Chest rig Helikon-Tex CHICOM Chest Rig — RAL 7013

The Helikon-Tex CHICOM Chest Rig is a front-carry system inspired by the classic CHICOM design of the 1940s, rebuilt with current materials and construction standards. It is designed for those who want to distribute essential load across the chest while keeping freedom of movement, with the option to expand the setup through the MOLLE/PALS system.

The core of the system is the triple front zip pouch for AR15/M4 or AK magazines, which is independently removable: this detail meaningfully changes how the rig works in practice, as the same platform can be lightened and reconfigured in the field without tools. The rear zip panel allows a dangler or belly pouch to be attached, extending usable space downward without crowding the front profile. The flat internal pocket holds documents or INSERT-type inserts, keeping them separate and protected from the rest of the load.

The trade-off to consider is between the slim profile and MOLLE expansion capacity: the chest rig stays light and low-profile thanks to its minimal design, but the available MOLLE surface is limited compared to a vest. Anyone planning to mount many additional pouches will find it useful to pair the CHICOM with a plate carrier, to which it can be attached directly, or with a backpack. The H-harness with adjustable plastic buckles distributes the load evenly across the shoulders and torso, fitting different sizes without tools.

Key points

• The removable triple front pouch lets you reconfigure the rig quickly, reducing weight when magazines are not needed.
• The MOLLE/PALS panel on the front and sides allows compatible pouches to be added and the setup to be adapted to the task.
• The rear zip panel accepts danglers and belly pouches, extending capacity without increasing lateral bulk.
• The flat internal pocket keeps documents or inserts separate and easily accessible without opening the entire platform.
• Compatibility with plate carriers and backpacks makes the CHICOM an integrable module within more complex load-bearing systems.
• The small Velcro panel on the back allows identification patches to be mounted, useful in team contexts.

In the box

• CHICOM chest rig with triple front pouch