Bad Back and Load Bearing Equipment

[CommoMan]

Various medical problems have limited the ability of my back to support weight forward of the center line of the spine. I find that I cannot handle chest rig magazine carry any longer. I've got to move the weight back onto my hips or more in line with the spine center line as viewed from the side.

So far the only solution that I've come up with is to go back to the old pistol belt and suspenders set-up. At least this has the advantage that I am familiar with it.

Are there any manufacturers that offer a modern version of the old LBE? Does anybody have any other ideas?

Thanks in advance!

[Corrosive]

This is mostly just a "tag" post, so if you don't find it particulary useful, well, you know why.

Would it have to be ZERO weight in front of this axis line you referred to, or would you be alright as long as everything was balanced towards the rear?
(Say for example if you actually had 2.5 pounds of weight riding up front, but it was offset by 7.5 pounds in the rear.)

[CumbiaDude]

You could take some taco pouches and put them on the left and right sides of the belt. It's a sweet setup anyway since it gives you mags right there for quick reloads, but it'd help you by keeping them on the belt, too.

HSGI taco pouches

[Eric Cartman Sr]

You could go with a battle belt setup.

[mrkermit]

War belt would be viable for sure but you could always use a surplus front zip LBE. They're cheap and as long as you balance the equipment it'll pull down rather than forward.

[Merkava]

I have the same type of problems. For comfort, the old IDF Ephod vest system worked best for me. Howerver the Polish KT-12 could carry twice as much gear, but way too heavy for me.
KT-12

IDF Ephod


My back has gotten worse now and I just carry an over the shoulder system I patched together.

[Universal_Exports]

i've found that on long missions, keeping the belt good and really tight helps your hips support some of the hanging weight, specially with a ruck, then when my hips got tired, I could pop the belt lose, and it put the weight on my Shoulders more. not sure this is any help at all,
just pointing out there are different ways to carry stuff.

[CommoMan]

Thank you for the hints, gentlemen!

I'll shop around and experiment with some of the stuff you suggested.

[recon]

I have the same type of problems. For comfort, the old IDF Ephod vest system worked best for me. Howerver the Polish KT-12 could carry twice as much gear, but way too heavy for me.
KT-12

IDF Ephod


My back has gotten worse now and I just carry an over the shoulder system I patched together.

I have always wanted one of those KT-12's.

[JoeMomma]

Belt rigs are really good IMO, but your going to need suspenders to help support the weight.

[doose]

IMO, if you go the belt system, start out slow, the more you add in terms of mag holders, IFAK, Knife and so forth, the more the weight. Add only what you need, defined by what you want to use the belt for....Training, classes, HD/SHTF etc.. Sometimes people will put a lot of "unused" stuff on their belt which makes no sense and only adds weight.

[INFANTRY]

Belt rigs are really good IMO, but your going to need suspenders to help support the weight.

Could not agree more. I see here and there guys saying great things about their "battle belts", but I can not believe they have worn them longer than a few hours during a 3 gun shot. With a full load of mags, water, and other gear some type of suspenders have to be used for long term wearing of combat gear.

[JoeMomma]

Old school rig. Belt, suspenders, two ammo pouches, med kit, bayonet, poncho, buttpack with two days rations, two canteens with stove and cup, and a compass. I'm probably going to add a holster too.


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[INFANTRY]

I've been really thinking about selling most of my "High Speed" rigs and going back to the old ALICE LBE's The carry just as much gear as any high dollar vest I've ever owned.

[JoeMomma]

I've been really thinking about selling most of my "High Speed" rigs and going back to the old ALICE LBE's The carry just as much gear as any high dollar vest I've ever owned.

I have sold off a few things, but will keep my TT MAV rig. Its pretty close to a belt rig, and is comfortable to wear, especially over an IBAS.

[INFANTRY]

Keeping my LBE gear, and South African M83 vest.

Probably selling my Blackhawk chest rig, EG para vest, Russian M23 (maybe), chinese rigs, and a few others. Just too much crap in my basement.

[JoeMomma]

I'm keeping my ChiCom rigs...too easy and handy. I'm also keepig my EG Para vest. I have the whole uniform complete to include the knife, boots and bayonet...it even fits me!

[Doc Feelgood]

Cool pic, Joe! We had a very similar set of LBE issued (in DPCU), though the more salty types would ditch the F88 mag pouches and bum bag in favour of running three Minimi pouches.

[JoeMomma]

I had an attack of nostalgia after I built my M16A1 clone. FWIW, I really like some of the Commonwealth rigs you guys use...looks like pretty kit all the way around.
I also like the Polish rig in this thread too.

Chest rigs do have their place, as do Battle Belts. All of them have a place in the gear pile IMO.

[Doc Feelgood]

I'm still trying to move out of a 1980s/90s mentality and would be interested to know what you guys with modern vests use with them. Do you run a vest, pack and belt without harness? If so, which gear goes where?

[Corrosive]

I want to find a set of suspenders strong enough to hold up a padded "battle belt" but thin and comfortable enough to be worn under a plate carrier or other chest rig.
Anybody know what I'm talking about?

[JoeMomma]

I used a chest harness in 2005, and just packed it with mags, med kit, folding knife and a throw down pistol. No place for canteens, so I sometimes used a camelback.
I carried spare ammo, more med stuff and water in a bailout bag.

One drawback to vests is you can't get into a good prone position, or low crawl, so if you run something like this, try and keep your gear to the sides as much as possible. This is especially true if you stack your mags, or have two or three to a pouch.

[JoeMomma]

I want to find a set of suspenders strong enough to hold up a padded "battle belt" but thin and comfortable enough to be worn under a plate carrier or other chest rig.
Anybody know what I'm talking about?

Yep:
http://prostores2.carrierzone.com/servl ... tail?no=54

I have a pair, and they work great for holding up a riggers belt with a drop holster, and a drop panel with a few mags.

[Corrosive]

I want to find a set of suspenders strong enough to hold up a padded "battle belt" but thin and comfortable enough to be worn under a plate carrier or other chest rig.
Anybody know what I'm talking about?

Yep:
http://prostores2.carrierzone.com/servl ... tail?no=54

I have a pair, and they work great for holding up a riggers belt with a drop holster, and a drop panel with a few mags.

hmmmmm.....
Idunno. That looks really nice, but I was hoping the straps would lay really flat so it would fit easily under a plate carrier, ya know? HAve you run yours underneath any other gear? How did that work for you? Comfy?
EDIT: I was imagining something like the straps they make seat belts from, but maybe not as wide.

[JoeMomma]

Never used it under a pate carrier.