The L3A1 is a 5-pocket, over-the-shoulder canvas bandolier. Each pocket was designed to hold two 5-round “chargers” (stripper clips), a total of 10 rounds per pocket, of 7.62mm ammunition for the L1A1SLR (Self-Loading Rifle) which was standard-issue infantry rifle for British forces from 1954 until the late 1980s. Troops would use these to rapidly top up their standard 20-round SLR magazines in the field. These were treated as disposable, or "expendable," field gear. They were packed with ammunition directly at the ordnance factories, issued to soldiers to wear over their standard webbing, and were meant to be discarded once empty. Because they were frequently thrown away or heavily used, a 1974 cotton version intact is a great piece for military collectors.

These bandoliers have press stud closures.