. Despite the name they are in no way gun related, they make bags for bike messengers in Philadelphia, mostly in bright colors. They used to also do amazing custom embroidery but I'm not sure if they still do. The stuff is super durable, designed for real use, and fun to look at.
posted by sepviva at 3:36 PM on September 15, 2023
posted by sepviva at 3:36 PM on September 15, 2023
I was just thinking... WHAT IF you have a MOLLE panel, but you also have a rain "cover" on top of it all, that is as colorful as it can be?
posted by kschang at 6:14 PM on September 15, 2023
posted by kschang at 6:14 PM on September 15, 2023
I had a black MOLLE backpack as a diaper bag a few years ago and clipped some of those baby car seat carrier toys to it so I wouldn’t a “younger dude walking around with a military backpack”
If you’re carrying around kids maybe you can do the same, otherwise maybe get some carabiners and add some whimsy?
Also a strong second for gear in brighter colors and the very fun Cotopaxi bags, one of which I carry around now on my cargo bike.
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 6:26 PM on September 15, 2023 [1 favorite]
If you’re carrying around kids maybe you can do the same, otherwise maybe get some carabiners and add some whimsy?
Also a strong second for gear in brighter colors and the very fun Cotopaxi bags, one of which I carry around now on my cargo bike.
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 6:26 PM on September 15, 2023 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) might be better, assuming that also isn't fascist by your definition.
posted by Back At It Again At Krispy Kreme at 11:38 AM on September 15, 2023 [1 favorite]