Not strictly a surplus item, but a cool item in my opinion.
Surplus south african pattern 83 vests (and in a smaller quantity chest rigs) were very popular among brits, expecially paratroopers;
Karrimor, which is an outdoor and military brand famous in the UK made a copy of the rig.
It has been improved with mesh bottom on the pockets, fastex closures on the canteen hip pouches, back panel has been totally changed with a camelbak holder plus molle webbing and zips to attach PLCE bergen side pouch (they make also aftermarket ones configured with smaller pouches, like a modern backpanel). Made in vietnam, in my opinion by the same factory that makes Blackhawk and Sord items. I don't think it's more sturdy than the original.
It is now out of production since 7/8 years. Interesting trivia, there was also an AK specific version that lasted on the market for a longer time sold by a Belgian shop, Morane Tactical. That is because the AK vest and a british style chest rig also made by Karrimor named the "commando" or "congo" chest rig were contracted by Belgian government to equip Virunga Park anti poaching rangers, Congo having been under colonial influence by Belgium.
The rig
British Paras wearing pattern 83 vest, KFOR era. Soldier is wearing smock without underwear, which is not uncommon on patrol, smock being an important part of load bearing.