Micro Chest Rigs

[theJanitor]

Who's running a mini/micro rig, like the Ferro Chesty, Spiritus Micro fight, Spiritus Bank Robber, Haley D3CRM, or similar? What role does it fill for you, and what are you loading it with?

[rcbusmc24]

I use a haley micro set up with either the triple 5.56 insert or occasionally the subgun insert. Most of it's use is as a placard attached to a mayflower/ velocity systems plate carrier. I've got several of the velocity placards and a EGL custom built chest rig that I use interchangeably depending on what is being carried. The micro would make a dandy grab and go rig in a Vic, but I haven't used it that way yet. All I carry on it is ammo and a few small tools. Both comms and IFAK are separate which can be a issue with the micro rigs across the board. Dangler pouches in the front are great until you spend any amount of time on your stomach....

[drummer]

The Micro chest rig is one of my favorite pieces of kit. The versatility is unmatched. Fortunately, I bought mine before they became unobtanium. I use mine primarily on as a placard on body armor. It also works great as a chest rig when I'm on the range or taking a class and don't want to wear body armor. I've used several chest rigs in the past but it's the only one that has ever felt like it fits right.

I use it with the 556 or 762 mag holders as well as AXL zippers. On my last AT hike, I wore it as a chest rig to carry a Glock 19 (with the AXL zipper) and used the front part to carry some miscellaneous items. It worked great. It works with small binos as well to use as a hunting rig. It wouldn't work for full size binos, such as 8x40 or 10x40, you'd need a dedicated bino harness.

Bottom line, great kit...if you can catch one at a fair price.

[PNWTO]

I’ve been using an assortment of pouches with a HPG Recon Bag for a few years; currently have it set up for HD, supporting a shotgun.

Great for classes and as a minimalist chest rig. Probably would suck if worn over a PC due to the strap fitment.

If one were to have a bunch of molle pouches that were already purchased and no need for wear with armor, I’d think the HPG option would be cheaper than a Ferro, Spiritus, or whatever vogue brand.

Not to reiterate my opinion but I feel for the “everyman” there is probably a kit bag option that would work and be just a little lower profile, ceteris paribus.

[HeavyDuty]

I have a very small chest rig that has a single purpose - it hangs from the bedpost for when things go bump in the night. It has a neckstrap and a chest strap, and only carries two carbine mags and two smaller items - I carry a pistol mag and a Surefire. It has a small plate pocket that I haven’t used. I can’t remember who made it, unfortunately - I’ve had it about ten years. It’s great because I can quickly sling it over my head and wear it like a bib.

[rob_s]

Who's running a mini/micro rig, like the Ferro Chesty, Spiritus Micro fight, Spiritus Bank Robber, Haley D3CRM, or similar? What role does it fill for you, and what are you loading it with?

Thought I’d help out anyone else that didn’t know what most of those were from having to go google them...

https://ferroconcepts.com/collections/chest-rigs

https://www.spiritussystems.com/shop-all/equipment/chest-rigs/

https://www.spiritussystems.com/bank-robber-chest-rig/

https://haleystrategic.com/d3crm-micro

And now having seen all of those, I’ll recommend the one that I use and helped design.
https://store.usgruntgear.com/m1rarelitrma.html


I wasn’t aware that any of the above would really be considered “micro” but I suppose that in the world of LARP where people are strapping on 10 mags, a BOK, and a Bowie knife maybe they are.

I’ve been a proponent of this style chest rig for over a decade, starting back with the Eagle M4LE rigs (that mine is designed to copy but also further reduce bulk).

The key is to use the chest rig to back-feed your main pouch (belt, pocket, Reid mag, whatever). Assuming you’re a non-LE civilian like me and the idea that you would exhaust a mag in the gun and one emergency reload and THEN need to pull from the chest rig is pretty fanciful. But go take one higher-volume gunskool class and you’ll likely get a chance to try it anyway.

Like others my chest rig is also designed to attach to my mayflower armor carrier if needed but outside of gunskool it’s never been “needed”. Ice to have, kind of thing...

[03RN]

The SOE micro rig is pretty sold as well. I use my shotgun one for range use, competition, and I keep it in my car in an old gas mask pouch next to my shockwave.

61156

[Maple Syrup Actual]

For quite a while I used a rig that was very similar to these, although I assembled it myself. It was a BFG rig with, I think, a TT or maybe maxpedition? admin pack on one side which held FAK stuff mostly, a tourniquet it the middle, and then a double AR mag shingle, with BFG elastic AR double overtop. With two mags in the shingle it sat really flat, but you could put another two mags in the elastic pouches if you were doing stuff that made it inconvenient to keep running back and grabbing mags.

Only reason I stopped using it was I lost it during a vehicle break-in while moving. It was my primary rig and did everything I needed except carry plates, which thankfully never mattered.

61163

After this pic I slapped a FAK cross on the admin kit to ID it. Also an 80s-colour palette patch that said "Uzis, Floozies and Jacuzzis" that I really miss.

[Seven_Sicks_Two]

I started casually chest rig shopping just before the pandemic kicked off. Unfortunately, most of the decent micro-style rigs have become all but unobtainable. The pandemic, panic buying, airsofters, and a business model revolving around "drops" (where you've got about 2 minutes after a restock to get all your items in your cart and checkout) have made it pretty difficult.

A buddy of mine recently picked up the Underground Partisan chest rig from Gadsden Dynamics. It seems similar in design to the Spiritus Bank Robber, but can be used as a PC placard.
https://www.gadsdendynamics.com/collections/chest-rigs-1/products/underground-partisan-chest-rig
(Incidentally, this one is currently sold-out as well)

[Casual Friday]

Who's running a mini/micro rig, like the Ferro Chesty, Spiritus Micro fight, Spiritus Bank Robber, Haley D3CRM, or similar? What role does it fill for you, and what are you loading it with?

What are you looking to do with it? What do you plan to carry on it?

Of the ones on your list, I have the Bank Robber which is great for just carrying mags while training or for a grab and go type of thing. I would buy another in a heartbeat but Spiritus seems to think the SupDef business model is a good one where they do limited drops every six months so I've given up trying to find another in stock.

[Guerrero]

Who's running a mini/micro rig, like the Ferro Chesty, Spiritus Micro fight, Spiritus Bank Robber, Haley D3CRM, or similar? What role does it fill for you, and what are you loading it with?

I seem to remember one (or more) of our members here recommending a bandolier, like the Blue Force Gear one (https://www.blueforcegear.com/ten-speed-m4-6-pack-bandolier.html), instead of some sort of chest rig. I don't remember the argument for it, but it seemed logical at the time.

[theJanitor]

What are you looking to do with it? What do you plan to carry on it?

Of the ones on your list, I have the Bank Robber which is great for just carrying mags while training or for a grab and go type of thing. I would buy another in a heartbeat but Spiritus seems to think the SupDef business model is a good one where they do limited drops every six months so I've given up trying to find another in stock.

I'm thinking of a scalable, easy to throw in a pack, versatile unit to carry a couple of rifle mags and maybe TQ/meds. Mostly in a lo-vis, under a jacket, role. I have a Unity Clutch, which works well, too. I have a battle belt that can support a rifle/pistol. I also have hard and soft armor, which are both slick, and maybe could utilize the placard type versatility of these systems.

So, as a non-LE civilian, I'm just looking for better ideas and seeing what others are doing with theirs

[Casual Friday]

I started casually chest rig shopping just before the pandemic kicked off. Unfortunately, most of the decent micro-style rigs have become all but unobtainable. The pandemic, panic buying, airsofters, and a business model revolving around "drops" (where you've got about 2 minutes after a restock to get all your items in your cart and checkout) have made it pretty difficult.

A buddy of mine recently picked up the Underground Partisan chest rig from Gadsden Dynamics. It seems similar in design to the Spiritus Bank Robber, but can be used as a PC placard.
https://www.gadsdendynamics.com/collections/chest-rigs-1/products/underground-partisan-chest-rig
(Incidentally, this one is currently sold-out as well)

Never seen those before, but I got on the email notification list.


I'm thinking of a scalable, easy to throw in a pack, versatile unit to carry a couple of rifle mags and maybe TQ/meds. Mostly in a lo-vis, under a jacket, role. I have a Unity Clutch, which works well, too. I have a battle belt that can support a rifle/pistol. I also have hard and soft armor, which are both slick, and maybe could utilize the placard type versatility of these systems.

So, as a non-LE civilian, I'm just looking for better ideas and seeing what others are doing with theirs

You can definitely get by with something like the Bank Robber under a jacket with mags and a TQ, but once you start adding Danglers and Donglers or whatever they're calling them for IFAKs I don't think that is really gonna be feasible under a jacket.

Med kit necessities are individual/family dependent once you get outside of the things to stop bleeding. Inhalers and epi pens are must haves for us so it just works better to have all the med stuff in a small backpack.

[pangloss]

Something like a sneaky bag is also worth considering. I don't use mine much, but I think it's a well laid out bag to pair with a rifle.

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[RevolverRob]

Timely thread for Duke to come in and show us his recent work reloading from a bag.

I have a Ferro Chesty. It's got a couple of BFG Ten-Speed Dapper Pouches slapped on the front - https://www.blueforcegear.com/single-m4-ten-speed-dapper - Holding two spare mags for the Rattler. /End

No other kit, nothing else hanging off of it. It slides into the computer storage compartment of the backpack holding my Rattler. If I have time/ability/etc, I could pull it out and put it on. With the two Dapper pouches on it, it's low profile enough to fit underneath my summer-weight concealment vest and certainly under any winter jacket.

[757_Magnum]

Timely thread for Duke to come in and show us his recent work reloading from a bag.


I'd be interested in this, as well. I've been reconsidering the Bump in the Night Bag concept lately. Although I have the standard LARPy battle belt and plate carrier setups ready to go, I think the idea is more practical and flexible in the context of home defense when something is going on and no violent threat has been identified, but you still want to be prepared without drawing unnecessary attention.

[Cory]

An RDRgear.com chest rig has been on my wishlist for a bit. It's esentially a spiritus with divided front pouch. But unless I'm planning to get into 2 gun matches, or take a rifle course it isn't likely to really get used. It just doesn't fit in my most likely defense scenerios. But I still would like one for the range and preparedness in general.

[Chain]

I’ve been a proponent of this style chest rig for over a decade, starting back with the Eagle M4LE rigs (that mine is designed to copy but also further reduce bulk).

I have the Eagle and yep that Grunt Gear one looks real similar! Never understood why the Eagle was discontinued -- I LOVE mine! Looks like Grunt has 2 less PALS row on the wing panels to get that tapered line, and then no Kydex inserts?

I got the Eagle before plate carriers were as much of a "thing" as they are now, so I suppose in that regard it's lacking, but for me I just use it for fun gun game stuff so it's perfect.

[Duke]

I'd be interested in this, as well. I've been reconsidering the Bump in the Night Bag concept lately. Although I have the standard LARPy battle belt and plate carrier setups ready to go, I think the idea is more practical and flexible in the context of home defense when something is going on and no violent threat has been identified, but you still want to be prepared without drawing unnecessary attention.

The bag is only okay imo. If it’s all you had itd be okay but it’s slow and awkward compared to some other kind of system


Active shooter bag is much more storage than use imo

[RevolverRob]

BTW: I went through pretty much every micro rig on the market circa June 2020.

And basically came to the following conclusions:

The "modularity" of most rigs is overblown for a dude who doesn't move between a plate carrier and low profile regularly.

I went with the Chesty for one main reason it's basically just a loop Velcro field with straps attached. And Dapper pouches are just hookside pouches. If I hadn't had Dappers on hand, the Underground Partisan Chest Rig seems like the best deal out there for a simple low profile micro rig.

[rob_s]

I have the Eagle and yep that Grunt Gear one looks real similar! Never understood why the Eagle was discontinued -- I LOVE mine! Looks like Grunt has 2 less PALS row on the wing panels to get that tapered line, and then no Kydex inserts?

The pouches are still reinforced, but Instead of kydex they use pvc, which I’ve come to prefer.

Yes the taper on the sides was a request of mine. Tactical Tailor used to make a blank pals rig that tapered like that. Basically my design was to merge the Eagle with the tapered backer and add an un-padded chest rig. He also did a custom rig for me with a pouch hard-stitched in to take the

[Bratch]

I have the SOE Micro and a Tactical Tailor Mini Mav I built out. I prefer the TT but honestly all the due is sit in my nylon box since my carbine use is so low.

[dustyvarmint]

I'm using an older Gadsden Dynamic Underground Partisan for Run N Gun up to 15K distance. Been using it a few years. Works well for my use. As someone said, I can roll it up and stuff it in a bag. I run 3 AR mags and 2 pistol mags (in an AR mag slot). Only thing I'd consider changing to would be a Spiritus Microfight. Disclaimer: I have no experience with armor.

61220

happy shooting, Jerry

[Chuck Whitlock]

I'm thinking of a scalable, easy to throw in a pack, versatile unit to carry a couple of rifle mags and maybe TQ/meds. Mostly in a lo-vis, under a jacket, role. I have a Unity Clutch, which works well, too. I have a battle belt that can support a rifle/pistol. I also have hard and soft armor, which are both slick, and maybe could utilize the placard type versatility of these systems.

So, as a non-LE civilian, I'm just looking for better ideas and seeing what others are doing with theirs


I seem to remember one (or more) of our members here recommending a bandolier, like the Blue Force Gear one (https://www.blueforcegear.com/ten-speed-m4-6-pack-bandolier.html), instead of some sort of chest rig. I don't remember the argument for it, but it seemed logical at the time.

That was likely me. My use case is uniformed patrol duty. It holds 3x 20 rd P-Mags on one side, and the contents of a TacMed DOK + QC distributed in the other pouches.
Beyond that, my chest rig use has been quite limited, to include an Eagle LE rig and SOE M4/12 guage/COP rigs.

[23JAZ]

I was thinking of using a micro rig like those mentioned here for a class I am running my CZ Scorpion in. Does this type of rig impede an AWIB draw?

[jnc36rcpd]

I seem to remember one (or more) of our members here recommending a bandolier, like the Blue Force Gear one (https://www.blueforcegear.com/ten-speed-m4-6-pack-bandolier.html), instead of some sort of chest rig. I don't remember the argument for it, but it seemed logical at the time.

That may have been me. When I was still relevant, I used bandoleers if I wasn't going to put on the plate carrier. Bandoleers are quick to don and doff. You're more likely to throw one on when the plate carrier or chest rig gets left back in the cruiser or hanging from the bedpost upstairs.

The Blue Force Gear bandoleer will carry up to six AR-15 magazines. I carried three. It has a waist belt which stabilizes it and makes presentation of magazines surer. You do have to take the time to clip it together or it will drag behind you. The elastic magazine pouches are open-topped so you're limited in what you carry in them other than rifle magazines or something similarly sized..

Eagle Industries no longer makes their rifle bandoleer, but Blackhawk offers a similar product. I have no idea of the quality as I've never seen one in the wild. The bandoleer allows carriage of four AR-15 magazines and two pistol magazines in flapped pouches. The rifle mag compartments on mine are too tight to allow one-handed presentation of Magpul P-Mags. If I ever have the need to carry my rifle again, I'd either run with one P-Mag in each pouch or invest in G.I. magazines. If you don't want or need pistol magazines, you could use the pistol pouches for a flashlight, multitool, or something similar. If I ever roll out with a rifle again, the Eagle bandoleer would be my go-to.

I also used an Eagle shotgun bandoleer which carried up to ten shotgun rounds and two pistol magazines. This lived on the driver's headrest of Stock 196. If I bailed out with the shotgun, I could quickly slip that on. Unfortunately, neither Eagle nor Blackhawk makes that design.

Discussion of bandoleers may lead to consideration of "active shooter bags" or "bailout bags" which are also fast to sling up. The good thing and bad thing about bags is the amount of gear many end up carrying. While the gear may be invaluable, it may also weigh you down and make finding and presenting a specific item challenging at the moment of truth, especially if they don't set up your magazines for quick withdrawal.

[Cory]

I just bought a Modular Chest Pack and a dangler (AMP) from RDRgear.

https://rdrgear.com/collections/bags-gear

I'm not affiliated in any way, I just thought they looked like a good option for me. They're something I've looked at for awhile, and bought on sale for black friday.

[Grouse870]

I have one of the older Gadsden dynamic ones. I like it. I don’t use it much but it’s nice to have just rolled up with a couple mags in it. The invrt bandolier looks interesting I think I would move the pistol mag though
https://ic13.us/product/invrt-bandoleer-ar15-kit-black/

[Cory]

I was thinking of using a micro rig like those mentioned here for a class I am running my CZ Scorpion in. Does this type of rig impede an AWIB draw?

Now that I have one, and got it adjusted to me, I'm going to say yes. My RDR rig with a small dangler style pouch ruins my normal AIWB drawstroke. Unless I draw straight back to a #2 position, it's in the way for me to draw normally because my drawstroke is fairly close to my body.

This doesn't bug me a ton. AIWB is how I daily carry and hide. My personal use for the chest rig is for the range, possibly hunting, or the end of the world. Two of those uses have me completely unconcerned with concealing my handgun. Hunting I'll carry concealed, but am still openly carrying a long gun. So not super concerned. For me, the chest rig is just removed from the need for concealmemt. I'm sure for others thats different, but for me it's mostly going to be used in a place where it's obvious I'm armed anyway.

[nalesq]

I was thinking of using a micro rig like those mentioned here for a class I am running my CZ Scorpion in. Does this type of rig impede an AWIB draw?

Yes it does, at least for a Shivworks style AIWB draw where keeping the gun from “floating” off of your body during the draw until you’re ready to extend to the number 4 position is paramount. There are ways around it, but if you have already preprogrammed thousands of reps worth of AIWB draws, and only occasionally use a chest rig, it’s not worth the hassle of trying to reprogram.

If I’m using a chest rig, concealment is of diminished priority, and thus I wouldn’t bother carrying AIWB in such circumstances.

But if I just want an extra mag or two for a rifle or PCC on me, I see no reason to bother with even a micro chest rig. I’ll just carry the extra mags in easy on/off belt pouches. That way I can still carry and draw AIWB, the exact same way I do 99.9% of the time if I’m carrying something other than a pocketed J-frame.


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[JM Campbell]

I was thinking of using a micro rig like those mentioned here for a class I am running my CZ Scorpion in. Does this type of rig impede an AWIB draw?

Vertex/Unity Clutch belt would work great for that instead of a chest rig.

https://vertx.com/tactical-clutch-belt
Use code VTXMFS30 till midnight tonight for 30% off.

Can still set up holster AIWB and rock on.

I ran one in a Green Ops 2 day rifle course with no issues.


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[Wake27]

Vertex/Unity Clutch belt would work great for that instead of a chest rig.

https://vertx.com/tactical-clutch-belt
Use code VTXMFS30 till midnight tonight for 30% off.

Can still set up holster AIWB and rock on.

I ran one in a Green Ops 2 day rifle course with no issues.


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Did these things get way cheaper when they started working with Vertx? I’m pretty sure I paid way more for mine.


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[Shoresy]

Did these things get way cheaper when they started working with Vertx? I’m pretty sure I paid way more for mine.


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Yes. There are two versions being sold right now, at two different price points. I can't say with any authority exactly what the difference is (just that your observation is correct).

https://www.unitytactical.com/product/clutch-belt/
https://vertx.com/tactical-clutch-belt

(note that I picked the manufacturers example - both can be found through various vendors at close to the prices listed on those sites)

[Guerrero]

I have no experience (or financial interest) in it, but the "Dank Robber (https://unobtainiumgear.com/products/dank-robber-chest-rig)" chest rig was getting some buzz a few months ago.

[El Cid]

Vertex/Unity Clutch belt would work great for that instead of a chest rig.

https://vertx.com/tactical-clutch-belt
Use code VTXMFS30 till midnight tonight for 30% off.

Can still set up holster AIWB and rock on.

I ran one in a Green Ops 2 day rifle course with no issues.


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I keep a CLUTCH under my bed for things that go bump in the night. I also know some squared away dudes who wear BFG Ten Speed pouches on duty (plain clothes) so they can throw on a CLUTCH or battle belt over them and they collapse flat.

I keep one of these in my work vehicle as an active shooter kit. Everything I need and nothing I don’t.

https://www.helikon-tex.us/training-mini-rig-tmr.html

[SouthNarc]

Yes it does, at least for a Shivworks style AIWB draw where keeping the gun from “floating” off of your body during the draw until you’re ready to extend to the number 4 position is paramount. There are ways around it, but if you have already preprogrammed thousands of reps worth of AIWB draws, and only occasionally use a chest rig, it’s not worth the hassle of trying to reprogram.

If I’m using a chest rig, concealment is of diminished priority, and thus I wouldn’t bother carrying AIWB in such circumstances.

But if I just want an extra mag or two for a rifle or PCC on me, I see no reason to bother with even a micro chest rig. I’ll just carry the extra mags in easy on/off belt pouches. That way I can still carry and draw AIWB, the exact same way I do 99.9% of the time if I’m carrying something other than a pocketed J-frame.


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Most guys I know in the .gov who run plates concealed run strong side hip OWB usually for that very reason, especially when seated in vehicles for long periods of time. Appendix just isn't practical in that scenario.

[UNM1136]

For quite a while I used a rig that was very similar to these, although I assembled it myself. It was a BFG rig with, I think, a TT or maybe maxpedition? admin pack on one side which held FAK stuff mostly, a tourniquet it the middle, and then a double AR mag shingle, with BFG elastic AR double overtop. With two mags in the shingle it sat really flat, but you could put another two mags in the elastic pouches if you were doing stuff that made it inconvenient to keep running back and grabbing mags.

Only reason I stopped using it was I lost it during a vehicle break-in while moving. It was my primary rig and did everything I needed except carry plates, which thankfully never mattered.

61163

After this pic I slapped a FAK cross on the admin kit to ID it. Also an 80s-colour palette patch that said "Uzis, Floozies and Jacuzzis" that I really miss.

I have a BFG RACK Minimus like that one in coyote with a split front that I picked up on clearance a few years back. 99% of the time I have water, lunch, rangefinder, ammomcard if shooting centerfire, and IFAK. If I change gears from still hunting to spot and stalk I can dump my day pack and move. I really like the "Line" divisions for gear.

My 1st Line is pockets, normally in Multicam OCPS. Map, compass, GPS watch, snacks, ID, Tags, car keys, balaclava, mittens, folding knife, snacks, firemaking stuff, racing spoon. Suppressed.22. Rifle or muzzle loader with at least two reloads.

2nd Line is my Rack. Water, food, ammo, rangefinder, earpro. Normally enough for me to hunt 12-16 hours and spend the night away from camp. Likely a cold wet night.

3rd line is my camp stuff. Kifaru ruck. 5-7 days worth of food. Hammock with required gear. I have a detachable daysack with more food, water, game bags.

4th line is in the car. Cooler with more food and water.

The other 1% of the time my RACK is used for classes with BFG 10-Speed mag pouches for pistol and rifle. A blowout kit. If I am teaching I will loan it to a needy student, as while I like to demo, I like to teach slick when I can, jocked up when I have to. If I am going to a shooting school take it with me, but don't always wear it. I'll carry it and set it on the ground behind the line. Unless it is a tactics course that requires me to be jocked up.

pat

[Rex G]

I was thinking of using a micro rig like those mentioned here for a class I am running my CZ Scorpion in. Does this type of rig impede an AWIB draw?

See what nalesq and SouthNarc said.