PMCI March 2021 | Page 24

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KIT : CHEST RIGS

benefits from solid construction throughout , along with genuine UTX Buckles and YKK Zippers ; the price might be keen , but the components and build quality are great . There are four magazine pockets that will hold the majority of AR or AK-style magazines , along with two flapped pistol magazine / tool / flashlight pockets and a generous zipped admin pocket on the front ; the admin pocket features a velcro patch for unit / names tapes , along with two further rows of MOLLE webbing for additional items should you desire to fit them . The main body of the rig has a full-width breathable mesh backer which is very comfortable , and the whole thing is topped off with a simple unpadded X-harness , a style I personally prefer as it doesn ’ t catch up as easily on lo-pro body armour if you ’ re wearing it .
be adjusted ( think STANAG v AK ), and exchangeable magazine / handgun inserts can be rearranged swiftly and easily .
The Guardian has a universal , removable and adjustable X- or H-harness , channels on straps for wiring , antenna , hydration tubes , exchangeable inserts ( included ), double pistol magazine pouches , double rifle / carbine ( AR / AK ) magazine pouches and three fixed double rifle / carbine magazine pouches ( AK / AR ). There are height-adjustable magazine pouch flaps , two spacious cargo pockets ( USGI canteen compatible ) and multiple PALS / MOLLE panels for additional pouches / accessories . All in all it ’ s a well thought out bit of kit , and the bonus is that the lightly padded shoulder harness actually makes it comfortable for extended periods !
The Tasmanian Tiger Chest Rig MK II PC is another fave of mine ; this is a real quality chest rig made in 500D Cordura , and it comes with four integrated magazine pouches and two utility pouches , and on top of that you can of course attach an infinite number of additional MOLLE compatible pouches to meet your own personal requirements . The four integrated magazine pouches with adjustable velcro flaps , can hold the majority of magazines currently in use ( I use mine mostly with my “. 308 ” AR magazines ) although STANAG mags can wobble a little , and the two utility pouches on the sides can each handle a one litre water bottle . The rig is designed with the option to carry ballistic side plates and is covered with MOLLE webbing for attaching extra pouches ; Tasmanian Tiger offer an extensive range of different pouches to go with the rig . There ’ s a large map pouch on the inside , a removable bib with a small document pouch on the inside , and the whole thing is lined with 3D mesh . The H-style shoulder straps feature quick release buckles on both ends , and there ’ s a generous amount of adjustment in both height and width .
LOADING FOR BEAR
The Helikon-Tex HTX Lines Project was created in 2016 as a whole new concept of product development within the company and they ’ ve been slowly but surely rolling it out since then . Initial concepts were turned into pre-production samples , the final versions of which are now available in stores worldwide . Their assets are the right people combining to create one of the most innovative design teams in the industry . The Guardian Chest Rig is a universal carry platform built to accommodate a basic ammunition load and personal equipment . Designed to work along with a backpack and belt kit , it can optimise the configuration of your “ shoot gear ”. Depending on the number and size of magazines the height of the fixed pouch flaps can
My “ go to ” though is the Hurricane from the guys at Direct Action in Poland ; so what makes the Hurricane so desirable in my eyes ? Simply put it ’ s a low profile , adjustable rig made from lasercut laminated 500D Cordura so it ’ s tough enough to endure an awful lot of abuse . It has a softshell interior construction that makes it a comfortable rig to wear for extended periods of time .

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