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Fiercely Loyal · 07-07-2007, 20:41

To start out my deployment I used the Wasatch. My plates were pulled out of the IBA and I made my IBA into a side opening vest. The belt that holds the front and back panels in place was folding in strange ways and wouldn’t really give the proper support. I chopped a Blackhawk holster and used the thick long Cordura from the drop leg portion to attach to the belt making it very user friendly. Then I just put one magazine in each slot carrying 8 magazines while driving (this was very flat and didn’t interfere with driving).

After a while I wanted a better option because of my IFAK. It was mounted in the kidney area on my IBA. I was also issued a shotgun. The IFAK had to be moved to let the shotgun just hang on my right side. I ordered the Woosatch (all webbing front). I used three of the issued double magazine pouches and centered in the front. My IFAK was to the right of them. Shotgun ammo was placed on the upper chest originally but taken off completely when I switched to the Wasatch. By moving the IFAK, my shotgun lay along my side out of the way when I was dismounted.

Soon we were issued the side SAPI’s and I had to modify the front panel to hold these in addition to the front plate. I did this by using ACU material from the side SAPI carriers that were issued and the sewing machine from the tent repair shop on camp. It was very comfortable. Recently I have taken the padded belt from the issued Rifleman’s kit to make a belt that can hold more gear on the sides and is also removable. It just buckles into place in the same direction the original belt does.

Now my rig is set up for Safariland holster, Strider fixed blade w/ multi tool, attached 6 magazines for primary, 4 magazines for secondary, and NVG/Utility pouch on the front panel. MBTR, Blow out kit, and Hydration pouch on the back panel. Frag pouches are on the additional belt I had made. Another great thing about this plate carrier is the internal pockets. I placed a piece of VS-17 panel, protractor, and 9 line Medivac cheat sheet inside.

I really swear by this rig because of the comfort factor. I like the ability to consolidate my kit so I wasn’t putting on 50 items of kit. The only thing I wish I had in conjunction with this setup is either a concealable vest or a carrier that used the IBA panels to make a better 2 piece carrier. Unfortunately I had to use the IBA carrier because of the unit I am in. I was barely getting away with using a plate carrier.

IMHO if you are going to go with a carrier, Gene (the owner of HSGI) makes a great product. If the Wasatch isn’t working out I highly recommend the Woosatch. Gene’s shop has excellent customer service and a lightning fast delivery time.

http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...kitpics018.jpg
My kit

http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...kitpics009.jpg
The side SAPI modification

07-07-2007, 20:41	#25
Fiercely Loyal Guerrilla Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 165	I am a big fan of Gene’s work To start out my deployment I used the Wasatch. My plates were pulled out of the IBA and I made my IBA into a side opening vest. The belt that holds the front and back panels in place was folding in strange ways and wouldn’t really give the proper support. I chopped a Blackhawk holster and used the thick long Cordura from the drop leg portion to attach to the belt making it very user friendly. Then I just put one magazine in each slot carrying 8 magazines while driving (this was very flat and didn’t interfere with driving). After a while I wanted a better option because of my IFAK. It was mounted in the kidney area on my IBA. I was also issued a shotgun. The IFAK had to be moved to let the shotgun just hang on my right side. I ordered the Woosatch (all webbing front). I used three of the issued double magazine pouches and centered in the front. My IFAK was to the right of them. Shotgun ammo was placed on the upper chest originally but taken off completely when I switched to the Wasatch. By moving the IFAK, my shotgun lay along my side out of the way when I was dismounted. Soon we were issued the side SAPI’s and I had to modify the front panel to hold these in addition to the front plate. I did this by using ACU material from the side SAPI carriers that were issued and the sewing machine from the tent repair shop on camp. It was very comfortable. Recently I have taken the padded belt from the issued Rifleman’s kit to make a belt that can hold more gear on the sides and is also removable. It just buckles into place in the same direction the original belt does. Now my rig is set up for Safariland holster, Strider fixed blade w/ multi tool, attached 6 magazines for primary, 4 magazines for secondary, and NVG/Utility pouch on the front panel. MBTR, Blow out kit, and Hydration pouch on the back panel. Frag pouches are on the additional belt I had made. Another great thing about this plate carrier is the internal pockets. I placed a piece of VS-17 panel, protractor, and 9 line Medivac cheat sheet inside. I really swear by this rig because of the comfort factor. I like the ability to consolidate my kit so I wasn’t putting on 50 items of kit. The only thing I wish I had in conjunction with this setup is either a concealable vest or a carrier that used the IBA panels to make a better 2 piece carrier. Unfortunately I had to use the IBA carrier because of the unit I am in. I was barely getting away with using a plate carrier. IMHO if you are going to go with a carrier, Gene (the owner of HSGI) makes a great product. If the Wasatch isn’t working out I highly recommend the Woosatch. Gene’s shop has excellent customer service and a lightning fast delivery time. http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...kitpics018.jpg My kit http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...kitpics009.jpg The side SAPI modification Last edited by Fiercely Loyal; 07-07-2007 at 21:52.
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