Guide to buying the best chest rig in 2023

best chest rig for big guys
Image courtesy of Gordon Tarpley via flickr. Used under a CC BY 2.0

The best chest rig will house your combat necessities, including magazines, ammo, medical supplies, radio, and other gear.

You want something versatile and lightweight — not too heavy or bulky. And a strap system that doesn’t drive you bonkers.

7 best chest rigs on Amazon

Bestseller No. 1
ACETAC S.O.P. Tactical Chest Rig with 5.56/7.62 Magazine Pouch Holder, Pistol Pouch, Wing Pouch, Molle Dangler Pouch
  • ✅ACETAC S.O.P. Chest Rig: Designed to be efficient, lightweight, and modular. Fit (3) 5.56 mags, (2) pistol mags on the main chassis. Expander wing pouches and dangler pouch provides additional storage for your equipment. Every piece of accessories is configurable to your own needs.
  • ✅Triple 5.56mm Magazine Pouch or Two 7.62mm AK Magazines, and Two Pistol Mag Holder: The triple mag insert is made using elastic, giving you quick and easy access to your mag while maintaining excellent retention. The two pistol mag pockets has bungee cords to keep magazines in place.
  • ✅Endless Configurations, Full Set Chest Rig Includes Two Wing Pouches and One Dangler SACK Pouch: No need to purchase additional accessories for your tactical setup. The S.O.P. chest rig includes wing pouches and dangler pouch to make the gear complete.
  • ✅Integration to Carriers, Large Storage Capabilities, Laser-Cut Molle Panel: The chassis features two zipper pockets. The main pocket has elastic bands to get everything organized, allowing you to easily fit couple more pistol mags and gadgets.
  • ✅Dual Zipper, Double Stitching, Heavy Duty Nylon Construction: Made from heavy duty nylon, double stitching through out the stress point. Dual zipper on all pockets for quick access.
SaleBestseller No. 2
RIG 400HX Officially Licensed Xbox Gaming Headset with Removable Noise Canceling Mic - Dolby Atmos 3D Surround Sound for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows 10, Windows 11 PC - Black
  • DESIGNED FOR XBOX: Compatible with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, the RIG 400HX includes a removable noise-cancelling boom microphone for clear in-game chat
  • DOLBY ATMOS 3D SURROUND SOUND: Unlock precise, 3D sound with Dolby Atmos for Heaphones* for superior audio accuracy
  • EXPLOSIVE GAME AUDIO: 40 mm, high-sensitivity speaker drivers deliver explosive game audio that puts you right in the middle of the action
  • IMMERSIVE COMFORT: Lightweight, headset frame with cushioned headband reduces pressure so you can game for hours in comfort
  • FINGERTIP CONTROLS: Directly adjust game volume and mute your mic using in-line controls
Bestseller No. 3
Condor Recon Chest Rig Coyote, Brown, 30" - 60"
  • Dynamic, durable, and most importantly, reliable
  • Abrasion resistant
  • Durable lightweight construction
Bestseller No. 4
KRYDEX Tactical Chest Rig with Triple 5.56/7.62 Mag Pouch Insert 9mm Mag Pouches and X Harness (RG)
  • Made of Quality 500D nylon .
  • Included triple Mag pouch insert which offers good retention for easily secure 5.56 or 7.62 mags.
  • The front multi-purpose YKK zippered pouch offers extra carrying capacity for other gear likes GPS, telescope, extra batteries, mobile phones, or other medic essentials and etc.
  • The front multi-purpose YKK zippered pouch offers extra carrying capacity for other gear likes GPS, telescope, extra batteries, mobile phones, or other medic essentials and etc
  • X cross designed shoulder strap can be adjustable and removable, features gearing up in seconds.
SaleBestseller No. 5
VOTAGOO Chest Rig-Tactical Chest Rig,Molle Modular Micro Fight Chest Rigs Adjustable&Detachable with 5.56/7.62 Magazine Pouch
  • 【 High Quality Material】Tactical chest rig tactical vest is made of high quality nylon fabric, an heavy duty fabric that resists wear, stress, and tearing, Water repellent fabric ensures minimal water absorption. Whether you're on a mission or exploring the great outdoors, you can rely on the sturdiness of this chest rig.
  • 【Multifunctional Pockets】Chest rigs tactical main chassis fit 3 5.56mm Magazine on two 7.62mm AK Magazines. The triple mag insert is made using elastic, giving you quick and easy access to your mag while maintaining excellent retention. Laser-cut MOLLE straps on big main bag and shoulders for equipping more Tactical Gears make it a stand-alone system with maximum equipment storage. A detachable bottom pouch for other tools like, medical bag.
  • 【Adjustable & Detachable】Micro chest rig Max waist:41inches; Easy fits your body figures with adjustable universal H-Strap harness with buckle closure. Every part of the chest rig can be dismantled, You are free to assemble it into your favorite chest rigs.
  • 【Dual Zipper&Quick Realese System】Tactical chest rig for men dual zipper on all pockets for quick access. Shoulder, chest and waist all with quick-release buckles, quick-release buckles allow you to remove the chest rig quickly and easily when necessary, save you more time.
  • 【Highly Diverse Usage】Our modular micro fight chest rigs all your expedition/outdoor activities, as Shooting, Hunting, Hiking, Ski Petrol, Jungle Camping, Mountaineering, Rescuing and so on. Your satisfaction is the greatest power of our work, any product problems, welcome to contact us!
Bestseller No. 6
BLACK TIDE CONCEPTS Chest Rig| Navy SEAL Designed, Tested & Guaranteed|Durable Chest Rig w/MOLLE Pouch & Magazine Holder| Adjustable Hunting, Airsoft or Tactical vest
  • SPECIAL OPS APPROVED Stay mission ready with tactical gear from BLACK TIDE CONCEPTS. Designed by a Navy Seal Veteran, this durable chest rig is built to last. Add to cart with confidence in our LIFETIME WARRANTY and 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEE.
  • STAY MISSION READY Main magazine pouch of this chest holster securely holds 3 magazines, ensuring quick & easy access to your ammunition.
  • VERSATILE STORAGE Spacious main chest rig pocket is perfect for maps, snacks, and other tactical accessories. Conveniently store flashlights and other accessories in dual side pouches.
  • CUSTOMIZABLE CONFIGURATION Modular MOLLE system allows you to customize the setup of your chest rig according to your specific needs. Easily attach or detach pouches, holsters, or other accessories to adapt the rig to different missions, loadouts, or scenarios. Integrates seamlessly with the BTC Tactical Vest for a comprehensive system.
  • DYNAMIC COMFORT & DURABILITY Carefully crafted from heavy-duty 1050D nylon, this chest rig withstands the most demanding conditions for long-lasting performance for military, hunting, fishing, or paintball/airsoft use. H-strap harness distributes the weight evenly across your torso, reducing strain and fatigue and ensuring comfort during extended wear and is fully adjustable for a custom fit.
Bestseller No. 7
Condor Elite MCR6-498 Rapid Assault Chest Rig COYOTE BROWN
  • Padded cross-back shoulder strap with webbing and D-rings
  • Six open-top mag pouches
  • Four elastic loops (two each side)
  • Front pocket pouch with hook and loop panel inside

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Read customer reviews of good tactical chest rigs in 2023 on Amazon.

Choosing between a chest rig, plate carrier, and tactical vest

Chest rigs, plate carriers, and tactical vests have different purposes.

A plate carrier’s job is to carry armor, which means it needs to be much heavier to support ceramic or steel plates for protection.

A chest rig is designed to carry ammo and supplies, such as radios, water bottles, and medicine kits.

Despite differences, it’s possible (and common) for soldiers to wear a plate carrier with armor and a chest rig over it.

As you would expect, heat could be a problem quick if you are using both. In that case, you’ll want to find a lightweight chest rig, with a streamlined surface area on the body.

Compared to plate carriers and chest rigs, tactical vests offer more torso coverage.

They have many pouches, along with a quick-release system that closes and releases in the event a member becomes traumatized.

Under a full load, tactical vests are heavy.

Guide to getting the best tactical chest rig for the money

Learning about chest rigs takes time. We’ve put together a small resource here for buying a good chest rig. It starts by narrowing down the rig into its components, including straps and body.

Straps

Shoulder straps are a critical part. On the off chance that they are too enormous, then it won’t work well when low visibility is needed. If they are too thin, then they won’t hold a large load. Get the right size for you.

Also, there are about the same number of various sorts of straps as there are mid-section rig sorts. Examples are below.

X straps

Tactical Tailor Mini MAV Chest Rig Vest, Olive Drab
  • Chest Rig Vest
  • Modular Webbing
  • Low Profile

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X straps are fundamental straps that simply cross in the back. They are there to hold up the rig.

These are useful for a light, low visibility unit, where you don’t want cumbersome stuff in the way.

If used with armor protection, they may to ride up in the back and bug the neck.

X strap modifications

A modified X strap just has an element — usually plastic — on the X to keep the straps in place.

These work incredible to hold them in place and not squeezing your neck when wearing armor. The drawback: Plastic may break, then the straps may rub.

H harness

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The H harness appears to be popular and is a variation of the LBE H Bridle.

Although they may rub arms and pits with armor, they don’t ride the neck.

Mixed H and X harness

Not all midsection rigs are either X or H. Examples of a combo X and H harness are the Hawk Commercial enterprises Rhodesian Rig.

Cushioned H harness

Cushioned H harness is padded and distributes weight. Sounds great? There is a downside: Added bulk.

Cushioned X harness

A cushioned X harness prevents arm rubbing, along with the straps riding your neck, by placing the straps at a lower angle.

Condor Recon Chest Rig (Tan)
  • -Three BUILT IN stackerKangaroo type mag pouch, will hold six M4 mag and six pistol mag
  • -Swivel Push-Button release buckle
  • -Padded cross-back shoulder strap

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Body of a chest rig

Up until now, we’ve looked at the straps, but what about the body? Let’s take a look.

It’s important to note that your rig is dependent on its use and what you want to carry.

Attachments

That said, attachment systems for bodies include the Pouch Attachment System (PALS) and Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment (MOLLE).

PALS allows easy gear changes until you find the sweet spot for everything. It’s versatile. With the flexibility comes a little more weight and bulk due to extra fabric.

They’re both good systems.

Who’s dedicated?

For those who don’t plan on tweaking items, you may want to consider a dedicated chest rig.

A dedicated unit contains pouches set up in a fixed manner. They are straightforward, light, and not as bulky as others.

Also, because everything is dedicated to a specific spot, nothing in the rig changes. That’s a benefit. As long as you know your unit, you can autonomously reach for ammo or the radio and know where it is.

Best of both worlds

Hybrid’s are a amalgam of pouch attachment systems and dedicated sections.

If your are discontent with hybrids, another option is to get a custom-made rig.

General tips for buying a chest rig

You’ll want to make sure the rig has enough space for your mag pouches. If not, you’ll want to make sure the PALS or MOLLE webbing allows for extra attachments for your magazines.

Nylon magazine pouches tend to be lightweight, durable, and should have a non-slip coating or bungee design to keep the magazines in their place.

You may want 4 to 6 open top pouches in a good chest rig, with a dedicated medical kit pouch.

Top tactical chest rigs are utilitarian, but they should feature a quick release buckle in case you need to remove the rig in a hurry.

Don’t ignore comfort. Padded straps may help reduce pressure when you are carrying supplies. There’s nothing worse than fatigue or back pain.

Speaking of comfort, you may want an internal mesh pocket, with a built-in hydration carrier.

Find the best chest rig in 2023 on the market on Amazon.

Originally posted 2022-01-22 00:51:19.