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Posted: 5/8/2026 6:27:37 PM EDT
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I’m thinking of getting a TAPs chest rig and modifying it. Is it worth it? I own a Helikon-Tex mini chest rig that I really love. It fits great and does everything I need it to, except one thing. Hold more magazines. I have been watching videos on the TAPs and the only downsides I can see are the shoulder straps and retention straps for the magazines. But it can easily be modified and I like that. I also like that I can scale it up or down. And I really like that too. I kind of want to build a bigger chest rig setup but still keep my minimalist chest rig. Anyone running a TAPs? If so, what are your thoughts on them? Everyone give me some words of wisdom. I kind of want a small project. I feel like this would be a fun one. But would it be worth doing? |
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Taps is decent but not good kit. Good grab and go and unlike other chest rigs it has what you need. It’s also cheap. I would Take a look at other kit. Listen to this guy. https://youtu.be/Ec1XcCxwDoU I deployed With him once attached to his team as a Civil Affairs Officer. |
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Originally Posted By aftac: Taps is decent but not good kit. Good grab and go and unlike other chest rigs it has what you need. It’s also cheap. I would Take a look at other kit. Listen to this guy. https://youtu.be/Ec1XcCxwDoU I deployed With him once attached to his team as a Civil Affairs Officer. He does have some great videos. I have it in my queue to watch. Maybe I’ll continue to try and figure out how to add a couple more mags to my Helikon-Tex chest rig. It has so far fit the bill for everything. |
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Get something better than the TAPs. Basically all of these are good: https://www.optactical.com/product-category/chest-rig/page/1/ I'd seriously consider getting a Tactical Tailor MAV. Simple and proven. I'd also consider getting the 2 piece split rig version. They Did make a solid 1 piece version, but it looks like they stopped making it. It's available elsewhere on the internet. https://tacticaltailor.com/fight-light-mav-body-2pc/ I'd scour the used gear boards. There's alot of good deals on chest rigs out there. Including MAVs. |
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I tried out several rigs some surplus but settled on this one. https://condoroutdoor.com/products/condor-rapid-assault-chest-rig Works good with or without a slick armor carrier. |
I don't need therapy. I just need someone to rob me at the gas station so I can let it all out.
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Originally Posted By aftac: Taps is decent but not good kit. Good grab and go and unlike other chest rigs it has what you need. It’s also cheap. I would Take a look at other kit. Listen to this guy. https://youtu.be/Ec1XcCxwDoU I deployed With him once attached to his team as a Civil Affairs Officer. He is absolutely correct about the harness, it sucks. |
I don't need therapy. I just need someone to rob me at the gas station so I can let it all out.
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Originally Posted By JoeDevola: I see that Helikon rig has a velcro inner pouch behind the mags, how about a 2 mag kangaroo insert there? Shellback makes one, I use it in the kangaroo pouch on my PC. I will have to double check my back pouch. I almost forget that it’s there. I will also look at those kangaroo pouches and see what might work. I hadn’t thought of those as being an option due to them pressing against my chest but I may have to look at it a bit more. There might be enough padding there. Now the wheels are spinning! Thanks. |
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Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Get something better than the TAPs. Basically all of these are good: https://www.optactical.com/product-category/chest-rig/page/1/ I'd seriously consider getting a Tactical Tailor MAV. Simple and proven. I'd also consider getting the 2 piece split rig version. They Did make a solid 1 piece version, but it looks like they stopped making it. It's available elsewhere on the internet. https://tacticaltailor.com/fight-light-mav-body-2pc/ I'd scour the used gear boards. There's alot of good deals on chest rigs out there. Including MAVs. I will look those over. I have thought about split rigs but not sure I would like them. I will look over the links. Appreciate it! |
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Originally Posted By CoyoteGray: I tried out several rigs some surplus but settled on this one. https://condoroutdoor.com/products/condor-rapid-assault-chest-rig Works good with or without a slick armor carrier. I have come close to buying that several times. The only down side to it is how it hooks in with the straps. I have a condor chest panel with that hook systems and it seems sturdy enough. I do feel like this is a better version of the Taps. |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: I will look those over. I have thought about split rigs but not sure I would like them. I will look over the links. Appreciate it! Get the optional X-harness they make for the MAV too. It's a big improvement. If you shop around, you can find a MAV relatively cheap. Especially if you find someone selling pouches with it. |
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So how many mags do you want to carry? Citadel defensive Onward research Trex arms All three of those have been really close to being bought by me. The OR rig is probably my last choice due to only 2 columns of molle on the sides and my preferred pouches are 3 columns each |
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Beez Combat is high on my list for a taps style base. My General Purpose Chest Rig Setup | Beez Some other trusted opinions on taps  Retro vs Modern Taps Rig Setup  TAPS Kit Product Overview  The Army Got One Right | TAP Rig Setup Personally I went completely roll my own with an ATS large slick chest rig. My main concern was getting it to fit well under a ruck in one use case and over a plate carrier in another use case. 
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| I had one. I cut the flaps off and replaced with bungee, and modded it to use spiritus fat strap and back strap. It was OK but there's better options. Tracer tactical makes a molle panel that holds 7 mags, I know some dudes with that and they swear by it. I replaced the taps rig with the trex traap rig, I definitely think its an upgrade. |
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One advantage of a split front is you can open it at times when walking in extreme heat, and also opening it to go prone for a while let's you get lower, more comfortably. That Condor rig posted above, a buddy got one, and we didn't like that the mag pouches were loose as a goose. I told him do what you want, but I like mag pouches that'll retain a mag without the bungees having to be there all the time. With this thing, they'd slide right out if the thing went sideways. NO-GO in my book. |
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I think I’m going to get the kangaroo pouch and see if it works with my chest rig how. I also won’t mind getting a Taps just as a project to modify and see how I like it. Make it a bigger setup for a different mission set. I also have been looking at the FLC. It’s a love it or hate it but looks interesting. I can get one in ACU for $11 and dye it. I have Rit dye formulas that work to make Ranger green and almost an FDE color. |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: I think I’m going to get the kangaroo pouch and see if it works with my chest rig how. I also won’t mind getting a Taps just as a project to modify and see how I like it. Make it a bigger setup for a different mission set. I also have been looking at the FLC. It’s a love it or hate it but looks interesting. I can get one in ACU for $11 and dye it. I have Rit dye formulas that work to make Ranger green and almost an FDE color. FLC's are a bit outdated, but they do work. And are super cheap. Look around and get one of the Rifleman's Kits. If you shop around, you can get one for about $50. It has an FLC, assault pack, half a dozen magazine pouches, ifak, 2 x canteen pouches, bandoleers, frag pouches, hydration pack, buttpack, etc. |
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Originally Posted By marnsdorff: FLC's are a bit outdated, but they do work. And are super cheap. Look around and get one of the Rifleman's Kits. If you shop around, you can get one for about $50. It has an FLC, assault pack, half a dozen magazine pouches, ifak, 2 x canteen pouches, bandoleers, frag pouches, hydration pack, buttpack, etc. Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: I think I’m going to get the kangaroo pouch and see if it works with my chest rig how. I also won’t mind getting a Taps just as a project to modify and see how I like it. Make it a bigger setup for a different mission set. I also have been looking at the FLC. It’s a love it or hate it but looks interesting. I can get one in ACU for $11 and dye it. I have Rit dye formulas that work to make Ranger green and almost an FDE color. FLC's are a bit outdated, but they do work. And are super cheap. Look around and get one of the Rifleman's Kits. If you shop around, you can get one for about $50. It has an FLC, assault pack, half a dozen magazine pouches, ifak, 2 x canteen pouches, bandoleers, frag pouches, hydration pack, buttpack, etc. I will look for the riflemen kit. I didn’t know that existed. I have a bunch of pouches that I got years ago and then dyed them Ranger/OD Green. A few of them a tan color that will work for FDE. I thought the FLC would be a fun one and I could set it up for like a winter type of gear. The Taps if I did get one I would just find the USMC one that is in tan and not worry about dying it. I think it’s a $10 difference in price brand new. I have a bunch of old magazine pouches and maybe some canteen pouches. I may also have grenade pouches too. I’m cleaning out my garage little by little and finding a few things I forgot I had stored away. |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: I will look for the riflemen kit. I didn’t know that existed. I have a bunch of pouches that I got years ago and then dyed them Ranger/OD Green. A few of them a tan color that will work for FDE. I thought the FLC would be a fun one and I could set it up for like a winter type of gear. The Taps if I did get one I would just find the USMC one that is in tan and not worry about dying it. I think it’s a $10 difference in price brand new. I have a bunch of old magazine pouches and maybe some canteen pouches. I may also have grenade pouches too. I’m cleaning out my garage little by little and finding a few things I forgot I had stored away. yea, ACU makes halfway decent winter gear. I buy surplus ACU rain / cold / softshell layers for winter use. |
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Originally Posted By marnsdorff: yea, ACU makes halfway decent winter gear. I buy surplus ACU rain / cold / softshell layers for winter use. Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: I will look for the riflemen kit. I didn’t know that existed. I have a bunch of pouches that I got years ago and then dyed them Ranger/OD Green. A few of them a tan color that will work for FDE. I thought the FLC would be a fun one and I could set it up for like a winter type of gear. The Taps if I did get one I would just find the USMC one that is in tan and not worry about dying it. I think it’s a $10 difference in price brand new. I have a bunch of old magazine pouches and maybe some canteen pouches. I may also have grenade pouches too. I’m cleaning out my garage little by little and finding a few things I forgot I had stored away. yea, ACU makes halfway decent winter gear. I buy surplus ACU rain / cold / softshell layers for winter use. That grey tint to it would make it good for it. I dye it green and comes out really good. It’d also really cheap and when it’s that cheap you can’t complain about it. The FLC would be so easy to use over winter layers. The TAPs and my Helikon-Tex chest rig would be for warmer weather. I like the modified Taps rigs and how you can scale it up or down. My Helikon-Tex there isn’t any scaling to it unless I take the dangler off. The dangler is best suited for an IFAK and works great for that. The admin center pouch is my medical overflow. I do have some other items in it like a compass and some other small things. |
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Beez makes a more modern take on the taps, it’s hard to beat for a hundred bucks. Much better proposition than buying a taps and then spending another hundred bucks making it suck less. T-Rex makes one that is among my favorites, the traap. It’s got all the additional pockets and storage you really need, no additional molle pouches necessary, and is set up to take kywi inserts. It works great for any AR mag, but the dividers don’t play well with tabbed/lugged magazines, think AK, G36, AUG, etc. If the traap interests you, you’re better off buying just the panel, and then getting whatever harness and backstrap you want, as the T-rex options are pretty mediocre, especially the backstrap. I made my own with a few strands of 1” elastic for a better fit that would stretch over winter clothes, with less plastic bullshit digging into me. |
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Originally Posted By rb889: Beez makes a more modern take on the taps, it’s hard to beat for a hundred bucks. Much better proposition than buying a taps and then spending another hundred bucks making it suck less. T-Rex makes one that is among my favorites, the traap. It’s got all the additional pockets and storage you really need, no additional molle pouches necessary, and is set up to take kywi inserts. It works great for any AR mag, but the dividers don’t play well with tabbed/lugged magazines, think AK, G36, AUG, etc. If the traap interests you, you’re better off buying just the panel, and then getting whatever harness and backstrap you want, as the T-rex options are pretty mediocre, especially the backstrap. I made my own with a few strands of 1” elastic for a better fit that would stretch over winter clothes, with less plastic bullshit digging into me. I have looked at that before and it’s expensive. If I’m thinking of the right thing. I will look again. |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: What is 34A? I’ll Google it. Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: Originally Posted By alphajaguars: 34A is what you seek What is 34A? I’ll Google it. Spiritus Systems 34A split front chest rig |
I wasn't put in jail for what I did. I was put in it for what I think... They won by making a DC jury scared that people like YOU AND I exist outside of their liberal bubble.
-trobertson5-0
-trobertson5-0
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Originally Posted By alphajaguars: Spiritus Systems 34A split front chest rig Originally Posted By alphajaguars: Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: Originally Posted By alphajaguars: 34A is what you seek What is 34A? I’ll Google it. Spiritus Systems 34A split front chest rig Thank you! I found it and a new bra. 🤣😂🤣 Seriously that is a nice setup. I saved it. |
There's a surprisingly simple mod to the Helikon Tex TMR to add another rifle mag.  Helikon-Tex TMR Triple Magazine Insert Modification |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: Thank you! I found it and a new bra. 🤣😂🤣 Seriously that is a nice setup. I saved it. Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: Originally Posted By alphajaguars: Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: Originally Posted By alphajaguars: 34A is what you seek What is 34A? I’ll Google it. Spiritus Systems 34A split front chest rig Thank you! I found it and a new bra. 🤣😂🤣 Seriously that is a nice setup. I saved it. 
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I wasn't put in jail for what I did. I was put in it for what I think... They won by making a DC jury scared that people like YOU AND I exist outside of their liberal bubble.
-trobertson5-0
-trobertson5-0
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Originally Posted By raimius: TAPS is decent, but I'd definitely get an aftermarket H harness (unobtanium gear makes a good one) and get the HSGI retention upgrade kit. Pros: cheap, sturdy Cons: mods highly recommended. Fairly wide. Yeah I would definitely do that. There are some good videos showing modifications for the Taps. I kind of want to get one and play around with it. I like that I could scale up and down and move things around and not be stuck to one setup. It’s also really cheap. Originally Posted By brachiosaur: There's a surprisingly simple mod to the Helikon Tex TMR to add another rifle mag.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQr2smub7z4|1That is a good video. I watched it a year or so ago. He does a great job at modding it but I would worry about weakening it to much. Sewing it wouldn’t be to difficult. I definitely wouldn’t do it by hand. Man that would be a pain. I’m going to get a kangaroo pouch and use it in the map pocket behind the magazines. I haven’t had time to really look at my chest rig yet to actually see how much Velcro is there. I also have an idea if taking some Velcro and sewing it and making my own place holder in that pocket. Something that will wrap around the mags and stay when I pull the mag out. Basically a kangaroo pouch that is a lot smaller. Just the Velcro. |
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I spoke to a surplus retailer on eBay and closed a deal on both a Taps and FLC in coyote. They are also both brand new. I will update when I get it. Now I have to dye some pouches that are UCP/ACU to either Ranger Green or a semi FDE color. I tend to mix them together and it creates its own woodland look when pouches are stacked together. I forgot to also add that I put two mags into the map pocket of my Helicon-Tex chest rig without having a kangaroo or Velcro backing and it works. The mags won’t flop out and are easy to get to. I may you around with that a bit and see if I can make them a quick grab and reload. It does make the chest rig feel different. But it’s not uncomfortable at all and I can’t feel the mags against my body. So that’s a plus. Not sure now who suggested that to me but thank you! The fix to my one complaint of that chest rig was right in front of me the whole time. |
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I turned a TAPS rig into my AK/heavy rig. 6 AK mags, 2 canteens, IFAK, radio, smoke, e&e and utility pouch. RIP my back, but it works when I need it to. I need to be able to wear a pack and sling a rifle. The harness is just a Mayflower/Velocity Systems harness. With this much weight, it wouldn't matter if it was padded. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By JoeSP1: I turned a TAPS rig into my AK/heavy rig. 6 AK mags, 2 canteens, IFAK, radio, smoke, e&e and utility pouch. RIP my back, but it works when I need it to. I need to be able to wear a pack and sling a rifle. The harness is just a Mayflower/Velocity Systems harness. With this much weight, it wouldn't matter if it was padded. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/489500/1000013236_jpg-3761068.JPG Nice setup and AK mags are very heavy. Can you tell me what each of the pouches are? Also would water be better on a belt type of rig? It’s one thing I’m debating on with my setups. I also want to build a bigger belt setup at some point |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: Nice setup and AK mags are very heavy. Can you tell me what each of the pouches are? Also would water be better on a belt type of rig? It’s one thing I’m debating on with my setups. I also want to build a bigger belt setup at some point From left to right, Eagle Industries Canteen/utility pouch, LBT M4 mag pouch (i use for an IFAK pouch), USMC FILBE utility pouch (has e&e kit, and some other items), another LBT mag pouch i use for smoke, and then another eagle canteen pouch. |
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Originally Posted By JoeSP1: From left to right, Eagle Industries Canteen/utility pouch, LBT M4 mag pouch (i use for an IFAK pouch), USMC FILBE utility pouch (has e&e kit, and some other items), another LBT mag pouch i use for smoke, and then another eagle canteen pouch. I have been eyeing the USMC FILBE for an IFAC on my Taps and maybe my FLC but seeing it now it looks a bit big. The dangler on my Helikon chest rig is perfection. The size of it works great. I also like the LBT mag pouches. I will be looking at those a bit closer. |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: Nice setup and AK mags are very heavy. Can you tell me what each of the pouches are? Also would water be better on a belt type of rig? It’s one thing I’m debating on with my setups. I also want to build a bigger belt setup at some point Yes, water is better on a belt kit rig. BUT it starts to cause problems with wearing a pack. You kinda have to wear the water bottle pouches back behind your hips for it to work really well, and that causes you to have problems making a modern style pack ride correctly (since they require a waist belt to work correctly) There are ways to make certain rucks (alice packs and short backed British style rucks and some assault / patrol packs for instance) work right with belt kit, but at that point, to make them work right, you kinda need a FULL set of belt kit. Which means you don't need a heavy chest rig (or any chest rig at all) at that point. The whole idea of 'water being better on the belt' is that it rides on the hips. (Same as modern style packs) This lets your hips support the weight of the water (one of the heaviest things you'll carry) instead of your shoulders and back. While I (obviously from all my posts) support you building out a set of belt kit, realize that *usually* it's an 'either / or' solution - belt kits / chest rigs. Sure, you can combine them. But it becomes kinda redundant. I have both - belt kit and heavy chest rigs. But I consider them for very different purposes - if I'm mostly dismounted, which I live rural in the mountains is alot of the time - belt kit rules. But if I'm stuck in a vehicle all the time (say, the apocalypse happens and you have to drive into town for some reason) then wearing a belt kit in the car sucks and the chest rig and / or plate carrier setup is the way to go. (and I run water on my chest rigs / plate carriers in canteens similar to the above picture. The LAST thing you want is your water bladder to burst and you run out of water. And being a civilian, I'm not getting a resupply or able to easily replace that water bladder. (I do use them, but as easy to sip supply in addition to my hard bottles) |
| I spend a lot of time in vehicles, which is why I generally stay away from water on belt kit. I don't want bottles rolling around in the car which is why it's on my rig. I like canteens for that as well because they are kind of flat. The thought being if they're loose, they are less likely to roll around. |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: I spoke to a surplus retailer on eBay and closed a deal on both a Taps and FLC in coyote. They are also both brand new. I will update when I get it. Now I have to dye some pouches that are UCP/ACU to either Ranger Green or a semi FDE color. I tend to mix them together and it creates its own woodland look when pouches are stacked together. I forgot to also add that I put two mags into the map pocket of my Helicon-Tex chest rig without having a kangaroo or Velcro backing and it works. The mags won’t flop out and are easy to get to. I may you around with that a bit and see if I can make them a quick grab and reload. It does make the chest rig feel different. But it’s not uncomfortable at all and I can’t feel the mags against my body. So that’s a plus. Not sure now who suggested that to me but thank you! The fix to my one complaint of that chest rig was right in front of me the whole time. Boom! Hell yeah. |
2003 called, they want their rigs back   there's so much surplus that stores are pushing those rigs as the greatest thing for a civilian (which may or may not be the case), add to that the fact that there are upgrades for the military as it's still an issue item and you have a good combo. |
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Originally Posted By joeviterbo: 2003 called, they want their rigs back https://straighttactical.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/20130825_131021.jpg there's so much surplus that stores are pushing those rigs as the greatest thing for a civilian (which may or may not be the case), add to that the fact that there are upgrades for the military as it's still an issue item and you have a good combo. That center pouch looks familiar to me. What is that one? It looks perfect for an IFAK. Also are those 40mm grenade pouch? I’m thinking that would hold my multitool just fine. A single magazine pouch might too. I like the setup. Surplus is just so cheap at times. |
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Originally Posted By JoeSP1: I spend a lot of time in vehicles, which is why I generally stay away from water on belt kit. I don't want bottles rolling around in the car which is why it's on my rig. I like canteens for that as well because they are kind of flat. The thought being if they're loose, they are less likely to roll around. I want to do a belt setup for being out of a vehicle and walking around the property. I wouldn’t wear a chest rig with this setup. The gun belt setup I have now I like a lot and I’m not loading it down. I may look at adding water to my Taps and maybe the FLC and see how I like it. |
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Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Yes, water is better on a belt kit rig. BUT it starts to cause problems with wearing a pack. You kinda have to wear the water bottle pouches back behind your hips for it to work really well, and that causes you to have problems making a modern style pack ride correctly (since they require a waist belt to work correctly) There are ways to make certain rucks (alice packs and short backed British style rucks and some assault / patrol packs for instance) work right with belt kit, but at that point, to make them work right, you kinda need a FULL set of belt kit. Which means you don't need a heavy chest rig (or any chest rig at all) at that point. The whole idea of 'water being better on the belt' is that it rides on the hips. (Same as modern style packs) This lets your hips support the weight of the water (one of the heaviest things you'll carry) instead of your shoulders and back. While I (obviously from all my posts) support you building out a set of belt kit, realize that *usually* it's an 'either / or' solution - belt kits / chest rigs. Sure, you can combine them. But it becomes kinda redundant. I have both - belt kit and heavy chest rigs. But I consider them for very different purposes - if I'm mostly dismounted, which I live rural in the mountains is alot of the time - belt kit rules. But if I'm stuck in a vehicle all the time (say, the apocalypse happens and you have to drive into town for some reason) then wearing a belt kit in the car sucks and the chest rig and / or plate carrier setup is the way to go. (and I run water on my chest rigs / plate carriers in canteens similar to the above picture. The LAST thing you want is your water bladder to burst and you run out of water. And being a civilian, I'm not getting a resupply or able to easily replace that water bladder. (I do use them, but as easy to sip supply in addition to my hard bottles) Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: Nice setup and AK mags are very heavy. Can you tell me what each of the pouches are? Also would water be better on a belt type of rig? It’s one thing I’m debating on with my setups. I also want to build a bigger belt setup at some point Yes, water is better on a belt kit rig. BUT it starts to cause problems with wearing a pack. You kinda have to wear the water bottle pouches back behind your hips for it to work really well, and that causes you to have problems making a modern style pack ride correctly (since they require a waist belt to work correctly) There are ways to make certain rucks (alice packs and short backed British style rucks and some assault / patrol packs for instance) work right with belt kit, but at that point, to make them work right, you kinda need a FULL set of belt kit. Which means you don't need a heavy chest rig (or any chest rig at all) at that point. The whole idea of 'water being better on the belt' is that it rides on the hips. (Same as modern style packs) This lets your hips support the weight of the water (one of the heaviest things you'll carry) instead of your shoulders and back. While I (obviously from all my posts) support you building out a set of belt kit, realize that *usually* it's an 'either / or' solution - belt kits / chest rigs. Sure, you can combine them. But it becomes kinda redundant. I have both - belt kit and heavy chest rigs. But I consider them for very different purposes - if I'm mostly dismounted, which I live rural in the mountains is alot of the time - belt kit rules. But if I'm stuck in a vehicle all the time (say, the apocalypse happens and you have to drive into town for some reason) then wearing a belt kit in the car sucks and the chest rig and / or plate carrier setup is the way to go. (and I run water on my chest rigs / plate carriers in canteens similar to the above picture. The LAST thing you want is your water bladder to burst and you run out of water. And being a civilian, I'm not getting a resupply or able to easily replace that water bladder. (I do use them, but as easy to sip supply in addition to my hard bottles) My thoughts are to have a setups for different uses. All of them would be used with my belt setup. That setup mirrors my EDC setup. One for car as a get home setup. Two for property patrolling. One would be for summer and one for winter. I feel like the FLC would be a good one for winter to toss on over a jacket. I live in the city and if things were to go south I would get out of the city and head to my family in West Virginia. A lot of wild game and natural springs with fresh mountain water. It runs all year around. Even during droughts. I’m trying to get my mindset around different scenarios. I like to war game things. |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: My thoughts are to have a setups for different uses. All of them would be used with my belt setup. That setup mirrors my EDC setup. One for car as a get home setup. Two for property patrolling. One would be for summer and one for winter. I feel like the FLC would be a good one for winter to toss on over a jacket. I live in the city and if things were to go south I would get out of the city and head to my family in West Virginia. A lot of wild game and natural springs with fresh mountain water. It runs all year around. Even during droughts. I’m trying to get my mindset around different scenarios. I like to war game things. I'm probably going to get some hate, but for the average civilian who isn't wanting to spend a couple grand on the latest and greatest stuff - ya know, probably the majority of civilians - a simple mini chest rig - 2 to 4 rifle magazines - for home defense and such....and a fully kitted out FLC set up to 'go heavy' in case the Russian paratroopers start dropping (which most likely won't happen) is probably the best direction you can go. Rock your CCW belt with either of the above options (or a simple warbelt if you are into shooting competitions) The odds you will ever need anything more as a civilian here in the USA is so insanely low, those two things cover most of the bases. I say the FLC over a good chest rig or belt kit because it is soooooo cheap and can be set up in multiple ways (for vehicle use or for use on a more dismounted role) For $100 you can have a fully kitted out 'go to war' setup. This goes against my own business - making and selling expensive belt kits. Do I think belt kits and modern chest rigs are better than the FLC? Yes, they're alot better. If you are serious about being prepared, it's worth getting the nicer stuff - be it a gucci warbelt and kitted out chest rig / plate carrier or a gucci set of belt kit. But will the FLC WORK if you needed it to? Yes, it's far better than nothing and is better than alot of other options - like cheap chinese crap. If you knew you were going to be dismounted most of the time, I'd tell you to go get an older set of British surplus PLCE webbing, as it's going to be roughly the same cost as the FLC setup. But again - this is why I say the FLC recommendation above. You can set it up to work better in vehicles than the PLCE. I TOTALLY get the 'buy once cry once' thing. I make expensive custom gear for a living. I'm TOTALLY down to make someone something alot better than the FLC. But the vast majority of civilians out there aren't going to spend the money to get a full set of QUALITY gear, kitted out correctly. Add up how much it costs to get a full set of even budget (but quality) gear. Even leaving out armor, add it up. It gets expensive. And this doesn't even get into sustainment gear - which if you are willing to roll heavy with a full 'go to war' gear, you need the sustainment gear to go with it. I'd rather that dude buy a good rucksack, rain / cold weather gear, and sleeping gear...and have an FLC if that's all he could afford. |
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Originally Posted By marnsdorff: I'm probably going to get some hate, but for the average civilian who isn't wanting to spend a couple grand on the latest and greatest stuff - ya know, probably the majority of civilians - a simple mini chest rig - 2 to 4 rifle magazines - for home defense and such....and a fully kitted out FLC set up to 'go heavy' in case the Russian paratroopers start dropping (which most likely won't happen) is probably the best direction you can go. Rock your CCW belt with either of the above options (or a simple warbelt if you are into shooting competitions) The odds you will ever need anything more as a civilian here in the USA is so insanely low, those two things cover most of the bases. I say the FLC over a good chest rig or belt kit because it is soooooo cheap and can be set up in multiple ways (for vehicle use or for use on a more dismounted role) For $100 you can have a fully kitted out 'go to war' setup. This goes against my own business - making and selling expensive belt kits. Do I think belt kits and modern chest rigs are better than the FLC? Yes, they're alot better. If you are serious about being prepared, it's worth getting the nicer stuff - be it a gucci warbelt and kitted out chest rig / plate carrier or a gucci set of belt kit. But will the FLC WORK if you needed it to? Yes, it's far better than nothing and is better than alot of other options - like cheap chinese crap. If you knew you were going to be dismounted most of the time, I'd tell you to go get an older set of British surplus PLCE webbing, as it's going to be roughly the same cost as the FLC setup. But again - this is why I say the FLC recommendation above. You can set it up to work better in vehicles than the PLCE. I TOTALLY get the 'buy once cry once' thing. I make expensive custom gear for a living. I'm TOTALLY down to make someone something alot better than the FLC. But the vast majority of civilians out there aren't going to spend the money to get a full set of QUALITY gear, kitted out correctly. Add up how much it costs to get a full set of even budget (but quality) gear. Even leaving out armor, add it up. It gets expensive. And this doesn't even get into sustainment gear - which if you are willing to roll heavy with a full 'go to war' gear, you need the sustainment gear to go with it. I'd rather that dude buy a good rucksack, rain / cold weather gear, and sleeping gear...and have an FLC if that's all he could afford. Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: My thoughts are to have a setups for different uses. All of them would be used with my belt setup. That setup mirrors my EDC setup. One for car as a get home setup. Two for property patrolling. One would be for summer and one for winter. I feel like the FLC would be a good one for winter to toss on over a jacket. I live in the city and if things were to go south I would get out of the city and head to my family in West Virginia. A lot of wild game and natural springs with fresh mountain water. It runs all year around. Even during droughts. I’m trying to get my mindset around different scenarios. I like to war game things. I'm probably going to get some hate, but for the average civilian who isn't wanting to spend a couple grand on the latest and greatest stuff - ya know, probably the majority of civilians - a simple mini chest rig - 2 to 4 rifle magazines - for home defense and such....and a fully kitted out FLC set up to 'go heavy' in case the Russian paratroopers start dropping (which most likely won't happen) is probably the best direction you can go. Rock your CCW belt with either of the above options (or a simple warbelt if you are into shooting competitions) The odds you will ever need anything more as a civilian here in the USA is so insanely low, those two things cover most of the bases. I say the FLC over a good chest rig or belt kit because it is soooooo cheap and can be set up in multiple ways (for vehicle use or for use on a more dismounted role) For $100 you can have a fully kitted out 'go to war' setup. This goes against my own business - making and selling expensive belt kits. Do I think belt kits and modern chest rigs are better than the FLC? Yes, they're alot better. If you are serious about being prepared, it's worth getting the nicer stuff - be it a gucci warbelt and kitted out chest rig / plate carrier or a gucci set of belt kit. But will the FLC WORK if you needed it to? Yes, it's far better than nothing and is better than alot of other options - like cheap chinese crap. If you knew you were going to be dismounted most of the time, I'd tell you to go get an older set of British surplus PLCE webbing, as it's going to be roughly the same cost as the FLC setup. But again - this is why I say the FLC recommendation above. You can set it up to work better in vehicles than the PLCE. I TOTALLY get the 'buy once cry once' thing. I make expensive custom gear for a living. I'm TOTALLY down to make someone something alot better than the FLC. But the vast majority of civilians out there aren't going to spend the money to get a full set of QUALITY gear, kitted out correctly. Add up how much it costs to get a full set of even budget (but quality) gear. Even leaving out armor, add it up. It gets expensive. And this doesn't even get into sustainment gear - which if you are willing to roll heavy with a full 'go to war' gear, you need the sustainment gear to go with it. I'd rather that dude buy a good rucksack, rain / cold weather gear, and sleeping gear...and have an FLC if that's all he could afford. I think you and I are on the same page. I feel like the surplus gear is great for most who want to be prepared and can’t afford the new Gucci gear (I’m in this boat right now) and it will serve them well. I’m working on these kits so that they are budget friendly for me as of right now. A few years ago I had a stroke while working 80+ hours a week. If anyone thinks that isn’t possible it is. Within two and half days I had a full week of work hours in. The stress of that job was through the roof at times. I will never do that again. That stroke left me with a lot of health issues that I’m still struggling with. I also have a lot of back and neck issues so doing these setups I’m trying to find the right balance for me and my situation. My neck and back are now surgically as of my last MRI two weeks ago. Also to top it all off. I’m helping to take care of my dad who is in the last stages of dementia. The cost of care is something I never thought or dreamed of being this high. Just the medical supplies that my mom and I both buy are crazy expensive and we fall into that category of getting no assistance of help. If you are reading this and you are young and healthy, look at long term care insurance. It’s the cheapest thing you will ever buy and you will one day need it. Sorry for going off topic. |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: That center pouch looks familiar to me. What is that one? It looks perfect for an IFAK. Also are those 40mm grenade pouch? I’m thinking that would hold my multitool just fine. A single magazine pouch might too. I like the setup. Surplus is just so cheap at times. Rig isn't mine, it's Just to show how similar these are in footprint to early sotech and esstac, popular with soldiers in early OIF and mimicked by civilians. However i am familiar with that admin pouch as i used one, it's a maxpedition monkey combat admin pouch. It's thick, so it's Better carried lower. The others two pouches are pistol Mag pouches that are usually well suited for multitools, while the open bottom 40mm pouches are useful only to hold some kind of tourniquets. Yes, cheap surplus Is often good surplus. |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: I think you and I are on the same page. I feel like the surplus gear is great for most who want to be prepared and can’t afford the new Gucci gear (I’m in this boat right now) and it will serve them well. I’m working on these kits so that they are budget friendly for me as of right now. A few years ago I had a stroke while working 80+ hours a week. If anyone thinks that isn’t possible it is. Within two and half days I had a full week of work hours in. The stress of that job was through the roof at times. I will never do that again. That stroke left me with a lot of health issues that I’m still struggling with. I also have a lot of back and neck issues so doing these setups I’m trying to find the right balance for me and my situation. My neck and back are now surgically as of my last MRI two weeks ago. Also to top it all off. I’m helping to take care of my dad who is in the last stages of dementia. The cost of care is something I never thought or dreamed of being this high. Just the medical supplies that my mom and I both buy are crazy expensive and we fall into that category of getting no assistance of help. If you are reading this and you are young and healthy, look at long term care insurance. It’s the cheapest thing you will ever buy and you will one day need it. Sorry for going off topic. If you've got back and neck issues, and still want to run a full sized rig....take a serious look at belt kit. Almost all the weight rides on your hips, not your back and shoulders. It's annoying in the car, but it's doable. (you slip out of one side of the harness and spin it around to sit in your lap while still wearing the rig basically. Kinda.) And it won't mess with your back and neck nearly as badly as the other options. Sometimes injuries (and things like age and such) determine what you need more than anything else. |
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Originally Posted By marnsdorff: If you've got back and neck issues, and still want to run a full sized rig....take a serious look at belt kit. Almost all the weight rides on your hips, not your back and shoulders. It's annoying in the car, but it's doable. (you slip out of one side of the harness and spin it around to sit in your lap while still wearing the rig basically. Kinda.) And it won't mess with your back and neck nearly as badly as the other options. Sometimes injuries (and things like age and such) determine what you need more than anything else. Originally Posted By marnsdorff: Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: I think you and I are on the same page. I feel like the surplus gear is great for most who want to be prepared and can’t afford the new Gucci gear (I’m in this boat right now) and it will serve them well. I’m working on these kits so that they are budget friendly for me as of right now. A few years ago I had a stroke while working 80+ hours a week. If anyone thinks that isn’t possible it is. Within two and half days I had a full week of work hours in. The stress of that job was through the roof at times. I will never do that again. That stroke left me with a lot of health issues that I’m still struggling with. I also have a lot of back and neck issues so doing these setups I’m trying to find the right balance for me and my situation. My neck and back are now surgically as of my last MRI two weeks ago. Also to top it all off. I’m helping to take care of my dad who is in the last stages of dementia. The cost of care is something I never thought or dreamed of being this high. Just the medical supplies that my mom and I both buy are crazy expensive and we fall into that category of getting no assistance of help. If you are reading this and you are young and healthy, look at long term care insurance. It’s the cheapest thing you will ever buy and you will one day need it. Sorry for going off topic. If you've got back and neck issues, and still want to run a full sized rig....take a serious look at belt kit. Almost all the weight rides on your hips, not your back and shoulders. It's annoying in the car, but it's doable. (you slip out of one side of the harness and spin it around to sit in your lap while still wearing the rig basically. Kinda.) And it won't mess with your back and neck nearly as badly as the other options. Sometimes injuries (and things like age and such) determine what you need more than anything else. I’m 52 and feel 102 at times with my body. I wish as a kid I would have wrapped myself in bubble wrap. John’s Hopkins did some X-rays and asked me if I diehard labor and immediately ordered an MRI. I did retail into my early 20s and then office work for a shipping and receiving company. My early years is when I was hard on my body lol. I will do a belt setup that will allow more of a heavier load. Chest rigs don’t seem to bother me but plate carriers do. |
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