Modern unloading vests: types and advantages

What is this thing - a tactical unloading vest

About a hundred years ago, the ammunition that needed to be carried was carried on a belt-shoulder system - RPS. This is such a wide belt, to which two straps are attached for throwing over the shoulders. However, the width of the belt is small, and it was not possible to fit everything on it. Then unloading vests appeared - their first models (Italian) saw the light in the middle of the last century.

The main feature of the vest is the pockets. They allow you to distribute the weight of the equipment evenly throughout the body. In addition to pockets, pouches are hemmed - all this is positioned so that the back is free. As a result, there is less load on the spine and more comfort. A good tactical vest should:

• Be durable and fire resistant;
• do not interfere with moving on your belly;
• do not interfere with the use of technology;
• contain no less than a double combat kit;
• have reliable fittings.

Transport vest 6Sh-104 Russian Armed Forces

vest 6Sh-104 Russian Armed Forces

Unlike previous systems made according to the vest design,
vest is made according to a different concept and is a belt-waist system. When developing it, the designer undoubtedly used the popular Smersh unloading unit produced by the Spetsosnachanie company as a model. Designed for use in special forces and reconnaissance units. An important fact is that the 6Sh-104 is almost the only system that exists in a version for the PKM machine gunner. In this case, the magazine pouches will be replaced by pouches that can each hold a belt of 250 rounds or a PKM box of 100 rounds.

A little about the design of the unloading vest

The device of a tactical unloading vest

Colors

Most often, this item of clothing has one of the following colors: black, olive, green. There are also camouflage colors with different combinations of shades. The color should be chosen so that it blends in with the area as much as possible. This rule applies to all use cases.

Material for sewing a vest

The first unloading vests, made of canvas and leather, weighed a lot. Therefore, later they began to use lighter synthetics (sometimes even a special mesh fabric) for sewing them. In particular, one of the most popular materials is cordura (otherwise known as cordura). This is an American fabric made from specially woven nylon threads. It is extremely durable and very light, and its price is quite reasonable.

What types of fastenings are there?

Initially, pockets and pouches on vests were fixed rigidly, and their size was fixed. Such models are called “with integrated pockets”. Here you have to use what you have - you can’t change anything individually for yourself. But when running fast, the pocket will not fall off.

Now they have begun to make a second option - modular, when pockets and pouches can be removed.

There are several fastening systems, the most popular is Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. Abbreviated as MOLLE. Here, horizontal fabric ribbons with slots are sewn onto the removable parts and on the vest. By threading a fabric sling through them, you can easily attach (or remove) any element.

Pouches

Pouches on the unloading vest

The purpose of the pouch is to store a supply of ammunition. Therefore, it is reasonable to select it for a specific type of weapon (this is where the advantage of the modular system manifests itself). However, they are now producing pouches for any necessary items: flasks, first aid kits, documents, various small items. The material used is leather or cordura.

Why does a gun belt need a limiter?

Some models of vests (for example, Tarzan) are equipped with an original “gadget” - a belt limiter. He does not allow the machine gun to insidiously slide off his shoulder. According to user reviews, this often happens. So the limiter is a useful thing. But in the summer, when the vest is worn without a jacket, it can sometimes create a little discomfort.

Advantages

The choice of the desired vest for hunting can only be ensured by the hunter himself. Whether it will be open or closed to carry projectiles is your decision. And the design itself will allow you to do without even precise parameters, because there are tie straps that regulate the girth in the widest places.

Continuing the pocket theme, a great solution is the hidden details for documentation and patch options on the back, which are equipped with the unloading version. This is a convenient way to store things that should always be at hand. Contact specialized stores for purchase, where they will definitely select a worthy model for you.

Of course, the main disadvantage of such a hunting vest is the presence of excess weight, especially when you walk twenty kilometers, and every extra kilogram makes itself felt. This is also very significant during a successful hunt, for example, a wild boar. But the advantages are undeniable, especially for unloading models, which will be discussed below.

Getting to know the manufacturers

UTG Leapers

The Leapers company, with an office in the US state of Michigan, has been specializing in products for sports, shooting, and hunting since 1992. She makes vests for unloading very well. They are bought by security forces, airsoft players, and hunters.

They are conveniently fastened with a zipper, and the presence of three adjustable straps makes the product universal. Both thin and overweight people will be able to adjust the vest to suit themselves (by varying the height of the torso, waist size and fullness).

Nine pockets (for documents, flashlight, radio, cartridges, rifle magazines) are closed with Velcro and have holes where water flows out. There is also a belt for a pistol and a pouch for it, and an inclined type holster. And if all the equipment doesn’t fit, then you can fasten something on your back - there is such an option.

For comfort:

• There are shock absorbers on the shoulders;
• ventilation meshes are provided for ventilation;
• there is a special grip on the back (to pull out the wounded).

Tarzan

This famous domestic product weighs 1.1 kg. It is actively used by FSO and Airborne Forces fighters, and airsoft players. They make vests from Cordura 1000 in two colors: olive and Woodland. The fastener is a thick tractor-type zipper plus a Velcro flap. Using the slotted buckle, you can adjust the vest to your height (from 1.64 to 2 m). Size – from 46 to 48.

MOLLE straps are sewn across the front along the entire height and at the back in the upper part, which allows you to temporarily attach something to your back (for example, a generator). To prevent the contents from falling out, the pouches are equipped with elastic bands.

They have grommets at the bottom - water flows out there if it gets full. Inside the vest there are two pockets where you can hide documents. They have a Velcro fastener.

For convenience there are:

• Rescue loop on the back;
• weapon belt limiter;
• large loop with a lock.

A laser target designator is a good thing that allows you to clearly identify the target. But it's not cheap. We suggest making a laser pointer with your own hands. Instructions and tips can be found in this article. A review of the Dolg M2 tactical weapon belt, popular in Russia and abroad, is here. Video review from the creator and instructions for use.

Vest named "Tank"

And another model in olive color made of Oxford fabric and nylon with a MOLLE fastening system, which is sewn for special forces soldiers. A very versatile product - it can be adjusted to sizes from 46 to 60! The fastener is a zipper and two fasteners. I am very pleased with the special system for attaching pouches - completely silent. The length of the straps can be adjusted by securing them with Velcro.

Video review of the Tank unloading vest:

The set includes thirteen pouches, of which two are double and one small universal (for attaching to the back). There is also a large zippered bag (bucket bag) and a tactical belt. There is also a rescue loop.

Smersh

And this vest, designed for AK, is produced by a Russian manufacturer - SoyuzSpetsOsnaschenie. And again we have a fastening system with tape slings - MOLLE. Product colors: olive, black, camouflage. The kit of this product includes two pouches for grenades, as well as four pouches for machine gun magazines, one for a walkie-talkie, two for a VOG-25. The kit also includes a large bag (sugar bag) and a first aid pouch.

Rock

A domestic manufacturer produces this vest with the strongest reinforced fittings for AK. It was developed taking into account the battles in the Caucasus.

Molle tape fastening system, shoulder adjustment, soft shoulder inserts, the ability to change sizes (from 46 to 60) are the advantages of the model. The product weighs only 0.805 kg.

The vest can be filled with eight AK magazines, as well as a sufficient number of pockets: two each for a first aid kit with small change and flares, RGO and RGN. In addition, you can also attach a large pocket at the back, adjustable with straps.

Ciras

The last vest in the review (Ciras Maritime) is also equipped with the Molle system, a soft lining with a damping effect and large Velcro.

It is made of sand-colored cordura and can be adjusted in height and volume. The manufacturer is well known in the world of airsoft equipment - this is the company Flyye industries.

The vest includes five pouches for ten machine gun magazines, two for pistol magazines, as well as pouches for a walkie-talkie, documents and all sorts of household items.

Vest base UMTBS transport vest 6Sh-112, standard Russian Armed Forces

Vest base UMTBS transport vest 6Sh-112, standard Russian Armed Forces

Designed to accommodate removable pouches from the UMTBS kit (ZhTU 6Sh112) or any other set of individual combat equipment equipped with a modular system for attaching removable pouches, compatible with the UMTBS system (
MOLLE , PALS). • Standard base UMTBS (ZhTU 6Sh112), supplied to the RF Armed Forces. • Consists of two chest pads with shoulder pads and a back bar, a back pad and an adjustable belt. • To reduce the likelihood of overheating and improve air exchange, the vest base plates are made of synthetic power mesh. Soft shock-absorbing inserts are installed in the waist part of the vest base. • The belt is fastened and adjusted using a fastex-type quick-release buckle . The chest plates of the vest base are connected (fastened) using turnstile fasteners. • The vest base is adjustable in height and volume using metal three-slot buckles. • On the shoulder pads there are flaps that close with a textile fastener and are intended for fixing wires of radio stations, etc. equipment. Materials: Cordura 1000D or fabric art. 04s27 "Mogotex". article OZh-6Sh112 Manufacturer:
Scientific and Production

Options:

Weight: 700g.

Save money: sew unloading yourself

It’s no secret that you will have to pay quite a bit of money for a finished vest (several thousand rubles). But if your hands are not afraid of work, then you can build a quite decent unloading vest.

Making a pattern

Patterns can be made from newsprint or old wallpaper. Look carefully at the finished models and draw something similar, adjusting the pattern to your liking. Shred and cut until you are happy with the result. Everything should fit well and nothing should stick out!

We select materials

The best fabric is cordura. Choose the color to your taste. But you can take durable nylon, nylon, and other durable synthetics. Who knows - maybe you have a piece of suitable material lying around for such a case. This will save even more money. Don't forget about the lining.

You will need more slings - you need a lot of them. After all, we will be making a vest with the Molle system.

And you need to buy high-quality and reliable buckles (preferably three-slit ones, for example, from Duraflex).

We will sew with nylon threads. And prepare a chalk or marker for markings, and a detachable zipper for the fastener.

How to unload in 1 minute on the battlefield:

We cut and sew

We cut out the necessary parts from the front and lining fabric, and then begin to sew on the slings (on the front side). This will be a long time - get ready. To make it smooth, we make markings. Then we decorate the collar (you can put soft filling inside) and the back. On it we sew six buckles on the horizontal slings and two on the slings coming from the collar. Making a rescue handle. Then you can sew a pocket (or two) on the lining. Let's make it with a zipper so you can put documents there. All that remains is to connect the lining and the face, sewing a zipper between them. And then decorate the bottom of the product with a belt (so that it fits tightly).

Review of popular models

Vest-bandolier "Christmas tree"

This type holds 48 12 gauge shells. Fastex as a fastener is very convenient to put on and take off. The cartridges do not press with weight, which is evenly distributed. The vest is comfortable for any body movement and has half rings for hanging loads. The pockets are located in the front, and the back is equipped with wide straps for easy sizing.

Unloading vest "Umka M33"

The unloading vest for hunting Umka M33 is equipment for lovers of travel, hunting trips, and members of response teams. In front there is a power-type zipper as a lock. The volume can be adjusted using lacing. The shoulders are adjusted to the height of the owner, and also have a shock-absorbing cushion.

The model is equipped with mesh pockets inside, and pockets of different sizes on the lumbar part. Available in two colors - camouflage and black.

Unloading vest "Safari"

Unloading vest for hunting Safari is a hunting vest in a combat style, adapted for hunting. The pockets are evenly distributed, there is a reinforced zipper and two fastex fasteners in front. Front pockets are numerous and functionally designed for documents, for 12-gauge shells, for a knife, for small items, one large one in front and on the back for additional equipment. The removable holster is not forgotten either. There is a belt for an even better fit.

A reinforced zipper and two fastex go in front like fasteners. It is possible to adjust the height at the shoulders, and remove the width of the model at the sides.

Vest "SILVERS" for spearfishing

This spearfishing model offers exceptional energy savings. It is designed so that the load is evenly distributed in the correct proportions. According to professionals, to properly distribute the load is to place 60 percent on the waist part and the remaining percentage on the top.

It is worth adding that both beautiful women and ladies are not deprived of attention in terms of hunting clothing. Today, there are also women's fitted models of unloading vests on sale, in which ladies will feel comfortable.

Comparison of the most popular models

Vests are popular not only among hunters or fishermen. Tourists, geologists, cyclists, paintball enthusiasts do not deny themselves the pleasure of wearing comfortable clothes that suit their activities.