ChiCom Chest Rigs

Still relevant for today's Minuteman needs...

There is a lot of history when discussing how the chest rig evolved into what it is today. The one that has probably the most prolific of modern day rigs would have to be the infamous ChiCom Chest Rig which gained its notoriety during the Vietnam War, the Rhodesian Bush Wars, and into the Soviet/Afghanistan War.

Classic NVA setup utilizing a Type 56 ChiCom Chest Rig

Example of MACV-SOG utilizing a ChiCom Rig in addition to issued Alice web gear. 

Selous Scout during the Bush Wars wearing a ChiCom Rig. 

Soviet Spetsnaz wearing Chicom Chest Rigs in Afghanistan... Something the Soviets did was wet and stretch the magazine pouches to double their capacity from 3 mags to 6 mags…

Great little history lesson here...  https://equipment.fandom.com/wiki/Chicom_Chest_Rig

Even to this day, American SF guys are still wearing these rigs overseas. They are incredibly durable, easily modified, and versatile 

Americans in the Afghanistan mountains sporting Chicom Rigs in addition to a varied assortment of gear...

With all of this said, I have been a fan of the ChiCom Chest Rig for a long time. It can be worn alone or in conjunction with Load Bearing Equipment and plate carriers and it works for both AR and AK magazines.

Old school loadout utilizing the ChiCom Rig and Alice with an AK...

Type 56 Rig worn with LBE supporting AR

I have taken one of my tan rigs (surplus from the Soviet/Afghan War) and heavily modified it to work better for my own needs...

Modified (Ivarr Bergmann inspired) by removing 3 of the 4 smaller pouches and adding a radio pouch and holster...

I have put a lot of miles under my rigs and can understand why it has been a staple piece of kit for army's, insurgents, Partisans, and Guerrilla forces for several decades now. No wonder so many new chest rigs hitting the market right now look so much like the ChiCom chest rigs, the design just works.

AT Armor Light Scout Rig is very reminiscent of a ChiCom Type 81 Chest Rig...

Looking for a ChiCom Chest Rig?

Ebay listings: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2332490.m570.l1313&_nkw=chicom+chest+rigs&_sacat=0

Amazon Type 56: https://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Military-Magazine-Bandolier-Magazine/dp/B09JK8BRCZ/ref=sr_1_10?crid=1UDB4Z1WL2S0F&keywords=chicom+chest+rig&qid=1706033486&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=chicom+chest+rig%2Csporting%2C148&sr=1-10

Amazon Type 81: https://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Chest-Characteristic-Cotton-Holders/dp/B0BMM5FNL4/ref=sr_1_14_sspa?crid=1UDB4Z1WL2S0F&keywords=chicom+chest+rig&qid=1706033572&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=chicom+chest+rig%2Csporting%2C148&sr=1-14-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

Modern Chest Rigs inspired by ChiCom Rigs: https://store.atarmor.com/AT_Armor_Light_Scout_Rig_p/at-lsr.htm

https://www.helikon-tex.us/chicom-chest-rig.html