Särmä TST VFS MOLLE/PALS Belt Adapter

"How to attach MOLLE or PALS pouches to a belt?" is a common question. Now we have an answer that doesn't involve zip-ties or Paracord and doesn't cost much.

The Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS), as seen on US MOLLE gear, is a really smart way to attach pouches to 25 mm / 1" webbing but doesn't work well with regular belts. Some pouches have webbing on each row (not just the usual every other row), and these can be used reasonably well with 45–50 mm / 1.75"–2.0" belts, but the vast majority of modern ammo and utility pouches are out of bounds.

Compared to existing solutions, our VFS adapter is Very Simple, offers a solid engagement with various PALS style pouches (US issue, British issue, FDF issue, Särmä TST, Tasmanian Tiger, etc.), and is comfortable to wear thanks to inherent flex in the polymer. No other adapter offers such a low profile and weight as these.

Using the adapter could not be simpler: weave the pouch onto the adapter and the belt thru the belt loops.

Sizes and material

A Single Solumn model is the default choice. Get two of these to attach a wide 3- or 4-column pouch to your belt. Size: 76 x 76 mm / 3" x 3".

A Double Column model is available for pouches with two adjacent columns, where two singles would overlap or not work at all. Size: 114 x 76 mm / 4.5" x 3".

The adapter has belt slots for thick 40–45 mm (up to 1.75") belts and features holes for a lanyard or carabiner. Turning the adapter upside down raises the pouch by 20 mm / 0.8". You can extend the slots to the lanyard holes with a knife or scissors. A cut-up adapter is wide enough for a 60 mm / 2.35" pistol belt.

The material is ethene polymer, the same field-proven stiffener as used in Finnish Defence Forces, Savotta, and Särmä TST backpacks and pouches. It's very tenacious and flexible and isn't bothered by freezing temperatures. These are laser-cut, so the edges are a bit rounded already, no need to finish these before using.

Manufactured by Savotta

As you might have guessed from the Särmä TST / Savotta connection, these are made by Finn-Savotta of Karstula, Finland.