Handbags   (The sad, the bad and the ugly. Non-productive stuff here.)

The NATO description of the kit is "MOLLE and PALS".

MOLLE being Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment.
and
PALS being Pouch Attachment Ladder System.

I really like it.

If not overnighting, I can get what I need for a full day's hike into it. It is much better than having a back pack interfere with balance when jumping a stream, scrabbling up wet rocks and suchlike. In really hot weather, it is much more pleasant than is bearing a rucksack/Bergen.