Components of the Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment are similar in design to components of the standard M1956 individual load-carrying equipment.Because nylon materials and aluminium hardware are lightweight, they are used where possible in lieu of cotton materials and brass or steel hardware.The nylon materials are water resistant, retain less moisture and dry faster.

The canteen cover is designed as a carrier for a one quart nominal capacity water canteen and cup.

The belt is made from Army shade 7 olive drab nylon webbing with black chemical finish brass hook-type buckle fastener. The medium size belt has an adjustable length ranging between 26- to 43-inches and the large size belt ranges between 33- to 55-inches. The individual equipment items are hooked through eyelets along the bottom of the belt or attached by interlocking slide keepers. The eyelets along the top of the belt are for attaching the field pack suspenders.

The carrier is used for for carrying the lightweight collapsible intrenching tool.

The carrier is 14 inches long, 12 inches wide, has straps with buckles closure for securing the sleeping bag.

The case is similar to the M1956 first aid/compass case but made of nylon.

The small arms ammunition case is similar to the M1956 M-16 20-rd mag case but made of nylon.

The canteen cover is similar to the M-1956 canteen cover but made of nylon.

The field pack is larger than the M-1961 field pack and made of nylon.

The field pack suspenders are modified H-back type suspenders.

Military specification MIL-B-43723 covers an adjustable individual equipment belt made from olive drab nylon webbing and miscellaneous metallic hardware.

Military specification MIL-C-43534 covers ammunition case designed for carrying four 20-round magazines used with M-16 rifle.

Military specification MIL-C-43683 covers a intrenching tool carrier fabricated of olive green nylon duck, designed to carry a lightweight collapsible intrenching tool.

Military specification MIL-C-43731 covers a sleeping equipment carrier fabricated of olive green, water repellent treated, 7.25 ounce nylon duck.

Military specification MIL-C-43742 covers one type and size canteen cover fabricated from nylon cloth, nylon webbing and acrylic pile liner material.

Military specification MIL-C-43745 covers the requirement for the first aid dressing/compass case.

Military specification MIL-F-43733 covers a field pack fabricated of olive green, water repellent treated, 7.25 ounce nylon duck

Military specification MIL-S-43730 covers field pack suspenders fabricated of olive green nylon cloth.