Chest rigs, assault vests, and webbing

[COMBAT WOMBAT]

i have already posted a similar type question in the Royal marines forum but wanted to get the imput also of poeple more inclined to the army rather than royal.
I am gonig to go into the T.A. in a few months when i am old enough. i know my three years in the cadets didn't teach me much that will be useful there but it taught me that i just could not get my webbing to fit comfortably , it always felt like it was riding up of was moving. Anyhow this has got me thinking that maybe i should invest in something more comfortable such as a chest rig or assault vest. Chest rigs look so comfortable but kinda look as if they would smash my ribs in a section attack and look as if they would not carry much. But they must be good cause i know a fair amount of soldiers use them.
Basically, i need the professional opinions of some real soldiers to tell me some of the pros and cons of these different ways bits of kit to carry equipment to help me make my judgement. 0X

[= Jay =]

as i'm joining the Signals quite soon......i would say Chest Rig would be more benefical....you can carry more...and it will all be more accessible...

Although...normal webbing has it advantages in that you can rest the magazine of your SA80 in the webbing and it elivates carrying the weapon fully...this helps on those long yomps.

[COMBAT WOMBAT]

I know that the chest rig only has 2 pouches on the side, but are these the same size as a normal pouch on webbing? Or are they bigger so you still can get a decent amount of stuff in there? I know i could save space by ommitting the mess tins and using a metal cup, any good ideas on getting the most out of the space? :crazyeyes:

Cheers people 0X

[Oakers]

Horses for courses Wombat. Different webbing is designed for different things. Think about the specific Op or ex you're on, what would be most practical. I don't know about the other blokes here but I had/have standard PLCE, chest rig and two assault vests. Like I said mate horses for courses.

[Tab]

Wait till you are there and find out just what you need and what would suit you. You may buy a load of stuff and find that it does not suit your needs.

[nlk]

everyone buys all the alli kit over the issue stuff, but eventually you learn its the best there is.Its built to last.Nothing in civvy street comes close.Having said that I love my 42 rig, customised though.Wait until you pass out and then go shopping.