Sometime ago, I managed to check out an old canvas 5 pocket rig for FALs mags dating back to the early-mid 70’s used in subsaharan africa. This particular design was made by a company called “para-fox” came out about the late 70s and for a spell were advertised in the early 80’s SoF-like rags.
Any how, what struck me was the relative simplicity of design - canvas and snap-dot closures. Back then, canvas was still the du-jour material (or maybe it was what they had to work with in the bush) Well, with that thought in mind, I went about applying the same design concept and modernized with with 420D packcloth.
The EGL prototype “lightweight” rig holds 5 x M4 mags, 2 pistol and one radio (sabre / MBITR Mx300) in a platform that is 14 ounces empty. Mag pockets are M4-sized (read NO 308) and are velcro secured as are the pistol mag pockets
There is NO PALS on this rig, and the side opposite is slick so there isnt anything blocking transitory movement to a sidearm.
All told this particular platform concept is still valid, and in this push for lighter weight equipment vs. individual performance, the concept should weigh heavily on prospective users.
I like it!!! Realizing that this is a prototype, you probably haven’t made a determination or want to answer the following, but I’m going to ask anyway.
this is a prototype and more as a demo for everyone, that packcloth is still a viable material for LC gear. This particular example has already been purchased and shipped off.
And aside from side pocket configuration, the layout is as you see it now, no modifications aside from placement of radio pouch/pistol pockets or the outright removal of radio pocket. They are available in Foliage green (as pictured) or in Coyote brown. There is also a MULTICAM variant, but it is still on the drawing board.
