Open-Backed Plate Carriers/Vests

[Archangel 06]

Possibly a quick question...

As I have been researching MOLLE plate carriers and vests, I keep tossing out vests that would normally be really nice (like the RRV) because I'm just not sure about the open back without MOLLE webbing. My idea is I want something like the Condor Hydration Backpack (not just a hydration carrier, but also some storage) because I tend to pack heavier, especially if I start carrying radio equipment. What are your experiences (those of you that actually use open-backed gear or have chosen against it) that made you go that route? Also, what are your feelings on those adjustment straps that are just hanging there in the pictures? Do you tie them up and out of the way, or just leave them there?

Thanks in advance

[-Shifty-]

I like RRV's cause the don't feel as bulky and they ventilate better than plate carriers. But when I had my RRV, I used a condor backpack with it, and I got really annoyed with the extra strappage from the pack. So that's when I made the switch to PC's. Really it's just your preference.

[Jester316]

Tactical Tailor MAV. Either 1 piece or 2 pieces. I can carry 10 mags, 8 smoke grenades, and my radio on it as configured now. Throw my hydration backpack on, and I'm good to go all day.

[Juicemachine]

Or you could buy this.

As to the straps, get them adjusted right, then fold them up and tape them or use web dominators.

[Catch22]

http://www.ebairsoft.com/rrvv-vest-hawg-khaki-p-2841.html

Pretty comfortable and the quality is decent. The holster is useless tho.

[Catch22]

Not quite as good as Pantac or Flyye but way better than the usual chinese stuff.

[Rentax]

You will find having your radio on your back is a bad idea.
At most games the Radio channels get all mucked up with people talking over one another or hot mic-ing and you may need to switch channels several time through out the day... if it's on your back you will have to continually ask some to help you with it, or take your gear off and do it yourself... mount your radio to your side or up front and you will be good to go without a helping hand....

As for open back rigs, I too run a Tactical Tailor MAV., I have the X-harness for mine this gives you 4 MOLLE columns to mount additional gear to your back should you need it, weather it be a MAP pack, or hydration pack. The other nice thing about open back items is it allows you to wear a back back if you need more stuff, but also want to option of dropping it quickly...

[CommieHunter]

I just picked up a Condor RRV, and I loved it at the last game I went to. I can post pictures of the setup and straps later.

[Archangel 06]

Thanks for the input, guys! Nasty and CommieHunter, because I have been looking at an RRV, is your opinion about backpacks the same as Shifty's? I know that I want the ability to carry gear on my back (and all of my radio equipment has remote operation handsets, so changing frequencies, tones, etc isn't a problem), and I noticed that on the Pantac ones they have buckles that you can snap a pack to. Can you do that with the Condor ones? I say Condor because I'm having to work on a limited budget.

[CommieHunter]

The Condor RRV does not have releasable shoulder straps, so I don't think you can clip a pack directly to it. I wore a backpack over it and left it at respawn, since it had ammo, food, water, and spare mags and bits.

The shoulder strap has MOLLE on it, and I could see mounting a radio pouch to it fairly easily.

[Cap n pickles]

I have on my RRV:

4 double stack AK mag pouches. I can hold 12 M4 mags and 12 AK mags (Tight fit, but it can be done) a Utility pouch for BBs n such, and a HAM radio pouch that will get replaced with some thing else until i get a HAM radio.

I love it. GO CONDOR.

[KA-BAR]

pickles likes open back RRV so he can show off his tramp stamp.

[Cap n pickles]

pickles likes open back RRV so he can show off his tramp stamp.

I only wear that to Riddick's games to make his rep look trashy. : O

Then we go to Denny's and GET SOME.

[Darius137]

I used to use an RRV exclusively. It was made by BDS Tactical and was called the Simple Stacker. It retails for about $150.

Linkies:
http://www.rstacticalgear.com/pd_bds_ta ... er_rig.cfm


It has multiple options for the back, and you design it when you order it through their site.



As RRV stands for Rhodesian Recon Vest, the idea is to keep a light loadout on it and keep your back open to load up with a rucksack for long range patrolling.

I've seen Rangers use the RRV in their recon elements with Canteens on the sides and small (for Rangers) loadouts.

The BDS one has six built in shingles, and after that I'd recommend a few storage pouches and a couple canteens.

[CommieHunter]

That's hot Dan. If I had $150 instead of $40, I would totally rock one of those. It's pretty much my ideal outdoor loadout style.