Chest Rig Helikon-Tex CHICOM Chest Rig — US Woodland

The Helikon-Tex CHICOM Chest Rig is a modular chest-carry platform inspired by the original CHICOM configuration of the 1940s, reinterpreted in Cordura for contemporary use. It can be worn directly on the body or attached to a plate carrier, and is designed for those who want magazines and essential accessories within reach up front, without the weight and bulk of a full vest.

The centrepiece of the system is the triple magazine pouch for AR15/M4 or AK magazines, which can be detached and removed independently from the rest of the platform. This is not a minor detail: it means the rig can be reconfigured in the field, the pouch handed off to a teammate, or swapped for a different one without breaking down the entire structure. The rear zip panel accepts danglers or belly pouches, increasing vertical capacity downward without widening the lateral profile. The MOLLE/PALS surface across the entire front panel follows the NATO standard, ensuring compatibility with any aftermarket pouch on the market.

The H-harness with adjustable plastic buckles distributes the load across the shoulders without creating pressure at the centre of the chest, where breathing and weapon handling must remain unobstructed. The slim profile and low weight make this a sound choice for those covering long distances on foot: less structure means less effort on the move, but also less lateral retention compared to a vest with padded shoulder straps and a rigid front closure system. Anyone planning to load the rig with more than four or five additional pouches should consider a more structured tactical vest; for a light, fast-to-don configuration, the CHICOM is hard to beat for the ratio of bulk to capacity.

Key features

• The triple magazine pouch is removable, so the rig can be reconfigured in seconds without dismantling the entire platform.
• The rear zip panel accepts danglers and belly pouches, increasing capacity without widening the lateral profile.
• The front MOLLE/PALS surface follows the NATO standard: compatible with any pouch on the market.
• The H-harness with adjustable buckles keeps the chest clear, supporting breathing and weapon management.
• The rear panel includes a Velcro area for ID patches or inserts, useful for operators who need to signal their role.
• Attaches directly to a plate carrier or runs standalone: two configurations from a single piece of kit.

In the box

• Helikon-Tex CHICOM Chest Rig in US Woodland Cordura