Our Take on Chest Rigs – Introducing the Recon Brothers Direct Action RECCE Setup
After years of sharing our knowledge on plate carrier and belt setups, we figured it was high time to apply our approach to chest rigs as well. That’s exactly what we’re doing in this post, where we’ll break down our very first RECCE chest rig setup.
We’ll cover the function of a chest rig, where we gathered our knowledge, and take you through the why behind every detail of our configuration. Along the way, you’ll see a fully equipped setup as an example, and we’ll even touch on some possibilities you may not have considered before.
But before we dig into this subject if you want quality gear and like our work, please support us by buying over our store!
Why Chest Rigs?
If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know we have plenty of experience with belts and plate carriers—that’s definitely one of our specialties. Chest rigs, however, are a bit newer for us since we haven’t used them as extensively. But we’re well aware of the solid applications they offer.
Chest rigs shine in situations where lightweight mobility is key—whether you're doing reconnaissance, survival work, or simply need to carry a heavy backpack. They’re generally more comfortable than plate carriers and allow more freedom of movement.
That said, both systems serve different purposes. Chest rigs are ideal for low-profile and mobile operations, while plate carriers are better suited for high-risk environments where ballistic protection is a must. This is exactly why we built a chest rig setup—so we’re prepared for both ends of the spectrum.
Building The RECCE Chest Rig Setup
To build this setup, we didn’t rely solely on theory. We consulted with an active member of a military recon unit, who shared insights on what he typically carries and the discomforts he faces. We combined this intel with our extensive experience using of Direct Action gear, which we’ve trusted for years.
The result? The Recon Brothers Direct Action RECCE Chest Rig Setup.
The Base: Direct Action Hybrid Hurricane Chest Rig
We chose to start with a preconfigured chest rig instead of building one from scratch. It’s lighter, more compact, and cheaper than buying an empty rig and adding pouches individually. Direct Action already makes some well-thought-out rigs, and the Hybrid Hurricane proved to be the perfect base.
Why this rig?
- One-size-fits-all split-front design
- Weighs only 700g
- YKK zipper + button for secure closure and easy donning/doffing
- Built from 500D laser-cut Cordura laminate with softshell fabric, Velcro, Hypalon, shock cords, and robust buckles
- Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish
- IRR/NIR treatment for camouflage under night vision
Storage & Modularity
- 4 integrated magazine pouches (adjustable height, fit AR/AK/SR mags)
- 2 buckled pouches in front (each fits up to 2 mags)
- Flat Velcro pouch (ideal for smoke grenades)
- Zippered utility pouch
- 2 PALS columns on each side for extra pouches
- PALS slots under mag pouches for 1-row attachments (requires special MOLLE technique)
- Velcro-closed softshell pockets on the back for flat items like maps or intel
Harness & Comfort
- Slim shoulder straps to avoid clashing with backpack straps
- PALS slots and cable/antenna management on shoulders
- H-style harness with reinforced drag handle
- Elastic lower back strap for comfort while crouching
- Adjustable fit with sewn-on Velcro straps
Limitations
- Doesn’t support dangler pouches
- Compatible with plate carriers, although it lacks a Velcro back panel (so the back strap is still required)
We personally don’t mind the lack of a dangler, as it limits mobility. But if you need extra space up front, that’s something to consider.
The Add-Ons: Making It RECCE-Ready
To optimize the setup, we added some extra pouches—all selected with functionality in mind. Let's have a look at how we build our setup.
1. Ammo Pouches
- Main 4 pouches carry AR/AK/SR magazines
- Right-side buckled pouch adds 1–2 more mags
- Total capacity = 6–8 mags, depending on mag type (+counting one in the rifle)
2. Radio Pouch
- Added the Direct Action Universal Radio Pouch
- Supports small two-way civilian to bulky military radios
- PTT and cables can be routed cleanly via shoulder straps
3. Smoke & Utility Pouches
Right flat pouch holds 1x smoke grenade
Zippered utility pouch carries:
Lensatic compass, Chocolate bar, Multitool, Chapstick, Headlamp and Waterproof batteries.
4. Med Pouch Integration
We did something unique here. We removed the flap on the left buckled pouch and inserted the Direct Action Med Pouch Vertical MKII insert. This gives the rig a fully integrated trauma kit, accessible in seconds—crucial for life-saving situations.
5. Hydration Pouch
Mounted a Direct Action Hydro Utility Pouch on the outer left.
Holds:
- 1L Waldo bottle
- Or 1L canteen / Nalgene with steel cup
- Plus water purification tablets
6. Tourniquet Pouch
Mounted upside-down on the left shoulder for quick access and zero backpack strap interference
Extra Add-Ons (Optional but Useful)
Here are a few more items we included in the example setup:
- MOG High Abrasion Duty gloves
- JAKTKIT KNV2 MIL fixed knife (stored in a mag pouch, its holster includes a fire-starter)
- Notebook, map, and pencil in inner rear pouches
Plate Carrier Compatibility & Extra Configs
This chest rig can be used with a slick plate carrier like the Direct Action CORSAIR to add front/back ballistic protection while staying streamlined.
Also worth noting: Direct Action offers a Sniper Panel that attaches between the rig’s two halves. This gives a more comfortable prone shooting position and extra front flap storage.
Final Thoughts
This RECCE chest rig setup is the result of expert input, and trusted gear. It covers everything from mobility and ammo access to hydration, comms, and medical needs.
It’s available in Ranger Green, Adaptive Green, Black, Coyote Brown, and Multicam at www.reconbrothers.com/shop/category/body-torso-gear-chest-rigs-23.
Hopefully this blog was helpful for you. If you’re looking for these sort of products, accessories and much more cool stuff make sure to visit our webshop.
