Chest Rig Setup Made Easy: From Beginner to Pro in No Time!
Setting up your chest rig can seem like a daunting task. But it shouldn't be. Personalizing your chest rig should be an enjoyable experience.
This is your opportunity to customize your gear to meet your specific needs--test new pouch placement combinations, a new hydration source, or find the perfect spot for your favorite patch. Without a checklist, this can seem like an overwhelming task, but we're here to lend a hand.
We've compiled a comprehensive guide to setting up your chest rig based on personal preference and mission requirements. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, our guide will ensure your chest rig setup leaves you ready for any mission.
What's the Difference Between a Chest Rig and a Plate Carrier?
Chest rigs and plate carriers are two essential pieces of tactical gear that serve distinct purposes. So what sets the two apart from one another?
Chest Rig
A chest rig is lightweight and designed for carrying ammunition and essential items. It features a harness with pouches and MOLLE webbing for customization. Ideal for high-mobility operations, chest rigs offer better ventilation and less weight, enhancing comfort and endurance.
Plate Carrier
A plate carrier is designed to hold ballistic armor plates, protecting against bullets and shrapnel. While it can also carry gear, its primary function is protection. Plate carriers are heavier due to the armor plates but offer essential protection in high-risk environments.
Selecting the Right Chest Rig
The first step in setting up your chest rig is selecting the right one for your needs. There are three main factors to consider when choosing the right chest rig: your needs, your loadout, and fit.
Let's take a closer look at these factors and how they factor into choosing the right chest rig for you.
Determine Your Needs
Not every chest rig is capable of meeting the specific needs of every mission. To ensure you have the right chest rig you need to know what you will be using it for.
There are many reasons to wear a chest rig and not all of them involve combat or the expectation of combat. Chest rigs are also great for extremely long hikes. Chest rigs can carry medical equipment, food, hydration sources, compasses, maps, etc.
No matter the mission we recommend the Warrior Assault Systems Pathfinder Chest Rig for its adaptability to nearly any mission requirement. As a chest rig, the Pathfinder can hold four M4 style magazines with an adjustable bungee retention system allowing for easy swap out of AK magazines.
The Pathfinder can also be combined with the Warrior’s new Recon Plate Carrier System by simply removing the rear and shoulder straps. The Pathfinder is a great option for the beginner and the pro alike.
Assess Your Loadout
When it comes to your loadout you need to think not just what kind of equipment and gear will you be carrying, but also the size, shape, and amount you will need. This will determine placement, choice of pouch size and number, and how your gear attaches to your rig.
Proper Fit
Once you've determined your needs and proper loadout you'll want to make sure the chest rig you've chosen is a comfortable fit. You'll want to make sure the size is right, sits properly on your torso, and doesn't hinder movement.
A major feature of chest rigs is the mobility they provide despite all the gear you're wearing. This is because they are designed to allow for even weight distribution. Wearing a chest rig that doesn't move with you defeats much of its purpose.
Choosing and Arranging Pouches
When choosing pouches you'll thank yourself if you paid attention to your loadout requirements when selecting your chest rig. Unfortunately, there is no universal pouch to meet all your needs.
A prime example is AK pouches versus standard magazine pouches.
The AK magazine is slightly longer than most other weapons of similar caliber. As a result, modern chest rigs can typically carry 3 AR15-style pouches, however, due to the longer length of AK magazines only 2 AK-style pouches will fit.
We mentioned earlier that the Assault Warrior Pathfinder Chest Rig supports pouches with a bungee retention system.
These Warrior Assault Systems Triple Elastic M4 & AK Mag Pouches are a great option if you expect to carry different ammunition types.
Prioritize Accessibility
The most frequently used items should be placed in the most accessible locations. For example, mag pouches should be positioned where you can quickly reach them with your non-dominant hand. Consider all types of ammunition you will be carrying as well. You'll need mag pouches for your rifle rounds and pouches for your pistol mags.
Side pouches are best suited for other gear such as medical supplies, navigation tools, and other essential gear. Make sure the placement of your pouches allows for easy access.
Balance Your Load
Distribute the weight evenly across your chest rig to avoid fatigue and maintain balance. A lopsided rig can hinder your movement and cause discomfort with extended wear.
Place heavier items, like a radio or a first aid kit, towards the center of your chest. If need be split the essential gear in your side pouch into two pouches.
Customize Your Gear Setup for the Mission
Your pouch arrangement may change depending on your mission or activity. A setup for a shooting competition might differ from one for a field operation. Be flexible and adjust your pouches as needed to suit the task at hand.
This is one of the great benefits of molle webbing. Your pouches will stay securely attached to your rig while also allowing you the ability to change the position of a pouch or two without too much fuss. Be aware that you will need to remove the chest rig to do this. It's maddening to attempt to swap out a pouch while the rig is worn.
Attaching Accessories
Accessories are the best part of any chest rig setup. Accessories include anything from medical supplies, GPS units, shovels, knives, hydration systems, or communication devices. Often these accessories can attach to your gear in a variety of ways to ensure a truly streamlined and effective chest rig setup.
Radios and Communication Gear
Communication devices are crucial for many operations. Attach your radio to a place where it's easy to access and operate. Consider using a radio pouch with a secure retention system to keep your device safe.
The LBX Tactical Radio Pouch is perfect for keeping your radio where it's supposed to be.
Routing the cables through the shoulder straps can prevent them from snagging.
If you are right-handed place your radio on your left and vice versa if you are left-handed. This will allow you to operate the radio while still leaving your dominant hand free to hold your weapon.
Hydration Systems
Staying hydrated is essential, especially during prolonged activities. Many chest rigs are compatible with hydration bladders. Attach the bladder to the back of your rig and route the drinking tube over your shoulder for easy access.
It will be your personal preference on which side you have the tube placed. However, if you can have it adjusted so that you can reach it with your mouth without having to use your hands. This will help keep your hands free without sacrificing hydration.
If you require a hydration system or need an upgrade the Condor Oasis Hydration Carrier is a perfect choice. The insulated interior will keep you liquid cool in the heat, and thanks to the four mod straps the Oasis hydration system can be worn alone or attached to another pack or rig.
Utility and Tool Pouches
Attach utility pouches for carrying tools, multi-tools, or additional gear. These pouches can be placed on the sides or lower sections of your chest rig. Make sure they are securely fastened and do not interfere with your primary equipment.
Adjusting Chest Rigs Comfort and Efficiency
Once you have assembled all your gear it's time to ensure your equipment is comfortable and easy to move around in. Especially if you expect to be wearing this for extended periods. Follow these steps to ensure a proper and comfortable fit.
Step 1: Initial Setup
Before putting on your chest rig, lay out all the equipment you plan to carry. This includes ammunition pouches, communication devices, medical kits, hydration systems, and any other accessories.
Inspect the chest rig for any manufacturing defects, loose stitching, or other issues that might affect its performance. Ensuring your gear is in good condition is crucial before you start.
Step 2: Put on the Chest Rig
Ensure you are wearing appropriate clothing, such as a base layer shirt, to prevent chafing and enhance comfort. Slip the rig over your head and secure it around your torso. Adjust the shoulder straps so that the rig sits comfortably on your chest. Proper initial placement will make further adjustments easier and more effective.
Step 3: Adjust the Shoulder Straps
Pull on the shoulder straps to tighten them. The rig should sit high on your chest, but not so high that it restricts movement or breathing. The weight should be evenly distributed across your shoulders. If the rig feels lopsided, adjust the straps accordingly. This balance is key to avoiding discomfort and strain.
Step 4: Adjust the Side Straps
Use the side straps to secure the rig around your torso. The rig should be snug but not so tight that it restricts your movement or breathing. Move around to ensure the rig stays in place and doesn’t shift excessively. This helps to maintain stability and comfort during active use.
Step 5: Test Mobility and Fit
Test various movements, such as bending, crouching, and reaching, to ensure the rig does not hinder your mobility. If the rig feels uncomfortable or restricts movement, readjust the straps and pouch placements. Ensuring freedom of movement is essential for operational efficiency and comfort.
Step 6: Practice Wearing the Rig
Spend some time wearing the rig to get used to its weight and feel. Make any final adjustments to enhance comfort and efficiency after wearing the rig for a while. This practical step helps you identify and correct any minor discomforts or inefficiencies.
Step 7: Maintain Your Chest Rig
Periodically check the rig for signs of wear and tear. Keep the rig clean and properly maintained to ensure it remains in good working condition. Regular maintenance prolongs the life of your gear and ensures it performs reliably when needed.
Gear Check for an Effective Chest Rig Setup
Once you're done, make a checklist of every item and where it is placed on your rig. It's important before chest rigs are worn, to check that all the essential gear and required equipment are present. A checklist is the best way to do this.
Going over your checklist is the last step in setting up your chest rig. Congratulations! Your rig is good to go!
Always remember when setting up your gear to think in terms of maneuverability, comfort, accessibility, and efficiency. Magazine pouches should be in the front, radios and heavier items more towards the center with the whisper mic on your non-dominant side. And hydration systems that can be accessed hands-free.
With these tips in mind and your trusty checklist, you can finally customize your gear the way you want it and have fun doing it. It's your rig, you should be proud of the work you put into it!
Check out our selection of chest rigs today and get to customizing!