Up until Drop Zone developed the M.U.L.E.S.™ system, modular load-bearing equipment systems were a compromise at best. Gear would fall off. Gear would flop and jiggle. And gear would snag and hang up at the most inopportune time. Custom sewn load-bearing equipment was the solution, but this solution had its problems as well, with expense being the biggest. The next was finding someone skilled enough to put together the custom gear well enough that you could rely upon it when the chips were down.

The answer to this dilemma would be the development of a modular system that one could change to suit their needs, yet perform with all the advantages of a custom sewn design.

The M.U.L.E.S.™ system, when assembled correctly, will perform brilliantly. Our recommendation is to use the black electrical wire ties (zap straps) to attach accessories to the carriers. Even though Alice Clips, Velcro, and other methods will work. It is our experience that you can't beat the zap straps. Be sure to use the black U.V. resistant kind. Eight inch heavy duty works well, available from us, our dealers, and home improvement stores.

The next recommendation is to wrap a zap strap around each bandoleer, matching the bandoleer on the carrier to the accessory. DO NOT GET CHEAP AND TRY TO WRAP A SINGLE ZAP STRAP AROUND TWO BANDOLEERS. YOU WILL NOT BE HAPPY. THE ACCESSORY WILL DROOP, FLOP, AND JIGGLE! For example, when correctly mounted, our Rapitac pouch will use at least twelve zap straps when attached to a carrier properly.

A good tip: Do not fully tighten any of the zap straps until you have all the zap straps in place. Then tighten the zap straps gradually until the carrier and the accessory snug together. Avoid over tightening the zap straps as this pulls and strains the bandoleers.

Another point to keep in mind is that the M.U.L.E.S.™ system, although modular, was never designed to change quickly in the field. (Only the Lord knows why some one would want to change their set up after getting under way in field. Real pro's will have set up the gear and tested it well ahead of time to be sure they've got it right!) The M.U.L.E.S.™ system is designed to allow the user to build his equipment layout to suit his needs, then have it perform as though it was custom sewn. Keeping this fact in mind all users of the M.U.L.E.S.™ system will find it performs brilliantly!