Armory Sponsor
Posted: 3/29/2005 8:04:55 PM EDT
|
I know these have been covered and I've looked at old threads...but just a little help. I am looking for a decent, not real expensive chest harness that will work with my backpack (Camelback BFM.) Wouild like to carry a few extra 30 rd AR mags, 1 or 2 pistol mags and maybe a extra pouch for light/knife/etc. Any suggestions? A lot of the harnesses I've seen ride real high (I have a chest strap on my backpack up high) and some ride really low (might conflict with the hip straps on the backpack.) |
|
For a cheap solution you might want to take a look at the Blackhawk STRIKE Chest Rig. How low or how high it rides is pretty much up to the user so you can configure it as you like. Going price for a new rig is in the $80-90 range. I have one myself and so far it is serving well at a budget price. Worst complaint is that it doesn't have an internal layer of mag pouches with PALS on the external side like the Hellcat, Esstac Boar or other chest rigs. |
I would love to know where you can find either of those for $45.00. |
maybe i was little low on the SDS. http://www.tacticaltailor.com/products/vests/mav_bodies/ $47 http://www.lightfighter.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=365 $45 http://secure.specialtydefense.com/cgi-bin/sds/S0006.html $49.99 |
|
Ok, I am thinking either the: Specter Gear M-1 Mk-1 or Specter Gear M-1 Mk-2 or Spec-Ops Brand MOUT Chest Rig Not sure of the difference between the M1 MK1 and the M1 MK2 except one has MOLLE and one doesn't... The Spec-ops might be a little big for my chest strap on me BFM.... What do you think? Anyone better than the other. If I got the Specter I'd add a double pistol mag pouch and maybe a small/medium GP pouch to it. |
Just be aware that it is $47 for the MAV body but you'll still need to spend another 40 or 50 on mag pouches. Otherwise it's nothing but a nylon girdle in your choice of tactical colors. I have a MAV and recomend it as an excellent chest harness. I'd suggest the 2 piece version and add the X-harness with the padded straps. Then add your choice of mag pouches and you're GTG. |
That is exactly what I did. I added the Tactical Tailor double pistol mag pouch on the left side and a small TT accessory pouch on the right for Eotech & SF batteries, etc. I really like this rig. |
You might want to consider this. |
i wouldnt. he said he wants to wear it with his camelbak bfm. the straps on the one listed are way to thick to wear with a backpack on. i know because i myself have a similar setup. my second line gear include a TT MAV and my 3rd line gear is my camelbak BFM. the MAV has ALOT of adjustment in all directions, up down and width. im pretty sure you can have it go anywhere from your stomach up to your chest. i wear it sort of midway between. Wearing the chest rig with a backpack to help balance the weight is also much more comfortable. |
My mistake, I should have paid more attention when I read his post. |
|
Here is a small rig by Spec Ops. I haven't handled it myself, just throwing out another option. www.specopsbrand.com/assets/product_html/prod_mout.html Here are pics of it that someone posted on Lightfighter.  
|
You happen to have any pics of your setup? I was looking at the MAV but from the pics on the website, it looked too large to work with my BFM. |
|
|
That SpecOps rig is neat. I like the concept. I would have to say that it's not as cheap as other chest rigs, and is definitely not going to be as comfortable, due to its small footprint and tiny straps, but large weight of 8 loaded mags and other stuff. If you're wearing armor like the guy in their picture, you'd be better off, but the straps will still bite into your neck because the cross in the back. I can't recommend an EssTac Boar for this one, because you're looking for cheaper stuff. The Boar runs $160, so it's more expensive than the other rigs you're looking at. One thing I'd recommend no matter what is looking for something that's compatible with the Tactical Tailor X-Harness. It's a life saver when you have a load on your shoulders and back for more than a couple hours. If you plan on taking any classes with your gear, you'll realize quickly that weight support is crucial. Most chest rigs can be adjusted to ride up high out of the way of waist belts from packs. I run my rig way up high, because that's where it's comfortable for sitting, and really, for wearing a pack. Unlike most people, I actually wear my waist belt on my WAIST, which is above my belt line. I also have a first line rig that goes under my chest rig, and there is a USGI pistol belt and a couple things involved there. So, I've got the waist belt high enough to clear the pistol belt, and the chest rig high enough to clear the waist belt. Straps shouldn't interfere if you're wearing things right. Sternum straps shouldn't be a problem either, depending on the type of pouches you're using. |
| I have both the Specter/CQB & TT MAV w/ x-harness. They are both set up basicallythe same way w/ the TT holding two mags per pouch(designed for three but the magpuls limit to two mags). I like the Specter if I new I would be OK w/ just three mags & one in the gun. The straps are wide enough that they dont dig in. I need two throw a dump pouch & some pistol mag pouches & its good to go. The TT has a greater range of adjustment, but it dosent effect me. Just nice to have I guess. Lying prone w/ the Specter rig isnt that bad, it sit high on my torso. My TT is a two piece & needs to be unclipped to go prone(comfort only) due to the added thickness because of extra mags. I would go w/ the one piece TT if I were to do it again. I can post pics if anybody wants them. -Justin |
ive been meaning to take pics anyway. no, i wont take pics of me in the gear. im an armchair commando and dont want to be the butt of the next fat guy in tactical gear joke. all of my gear is designed to get me from my home to my bug out location 60 miles away in the worst possible method(walking). next up is bicycle, then car. the MAV is my second line gear, to move fast in and drop my camelbak BFM. the only time i would do this if is i was being chased. since im bugging out alone this part is geared more towards fast movement and less on the mags. water, one nights food, rifle cleaning kit, etc etc. a few other things are in the second pouch with the mre entree's i didnt show. the TT pouches orginally had metal zipper tabs that made alot of noise. i cut them off and added para cord instead.   |
I have one of these on the way, I'll give a review when I get the chance. |
I have one of those (just used it at Blackwater. My only beef with it was the strap chafing my neck, otherwise it was good to go). I did one modification to it. I sewed some 1/8th inch dia. bungie cord across the face of the pouch. This was so I could use it with the mag flaps open (actually, the flaps were tucked into the pockets, behind the magazines). No magazines fell out and the 'open-top' design allowed fast mag changes. I think you will be happy with this rig. |
Hummmmmmmmmmmm! Wonder if you can replace those tiny straps! |
|
Well, here is my 2 cents worth. Like your self I was not sure what I wanted. After considering the same situations as you have. I went with the 2 piece Mav. from TT With the X harness. I can if need be carry 12 Ar mags(loaded) without a problem and have room for a knife, three pistol mags and a Gps plus a first aid kit with quick clot. And it has enough expansion to put on over body armor if ya got it. I have used this rig while shooting a practical rifle match and it works great. Good luck! |
Armory Sponsor