So it will be a while before I can buy a flak jacket, plates, etc.

But just for lightweight fighting gear, what do you use? I know chest rigs are used by some. I prefer ALICE because it puts all your magazines at your waist instead of your chest. That way they don't dig into your torso when in the prone and you have better access to your mags when doing so. Replace the old ALICE magazine pouches with modern ones, put a dump pouch on your left side, find a place for an IFAK, tourniquet and knife, and you should be good to go. You can wear a camelbak and still have the butt pouch on the back for extras.

GI FLC converted to a chest rig is pretty comfortable and versatile.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/Armory/USGI-issue-MOLLE-FLC-fighting-load-carrier-Vest-Review-56k-suicide-UPDATED/10-270564/

I have the Air Force Molle version of the old ALICE H harness.  New, Molle, comfortable.  Holds a lot of gear around your waist.


I also still have a Blackhawk! Rifleman vest which was the most comfortable load bearing vest (IMHO)  when going without armor.

Eagle Rhodesian vest

https://www.amazon.com/Condor-MCR6-001-Tactical-Equipment-Olive/dp/B009SB25FU/ref=pd_sbs_200_3/141-9315249-2070223?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B009SB25FU&pd_rd_r=ba56bcbf-ff51-411c-bd82-1e1ac8829f50&pd_rd_w=zriPG&pd_rd_wg=LndhS&pf_rd_p=de2765fe-65e5-4a88-aaad-a915dea49c67&pf_rd_r=B9N9D7Q0KQQEAZR0FQ5N&psc=1&refRID=B9N9D7Q0KQQEAZR0FQ5N

This with an added back panel.
Also a light-weight Active Shooter vest by Eagle

Still rocking ALICE here. Extremely rural and warm/humid means I need to go prone and have little heat retention.

My waist is large enough to cram in a buttpack, 2 canteens, 4 ammo pouches, and a knife.

Tried the FLC, split-front chest rigs, high speed gunbelts, backpacks, plate carrier, and always come back to my ALICE rig.