TAP UPGRADES | How to Turn Surplus Gear Into an Awesome Chest Rig
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
- The surplus gear market is full of good, used Tactical Assault Panels like this one. With a few inexpensive, easy upgrades you can turn it into a pretty sweet chest rig. You can find the Krydex H harness in my Amazon store linked below.
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Might be the only taps rig upgrade video that shows you how to tie the magazine retention shock chord. Thanks!
👍🏻👍🏻
DRMO....
That stamp is Defence Reutilization Marketing Office.
More recently called DLA Disposition Services, since about 2010 or 2011.
Quite often you may find that the items with that stamp are not FUBAR or even damaged at all. They've just been found to be no longer useful.
It's just sort of funny that as a taxpayer, you're actually buying that item twice. 😂👍
I feel like we, as taxpayers, pay for lots of things more than once 😂
Didn't know it switched to being called DLA Disp. We still say DRMO loo
Originally, it was PDO, Property Disposal Office.
The two outer pouches on the far opposite ends of the chest rig can hold two steel mags each, for a total of 10 mags altogether. That's a lot of firepower coming from a "cheap" $40 surplus gear.
if you want to strech out the mag pouches, immerse the rig in HOT water, put two mage inside. then a METAL spoon or fork between the mags. let it sit for 20 min or so, them dump the hot water out and add COLD water into a basin and then soak the rig
If you retain the rear velcro on the front 4 mag slots you can put kydex magazine retention inserts into the slots and tuck the rear velcro down on top of the kydex insert and it makes magazine insertion very smooth and consistent. The FLC and TAPS are very underrated in the surplus market right now.
Modern surplus gear is awesome! I gotta figure out how to dye the UCP stuff to make it usable though.
@ClangandBang RIT TAUPE dye gives varying shades of brown on ACU/UCP. Do NOT use brown rit dye unless you plan to fight on Mars. Use hot water and periodically check if you aren't careful it will come out to dark.
I did the full "upgrade kit" from Spiritus I think, that has the dangler add on. I went ahead and spent the extra money because of the dangler. I also did the grommet thing for all four outer pouches.
I really think that the TAPS panel, with upgrades, is the best thing out there for its versatility. I even run a Princeton Tech head lamp around the front straps right at the top of the panel, just like you would on a plate carrier. It's always with me, and it doesn't take up pouch room.
Please keep up the ideas, I just subbed.
Awesome, I appreciate it! 👍🏻 I need to figure out which dangler to get cause I really like having in the middle right there. I have a Ferro on my plate carrier and I like it. I might just use the wide GP pouch. 🤔
@@ClangandBang I just checked Spiritus and they seem to be selling the dangler by itself. It's a super quick add on, then is also held down by the admin pouch that you would MOLLE in over the straps. It's not a bad setup.
I ended up putting all of my stop the bleed med kit in a zip lock bag, and shoved it in the dangler. I just unzip it, and pull the whole kit out so I can see everything, and work with it, or hand it to someone else who can see everything, and work with it.
Very nice work brother. I enjoyed watching your video. I’ve been a gear junky for years. To admit my mistakes, I never really thought about modifying my surplus gear like this. So many ideas to go off of when you do this. I have a buddy that has an industrial strength sewing machine. He can make repelling rigs and cool junk like that. Again, way to think way outside of the box.
You're killing it dude, great little hack for surplus gear.
Thanks Partner for support Civs and Vets alike with your “tips & tricks”; especially your time and effort into providing the “BLUF”; God Bless.
Just wanted to chime in to say that if you’re using issued gear or just don’t want to destroy the regular velcro mag flaps, you can also just tuck them down into the pouches instead of cutting them off. Then add your bungees. Doesn’t impede insertion or removal of mags at all - you can still fit two PMAGs in one pouch with the velcro flaps tucked down in (though it’s a tight fit). If anything it might help a bit with retention. I decided to just tuck the flaps because I figured I might want to use one or more of the pouches for a USGI mag at some point.
Grommet kit is $6 at Lowes - and lets you bungee the two pouches on the sides as well. I know you mention this is the vid but people might not realize how easy/cheap it is to add a couple grommets.
Great info and a helpful vid!
I used the old LBE in my Army days in the '80s & early '90s. I do have a TAP and FLC. I like the TAP a lot, but yeah, that harness is going to be an upgrade on mine. Thanks for the video.
Good retrofit hands-on session to upgrade it.
Watched three times in a row, super peaceful video to have playing while modifying my own rig.
I just put mine together. It does make a big difference. I am a TAPS guy now.
I’m digging the TAPS too, I need to figure out how to get the plastic liner out of the side/radio pockets. It keeps it from conforming around my torso a little bit. Other than that it’s a sweet rig.
One little neat trick I learned if you want those buckles to stay in place is to wrap some duct tape or 100 mph tape around the buckle and on the molle. I intend putting some grommets so I can put in additional bungee cords.
I used electrical tape on the buckles on mine, double wrapped it seems to hold up decent to abuse and it black so more camo then duct tape. Great minds think alike tho lol
My favorite setup is built out of multiple rigs iv bought over the years. My rig holds 8- 308 mags
Heck yeah, tons of .30-hate!
You could cut those velcro mag retention things off and put in kydex inserts. If you still want shock cord retention you could drill holes in the kydex. Some of those inserts already have velcro attached but you can buy a real of adhesive hook and loop off Amazon real cheap. Just some ideas. Great video, bought a Tap the other day and was looking for some ideas.
Everyone should have one
A stab proof vest!
Nice and easy project, looks good.
Thanks!
I've been looking into the tap systems foe stans alone, and or in conjunction with a plate carrier, depending on mission, great video thanks brother 👍🏾👊🏾💯
I am extremely impressed. I like what you are doing….
great video man. I picked up me the same chest rig and going to modify using your video. Great stuff!
I literally just did the same exact thing with my spare taps. Added the krydex harness and the mag inserts. Makes it feel like a brand new rig. Now it’s actually viable.
It’s a game changer for sure 👍🏻
I DID ABOUT THE SAME THING, BUT I PUT A SUPPLIE HYDRATION CARRIER, AND 550 LINE.
TAP panels are cool. I ve run all day classes with nothing but a tap panel. rides easy, holds lots of mags and stuff and works with just about any other gear you want to run. I bought on at a flea mkt new for $5......LOL
You can’t beat $5!! 😎🤙
thats what i thought, at the time, i didnt even know what it was, i saw dude pull it out of a sea bag and saw it had mag pouches and just asked. he said $5 so i paid him took off. it was unused and had all of the parts, straps connectors everything with it....@@ClangandBang
I'd just buy the condor version. Already has the bungy retentions for $38
Nice work bud!
I like using the top and the middle to support it personally, I carry 6 40s with 77GR which is alot of weight and it will tilt forwards
I've had the Eagle Industries marciras since it was issued 20 years ago. It's still running. I've just been swapping out my old beat-up molle gear with better quality older gear. Still use some alice gear too.
Surplus gear is legit. I always pictured surplus as old 80s Alice gear. I forget that Molle has been around for 20 years and we’ve got 20 years of war surplus floating around.
@ClangandBang I have been updating my battle belt. I saw some nice, new mag pouches for $30 or more. I went to my local surplus store and found some USMC speed reload pouches for $7. Work just as good for much less. They were made for standard GI mags but hold p mags or hex mags wonderfully.
I have a plate carrier but, honestly I use it more for push-ups and pull-ups or hikes to add weight. I got a 4 rifle mag and 2 pistol mag chest rig. I love it. Definitely what I would be reaching for over body armor. That is a nice setup. I don't have enough real estate around my waist for that many mags. Plus it might make look fat.
It’s definitely a big chunk of chest rig. I believe they were originally made to go over body armor.
@ClangandBang yes, I believe you are correct. You seem like a bigger than average guy and she is running pit to pit. With armor on she would end 10-2:00.
The condor assault chest rig is a pretty sweet deal out of the box too, going to grab one and see if it's worth it over getting a TAP.
Agreed. I’ve considered getting one of those a few times.
I just got one, I'm a big guy (6' 240lbs) and wear size 2x shirts and such, I had to adjust it almost as small as it goes to fit me. I do really like it though and feels like a quality piece of kit. If you get one, make sure you tighten up the mag shock cords or they will come loose. I find it to be pretty comfortable.
Get an Ifak dangler so it wouldn’t take up any molle real estate. Shaw Concepts RAID v3 features a First Spear tube for QD access to your Stop the Bleed kit.
Never heard of Shaw Concepts but I’m gonna look em up 👍🏻
Thanks bro! Just what I was looking for.
YOU DID A BETTER JOB THAN I DID.
Hi! I've bought my TAP with cuted (from the left) 2nd and 7 velcro panel. Are there any inserts to make them working again? There is no molle to attach bungee cord to it and mags flip flops from those w pouches 😂
Interesting. I'll look into it.
Great video very informative and thanks for sharing!
Good Ideas, however from experience on any long movement you will regret the lack of padding. Your Pack should have a chest strap to keep it in place at minimum. but great recycling video. any gear that can be repourposed should be especially if it's cheap and in good condition.
than you
You seem like a cool dude, subbed
Thank you😺
Tactical tailor mav rig is worth looking at
Cool thanks
Brother I need an advice, I’m getting Helikon Tex chest rig but I would like to attach velcro hook strap on the back of it so I can use it with plate carrier. Do you think I can hand saw it and call it a day or should I use adhesive and than hand saw it for extra rigidity?
To be honest with you I’m not sure. Sewing it would probably work, but I would make sure it’s a strong stitch from a sewing machine to be sure.
Very Nice Setup 😁
🤙
Greta video! What bungee kit did you use?
Thanks! The bungee kit came from Venture Surplus.
thank you for not having a add as your bumper.
good info. TY
Glad it was helpful!
good video
It looks pretty good with the upgrades but the surplus tap is about $30. The Krydex H Harness is $25. Maybe $10 for bungees. At that point it’s about $10 more than I can get a new Condor MCR6. Is it $10 better than a brand new MCR6?
It’s $10 better. Condor stuff isn’t bad, but the quality of this is better. The straps are thinner which I prefer when using backpacks. The buckles are also 1” which seems to be more standard than the 1.5” that condor uses.
@@ClangandBang Thanks. Didn’t think about the straps.
What is a good market place to find these used chest rigs? I’m liking the new versions, well used but newer than the 90’s ones. These use ballistic nylon, seem to be way lighter.
You can get an ACU pattern tap for under $50. A Multicam version is going to be $75 -$100 depending on how used it is. That’s a bare rig though, but they come with 6 mag pouches and 2 side pouches built in.
Wonder how's to crawl under fire with all these weight on the chest? Not cool. Prefer the old style rigs Vietnam era. Even get mags without tipping to the side is difficult and not safe.
The magazines have to go somewhere. Guys have been carrying mags on the chest/stomach in combat for decades.
Transform to fashion and boutique carrier for combat
That's a nice find and really good 👍 work on it. 🇺🇸
Thanks 👍
I have 4 long bungee and 4 short bungee's which ones do I use for the magazines?
gave ua thumbs up & sub to your channel 🇺🇸🤠
👏🏻👏🏻 appreciate it!!
Neat! 👍
Love your videos. I just don’t like the carriers that can’t hold plates. I don’t see the point in buying one, unless you are wearing a separate carrier, which makes no sense.
The chest rig is good for staying light weight. If you’re planning on walking a long way or carrying a pack. Small chest rigs are good for hunting or walking the property. Where you’ll only need maybe 1 reload and some tools or first aid stuff.
Do 7.62x39 mags fit in the TAPs?
Not sure, but I would say it probably wouldn’t, the pouches were made for steel USGI mags. I could be wrong though 🤷🏻♂️
So how’s the krydex harness holding up nowadays
I haven’t used it a whole lot, but it’s still doing good.
Thanks for the reply 🎉 .
Im on a budget and needed some advice
hey my brotha, new sub for ya here n i am a u.s. marine vet here 93' to 97' active ! only have email here ,., def. wanna talk more n LOVE talking 2A n such , i will forever support you 1 million % faithfully , thanks n talk soon > tom !
I appreciate ya! 👍🏻
Liked. ❤❤❤❤❤ n. Commedted🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Been awhile
It has, I’m trying to get back in it though 👍🏻
Good video. What h harness did you use
Krydex. It’s not the best, but I’m gonna use it for now.
@@ClangandBang since you don't think the krydex is the best, do you have any leads on one you think is better but still affordable?
@@abolishtheatfandrepealthenfa I was looking at the Unobtainium Gear H harness
@@ClangandBang thank you for responding
@@ClangandBang just got the unobtanium gear h harness ordered after tearing my neck up running drills with the stock harness. Thanks for the tip🫶
A chest rig has two functions. To feed your weapons or to stop your bleeding.
These folks putting all kinds of crap on them make me laugh. I do not want to watch a range warrior in a gunfight attempting to reload his primary with a compass, water filter or a multi tool because they reached in the wrong pouch.
Keep it simple.
Train yourself to reach into the correct pouch and the issue is solved. That being said, your gear needs to be placed in a way that makes grabbing the emergency stuff (ammo, first aid) easier.
You don’t know the basics of gear set up. You reload from one rapid pouch, ideally on your belt. Practice until you can do that in under a second. The mags in your vest are there to replenish the ready mag (when you have a little more time).
I dont like videos before watching them
Thx. I bought a couple TAPs back in the summer, and this info was great. Headed to KRYDEX for the harness now.
RockOn.StayFree.
😎🤙
I got a USMC surplus TAP from Venture.
Found the og Spiritus fat strap and back strap at Brownells
Went together perfect with the extra repair buckles the unissued tap came with
Really digging this setup and this video for showing how its done
why not wear a war belt with a side arm, and put the Ipac on the back and center of the war belt along with the chest rig... Would the chest rig and or rucksack get in the way of war belt.. Sorry old school Grunt here 1984 to 1992, we used the LBE "loud bearing equipment" aka Vietnam error, and large Alice pack aka ruck..
It definitely could be worn with a belt. I usually always combine my chest rigs/plate carriers with belts. My belt has a pistol, med kit, mags and some other miscellaneous stuff on it.
You don’t put your IFAK on the back of your belt because if you’re down and lying on your back, you can’t get to it and no one else can see it. It goes on the front, either on your chest rig or on a dangler.
@@coryhoggatt7691 on a basic trauma assessment you’re supposed to roll the patient to check for injuries on the back side before you start treating wounds. What if you’re laying on your stomach after you go down?
" Clang and Bang" , this is John Rodriguez: The TH-cam Algorithm brought Me, a 55 Year Old Prior Service Enlisted Marine and Soldier, to Your Channel, where I Myself AM learning from You on how , on a budget, I can come up on USGI ( United States Government Issue) Surplus Gear, from the Defense Reutilization Management Office ( DRMO) , Now Defense Logistics Agency ( DLA) Disposition Services , and, the local Army-Navy Surplus Store. Thank You very much. 🇺🇸🇺🇲🪖💣💥🔥🦅🌎⚓🇺🇲🇺🇸
You are very welcome Mr. Rodriquez. Thank you for your time and service. I love using surplus gear. It’s super inexpensive and usually pretty tough gear.