tactical vest recommendations?

Who likes their tactical vest? What brand would you recommend?
I want something to carry a 1911 , a few 7roundsingle stack mags and AK 30round mags, a few pouches for "schtuff".

 

I'm old school I use a Pistol belt with H supspenders (2) two M16 ammo pouches a pistol mag pouch (2) two canteens a buttpack a holster (2) two med pouch (1) one for a compress (1) one med kit. And my K-Bar.

XR750

 

That's a highly personal decision.

Size matters- I have a hard time with the "one size fits most" size, usually too big and slides around. YMMV.

Cost is another variable. Who it is made by and what it is made from is the next. (I.E. I wouldn't go with a PVC fabric airsoft rig.)

Type of vest- there are so many options out there.

Tactical Tailor seems to me to be the best value. Their stuff is well made, and made here in the US of A. They have a good variety of different kinds of equipment, styles, and colors. For the budget minded, the MAV may be the way to go.

www.tacticaltailor.com

 

Like XR750, I am 'old school' - I have the same rig! I have not found an inexpensive vest yet that I like.

 

Blackhawk! has vests that you can decide what pouches and where. Love their stuff.

 

This has came up recently. It all depends on how much you want to spend. I wear one for a living, so I prefer something a little nicer.. which makes it a bit pricey. My last full rig I wore in the ME was a Tactical Tailor MAV. I had one back in the days of BDU attire as well. The reason I ditched the original one because I went from riding in a Stryker to a M1151. So, to save space, I went with a Eagle Industries/ SKD Chest Rig. It's a bit lower profiled at the expense of a few mags... still carries a battle load. I'm not sure if they make one for AKs. I know TT makes AK pouches. Eagle does make a stripped down version of the SKD/Eagle rig. It will cost more in the long run.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=4&f=56&t=98579

 

Gun Bunny says tactical vests are highly personal,..agree. That's why a molle rig where you can posiiton what pouches you want, where you want them to makes sense to some.

I have several rigs. My favorite lightweight rig (to wear over softbody armor) is a Blackhawk Chest and back plate carrier, in tan color. This vest is special to me since it belonged to a close buddy of mine who is no longer alive. I have four pistol magazines pouches on the chest and two first aid packet pouches; two dump pouches (one on each side) round out this vest.

One of my heavy rigs, with plates, is a old London Bridge Tradining Company load bearing vest, when their quality still meant something. It will carry six 30 round P-Magazines. I have three pistol magazine pouches on the chest (for Glock magazines); one utility pouch on one side (holding mini-binos, small survival tin and several nutrition bars) and a full up First Aid Kit on the other. On the outside of the first aid kit, I carry an additional first aid pouch for a battle dressing, several band-aids and alcohol preps to use on other people. I have a radio pouch and when not in use it can hold two more 30 round magazines. I also have a smaller pouch for a Surefire A2 Aviator light.

I wrote a post on Load Bearing Vests on my site, http:www.urbansurvivalskills.com

cheers,
UrbanMan

 

Here is me and one of my best buds in the Hamrin Jabal:


Same rig during some Sim training:


And here it is layed out:


I have used a MAV for about 6-7 years (my first was Woodland pattern). I also own one in Multi-Cam set up for 7.62 mags. Used primarily for spotter use during SKTs.

 

My old web and suspenders work well and have a vest with velcro all over. The holster can be mounted anywhere needed. It is loaded with pouches and carries more than I want to bear. Combine the two and one is set for most any problem.

 

Take a look at the Eagle Industry line. They have quite a few that are alll well made just different prices and different configurations.
There are lots of dealers who sell their stuff well below the suggested retail.
Good luck.