Tactical chest rigs are an excellent option for those who want to be ready for any engagement.
The primary benefit of military chest rigs is the options that come with them.
You can have a pre-configure AR15 chest rig or a fully customizable MOLLE chest rig.
There are plenty of options to choose from based on your preferences and gear requirements, which is why it may be challenging to figure out what is the best chest rig for you.
Table of Contents
What To Look For In A Tactical Chest Rig
The three main things to consider when shopping for a chest rig is the level of protection you require, its durability, and the rigs’ customization options.
Protection
If you require additional protection, it is recommended that you purchase a military-style chest rig that allows you to add protective plates.
Some rigs come with the option for side protective plates, but that will also decrease your mobility and increase your weight.
When purchasing a chest rig, make sure you verify if it comes with soft body armor or protective plates because they are typically sold separately.
Durability
You need to know that your gear will work when you need it, which is why durability is so critical when picking a chest rig.
Customization
There are several features to look for when purchasing a chest rig.
If you are looking for just an AR15 chest rig, you may be okay with a pre-configured platform.
However, if you want the ability to change your loadout based on your mission, you need to have a MOLLE chest rig.
MOLLE chest rigs will allow you to customize your workspace for any weapon system, ranging from pistols to an AK47.
A significant feature to look for is the ability to customize your fit by having a fully adjustable rig.
No matter what type of chest rig you are looking for, the list below has the best chest rigs for 2022.
#1. Condor Modular Operator Plate Carrier MOPC
- Material: 1,000 Denier Cordura Nylon
- Size(s): One Size
- Color(s): Black, Coyote Brown, Olive Drab, Scorpion, Multicam Black, Navy
- Adjustable: Yes
The Condor Modular Operator Plate Carrier MOPC is the best chest rig on the list for those who want a military-style chest rig at an affordable price.
The plate carrier will stay comfortably on even in a firefight with adjustable shoulder straps and removable anti-slip shoulder pads.
For added comfort, they equipped it with a 3D mesh liner for improved breathability, which is essential because a tactical vest will trap in body heat.
Condor crafted with the tactical vest with 1,000 denier Cordura nylon, which is resistant against tears, rot, and discoloration.
If you go down in a firefight, it includes an emergency drag handle to get you to safety.
It uses the MOLLE platform for maximum loadout customization.
This rig does not come with soft interior body armor or ballistic plates.
If you are looking for an affordable rig that is one of the best MOLLE chest rigs on the market, the Condor Modular Operator Plate Carrier MOPC is an excellent choice.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#2. 5.11 Tactical Tac Tec Plate Carrier
- Material: 500 Denier Nylon
- Size(s): One Size
- Color(s): Black, Multicam, Dark Navy, Storm, Kangaroo, Ranger Green
- Adjustable: Yes
The Tac Tec Plate Carrier by 5.11 Tactical is a solid plate carrier that can give you one of the best micro chest rig loadouts.
It is extra-lightweight, enabling you to move freely throughout the battlefield or to have a comfortable all-day wear on the job.
5.11 Tactical constructed their plate carrier with water-resistant 500 denier nylon for added durability.
The 500 denier design also makes it resistant to abrasion, rot, or sun damage.
It comes with a fully adjustable rig and cummerbund for added comfort.
It also features back yoke shoulder pads to distribute your load evenly to prevent discomfort.
The chest rig comes equipped with oversized airflow panels to keep you cool throughout the day.
This model is compatible with medium and large 24mm wide SAPI plates.
It is one of the best MOLLE rigs with a GrabDrag handle and a one-handed quick-release to drop your gear and extract you quickly in an emergency, making it one of the best military chest rigs available on the market.
If you are looking for one of the best chest rigs with the quality from 5.11 Tactical, the Tac Tec Plate Carrier is a must buy.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#3. Voodoo Tactical Chest Rig
- Material: Not Specified
- Size(s): Standard, 3XL – 5XL
- Color(s): Black, Coyote, OD Green, VTC, Multicam
- Adjustable: Yes
The Tactical Chest Rig by Voodoo Tactical is an AR15 chest rig that can hold up to seven 30-round magazines.
It also has room for all your other essentials with an individual first aid kit (IFAK) pouch, several accessory pouches, and four closed-top pistol magazine pouches.
With a MOLLE platform, you have additional loadout options, and it can be worn over body armor.
It includes a 10in x 12in body armor plate pouch if you wish to wear it without a tactical vest.
The adjustable shoulder straps will ensure you get the best fit.
If you are looking for a lightweight MOLLE chest rig with tons of included storage space, the Tactical Chest Rig by Voodoo Tactical is an excellent choice, especially if you are looking for an AR15 chest rig.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#4. Condor Recon Chest Rig
- Material: Not Specified
- Size(s): One Size
- Color(s): Black, Coyote Brown, Olive Drab, Scorpion Multicam Black
- Adjustable: Yes
The Condor Recon Chest Rig is one of the best micro chest rigs on the list, with tons of storage options.
It can store up to six AR15 magazines and six pistol magazines.
Also, it has an accessory pouch up front for easy access to tools, an admin pouch on the inside of the rig, MOLLE straps on both sides, and mesh pouches on each side.
For added comfort, it comes with padded shoulder straps with built-in D-rings, swivel lockster, and it comes with a fully adjustable x-harness in the back.
If you are looking for an affordable pre-configured AR15 chest rig without added protection, the Condor Recon Chest Rig is one of the best chest rigs you can get.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#5. Mil-Tec by Sturm Mag Carrier Chest Rig
- Material: Polyester
- Size(s): One Size
- Color(s): Black, Olive Drab
- Adjustable: Yes
The Mil-Tec by Sturm Mag Carrier Chest Rig is a lightweight chest rig with the minimalist in mind.
It has a simplistic design, which stores up to four large AK47 magazines and two pistol magazines.
Constructed out of 100% polyester, it is breathable and lightweight.
The shoulder straps are fully adjustable for a better fit and include several D-rings.
It is the only pre-configured AK47 chest rig on the list.
If you are in the market for a pre-configured AK47 chest rig, the Mil-Tec by Sturm Mag Carrier Chest Rig is for you.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#6. Spartan Armor/Sentinel Plate Carrier
- Material: 1,000 Denier Nylon
- Size(s): One Size
- Color(s): Coyote Brown, Gunmetal Gray, Black, Multicam, SparTan Green, Wolf Gray
- Adjustable: Yes
The Spartan Armor/Sentinel Plate Carrier package by Spartan Armor Systems is an excellent bargain that includes level III+ body armor.
The package includes the military chest rig, front/back AR500/AR550 plates, and two side protective plates.
They rate its included body armor to protect you from 5.56 and 7.62 rounds with a velocity of 3,100 fps or less.
They constructed it out of 1,000 denier nylon, which is resistant against tears, abrasions, rot, and sun damage.
It also has separated mesh liners for improved breathability and comfort.
It includes anti-slip shoulder pads that can withstand extended wear in harsh environments.
With a MOLLE chest rig design, you have plenty of loadout options, and it includes velcro in the front and back to add your favorite patches.
The Spartan Armor/Sentinel Plate Carrier is one of the best military chest rigs because of its value, customization, and comfort.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#7. Shellback Tactical Rampage 2.0 Plate Carrier
- Material: 500 Denier Nylon
- Size(s): One Size
- Color(s): Black, Coyote, Multicam, Navy Blue, Ranger Green, Wolf Gray
- Adjustable: Yes
The Shellback Tactical Rampage 2.0 Plate Carrier is a versatile MOLLE chest rig that comes with a lifetime warranty.
They constructed it out of 500 denier nylon, making the micro chest rig resistant to tears and rips.
It also includes heavy-duty bar tacking at critical stress points for improved durability.
The military-style chest rig includes front and back pockets for 10in x 12in SAPI ballistic plates.
It includes 3D spacers on the front, back, and shoulders for improved comfort.
The cummerbund accepts soft armor and includes six pockets with bungee retention for magazines, gear, and radios.
With a laser-cut MOLLE platform, you have a low-profile MOLLE chest rig with tons of accessory options.
The Shellback Tactical Rampage 2.0 Plate Carrier is an excellent value, making it one of the best chest rigs you can buy.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#8. Condor Rapid Assault Chest Rig
- Material: Not Specified
- Size(s): One Size
- Color(s): Black, Olive Drab, Coyote Brown, Scorpion
- Adjustable: Yes
The Condor Rapid Assault Chest Rig is like the Condor Recon Chest Rig, with a few changes for improved deployment options.
Like the Recon Chest Rig, it has a fully adjustable x-harness and Swivi-Lockster side buckles that adjust to your body while you move for improved retention and comfort.
The swivel push releases allow for quick gear shedding in an emergency.
The significant difference is that you have a MOLLE chest rig platform to customize your loadout instead of a pre-configured workspace.
It still comes with six open-top AR15 magazine pouches, making it one of the best AR 15 chest rigs available.
The Condor Rapid Assault Chest Rig is an excellent choice for those who want an AR15 chest rig with built-in magazine pouches and a MOLLE workspace.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#9. Viking Tactics VTAC Chest Rig
- Material: Not Specified
- Size(s): One Size
- Color(s): Multicam, Coyote
- Adjustable: Yes
The Viking Tactics VTAC Chest Rig is a low-profile and lightweight AR15 chest rig that can fit over your clothes or tactical vest.
It has four built-in AR15 magazine pouches, two pistol magazine pouches, two accessory pouches, and two radio pouches.
This AR15 chest rig helps give you an excellent workspace while allowing you to stay mobile.
The Viking Tactics VTAC is one of the best chest rigs for those who want to gear up quickly.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#10. TAG Plate Carrier
- Material: Not Specified
- Size(s): One Size
- Color(s): MC Arid, MC Black, Black, Coyote Tan, MC Tropic, Multicam, Ranger Green
- Adjustable: Yes
The TAG Plate Carrier is an excellent military chest rig that allows you to adjust your loadout with a MOLLE platform easily.
The plate carrier can fit any level three or four trauma plate, and it also includes built-in side plate pockets.
For improved comfort, the MOLLE chest rig is fully adjustable, and they curve the shoulder pads to prevent excess contact with your neck.
The shoulder pads are also removable.
It is made in the United States and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
If you are looking for a military chest rig that will provide you with plenty of customization, the TAG Plate Carrier is an excellent pick.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
References / Resources
Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment
MOLLE and PALS: What’s The Difference?
See Also
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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