Load-bearing vest questions

[Ian]

I've been thinking about picking up a load-bearing vest of some sort, and I'm wondering what you guys think of them. Basically, I want a way to hold my Camelbak, 6 or 8 FAL mags, and maybe some miscellaneous stuff (compass, some food, sunscreen, that sort of thing) in such a way that I retain a full range of motion. Having unobstructed shoulders and the ability to wear a backpack over the thing would also be really good. I have some some Israeli double mag pouches, so I could put those on my belt and wear the Camelbak in its own pack....but a single vest seems much handier. On the other hand, all the slick tactical stuff I can find advertised looks rediculously bulky (and I don't exactly need 87 pockets and specific places to store grenades...).

What do you think about the usefulness of vests versus chest pouches?
Any thoughts on what a vest or pouch should be capable of carrying?
Know of any good systems out there, or am I going to have to make my own to get something good?

Thanks!

 

[VaughnT]

Let me just say that I agree wholly with the use of a vest. A batbelt is nice, but it's hard to get your load on without bulking up.

The one vest that's really caught my eye is the Strike Vest by Blackhawk Industries. I don't know anything about their quality or sevice, but the thing looks good and is very versatile.

Like you say, a hundred pouches that you can't/won't use is silly. With the Strike system, you can clip on the pouches you want, where you want them, and nothing more.

It's definitely got me interested.

 

[fix]

Roll your own...

www.tacticaltailor.com/cpics/mavbody2_lg.jpg

 

[Chris Rhines]

This thread seems familar...

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39103&highlight=load+bearing+vest

- Chris

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

Fix has the right idea.


don't buy the .308 mag pouches from TT inless you like the fastex. the 3 mag m-16 pouches hold two m-14 mags very well.

 

[OEF_VET]

Try lightfighter .
Frank

 

[Variable1]

I am starting to sound like a broken record, but take a look at the CQB Solutions model 2 Tac Vest.

It will hold 9 20 round 7.62 mags
It will hold a hydration pouch
It has two utility pockets for your extra stuff
Both shoulders are clear of stuff

http://www.midwesttactical.com/product.asp?itemid=23&catid=156

The vest is not that bulky and is very comfortable. I usually prefer the vest, but have been using my chest carrier more.

The chest carrier is great to throw in the trunk, or have for the range. It will hold 6 mags, and you can add pouches on both sides to hold extras. Downside is no hydration.

http://www.midwesttactical.com/product.asp?itemid=21&catid=156

 

[Ian]

I don't think I'd seen that vest before, Variable. It does look pretty good - do you know if you can wear a backpack over it without problems?

The objection I have to most all the other vests I've seen is that they have thick shoulder straps with buckles and other stuff right where I want to be able to pull my rifle into my shoulder. At the moment, I'm thinking I'll make one myself and get it just the way I want it. I like the idea of putting the mag pouches at an angle for easier mag access...

Any thoughts on what a vest should carry, besides mags and water (if anything)?

 

[igor]

A couple of things come to mind...

- hearing protection
- documents
- a basic first aid kit
- a knife

 

[BerettaNut92]

If I had to do it, vest would carry more water and ammo--the knife, first aid kit, etc. I'd leave on my person.

 

[Variable1]

No problems wearing a pack with the CQB vest.

What your vest should carry depends alot on what you will be using it for.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

I'd at least strongly consider going modular.

with a MOLLE/PALS vest, you can arrange the pockets however you see fit, amd make the vest carry what you want it to carry.

 

[Animal]

I'll second what Mr. Wyatt says, Molle LBVs are very versital, and are very well made too.

 

[Ian]

My concern is that all the MOLLE vests I've seen (note: I haven't handled any) appear to have thick shoulder straps that would get in the way of a rifle butt. The primary gun I plan to use this vest with is a .308 bolt gun, so I want to be able to get it nice and tight into my shoulder.

 

[Animal]

The ones I've used (military issue) have wide straps, but they are not thick at all. They are about as thin as you can get actually. Maybe your thinking of the LBVs that were part of the ALICE system? Also they is I think up to 3rd generation MOLLE too, so it maybe one I'm not familiar with. Look around, you may find the one I'm talking about.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

www.lightfighter.com

http://www.tacticaltailor.com check both sites. you might like what you see.