The Chest Rig is a easily recognizable piece of kit. What your mission, purpose and use will determine which chest rig is best for you.
I personally use multiple brands and own variations ranging from the 1980s Soviet Chest rigs to the modern issued TAPs System and Blue Force gear slick chest rigs. Here I am going to do a breakdown and overview of some of the features that different time periods brought us for hauling our battlefield necessities around. Ill also be putting a couple personal recommendations at the bottom for different applications.
Vietnam War Era
Origins and Design:
The “good old days” : During the Vietnam War, MAVSOG units and other GI troops would capture VC Type 53s or other enemy chest rigs and use them in conjunction with their Alice gear, giving them a solid boost to ammunition capacity.
Design Features: Early models were often mass produced and can be found to this day for cheap. These simple rigs featured pouches for just magazines and grenades.
Post-Vietnam to the 1980s
Adaptations:
Modularity: The US began manufacturing the LBV-88, a chest carrier with magazine pouches that were angled to be easier to access and wear in conjunction with body armor. These were compatible with Alice belts and pouches on the waist, making for a semi modular rig.
Variations: These early US made rigs came in both Grenadier and Rifleman configurations.
1990s to Early 2000s
Modernization:
Integration with Other Gear: Finally in 1997, MOLLE as we know and love hit the ground running. TAPs systems and RACK systems began usage with the Army Rangers, and trickled down to Airborne and Air assault units before being widely adopted.
Materials and Technology: Advancements in materials (like Cordura nylon) improved durability and weight, making rigs more comfortable for extended wear and load bearing.
Current Era (2010s to Present)
Customization and Personalization:
Modular Systems: Modern chest rigs often use the MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) system, giving the user customization of their setup with a variety of pouches, sidearm holsters, and medical gear.
Tailored Fit: Adjustable designs cater to different mission needs, there are heavy combat load setups to the minimalist 3 magazine and admin pouch.
Recommended Chest rigs from personal use.
This is my favorite AK/AR chest rig I own currently. The Mk4 offers a belly pouch, inside vented pockets for tools or maps, and molle sections for radios or additional pouches. Its high capacity, high quality, comfortable and can be worn in conjunction with a battle belt. The only downer is that its currently out of production. These can be found on the second hand market for $340 or more.
Platatac Peacekeeper MK4 Chest Rig
2. My go to Retro Rig. The Soviet Poyas A Type 2 Lifchik Chest Rig.
These sturdy late 1980s kits include 3 AK pouches, and 4 grenade pouches, when used with an AR variant, the 4 grenade pouches can fit 20 round AR magazines and the middle pouches fit Magpul 40 rounders perfectly. This Rig will cost around $89.99 for a replica, originals can fetch $150 to $200 depending upon condition if you can find them! This rig pairs perfectly with a tracksuit jacket.
3. Solid All purpose rig. The LBT 1961G.
These rigs are known for being run by Navy Seals. They offer buckles for additional hydration carriers, offer an easy on easy off zippered front, and mesh inner pockets for mission critical kit. These also can be setup to carry 4 or more M4 magazines, multiple radios and grenades. These rigs are definitely pricy but offer so much that its hard to complain. The rig comes in at 1.36 KG empty. These Rigs run $585.99 new or can be found on the used market for $349 or so. LBX also makes a decent quality clone for $120 but will lack the inner mesh pockets.
4. The Trusty but Budget Friendly, Standard Issue TAPs.
TAPs are solid quality, easily obtained and extremely versatile as far as modification goes. The whole system is covered in Molle so it can be run as light or heavy as you like. These can be found in ACU for $40 and Multicam/Scorpion for $60 to $100 dollars. If you use Gaff tape, the shoulder straps can be made much more forgiving for long term wear.
5. Minimalist Chest Rig.
Emerson is a solid reproduction brand for people who want to try different styles of kit without bankrupting themselves. The MICRO MK3 Chest rig EM2961 is around $80 and offers a 3 magazine insert style pouch, a belly pouch and overall small profile thats great for range days or Combat sim. What it lacks in capacity it makes up for in ease of use and price. Depending on your plate carrier, the buckles for the straps can sometimes be swapped out to turn the rig into a one and done system paired with your armor.
In conclusion
Chest rigs are mission specific. There is no one rig to rule them all. Someone doing long range recon is going to have completely different setup from someone doing day to day grunt activities. I recommend that you start with something modular so you can grow and change your kit to match your specific needs.
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