Best Chest Rig 2020

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Let’s review the best chest rigs available in 2020.

First – what’s a chest rig? It’s a piece of tactical gear used to carry necessary items within easy reach for your mission.

Best Chest Rig
A chest rig keeps all your gear with easy reach.

They are an efficient way to carry necessary and important gear and to make it accessible quickly at all times.

Just as important – what is NOT a chest rig? A plate carrier (PC).

While those modular body armor items can also be used to carry extra gear – a chest rig can’t hold ballistic plates.

Therefore a chest rig is a lighter weight, more streamlined, and more maneuverable option for those that don’t need armor, but still have a lot of critical gear to carry.

Here’s the models we are going to review in this article:

These rigs typically come in two flavors – an H rig and an X (or cross-back) rig. What’s the difference? A picture is worth a thousand words.

Some rigs even let you reconfigure as X or H, based on your preference. These use keepers to help reconfigure the harness straps.

As you can see, the configuration of the harness straps is what gives it the name. In either case, these straps help distribute the load, and reduce pressure points.

What can you carry in your chest rig? How about: mag pouches, radios and comms gear, flashlights, maps, dump pouches, IFAKs, multi-tools, knives, and other important hardware.

And a near universal feature of these is MOLLE – or more accurately MOLLE/PALS webbing that let’s you customize how you carry your gear.

Some rigs have a number of mag pouches or other storage already included, while others provide nothing but MOLLE for you to customize.

A split front chest rig has one or more zippers or buckles front and center. Along with adjustable straps these can be used over body armor.

The split chest rig can be handy if you need to go prone – you can unzip or disconnect the center buckles and still have relative easy access to magazines and pouches.

In fact, that’s the primary reason to choose a split chest rig.

Bells and whistles you may want? How about padded shoulder straps, waterproofing treatments, and quick-release buckles for a starter.

There’s really a wide range of products to look at.

Other considerations include how bulky or streamlined your chest rig is. Will you need to enter and exit a vehicle or other seated location frequently?

Why a chest rig instead of a battle belt, war belt, or MOLLE belt?

Sometimes a chest rig makes it easier to access what you need – especially in cold weather gear.

Let’s look at a few options.

Haley Strategic Partners D3CRX Chest Rig, Coyote Brown
  • Haley Strategic Partners, D3CRX Chest Rig, Coyote Brown
  • This product is manufactured in United States

Haley Strategic Partners D3CRX Chest Rig, Coyote Brown

The D3CRX Chest Rig (Buy on Amazon) from Haley Strategic Partners is an excellent chest rig.

This is also known as Disruptive Environments™ Chest Rig X.

This is an “X” harness, as you can see.

Shown here is the Coyote Brown color option.

It has 4 rifle magazine pouches, sized for AR magazines, as shown.

4 additional pouches can accommodate single stack or double stack pistol magazines, mini-tools, or flashlights.

And lastly, there are two “multi-mission” pouches with a flap on each – to accommodate other gear.

Is this an expensive chest rig? Yes. But it is “pro” quality equipment.

It’s also available in black (Buy on Amazon) or Multicam (Buy on Amazon), as shown below.

Haley Strategic Partners Disruptive Environments D3CRX Tactical Assault Chest Rig (MultiCam)

Here’s a low profile chest rig from VTAC. VTAC (or Viking Tactics)are also known for their battle belts.

The VTAC Assault Chest Rig (Buy on Amazon) is a full featured chest rig.

First of all, it has 4 built in M4 mag pouches, 2 radio pouches, 2 pistol mag pouches, and two general purpose pouches.

There’s no MOLLE – but with all those pouches built right in you wouldn’t need it anyways.

Viking Tactics Tactical Chest Rig Harness - Made in the USA
  • 4 built in M-4 magazine pouches, 2 Radio Pouches, 2 Pistol Magazine Pouches, and two General Purpose pouches
  • Designed by Special Operations Soldiers to give the Operator a lightweight, low profile, chest rig option
  • Low-profile
  • Type:Tactical Chest Rig

Here’s a MOLLE only chest rig, from HSGI.

Why would you want that? It let’s you customize the load out and keep it streamlined – if that’s what you want.

Sale
High Speed Gear AO Small Modular Chest Rig Battle, Proven & USA Made, Multicam
  • Whether utilized by military, law enforcement, or responsibly armed citizens, High Speed Gear products are designed to perform to the highest levels of comfort, functionality, and versatility
  • Front panel is efficiently constructed to provide three rows and eight columns of PALS
  • Panel has side openings to store paperwork or maps
  • H-harness is included with the chest rig that allows the weight to be distributed evenly and creates a level of comfort over and above the X-Backed shoulder straps found on most small chest rig
  • Proudly made in the USA and covered by a manufacturer's Lifetime Warranty

Let’s look at some cheaper chest rig options next.

Affordable Chest Rigs

Need a more affordable option that is still tough? Here’s a chest rig from 5.11 tactical.

5.11 Tactec Chest Rig, Sandstone (56061-328)
  • Slickstick/MOLLE chest rig exterior webbing
  • Waterproofed, all-weather nylon construction
  • Padded shoulder straps
  • Configurable front pouches
  • Nylon cover or bungee magazine straps

5.11 gear is usually a solid choice if you are on a budget. It’s typically well made, and highly functional – but not over the top expensive.

Check the reviews on this item and you’ll see.

5.11 Tactec Chest Rig, Sandstone (56061-328)

Blue Force Gear – Best Low Profile Chest Rig

Need a low-profile, but quality chest rig? Look at the Blue Force Gear Ten Speed M4 Chest Rig (Buy on Amazon).

Will hold four M4 mags in the integral mag pouches.

Blue Force Gear Ten Speed M4 Chest Rig, Camo

This is a streamlined chest rig without too many frills – but it’s from a name known for high quality gear.

There is a map/admin pocket, a drag handle, and place for name tapes on the back though.

Blue Force Gear Ten Speed M4 Chest Rig, Camo

Chest Rigs for Airsoft, LARPing, and MilSim

For LARP or MilSim activities you can probably get away with a budget Chest Rig.

Here are some options.

Condor Recon Chest Rig Coyote, Brown, 30" - 60"
  • Dynamic, durable, and most importantly, reliable
  • Abrasion resistant
  • Durable lightweight construction

Condor Recon Chest Rig Coyote, Brown, 30" - 60"

The Condor Recon Chest Rig (Buy on Amazon) is a basic cross back (or X) harness rig with dedicated mag pouches.

Condor is a popular name in tactical gear – they make robust and durable gear, at affordable prices.

This model has a lot of mag pouches. The 3 built in stacker/kangaroo style mag pouches can hold 6 M4 mags and 6 pistol mags. These have a splitter in each pouch to keep two mags separated, as well as elastic cord to keep them secure.

Condor Recon Chest Rig Coyote, Brown, 30" - 60"

The mag pouches are permanently attached (stitched to the rig). There are two MOLLE sections on the left and right.

Those MOLLE areas can be used for items like an IFAK, Tourniquet, radio, or other MOLLE pouch.

As such, Condor has sacrificed some amount of modularity with this choice – but this is a very affordable chest rig.

Lastly, there is a mesh map or document pocket on the inside.

Condor Recon Chest Rig Coyote, Brown, 30" - 60"

Let’s look at another option.

No products found.

CONDOR Ops Chest Rig, Coyote Brown

If you like the price tag and general feature set of that rig, but don’t want or need those mag pouches, check out the No products found..

This is also a X (cross back) rig – with the padded shoulder straps, quick-release buckles, and D-rings.

But, instead of mag pouches permanently stitched to the rig, we get MOLLE – lots and lots of MOLLE.

The MOLLE panel is 21″ x 8″.

Available in Coyote Tan or Black.

The Condor Ops Chest Rig is a great budget option when you want a fully modular solution.

Here’s an H rig option.

Condor Elite MCR7-001 Ronin Chest Rig Olive DRAB
  • Dynamic, durable, and most importantly, reliable
  • Abrasion resistant
  • Durable lightweight construction

Condor Outdoor MCR7 Ronin Tactical MOLLE Split Chest Rig - OD

The Condor Ronin Tactical Chest Rig (Buy on Amazon) is not just an H rig – it’s also a split chest rig.

The fully padded H-Harness has hook & loop (velcro), D-rings, and webbing.

But most importantly you can see the split buckles up front.

As with most all split rigs, this means less room to carry stuff. But it’s also more open and breathes better.

So, take into consideration how much do you have to carry , and where?

Here’s another option from Condor in Crye Precision’s Multicam pattern.

Condor Outdoor Condor Modular Chest Set, Multicam, CS

This piece of kit from Condor has a lot of options.

It’s the Condor Outdoor Modular Chest Set, Multicam (Buy on Amazon).

First of all, it’s using Crye Precisions Multicam camo pattern, so it’s a little more expensive than other colors.

But it’s got integrated mag pouches AND a integrated MOLLE chest platform.

Also available in other colors, for a bit cheaper.

CONDOR Modular Chest Set Black

Chest Bags

Maybe a full chest rig is overkill – maybe you want to keep some essential gear within easy reach, but you don’t need a multitude of pouches or magazines.

In that case, take a look at chest bags.

EMERSONGEAR Chest Pack,Concealment Holster for Concealed Carry Holster Also for Hiking, Bicycling, Skiing, Motorcycle,Riding
  • HIGH-QUALITY: Water-repellent cordura ballistic nylon for durability and to keep your valuables sweat-free and dry.
  • ADVANCED DESIGN: The military-style chest bag sits comfortably on your shoulders with adjustable straps.Modular design with large main compartment,front zippered pocket.Comfortable mesh backed H-harness allows you to wear the vest bag by itself or underneath of a pack.
  • MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: It works great as a fast access chest pack for often used items when backpacking.The mesh internal divider holder can hold 2 pcs 5.56 mags,and other accessories.With front molle system allow for attaching it to MOLLE system. It can be used as harness chest pack, fishing chest pouch, running chest bag.
  • DIMENSIOINS: 12.6"W x 2.0"D x 7.9"L,Weight: 1.05 lb,Compacity :0.306L.
  • EMERSONGEAR Designed the Runner's Kit Bag specifically for carrying a pistol or similar-sized gear while running in urban environments. It also works well in higher activity situations (running, mountain biking, rock climbing) where you would like to discreetly carry a handgun, cellphone, pepper spray, or other small items.

This chest bag from Emerson gear has one large zippered pocket, and MOLLE in case you want to attach other gear and accessories.

As you can see, it is worn high on the chest.

It’s a simple, robust solution for those with particular needs.

Best Bino rigs

Looking to keep your binoculars secure and close at hand?

You may need a bino rig or bino harness.

The Ridge Stalker X Harness (Buy on Amazon) will fit the need.

It’s an “X” style harness and the fleece lined compartment for your optics even as a lens cleaning cloth built-in.

Don’t let your swinging binoculars get in the way – keep them safe and secure – but still easy to reach.

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ALPS Outdoorz RMEF Ridge Stalker X Harness
  • Made of highly durable 1680D Nylon Ballistic Fabric, for long-lasting performance in harsh environments
  • Pocket stays close to chest with a padded back panel that gives you extra comfort
  • Fleece lined interior with lens cloth included provides your lens with ultimate protection
  • Adjustable closure system and front U-shape pocket allows a variety of binocular sizes and easy access
  • Dimensions: 6.5" x 5.5" x 2.25", Weight: 12 oz.

Chinese Surplus Type 63 and Type 81 Chest Rigs

Chinese military surplus Type 63 (Buy on Amazon) and No products found. chest rigs are very cheap – sometimes less than $20.

Any drawbacks to using these?

These are not a modern design, not by a long shot. They are made more for retention instead of fast access to mags and gear.

They are sized for AK 20 round and 30 round magazines, not AR magazines. The mag pouches are bigger than what is needed.

Loklode Surplus Military Chinese Type 81 Ak47 Rifle Chest Rig Ammo Pouch Green

They are very minimalist, X harness, made from simple canvas.

That can be a plus, if you are looking for something simple.

The magazine pouch flaps are designed for retention of the magazines, not quick access. Speed reloading may be trickier.

The Type 63 is quite an old design – and made more for SKS stripper clips than magazines.

Chinese Military Surplus SKS Type 63 Chest Rig Bandolier Ammo Pouch 7.62x39 7 Pocket Chest Pouch Rig

And, did we mention they are really cheap?

Just be aware the item may arrive smelling like mildew…

In Summary

A chest rig is a basic piece of tactical gear.

There are H harness and X harness options.

Some have integrated mag pouches, some have nothing but MOLLE – and some have both.

After you choose a good chest rig for your needs, you might want to look at our article on battle belts.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API