Tactical vests?

[woodcutter]

So, I'm looking for a chest rig / tactical vest that has the following characteristics or close to it:
- Not terribly expensive, can be surplus, etc.
- Can be worn fairly comfortably WITH a backpack (for this reason I'm thinking probably some sort of suspender type chest rig without a lot of rings, pouches and such on the straps)
- modularity - can add or remove pouches as needed.
- Probably would not have hydration unit (since I might wear it with a backpack), or would have a removable hydration unit.
- not real important, but preferably available in multicam, coyote, or OD

Uses: trips to the range, SHTF tactical if it comes to that, or some non-tactical uses like camping to carry stuff I'd otherwise carry in my pants pockets. So somewhat adaptable to the situation.

Any recommendations? For some reference, I saw one from Condor that looked like it might fit the bill - I think it was a "CS" model? A little pricey new though.

 

[taliv]

look at the blue force gear ten speed
https://www.blueforcegear.com/ten-speed-m4-chest-rig.html

 

[Plinkin' Logs]

How bout something like this
http://http://www.amazon.com/Official-Military-Fighting-Tactical-Assault/dp/B004E2DHC8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1431061076&sr=8-3&keywords=military+surplus+vest

or this
http://http://www.amazon.com/Official-Military-Fighting-Tactical-Assault/dp/B004IURGGY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1431061076&sr=8-2&keywords=military+surplus+vest

Can't bet the price with a stick and it REAL US surplus. The Military Khaki is Desert Storm Surplus, and the Digital camo is Iraq surplus. The back is open, so it would be perfect for use with a backpack

 

[OpticsPlanet]

I would take a look at the Blackhawk Tactical Float Vest II. Nice rig, doesn't break the bank, and still allows for plenty of mobility.



Mike C.

 

[thegunpunch]

I'm a fan of Blue Force Gear 10 speed as previously mentioned, it's lightweight and versatile

 

[Chuck R.]

I use the ancestor to this, which I've owned for 5 years, a couple carbine classes and a bunch of 3-gun matches:



http://www.skdtac.com/PIG-UCR-Universal-Chest-Rig-p/pig.667.htm

It was designed by Paul Howe of "Black Hawk Down" fame. When I bought it the were about $69, now up to $99, and it fits up to eight AR15, or four 7.62/AK mags. I like it because I can easily switch between my AR and FAL. It also has Molle on each side for additional pouches. The only pouch I've added is for a Maxpedition RollyPolly which I use for a dump pouch for empty mags. The straps also allow you to attach a CamelBak or other hydration bladder. I just used mine a couple weeks ago for a 2 day pistol/carbine class.

The same company sells several chest rigs from universal models like the one above, to complete Molle setups where you can plug and play whatever pouches you want.

http://www.skdtac.com/Universal-All-Molle-Chest-Rigs-s/16960.htm

Chuck

 

[strambo]

Another thing to consider is a molle belt like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Condor-Gen-Battle-Belt-Black/dp/B00AOCFPM2

It can hold plenty of stuff a civilian would need for SHTF, home defense, carbine courses etc, out of the way of any pack, easy on and off and can sit by the nightstand. Something goes bump in the night, grab it and click it on and you could have pistol, cell phone, light, mag etc on you all at once. If pistol is in a locked box, just have the empty holster on the belt.

I also like plate carriers with soft armor and a couple pouches on the front. https://dsgarms.com/usp00400630 Spendy for a chest rig, but quite reasonable for armor.

You could also get a couple plates here for $189 that are level III and will stop rifle rounds: http://www.thetargetman.com/product...e-set-rhino-lined-for-proven-frag-protection/

Just tossing out options to consider since you got some good vest recommendations already.