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Chest rig or war belt?

Hawk45

Hawk45

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 29, 2002
1,360
2
50
Ohio
Looking for something that provides mobility but can carry a few 2-3 AR mags, 3-4 Handgun mags, knife/multi-tool, med pack and maybe a dump pouch.

I really used to my pistol on my right hip, so not sure I want to go with mounting it on my chest/stomach if that makes a difference.

Oh, one more thing, I had a cheap-o plate carrier one time and could not stand the way the padded shoulder strap interfered with shouldering my rifle.

What are you guys running and like/dislike?
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

Mike,

Thanks for the reply. This will be for personal training. I expect some prone shooting but not extended. It will be a mix of moving and different ground positions (back, sides, prone).
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

I've got both and pretty much use my battle belt all the time now. Mine is set up pretty similar to the way you described. Very comfortable for all day range work. A suggestion if you train with multiple handguns check out G-Codes RTI system for holsters. It makes switching out holsters a breeze. Also HSGI makes mag pouches called tacos. They accomodate a number of different rifle and handgun magazine making the belt very adaptable.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: blade</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I've got both and pretty much use my battle belt all the time now. Mine is set up pretty similar to the way you described. Very comfortable for all day range work. A suggestion if you train with multiple handguns check out G-Codes RTI system for holsters. It makes switching out holsters a breeze. Also HSGI makes mag pouches called tacos. They accomodate a number of different rifle and handgun magazine making the belt very adaptable.</div></div>

Classic, I have a few Tacos on the way already. Great minds..
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

I have both. The last three classes that I went thru I used my padded belt and like that setup the best. If you are running a pistol, the belt is the way to go IMO.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

War belts are great, but if you want to go with a chest rig, and plan to go prone occasionally, remember to wear it up high on the chest where it should be, and it will make shooting from prone much easier.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

Why choose? You know you are going to end up with both right?
wink.gif
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

Tyr Tactical COMA and arrange to your liking.
tyrvest.jpg

I set it up with 223,308 or AICS mag pouches.
You cant see in the pic but this version has 2 Acis pouches on the right side that holds 2 mags each.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

The TYR COMA was made for the Sniper committee guys at Bragg and has been put through the paces. I have one and what you can't see in the pictures above is that the "panels" where the pouches mount to are modular, meaning you can quickly remove them by unpeeling the velcro attachment system. This is a nice feature if you want to run different pouch configurations as you don't have to un-do all the PALS pouches one by one, just remove the panel and put a different one on. It also comes with a back piece thats not pictured above that serves as a MOLLE platform to mount a hydration pouch or other kit too. It's basically a old style LBE thats been modernized. It's designed to be unbuckled at the waist when in the prone and still allow access to you pouches;it's not like a old school pistol belt and suspenders though as it has 2 fastex buckles that connect in the middle front. If you require armor, a simple plate carrier can be worn over top of it. It's not a bad system as it is scalable based on your needs/mission.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

Jason(TYR) does build good kit and he is one of the Good Guys out there who will turn a good idea into a product rikki ticky. I recieved this set up from him under the shed at India and it has been my "go to" ever since.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

I've got both with me here in doucebagastan. When in a vehicle or carrying a full combat load, a chest rig is prefered. However, most other times I wear the battle belt. It's more comfortable, retains less heat, and is somewhat concealed when wearing a coat. If you're just using it for wearing at the range, hunting, or laying prone, I'd go with a belt as long as you keep the bulky items on the side v/s in front.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

Im a chest rig fan mixed with a strog side belt holster. Is this for range or duty use? If duty use id opt for a plate carrier.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jerseymike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Btw check out john Willis's kit, his shit is gtg </div></div>


John/SOE gear is solid kit, no question. One of John's rigger belts inside his war belt with pouches would fit the OPs ticket, so would something like a Mookie war rig light or one of the other chest rigs SOE makes.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

I love the ATS was belt. And the Eagle Industries belt. I run my plate carrier high at all times. Adjust things to the war belt as needed. To much shit on a plate carrier is a pain. Plus I run strong side sidearm and always reload from the waist.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

Do you plan on ever wearing a ruck, or armor with your setup? And if so, will your ruck include a mandatory waist/hip belt to help carry the load? As that alters the choices, & what'll work better for various configurations.

That said, I'd vote for a setup to keep the pistol & a few mags on you all of the time, & the rest of your kit on a chest rig. Something like a Tactical Tailor MAV which opens in the front, & has the optional X-Harness. Or an LBT, or Eagle H-harness. There are a lotta' choices on what make & model of those.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

I run USPSA so I'm used to going to the belt for mag changes, so I'd like to keep my mags there (left) and keep my side arm on the belt also (right). I have a chest rig I don't wear much so probably give the belt a shot and see how it works out. From there I'll have enough pieces to try a mix/match if the belt itself ain't cutting it.

Thanks guys!
Merry Christmas
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

Depending on how big your waist is, you may find that getting all of the mag pouches on your left side,both pistol and AR, in an accessible spot might be hard to do. The best way I have found to make it work is to stack at least one AR pouch onto another and then attach it to your belt around your hip bone, just forward of that, one AR pouch with a pistol pouch attached to it, forward of that, near the buckle a 2 mag pistol pouch. to balance the whole thing out you can put the medkit /IFAK pouch on your right hip/small of back, well behind your pistol so it doesn't interfere with your draw . The dump pouch middle of the belt or you can cheat it a bit toward your left side if you have attachment points available. The most important thing is that in this configuration you can still get to your mags from the prone.The picture should explain it all.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2uhs3d4.jpg

2uhs3d4.jpg
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RUM Lover</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got both with me here in doucebagastan. When in a vehicle or carrying a full combat load, a chest rig is prefered. However, most other times I wear the battle belt. It's more comfortable, retains less heat, and is somewhat concealed when wearing a coat. If you're just using it for wearing at the range, hunting, or laying prone, I'd go with a belt as long as you keep the bulky items on the side v/s in front. </div></div>

I agree.

Many years ago when my world was a mix of olive drab and woodland camo I learned this too.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

If I'm strictly using it for range work I'll go to the belt every time. It's easy on and off, keeps you cool, and works in vehicles if set up properly. The biggest disadvantage to the belt is having all of the weight on your hips. If I'm doing a lot of walking the belt just wears me out. I feel MUCH more mobile when I'm wearing a chest rack. Keep in mind I'm wearing it high so my hips have free range of motion. I would NEVER wear a belt while wearing a ruck or any kind of backpack. A lot of guys have pictures wearing belts but I can assure you that nobody is wearing one while they hump up the side of a mountain to get to an objective (Just my experience). The pack will interfere with your magazines and it's hard to get your pack high enough to be comfortable. I feel like the belt is constantly getting hung up on things.

A lot of guys are going to the belt these days. It does seem to present a less "tactical" or threatening look. Since you're only using it for training I'd say the belt would be fine. Try on someones if you get a chance. Let us know what you go with.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

I run both. Sometime independant of one another, sometimes together.

Like was mentioned before, if you set your chest rig up right, going prone is not an issue.

Oh, and +1,000,000 for John Willis' and his S.O.E. Gear its top shelf all the way !!!


HSGI battle belt, tacos, raven holster, HSGI bleeder pouch, roly-poly dump pouch, ESSE 3
299DE9A0-A504-4140-9852-A682C087400C-9981-000005512E648077.jpg


S.O.E. Modular Frog Rig, TT mag pouch, MSM admin pouch, ESEE Izula
DABBFF72-635D-42DA-9818-7132FF2697E6-9981-0000055138A91C43.jpg

46CB63BE-F180-4BF6-9890-1F2C65ECE986-9981-0000055141908A85.jpg
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rgrmike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The biggest disadvantage to the belt is having all of the weight on your hips. If I'm doing a lot of walking the belt just wears me out. I feel MUCH more mobile when I'm wearing a chest rack. Keep in mind I'm wearing it high so my hips have free range of motion. I would NEVER wear a belt while wearing a ruck or any kind of backpack. </div></div>

I agree, depending on what you're doing a belt can make your hips feel it. If you're going to be moving around the hills alot it's best to throw on the suspenders for the belt. Most/some belts have it so it basically becomes just like an old LBE. The suspenders are supper thin/flat so there is no bulk to them like the old LBE suspenders, which allows you to throw your plate carrier over top comfortably. If you adjust your suspenders right, the rucksack kidney pad and the belt don't conflict too badly. Another way i've seen guys wear it is to undo the buckle on the belt once they have their ruck on and lift the belt higher so it rides in the dead space just above the kidney pad and ruck frame. Just like the old days when we used to run straight up LBEs with all the crap on them. Funny how things change but the ground pounder problems and solutions stay the same.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

I actually run a chest rig with my war belt. I have the chest rig with no padded shoulders because I know exactly what you mean. I had a CIRAS and that was my problem, it was too bulky. What I do is run my AR, pistol pouches and admin pouch on my chest rig then run 2 pistol mags, 2 rifle mags, dump pouch, and holster on my belt. It keeps everything balanced. I do this because in case I need to go light or prone I still have mags without my chest rig
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

Lots of good stuff guys. Looks like I'll have to get a war belt and try out some options. I have two chest rigs and like the lighter weight one for sure.. at least for what I'm doing with it.
Cheers
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Josh Ward</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I run both. Sometime independant of one another, sometimes together.

Like was mentioned before, if you set your chest rig up right, going prone is not an issue.

Oh, and +1,000,000 for John Willis' and his S.O.E. Gear its top shelf all the way !!!


HSGI battle belt, tacos, raven holster, HSGI bleeder pouch, roly-poly dump pouch, ESSE 3
299DE9A0-A504-4140-9852-A682C087400C-9981-000005512E648077.jpg


S.O.E. Modular Frog Rig, TT mag pouch, MSM admin pouch, ESEE Izula
DABBFF72-635D-42DA-9818-7132FF2697E6-9981-0000055138A91C43.jpg

46CB63BE-F180-4BF6-9890-1F2C65ECE986-9981-0000055141908A85.jpg
</div></div>

Very nice setup on that belt. I have contemplated the belt for a long time and think it is time to try it. I guess I can sell the kit if it doesnt work for me.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Josh Ward</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I run both. Sometime independant of one another, sometimes together.

Like was mentioned before, if you set your chest rig up right, going prone is not an issue.

Oh, and +1,000,000 for John Willis' and his S.O.E. Gear its top shelf all the way !!!


HSGI battle belt, tacos, raven holster, HSGI bleeder pouch, roly-poly dump pouch, ESSE 3
299DE9A0-A504-4140-9852-A682C087400C-9981-000005512E648077.jpg


S.O.E. Modular Frog Rig, TT mag pouch, MSM admin pouch, ESEE Izula
DABBFF72-635D-42DA-9818-7132FF2697E6-9981-0000055138A91C43.jpg

46CB63BE-F180-4BF6-9890-1F2C65ECE986-9981-0000055141908A85.jpg
</div></div>
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

Josh Ward,

What are you using to mount the Raven and ESEE to the molle belt? I like that set-up, but have failed in finding a good Raven to molle mounting option...short of paracord, etc.

Also, I'm a huge fan of John Willis' gear, and have slowly replaced all my non-OSOE gear over the last 2-3 years. Working now with OSOE's tapered war belt, cobra belt, hybrid rifle/pistol mag pouches, dump pouch, mini tear-off med kit. Shooting mat cover, butt pack, and a few other goodies on order as we speak.

I still regularly use armor and plates, but have stripped much of the bulk off the chest and moved it to the belt. Allows the flexibility to "go light" with just a belt if the need arises (or a belt and low-profile plate carrier).

ritt0048
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TacticalDillhole</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would look at the Viking Tactics battle belt and the plate carrier from 5.11. Anything Kyle Lamb touches is gold.

Battle Belt

Chest Rigs </div></div>


Thats the Brokos belt. Apparently Brokos licensed it to several companies as TYR makes the exact same belt and its called the Brokos belt as well. It looks like the Viking one doesnt have the soft armor in it as it has a lower price tag. I have the TYR made version with soft armor in it and have no complaints, its a well made piece of kit.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Papa Zero Three</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TacticalDillhole</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would look at the Viking Tactics battle belt and the plate carrier from 5.11. Anything Kyle Lamb touches is gold.

Battle Belt

Chest Rigs </div></div>


Thats the Brokos belt. Apparently Brokos licensed it to several companies as TYR makes the exact same belt and its called the Brokos belt as well. It looks like the Viking one doesnt have the soft armor in it as it has a lower price tag. I have the TYR made version with soft armor in it and have no complaints, its a well made piece of kit. </div></div>


You are correct, they also sell the TYR with the armor.... TYR Belt
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

How about 308/pistol combo pouches. Only seeing them for ar15.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 512BPG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How about 308/pistol combo pouches. Only seeing them for ar15. </div></div>

Probably just need to make sure whatever you get whether its a belt, chest rig or LBE vest that it has Molle webbing and use .308 mag pouches.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TacticalDillhole</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 512BPG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How about 308/pistol combo pouches. Only seeing them for ar15. </div></div>

Probably just need to make sure whatever you get whether its a belt, chest rig or LBE vest that it has Molle webbing and use .308 mag pouches. </div></div>

Thanks. Figured that'd be the case.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 512BPG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How about 308/pistol combo pouches. Only seeing them for ar15. </div></div>

Best option is to get double decker TACOs. They can accommodate AR/308/AK mags and the pistol pouch on the outside of it can accept any pistol mag as well.

HSGI Double decker TACO pouches
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ritt0048</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Josh Ward,

What are you using to mount the Raven and ESEE to the molle belt? I like that set-up, but have failed in finding a good Raven to molle mounting option...short of paracord, etc.

Also, I'm a huge fan of John Willis' gear, and have slowly replaced all my non-OSOE gear over the last 2-3 years. Working now with OSOE's tapered war belt, cobra belt, hybrid rifle/pistol mag pouches, dump pouch, mini tear-off med kit. Shooting mat cover, butt pack, and a few other goodies on order as we speak.

I still regularly use armor and plates, but have stripped much of the bulk off the chest and moved it to the belt. Allows the flexibility to "go light" with just a belt if the need arises (or a belt and low-profile plate carrier).

ritt0048 </div></div>



I'm using The Mini Pup (Pals Universal Platform) for the Raven and the ESEE knife sheath.

http://www.bawidamann.com/shop/Shenanigans%20%3E%20(PUP)%20Pals%20Universal%20Platforms





*
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

Attention..., Neanderthal on Deck!

Consider me a Neanderthal. My training and field experience dates back to the mid-late 1960's.

Personal equipment was minimalist, centered on a two day sortie with a Main Battle Rifle. A Rifle Ammunition Belt, supported by a belt suspender system, and which also supported a Haversack.

The belt held a basic loadout (10-8rd Garand ammo clips) with two one-quart canteens attached, the haversack contained rations for one day, the belt also carried one bullet dressing, and sometimes a bayonet and scabbard, but that could also be mounted aside the haversack. Any spare room in the haversack might contain a change or two of socks and/or spare ammo, and the haversack might be supplemented with a bedroll, consisting of a blanket and shelter half, with pole segments and pegs, lines included. A poncho was rolled and strapped to the rear of the belt, beneath the haversack. Body armor was an afterthought.

No sidearms, no poodle shooters. The rig allowed the user to get right down close to Ma Earth when encountering opposing small arms fire, provided basic sustainment for a day at best, two at worst, and did not constrain the user to choose between being an infantryman or a pack mule. Fully loaded, I'm thinking it ran about 35-40lb. You released the belt closure and shrugged to shed it in a pinch.

BTW, the same M-1923 rifle ammo belt will alternatively hold 100 rounds of .30-'06/7.62x54R loaded on 20-5rd strippers.

Greg
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

I would like to put something together that will be functional while wearing my Eagle A-III assault pack. It seems the shoulder straps would interfere with a chest rig. Seems a belt is about the only way to go?? I'm open to any ideas.
 
Re: Chest rig or war belt?

+1 on the HSGI belt and tacos.
 
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