Being as many of those that frequent these boards, or those that search them, are likely to play in the woods more often than the arena, frequently is asked the question "Which vest/harness/pack should I get?" Like most other questions involving gear recommendations, it's not a question that has a set answer. Below are a few things to ask yourself as you go shopping for load bearing equipment ( LBE. ) After you take some time to think about it and do some research you'll be able to get something that's perfect for you. Let's begin.


Loadout
Before you can get a vest, you need to decide what in particular you want to carry. Your loadout will be influenced by the games you play and your particular play style. If you primarily play outlaw and recball, more likely than not you just want something to haul some extra paint. Most games will last about 30 minutes at the most so any special tools, water, snacks, etc can be left at the staging area to be used during downtime between matches. If this is the case you may just need a simple pod belt alone. If you frequent large scale games like scenarios and the like, you probably require more storage space. Being out on a field for possibly and hour or more at a time means you have to be fairly self sufficient. Hauling lots of paint and air, some water, maybe some tools and spare parts even, allows you to stay in the action longer without having to constantly return to the supply depot. Here's a list of things you might find packed in a vest:

• Paint ( tubes and pods )
• Air ( tanks and 12g )
• Grenades
• Specialized ammo ( rockets, etc )
• Radio
• Swab / Squeegee
• Water ( either bottles in pod pouches or a hydration bladder )
• Snacks ( just don't litter )
• First Aid kit
• Anti-Fog lens treatment
• Cleaning rags
• Batteries
• Spare Parts
• Tools ( where allowed by the field )

Now not everything listed applies to everyone, so decide what things you want to carry and in what quantity. Do you run a remote line or do you have your tank on-marker? What about paint supply? Someone who specializes in cover fire needs more air and ammo than most, so make sure you can carry a fair amount of pods and a large tank, if you use a remote. A pointman can't be weighed down so a trim load with just enough stuff to get by is the way to go. Paint supply can usually be pretty flexible since many pouches come with a "+" sleeve. It's up to you to find your balance.

You can also get specialized pockets and attachment points for other things. D-rings make great sling attachment points. Some extra webbing can be used as mask and equipment hangers between games. Some events require ID cards so a clear flap can be handy. Maybe you want a name plate. Belt keepers help support the load by transferring some weight onto your hips. Do you have a side arm? Maybe you'd like a holster on your waist or on a drop leg. Having a large dump pouch for miscellaneous things may come in handy. I'm sure you can think of a few things I haven't listed here as well. After you select your loadout, it's time to find something to carry it in.


Style
I'm not talking about fashion here, this is about the overall design of the vest itself. LBE's come in lots of different designs that each excel at different aspects. Some common types, and these aren't real concrete terms, are belts and pod packs, harnesses, webbing vests, and full vests. The main difference between them is carrying capacity and surface area covered ( which translates to breathability. )

Belts / Pod Packs - These are the simplest of LBE's, usually just consisting of a wide elastic and Velcro belt with places to hold pods and maybe a tank but rarely anything else. They're light, cheap, and won't make you overheat much at all. They usually come in sizes of X + Y like 2 + 1 or 4 + 3. The first number means how many pod pouches it has, the "+" shows how many external compression sleeves it has for extra pods ( though sometimes a +1 just means it can hold a tank. ) However, they're not the most secure of equipment and can shift around a bit or even come off relatively easily compared to something like a vest. However, for the beginning player that's just looking to haul a couple pods for extra ammo without any grenades or extras, they can be a great place to start. Also since they simply strap around your waist getting a proper fit is rarely an issue. Here's an example of a typical pod belt.

Harness - If you take a pod belt and give it some more attachment points, maybe some suspenders, you can end up with a harness. Typically a harness has attachment points but no pouches or pockets. Think of something along the lines of a military LBE where the soldier can place pouches where desired. The pouches you generally pick up separately to customize your load. They typically leave lots of area open to breathe, but don't always have enough space to carry all the things you may want. Let's face it, an M4 mag isn't nearly as big as a 140 round pod. However, the weight is now distributed over your shoulders and back, not just your waist like a belt alone. With so many straps, again a tight custom fit is rarely a problem. Here's a custom harness I had Chad at SpecOps make for me. Note that aside from the main back panel, there's not a lot of room for anything else.

Webbing Vest - If you were to add multiple panels for pockets onto a harness you'd have a webbing vest. Though you lose a little bit of breathability and add more weight, your carrying capacity is greatly increased. Also, it's not uncommon to have the pockets and pouches permanently stitched on so you don't have to buy them on your own. Once again, getting a good custom fit is not a problem. However, getting something with customized pockets for your needs can be difficult to find, expensive, or both. The SpecOps Dagger vest is a prime example of a webbing vest

Full Vest - These should be pretty self explanatory. They offer the most surface area for pockets and pouches for the heaviest loadout. However, depending on the construction they may not breathe well and usually aren't as adjustable to fit different sized people. Rap4 makes a great full vest that many people like.


Customization
So you've got a list of gear you want to carry and you've chosen what kind of system to carry it in. So how is it going to come together? Unless you get a fully customized vest, chances are you're not going to find something that perfectly fits your ideal loadout. You can usually find a happy medium and learn to adapt pockets to carry what you want. My advice is to not skimp in this area. Having the exact thing you need in the exact place you want it is priceless during a match. Instead of thinking about where to find something, or having to access an inconvenient pocket, you can focus on the game. Now, this isn't to say everyone needs a completely personalized vest. But if you get a great vest, except for that one little thing, it might be worthwhile to look elsewhere.

One hearty recommendation I have is to look for modular attachment points, such as MOLLE/PAL webbing or interlocking Velcro strips. These allow you to place pouches in any number of configurations to best suit your needs and preferences. Also modular attachment systems are usually pretty standard in their specs so you can mix and match items from various retailers to build that perfect setup. You can also change your gear as the game or your play style changes.


Growth
Any decent player will evolve and grow as they get more experience in the game. That usually means that their needs will change with them. Before you buy that vest or pod belt, take a moment to consider the future. Even though you may just need a 4 + 3 pod belt, is it always going to be that way? If you can honestly say "Yes" that you're just going to play recball, then great. Feel confident that you've saved yourself some money. However, if you feel you may want to step up to a larger game scale in a bit, you can put the money for a belt toward a nicer vest or harness. Similarly, don't immediately turn away from a vest that has more pockets than you need. You don't have to use all of them all the time. But they'll be there ready if you decide to expand your loadout. Again I'd like to bring up modular attachment points. Though the initial expense of getting a purely MOLLE vest and the accompanying pouches is more than for a standard vest, you're really getting multiple setups in one. You can start light and work your way up without having to buy different rigs or pay for extensive custom sewing ( unless you're a skilled seamstress, which I am not. ) Or if you're an experienced baller who's just going to be playing recball one weekend, you can strip off most of the pouches and have a light rig. The next weekend you may be heading to a big scenario where you need everything you have. Adaptability can go a long way on the field.


Specialized Pouch Consideration
To those who have used real world LBE's before, such as in military or law enforcement, not everything there transfers well to paintball. For example an ammo pod is considerably longer and thicker than a magazine. Also air tanks are unlike anything carried in combat as well. So, if you're wanting to design a carrying system to mimic one you've actually used in the field, you may not be able to get it exactly how you'd like. You may be used to having ammo pouches on your belly, but it's quite different lying prone on slim metal boxes opposed to thick plastic tubes. Just be sure to take a little consideration for the items, pouches, and size differences you'll need in paintball versus the real world an you'll be more satisfied with the result.


Shopping List
Below are some products that either I have tried and liked or that other people have recommended to me. Use them as a guide when looking around for your ideal solution.

Pod Belts
Flurry Ultraback
SpecOps 6 + 5 Overkill

Harnesses
Mil-Spec MOLLE Harness
SpecOps Rogue

Web Vests
SpecOps Dagger
SpecOps Sabre
SpecOps Alias

Full Vests
BlackHawk Vests
Flurry Ultraback Vests
NXe Tactical Scenario Vest
OpsGear Vests
RAP Tactical
RAP 10
SpecOps Operative
SpecOps Recon

Custom Works
RAP4 Custom Vests
SpecOps Vest Builder - Personally, I'd recommend using this as something to string ideas together. After you get a general idea of what you want, call Chad or Brian at SpecOps Soft Goods and get their feedback. You may find that you can get a better price than what the Vest Builder itself lists.


As always feedback, comments, and suggestions are appreciated. In addition I'd like any recommended LBE systems you've come across, especially if you have a link where they're available. I think it would be very helpful to have a good list for people to look through as they're shopping.

__________________
You can't wipe a welt
-J

Paintball FAQ's | Asking yourself "What should I get next?" | Paint & Barrel Facts | Fixing the Chop
HPA vs. CO2 | Regulator FAQ's | To Remote or Not To Remote | Slide Checks 101 | LPK FAQ's
Complete A-5 Maintenance | Complete T-8 Maintenance | Which Vest is for Me? | Secondary Sights | Rails, Sights, & Targeting
Sale - Custom Vests, MOLLE Gear, Dogleg Stock, & More

We'll just wait right here until you add more.

edit: This is a great idea to help any one trying to decide if they want a vest, or looking for a new one.

__________________

Don't forget the special ops custom blackcell vest. Pricey as heel but one of the best. And 100% customisablea to your needs!

Linky:
http://vestbuilder.specialopspaintball.com/
try it, even if only for fun!

Please don't tell me I have a fan base or anything, I don't think my ego could take it.


Don't worry, I'm quite familiar with SpecOps products and they'll be linked here when I'm done. Most products outside that I may need help with.

__________________
You can't wipe a welt
-J

Paintball FAQ's | Asking yourself "What should I get next?" | Paint & Barrel Facts | Fixing the Chop
HPA vs. CO2 | Regulator FAQ's | To Remote or Not To Remote | Slide Checks 101 | LPK FAQ's
Complete A-5 Maintenance | Complete T-8 Maintenance | Which Vest is for Me? | Secondary Sights | Rails, Sights, & Targeting
Sale - Custom Vests, MOLLE Gear, Dogleg Stock, & More

You know it.

Hmm, perhaps I'll put a vote for what I kind of FAQ I should type up next . . .

I've finished it at last. Again, I'd love to get a list of recommended products going so if you'd either post some here of shoot me a PM it'd be great.

__________________
You can't wipe a welt
-J

Paintball FAQ's | Asking yourself "What should I get next?" | Paint & Barrel Facts | Fixing the Chop
HPA vs. CO2 | Regulator FAQ's | To Remote or Not To Remote | Slide Checks 101 | LPK FAQ's
Complete A-5 Maintenance | Complete T-8 Maintenance | Which Vest is for Me? | Secondary Sights | Rails, Sights, & Targeting
Sale - Custom Vests, MOLLE Gear, Dogleg Stock, & More

NOt to bad. a subject.

I use a RAP TAC TEN vest. love it
I once and a while dust off the old ALICE LC2 Y harness and pistol belt
I had a trinity SWAT vest but it failed me one to many times.

The advantage to a vest is that generally your gear is more convient and tighter to your body. Good vests are customizable and convient but at the cost of well............COST $$$$$.

THe older ALICE webgear has old school bombproof provenness, customizable and a heavy weight capacity. But, it is floppy and loose when run,jump do stupid things.

Regardless, EVERYONE should be carring lots of water and a first aid kit in thier gear on the field.

I have a blackhawk molle vest and opsgear sells some excellent vests as well.

__________________

I highly recommend the Specialops Recon Vest.

I would have to say though if I could afford a custom vest I would get one.

__________________

I use the NXE Scenario Vest. I really like the lumbar belt built into it. It holds 6 140 pods and you buy the attachment to hold 3 more. I carry a 3 lbs. CO tank and you hardly know its there. The belt also keeps the vest from riding up. The vest also has place for a hydration bladder.

__________________
You must be the change you want to see in the world ~ Gandhi

Before voting watch this-Link #1 & Link #2!